After three heats, two semi-finals and two voting rounds in the grand final, at last Hungary has decided. Joci Pápai will return to Eurovision, after he won A Dal 2019 with his song “Az én apám” (My father).

The A Dal grand final result was decided from two rounds of voting. After the acts performed their songs, the expert jury voted and from their votes alone the top four acts then progressed to the super final. The four super finalists were: Joci Pápai with “Az én apám”, Acoustic Planet with “Nyári zápor”, Bence Vavra with “Szótlanság” and Bogi Nagy with “Holnap”.

This also meant that two popular acts had their A Dal journey end early. Gergő Szekér had been a favourite with his song “Madár, repülj!”, but he narrowly missed out in fifth place. Hungary’s Eurovision 2014 act András Kállay-Saunders missed out as part of his new musical project The Middletonz and their song “Roses”. They placed sixth. The jury vote ensure that both these popular acts would not face the public’s vote for the winner.

The top four acts then faced a second round of voting, determined entirely by the public vote. From that, the people of Hungary voted and decided they wanted Joci Pápai to be their act in Tel Aviv.

Joci Pápai returns to Eurovision

József “Joci” Pápai first won A Dal 2017 and represented Hungary at in Kyiv. The song placed eighth in the grand final and is Hungary’s third-best ever Eurovision result.

Joci’s 2019 song “Az én apám” is different to “Origo”. The 2017 song included  a dramatic rap and violin, while “Az én apám” is a ballad, but with the distinct Hungarian ethnic sounds that Joci is known for.

Joci won’t be the only returning at at Eurovision 2019. He’ll be joined by the Russian star Sergey Lazarev who taking another shot at Eurovision glory, while Turkish crooner Serhat will again represent the microstate of San Marino. Tamara Todevska will also return to represent FYR Macedonia with “Proud”.

A Dal 2019 – first round results

  1. Joci Pápai – “Az én apám” (26 points)
  2. Acoustic Planet – “Nyári zápor” (22 points)
  3. Bence Vavra – “Szótlanság” (20 points)
  4. Bogi Nagy – “Holnap” (16 points)
  5. Gergő Szekér – “Madár, repülj!” (12 points)
  6. The Middletonz – “Roses” (8 points)
  7. Fatal Error – “Kulcs” (8 points)
  8. Gergő Oláh – “Hozzád bújnék” (0 points)

What do you think? Are you excited that Joci will return to Eurovision? Can he top his 2017 result? Have your say below!

Read more Hungary Eurovision news

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Minerva
Minerva
5 years ago

I think it’s a good song, but not as powerful and memorable as Origo in 2017. He has great stage presence, though! Good luck to Hungary!!

AngieP
AngieP
5 years ago

Another returnee to Eurovision! I don’t know how he’ll do but the song is quite good. I like it.

Malin
Malin
5 years ago

Last time he was my and my eight year old doughters favorite in ESC. We listen to the song still! So diffrent to the music we hear on swedish radio! Realy like this! Good luck

Yodenman
Yodenman
5 years ago

Oh no….not him again. Could not stand him before, and now having to put up with him again.I will definitely be putting the kettle on when he comes on TV.

Fatima
Fatima
5 years ago

Good luck to him, but with all the returnees and common writers / producers / stagers, it does seem that Eurovision is eating itself.

Idan Cohen
Idan Cohen
5 years ago

Not a bad song!
funny, “Az En Apam” means in Hebrew “so there isn’t, this time”. maybe it’s a prophetic title? (“En” as in “En li kesef..”)

Ainsk
Ainsk
5 years ago

PLEASE NO

Yodenman
Yodenman
5 years ago
Reply to  Ainsk

Agree….cannot stand his voice….and the song

Gurl
Gurl
5 years ago

Meh, not with this song

ESCJudge
ESCJudge
5 years ago

There is something wrong with Hungarian entries since 2011… Do you remember that Kati Wolf was a favourite (the song was good, with a potential of a hit), but when she appeared on stage with that…. hair, and ring, and dress.. and… “choreography” she barely qualified to the final…

It seems for me that Hungarians don’t want to win ESC. One time they really send something pretending to win was (still one of my favourites) “Kedvesem” in 2013… and after that… obvious non-winners (even if they had quite a good stuff to choose from).

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago
Reply to  ESCJudge

Kati Wolf was a fanwank. Hungary has been sending great songs almost every year. They will win ESC soon, probably within 10 years.

mark dowd
mark dowd
5 years ago
Reply to  ESCJudge

Nothing wrong with “Running” 2014….was leading the scoreboard after 10 votes…

Geo
Geo
5 years ago

Hungarians made a mistake. His song Origo was special back in 2017, now his song this year… Well, not that memorable… He’s a great live singer, but the song is so generic, plus it’s in Hungarian. Not sure of the chancds to qualify, or if it does… to reach a good place in the grand final, like in 2017…

TheDrMistery
TheDrMistery
5 years ago
Reply to  Geo

I agree. If juries didn’t stand behind “Origo”, then this has no chance with them. Whereas the previous song was energetic, angry, memorable, this one… is just there. Still, let’s wait for the staging and it’s great to have Jóci back.

Otto
Otto
5 years ago

This song misses that special chorus that his previous song had, which made it apeal to an international crowd . I like his stage presence but don’t believe this will go far unfortunately.

Kenny
Kenny
5 years ago

This entry really makes me proud to be Hungarian!

Kenny
Kenny
5 years ago

This entry makes me proud to be part Hungarian!

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

Let’s be honest here. Hungary was (once again) cornered into picking Joci Papai. Just like the juries eliminated his main competitor and fan-favorite Gabi and her Hosszu idok in 2017, they eliminated The Middletonz and Gergo Szeker now. From the start of this show and the elimination of Oliver Berkes and Rozina Patkai in the first heat, I have a feeling that they are messing us. Now I am sure those four people are either clueless of what good music is or malicious. Either way, if I were Hungarian, I’d demand some changes for A-dal.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

All of that is entirely true. A Dal does need to change. Out of a 30 song selection, the public vote only matters when there’s 4 songs left.
I think the 4 songs that were left standing were good (as they were in 2017) but they were by no means, the best 4 songs in the selection.

Katitam
Katitam
5 years ago

Joci wins, I put him on my Top 10. It’s that simple for me.

I LOVE HIM! That voice is a special one.

Jake
Jake
5 years ago
Reply to  Katitam

Same, although it isn’t too difficult to get into my Top 10 at the moment.

Rumpelstiltskin
Rumpelstiltskin
5 years ago

Yes! Very well deserved! Congrats Joci for such a great song and a great performance. Congrats Hungary for sending quality!

up!
up!
5 years ago

Yes, the four songs selected tonight really turned it around for me. Joci sings with so much devotion and capability, it is touching me so much…

KarWorld
KarWorld
5 years ago

I like Joci a lot, his voice, the feeling… I loved Origo. Az én apám has a very promising beginning, but then the chorus is for me a bit too basic with the nanana. Nevertheless, it is a nice song to listen to and it has that local flavour I really appreciate in this contest, so I wish him the best of luck.

Montana
Montana
5 years ago

It’s an ok song, but I liked Origo more, it’s too similar, too soon. Hungary’s had a chance to send something different with Madar, repulj, too bad the jury’s messed up the superfinal, big time. I wonder if Joci had won if Szeker Gergo and The Middletoz were still in the competition, it seems like the jury’s made it very easy for Joci to win.

Nikos
Nikos
5 years ago

This year’s A Dal had weird results from the very beginning, and I still don’t really get why so many strong contenders were eliminated so early. Anyways, “Origo” was excellent, but “Az En Apam” to me is kind of a disappointment honestly. This song doesn’t really go anywhere for me, it’s very one-note. And then too much of the song is just that “na na na” part…

Sorry Hungary, but I have a suspicion this may be a (for many) surprise nonqualifier and end their good streak. :/

Loin dici
5 years ago

At first I didn’t really bat my eye at Joci this season, now after watching the performance I love it and love that he delivered it warmly and heartfully. I’m happy that Joci can again join ESC.

And, Bogi in the superfinal. Wow.

Guest
Guest
5 years ago

flip sake why do juries hate rap so much, middletonz should have at least reached public vote.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Guest

Most rap (not all) has only rhythm, and no melody. Without actual musical notes it has always been difficult to rate rap on a technical level, since it is Spoken Word set to music, rather than music itself. Does that make sense?
Note: This year’s Italy entry is a grey area, since it has a melody, yet people call it “rap”.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Didn’t Joci have a rap segment in his 2017 entry “Origo”?

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago
Reply to  CookyMonzta

and the juries shamefully ranked him in the bottom 10!!!

Isa
Isa
5 years ago

Such a bad vocalist and poor song!

Aisling
Aisling
5 years ago

It’s very different from Hungary’s song last year anyway lol. But I actually really like it. Especially when he goes ‘nanana.’ Best of luck Hungary! His vocals are spot on!

keith mawson
keith mawson
5 years ago
Reply to  Aisling

how good it was to see Awwsa again. Love them

Mese
5 years ago

#justiceforthemiddletonz
#justiceforszekérgergo

Dutchfan
Dutchfan
5 years ago

Yeahhhhh I am so happy, it was my favourite. That being said, what an awhful system with these juries having way too much power

Doris
Doris
5 years ago

Good choice. My favorite entry so far ( not difficult this year with so many bad songs)

Alex
Alex
5 years ago

This is like the 3rd NF song about the artist’s father but unlike Seemone and Laura Bretan, he won.

Frysk
Frysk
5 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Mahmood sings over his father too!

Alex
Alex
5 years ago
Reply to  Frysk

Oh yea I forgot about it.

Jingo
Jingo
5 years ago
Reply to  Frysk

Lol but in a bad way

lasse braun
lasse braun
5 years ago

hungary has made the right choice – thank you for getting joci again – i love both songs from him.
and i still hope for leander kills in 2020 or later – this guy is so good.

eurovision6
eurovision6
5 years ago

Hope he improves the staging for Eurovision but I like his song a lot, it is very genuine and warm

Sam
Sam
5 years ago

Not as good as Origo (comparisons in the case of returining artists never work well in esc…), but I really like this song. It goes directly to my current top 5, still lead by Italy (San Remo confirmed as the best national selection).

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago

The thing about returning artists is that they’ll naturally be compared to their previous efforts and sometimes it’s difficult for us to let the past behind and do what we objectively should: compare it with their current opponents.I love Joci, but I wasn’t rooting for him to win. It will be very difficult to top what he did with “Origo”. Almost impossible, I would say, unless they came with some surprising staging choices. But objectively, this is a very good song. The lyrics are beautiful and Joci’s performances are always hearfelt and carry the right amount of passion.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago

Meanwhile, Portugal SF2 is turning out to be really strong. Lots of art, and lots of heartfelt music. 🙂

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

NBC was particularly great.

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

He killed it!

BB111
BB111
5 years ago

A dal is starting to grow in Hungary. The top 4 got more than 100.000 votes, which is not bad if we see Ukraine a 4 time bigger country and there the winner got 167.000 votes.

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  BB111

If only they had actual judges instead of these four charlatans.

Dave
Dave
5 years ago
Reply to  BB111

Viewing figures are lowering year by year
In 2014 almost 900k people viewed the 1st show
By 2019 it was only 200k

Mese
5 years ago
Reply to  Dave

We don’t have enough power, so a lot of people don’t watch it. It will be lower after this year. Killing The Middletonz and Szekér Gergo was the worst jury decision ever in A Dal imo.

Montana
Montana
5 years ago
Reply to  Mese

Agreed. They should have been included in the Top 4. I don’t understand the jury’s sudden love for Vavra Bence over Szeker Gergo at all.

Tusán
5 years ago
Reply to  BB111

I wouldn’t say it grows. Big names don’t compete anymore and viewing figures suffer.

Serge
Serge
5 years ago

Goodbye Hungary. See you next year. (Sorry but even though I truly enjoyed him the first time he participated, this particular song sucks. There were better contestants.)

Peters
Peters
5 years ago

Oh crap! I want a modern song from Hungary…Italy is still winning in my ranking. Ukraine is just okay and I don’t like her dodgy voice. Denmark is okayish…And Lithuania is sending a repetitive male ballad pop song . Semi 2 is not that stronger, either so far.

BB111
BB111
5 years ago

I love this song. Joci is back with a beautiful Hungarian gypsy ballad.

KuhKatz
KuhKatz
5 years ago

Well, after the top 4 were chosen, I thought that this is an easy win for Joci. Only The Middletonz, Fatal Error or maybe Gergö Szeker (even though I didnt like it) could‘ve challenged him in a public vote. But the other Superfinalists were simply to weak.

Still think that Joci could do well, even if Az en apam is weaker than Origo, but he has the feelings and he can transfer it to the viewer, even if they dont understand the lyrics.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
5 years ago

meh, the juries sabotaged all the good songs anyway but i wish they’d sent someone else

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
5 years ago

I was worried that they might end up with something worse so am a little relieved.

andrez.
andrez.
5 years ago

His Music is absolutly amazig. First Origo and now this. Even we don´t have all the Songs, from my perspective: he can win. So let´s do this: BUDAPEST 2020

Greatings from Hamburg; Germany

Serge
Serge
5 years ago
Reply to  andrez.

Origo was so much better, I even voted for him back then. This song is just not good enough for the win, sorry.

Boom Boom Chaka Chaka
Boom Boom Chaka Chaka
5 years ago
Reply to  andrez.

Delusion, convince yourself.

Colin
Colin
5 years ago

I’ll comment only once, not to repeat myself. 2019 is a fascinating year. It’s worth studying, dissecting and debating around it’s phenomenon. It’s not only a terrible ESC year, but it’s love of mediocrity is beyond equal. It’s mind-boggling how NONE of the national finals managed to pick the best song. Some even picked the blandest one. In short – I am extremely indifferent towards the Danish, Hungarian and Lithuanian winners! They all had songs I was passionate about. So did Estonia, France, Romania and many others. I am angry and sad as I never was in my entire life… Read more »

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

No, both the public and juries voted for the king of mediocrity.

DenizNL
DenizNL
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

There are still more than 20 songs to go. WHat if the next 20 are great. I agree with all the lost potential, but there is still some surprises waiting to come.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

This is the saddest comment I have ever read on Wiwibloggs. I just want to hold you, Colin. 🙁

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Thank you. I means a lot that you are here. Hugs. 🙁

Erasmus
Erasmus
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I agree National finals this year made terrible descions. The only countries that picked right are Italy, Slovenia and today Ukraine(also Denmark). So so far I only love these countries + France and Germany are also good. But we have 18 songs from internal selections to come, and I bet lots of them will be great. But yeah agree can’t wait for 2020, and I won’t watch any NF next year(except Melfest)

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

I’ll (kind of) agree with Italy, Slovenia and Ukraine. but coincidentally those were the ones I didn’t follow, so my pre-constructed passion for them isn’t there. But yeah, they are good. Denmark is okay-ish, but it had better choices. Most of them did.

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
5 years ago
Reply to  Erasmus

Australia made the right decision too.

Tusán
5 years ago

Dear Catriona, who you kidding?

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Colin, I know where all these feelings are coming from. My heart had also been broken more than I was expecting during the last few weeks. But by the little I know about you, I think you’ll let these feelings behind when you have some time to grieve after your favorites loss. I can’t promise you’ll feel better about many songs, because some are indeed bland and also leave me indifferent. But there are some gems that will grow on you. Don’t let juries and televotes ruin some great music and talented artists for you.

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Thanks for saying that, Sabrina. I know some of these songs are good. I have several of them rated an 8 or 8.5. It means I indeed like them. There are several sevens as well. However, there are more than a dozen songs I rated with more than a 9 and none of them won their respective finals. I have never felt so hollow following national finals. Indeed, there might be growers (Denmark, Czech Republic and Slovenia could go that way), but that’s not the same as if I adored the song from the very first listening. There is not… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

I believe you will regain your joy or at least enough of it, Colin. I feel the curious thing about this season so far is that the weakest entries are better than the bottom entries from previous years, but the strongest are slow burners or still need adjustments. After March 10th, we’ll have some days “off” and we’ll be able to judge the entries for what they are and not for how they upset some of our original favorites.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

This usually happens to me, Colin.
I just make a video of my own alternate Eurovision to make myself feel better. 😉 On the plus side, this year, my alternative Eurovision is AMAZING.

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

Alternative ESC will be epic! 🙂

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

If you ever make one, let me know…because THAT is something I would watch. 😉

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

We should all come to Colin’s house for the event. Call it: “Make ESC Great Again”.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
5 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I’m not wearing a cap….

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

So, whatever you want to win is the right choice, and if the country disagrees, they are wrong? Give it a rest. I’m s glad I’m actually enjoying this year so far, but the endless negativity is ruining it. The fans are the problem, not the songs.

Colin
Colin
5 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Thanks, Tibor. Yes, I have favorites in Iceland, Portugal, Norway, even in Sweden. The thing is, I genuinely don’t have any hope for any of them to win. It’s like if someone says that you pick a hand. It might be gold, it might be a slap in the face. For the first 15 times it’s slap in the face. You lose any spark of hope.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago

Joci is amazing. I’m relieved for Hungary that they picked well after all those really strange jury choices.

Arnas
Arnas
5 years ago

Lithuania’s circus show of a finale ended. We’re sending Jurijus.

keith mawson
keith mawson
5 years ago
Reply to  Arnas

its very weak, can’t see that qualifying. what a stupid thing to do , Criminal was the best song to go to ESC and she shelved it. Crazy. she was punished in the end for her stupidity and ego.

Kyna
Kyna
5 years ago

I actually like it, finally I have something to put into my top 5 since it has been quite weak selection so far.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
5 years ago

Let’s not put too much pressure on guy. Not many songs can beat “Origo”, but the fact is, that Joci is still bringing us some folk quality and third Hungarian-language song in the row.

Denis
Denis
5 years ago

Again? With almost the same sound as 2017?
Safe to say he won’t reach the same level he did in 2017

CHUPACABRA
CHUPACABRA
5 years ago

Until now a lousy year, but only 40% of all entries, 60% left:
1) ITA
2) HUN
3) UKR
4) SLO
5) AUS
6) ROM
7) UK
8) ESP
9 ) GER
10) EST
11) FRA
12) CZE
13)-16) who cares

pinkisnotacolour
pinkisnotacolour
5 years ago

I agree with others here that it’s not as good as Origo, but still a really lovely song and I hope it does well. 🙂

Pasadena
Pasadena
5 years ago

It hasn’t been my favourite this year, as compared to Origo it’s inferior. But I have to say in the final it was elevated live, and it was my favourite of the night.

Boom Boom Chaka Chaka
Boom Boom Chaka Chaka
5 years ago

The Hungarian national final was rigged again, gasp.
He might stay in the semi, but good luck.