After scrapping Krajowe Eliminacje and delaying its Eurovision reveal, TVP has finally made the long-awaited announcement: folk girl group Tulia will represent Poland in Tel Aviv.
After using national final Krajowe Eliminacje for the past three years, TVP has reverted to internally selecting its act. It is thought that the broadcaster has slimmed down its Eurovision 2019 selection process in order to focus on hosting Junior Eurovision later this year.
Who are Tulia?
Tulia are a vocal quartet — but not your typical girl group. Patrycja Nowicka, Dominika Siepka, Joanna Sinkiewicz and Tulia Biczak (from whom the group takes its name) sing in the traditional Eastern European style of “white voice” folk music, but they add the twist of modern music production.
Tulia first became known for their cover of iconic electronic group Depeche Mode’s song “Enjoy the Silence”. They have also covered Metallica’s rock ballad “Nothing Else Matters” in their own unique style.
Tulia was formed in early 2018 and in that short time they have gone from strength to strength. The group performed at the 2018 Fryderyk Awards (the Polish Grammys) along with popular singer Natalia Nykiel and jazz pianist Pianohooligan. The performance of “Total błękit” melded genres and was one of the most memorable moments of the gala.
And while Tulia are yet to win a Fryderyk, their trophy cabinet is not empty. At the 2018 National Festival of Polish Song in Opole, Tulia won three awards including the prestigious Super Premiere award for their song “Jeszcze cię nie ma”.
This led to the group embarking on their first tour, where they played to full houses. Tulia also picked up platinum certification for their debut self-titled record. Not bad, eh?
Despite their Eurovision entry not being revealed yet, there are strong hints that their competing entry has been already released. The song “Pali się” is exactly three minutes long and it was released back in November last year, so it doesn’t interfere with the 1st of September rule.
However fans are also suggesting that “Pali się” may have been a potential Eurovision entry that the group — or broadcaster TVP — decided not to go with. Either way, have a listen to “Pali się” below:
Are you happy with Poland’s choice? Do you think they will sing “Pali się at Eurovision 2019? Sound off in the comments below!
I hope they will pick “Trawnik”
TVP: Send us your songs and we’ll pick the best song we got.
Also TVP: Tulia won! They haven’t send us song though.
So how have they been chosen? Honestly, I don’t think there’s real competition to begin with. They’ve chosen Tulia before they announced selection.
They expect miracles without any funds and then they are surprised nobody valuable enough had sent an entry. XD
Realisticly speaking, Poland is one of these countries capable of winning somewhat soon (take part for over 25 years, haven’t won yet, usually ends up in final, etc) and they’re aware of it. They have to organise JESC next year already, so imo they decided to sent something that will be original but has 0% chances of winning. Just in case.
TVP confirmed that Tulia considers 2 songs by now and ‘Pali sie’ is one of them. The other one comes from the reedition of their latest album. TVP, Tulia and Universal Music Poland are scheduled to meet this week to decide about the song and its language. It is possible to translate it to English or make a bilingual version.
It’s not Pali Sie. They said during the live stream that they need to make a video to their ESC entry.
Omg, this would be amazing with “Trawnik” song. Think about Kasia Kowalska (ESC 1996) coming back to Eurovision after over 20 years! You can listen to the song in the link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=394qx1eYQuM
She was very good. Underrated, too!
I have a feeling it will be like Slovenia in 2010…. but a bit better and harmonized. Still, I see no final for Poland this year… :/
I have a weird feeling that if the song really comes from the reedition of theirs latest album it can be “Trawnik” which they sung with Kasia Kowalska. She already represented Poland in 1996 so why not come back with Yulia ?
Pali sie could be a good option as well but need to have really good staging
OMG! I adore Kasia. For me she delivered the best Polish entry ever! I really have to listen their album.
How exciting would be if Poland would choose Margaret Tempo and end up with better result than Sweden.
That wouldn’t be exciting for me. It would be bewildering.
For me, Margaret has the opposite problem that we often find with Eurovision entries. The songs are strong, the performer is not. With Margaret, I find that the studio versions are much stronger than what she can do live. Every song Margaret has been given could be a Top 5 hit at Eurovision if it was delivered well on stage with energy and passion. By contrast, Margaret always seems low energy to me in her live performances, like she’s just getting through it to get it done (I can only guess why that might be, perhaps because she thinks she’s… Read more »
Cool Me Down maybe, the others were just cheesy pop songs that wouldn’t go anywhere.
Her live performance in ‘in my cabana’ was very good, and maybe that’s why she went through to the final year ago. As for Tempo live performance – yes, it wasn’t her day. Maybe her record label forced to take part in Melfrst and she didn’t really want to do it? Who knows
It wasn’t possible – it is SVT who owns the song now.
Pali Si? sound great. Beginning of the song sounds a bit like The White Stripes. Good choice Poland! At least it’s original.
Looks very promising. I’m just a bit concerned about how the jury will react to their “unusual” harmony. Hopefully the televoting score can beat that.
Btw, I really like Pali Sie, the rocky vibes are great!
Tulia confirmed in a radio interview that their entry comes from the reedition of their latest album. Then, since “Pali sie” lasts exactly 3 mins, it is the most likely choice atm.
and I won’t be disappointed. I liked it a lot!
Oh I hope not! I like Tulia but not Pali Sie.
Yes! Pali sie pleeeease
Excellent choice, we need more variety and Tulia will be unique this year. I like their sound
Interesting choice, but I doubt that their style will translate well to a live stage. We’ll see.
Boring AF.
There are so many more contemporary artists with an urban beat and yet they choose not only folk but also in its most boring version. The truth is, this choice is so in line with the right political views in Poland, tradition tradition tradition above all. Most likely no one from the contemporary scene wanted to deal with Polish National TV, so they just picked a folk group . Don’t get me wrong, good voices but boring AF 😉
Don’t forget, everyone, tonight/tomorrow we will have a harvest of song!
I like the sound of it, but if feels a bit too unidimensional and even juvenile, something great for a school presentation.
Part of the article is almost a word by word copy of the one on https://eurowizja.org/tulia-for-poland-in-eurovision-song-contest-2019/
The question is who wrote it first? 😛
Don’t worry, I used to copy my mate’s homework too. 😛
Thank you for clarification, Robyn. I’m just nitpicking. 😛
I love this. Thanks for stepping and rewriting!
I like it but I then again, I loved Georgia 2018. Sadly, it has me wondering if songs like this can do well in today’s ESC.
They’re great and I think that song is cool. In my book you can never go wrong with traditional elements.
Yeah I definitely got a sense of the gothic too, or at least a dark comedy, like after singing for the elderly they hunt vampires or mete out justice to cases of domestic abuse.
I don’t like the fact that the girls don’t have solo parts, even just for a few seconds. Their songs, as good as they are, get boring after a while, because thanks to those vocals they all sound the same. I am going to try to be positive though.
I’m Polish and I have mixed feelings. I’m intrigued, but also a bit worried. I generally really like ethnic and traditional flavours in Eurovision but it’s usually better when they are mixed with something modern because it makes them more accessible. I know that Tulia cover rock songs etc. but I’m afraid that it may be too much folk for some people. I am also a bit worried about the performance. The girls have great voices, but as far as I know, they usually just stand still during their performances and it could get boring after a few seconds… It’s… Read more »
I can’t help but imagine they might have someone churning butter, but hopefully not?
I can’t yet think of how they’d effectively stage a song like Pali Sie. Like you say, if it’s just the four of them standing on a bench, their 3 minutes is going to give a lot of people a tea break. Maybe some traditional Polish folk dancing?
I like the idea of having a painter use the 3 minutes to paint something on a large canvas that reflects to the audience the meaning of the song.
I’ve watched some of their performances in Youtube and the “standing still” thing also caught my attention. It seems it’s a stylistic choice, I feel the girls are concentrated on keeping some posture. Robyn said here that there’s something gothic about it and I definitely can see it. I feel the intention is to make it a haunting experience, almost like it comes from a weird dream. I’m curious to know how it will (or won’t) work in Eurovision.
Are these girls Buranovskiye Babushki when they were young? :))
I love ethnic vibes, but pasting a beat on tones from the middle ages are a bit… passé? It’s not that it’s bad, because it’s really nice actually, it’s just the kind of Eurovision I was hoping to get rid of if that makes sense? It’s like Poland 2014 but more christian and more the stuff you would see in the 2000s I guess. But this doesn’t take away that they could slay with whatever song they chose and staging they envision. I think the main goal is to have a diverse spectrum of musical genres and have an interesting… Read more »
This adds another line up of unusual/interesting sounds in this year’s Eurovision!
Great great great
As a Pole I am… intrigued I guess? Their music is not really up my alley, but I see there’s a lot of people here, that like their folk music, so… go Tulia! They’ll stand out for sure. And also, isn’t that interesting, that the last time we used that kind of internal selection, in 2005, we also have chosen folk-inspired song?
It seems whenever you guys go back to internal selection after using a national final, that’s the default (same with Donatan and Cleo)
Kind of, Poland had a quick break before 2014, but in 2011 we indeed used national selection, so I think it counts. And there was also “Legenda” in 2010, another more traditional song, though not so legendary.
Slavic Girls (Poland 2014) but if it was PG
great choice, great voices!!!!
I normally hate the polish entry but this is good news. Really like the style and sound. For once we’ll be happy for all those diaspora votes. How do you say Shampoo in Polish?
szampon, pretty much as anyone else does 😀
It’s super fresh and something new! Love it! Maybe Poland will win?!
Lets see what kinda song they have in store for this Grupa?? They remind me of les voix mysteres bulgares!! Who were amazing, Ive seen them one time live. I listened some tracks of these ladies, and well they sing good, I like the folk in their attire, they did some nice take on’s on western popsongs!! But after 6 songs listening, I had a bit of enough!! Its quite monotome and the same!! But Poland well chosen and ALL the best. I hope you do well!!
I’m carefully optimistic. Let’s wait for the song. Hopefully, they will keep it in Polish.
no to be in hiddish
Amazing decision ! Wow I am impressed by their cover
I discoverd Tulia before Christmas and I said they were perfect for eurovision. Now they’re in the game. I can’t believe it’s Real. Congratulation Poland. Greetings from Italy.
Thank you so much! Tulia is very talented but ever’ything will depend on the song and staging. I Hope Italy wins this year. Greetinhs from a Polish Girl!
Sorry for my mistake here it’s official English text for “It’s burning” Alone hearth Doesn’t need a lot When without loving It will dry on a crisp One tiny spark Become a flame Which is uplifted wind Of spring fields It’s on fire! It’s on fire! Fire of love is burning in us! is burning in us! Like dry forest Love me! Love me! Harder and harder For nothing is here! For nothing is here! Fire guard Alone heart, Which only doubts Because is not hugged Froze on the ice Streak of promise Will melt ice Will come out like… Read more »
Love them
Just as zelenovi and L’oiseau, my first thoughts were automatically about “Cold War”, which is a beautiful movie. It seems that they sing folk music, but with a layer of modernity on the top of it, so I think it’s an interesting choice by Poland. Risky in a good way. I’m curious to check if they sound the same when performing live, because in “Pali Sie?” their voices sound so powerful that they even seem to be more than just four girls. But I hope they’ll sing another song in Tel Aviv, something more nuanced and atmospherical.
you can see them singing Pali Sie live here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cihgDDAlinE
Thank you, 3art 🙂 They sound just the same, quite impressive. And the song had already grown on me, so maybe I wouldn’t mind if this was their entry.
this is actually very interesting! can’t wait for more news
Don’t ask polish people who is “Tulia”, because most of them have no idea. 🙂 🙂 🙂
Well, they are quite known in Poland after their performance in Opole Festival, so there is a big chance, that they at least heard of them. And I think Eurovision is a perfect way to make them even more popular.
They have many millions views on YouTube, so I guess you’re wrong 😉
Your way of thinking that “millions” on youtube means “millions” real people is not that smart 😉
If you would ask random REAL person for Tulia, most of asked would not know who they are.
Margaret was not an option for TVP because of money.
She said she is not going to do it because they can not afford to fullfill her requirements.
By the way, on this years Melodifestivalen she at least sung few notes not like a copycat of Rihanna so we finally could hear her “ok” vocals at a live performance.
Lol, she didn’t said that. She couldn’t represent Poland, because it is SVT who owns her song now.
She actually did say this in an interview recently. She spoke more generally not specifically about Tempo. She mentioned that if there was a team that could deliver what she has experienced in Sweden should would consider representing Poland
Yes, she said that. I watched that.
And I did not mention the song rights 😉
(she didn’t say a word about rights in an interview I watched)
“LOL”.
I pretty like this Mettalica cover. I like powerful, traditional songs, but they need to have very stron voices and powerful music. I really hope that song for this girls will be written by someone else, who has some good idea. Girls have very nice voices, so they can do well, if they have good song
And I’m Polish, btw
Not gonna lie, this might be the group that’s gotten me the most excited so far. This is such a cool direction for Poland to go in, that sweet spot between the Babushki and t.A.t.U. with some This Mortal Coil thrown in for good measure. I really like Pali Sie and their covers, so I’m on board with whatever they go with. Poland have won every Eurovision event except the big one. Looks like they’re ready to change that.
Well, technically, there’s still Eurovision Choir of The Year left 😀 It’s just a matter of time, nobody expects the Polish participation! 🙂
Give it two years.
I am from Poland and i am so proud for our choice, i hope not with song “Pali si?” (It’s burning), also u can see they album deluxe on spotify and listen, but u don’t have to be affraid cuz it’s not replay from 2014 Cleo , it’s different sound and style, only clothes are bit same but in real not cuz many regions in Poland have their own folk music style. I am keep fingers for new good song present.
Why not Pali sie? It sounds great, i hope they go with it.
Oh man, the Metallica cover is like a new level of bad.
Pali Sie is interesting though. They almost sing as if they’re a children’s chorus, in a totally unsubtle way, which really put me off initially, but with such a dark, brooding song, it makes their voices such a mysterious match that I almost find the whole thing appealing.
I love to hear different kind of things that aren’t common in pop music in this side of the world. So, this sounds very interesting! Love you, Poland!
Another porn attempt act?
Only because My Slowianie is the only other act you have ever seen this traditional costume doesn’t mean you have to associate it with that all the time.
Nah
I thought that too. I wonder what they have in store for us. It could be great. I can’t wait to see it
I don’t know how this traditional singing style is supposed to sound, but they seem a bit robotic and frankly a bit scary. That Metallica cover is awful.
Their live performance was so boring and the harmony was weird.
I was hoping for Margaret. I thought they made the delay of the announcement because they wanted to see how far Margaret would go with Melodifestivalen so they would not clash together.
But I guess Margaret has no interest for Eurovision which is said. I mean, she publically said that she entered Melodifestivalen just to promote herself and not to go to Eurovision ;(
Contract with STV forbids actually any song that took part in MF to represent other country but Sweden. So Margaret would not be able to use Tempo to represent Poland.
I doubt it’s going to be “Pali si?” (btw it means “It’s on fire”). I think it will be a new song which hasn’t been released yet.
It means “It’s burning”
Why not “Fire”? That could also be a proper translation, you cute Little smartass
It’s more sleeping than burning
#zolpidem
Yeah, wasn’t that basically the deal with Franka last year? We thought it’d be the big hit that came out at an eligible time and was an eligible length but it was totally different.