Austria – Pænda

The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — continues to rate and review the 41 competing entries of Eurovision 2019. Next we take a look at Austria‘s act Paenda (aka Pænda) and her song “Limits”. Did we think the song has reached its limit? Read on to find out!

Paenda with “Limits”

“Limits” reviews

Antranig: The biggest compliment I can give Paenda is that I genuinely thought I was listening to Ellie Goulding for the first few bars. Unfortunately, “Limits” feels more like Ellie Goulding album track than lead single. Her vocals dance delicately across this subtle number and it creates an enchanting mood. I really enjoy what she is doing but barring an incredible performance in Tel Aviv, this will inevitably be swallowed up in a sea of much stronger entries.

Score: 5.5/10

Barnabas: I sincerely love Paenda’s personality and that blue hair is simply a win in itself, but the song is such a letdown after all the hype ORF has built around her. It misses that wow moment that’d make the casual viewer notice her and vote, and it’s hard to imagine people being like, “Hmm, there’s that nice blue-haired girl, I’ll vote for her!” It’s a huge question how it’ll fare in Tel Aviv.

Score: 6/10

Chris: The biggest issue with “Limits” is that there’s so little to say about it. It’s a nice song, performed well by a talented singer. But there’s no “wow” factor or anything to make it stand out from the pack. Juries may respect the track, but there’s better female-led songs of the same mood in the contest. Austria’s qualification run could be in serious trouble.

Score: 5.5/10

Lucy: The first listen of this song gave me so much of a “oh…is that it?” moment. Her voice is gorgeous, there’s no denying it, and the song is perfectly pleasant, but it just doesn’t go anywhere. After several times of hearing the “you-ou-ou-ou-ouuuu” I was bored. However, saying all of this, with the right staging this is absolutely going to be the dark horse – with a voice like that, the live vocal could really elevate it. I just think Slovenia are doing the whole ‘minimalistic’ style way better this year.

Score: 4/10

Lukas: In a year where we got a lot of female ballads Paenda’s “Limits” doesn’t stand out that much. It’s a very beautiful song with a great performer but we need more. After few listenings I still can’t really recall the chorus which is never a good thing. The whole song is quite monotonous and goes in a very similar line through the entire three minutes. It’s not a bad song in any way but this year we have much stronger songs and this one is forgettable.

Score: 6/10

Renske: Sadly, in Eurovision there are many songs, especially ballads, that are sung by a great vocalist and have enchanting lyrics… but that’s it. “Limits” has sadly become one of them. Whereas “Arcade” is a similar type of song and is getting all the hype, this song is left unnoticed. That doesn’t mean that “Limits” is not a pretty song, because it actually is. Eurovision is not where this song belonged after all as it would have perhaps fit more in a film score. And that’s only bad luck, not bad songwriting.

Score: 6/10

In the Wiwi Jury we have 29 jurors but only have room for six reviews. The remaining scores are below:

Angus: 4.5/10

Anthony: 6/10

Antony: 5.5/10

Bernardo: 7/10

Calvin: 7.5/10

Deban: 6/10

Essi: 7/10

Florian: 5/10

Izhar: 5.5/10

Jack: 3.5/10

Jonathan: 5.5/10

Josh: 6.5/10

Julian: 6/10

Kristin: 5.5/10

Luis: 7/10

Mikhail: 6.5/10

Oliver: 4.5/10

Pablo: 2/10

Robyn: 5.5/10

Ron: 6.5/10

Sebastian: 6/10

Tobias: 4/10

William: 2.5/10

We have removed the highest and lowest scores prior to calculating the average. This is to remove outliers and potential bias. We have removed a low of 2 and a high of 7.5.

Wiwi Jury verdict: 5.52/10

What do you think of this song? Share your own score and review below!

See all our Eurovision 2019 reviews and rankings

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Anita
Anita
4 years ago
L'oiseau
L'oiseau
4 years ago

Once again, I am in tiny minority that loves this song. It takes me through a journey of emtions and sensuality, which makes me hear it in repeat over and over again. I love the soulful tune of the whole song, the sensitivity and vulnarability in a very minimalistic setting, which remains uncompromised and unspoiled. This is THE underated song of the year. I understand that it might not have the impact that many Eurovision lovers are searching for, but I whish people would give it more credit. I hope that the staging will enhance its impact so it can… Read more »

Daniele
Daniele
4 years ago

Unlike everyone else, I can feel the feelings she wants to deliver. The lyrics really touched me. I like her live too.
9.5/10
My placement: 1st

Veta
Veta
4 years ago

I am glad you are logical and don’t like The Netherlands as well just as much as Austria. At least you understand they are similar. Not like some folks that overhype one and underrate another.

Veta
Veta
4 years ago

I just hope your jury will give The Netherlands the same or less medium score, otherwise you are hypocrite. These two song are the same style, but the level of emotion is higher in “Limits”, bcs the singer talks directly to the listener there and surprises you by how much she knows about you.
For me it’s 10/10.

Loin dici
4 years ago

Update, update: “Love Myself” might be her initial entry.

ESC LOU
ESC LOU
4 years ago

Yea I don’t see this qualifying and in my opinion it’s not bad just EXTREMELY boring, expected more from Austria! I hope one day they send Sara de Blue 🙂 3.5/10

Gavin
Gavin
4 years ago

I love the song. And have been listening to her other music too. Love it. Great sound. Once more thanks Eurovision for introducing me to a new artist and tunes. Xxx

marty
marty
4 years ago

Paenda will do much better than people think. she is a very strong live performer.

Polegend Godgarina
4 years ago

i feel like this was a wasted opportunity. the song goes absolutely nowhere. she should’ve served something like halsey’s without me which she’s capable of

Loin dici
4 years ago

Quoting back E. Forcher on the ‘Merci Cherie’ podcast: “The album is amazing, with wonderful sounds and extremely long instrumental parts, which aren’t suitable for Eurovision. But there is this one song that doesn’t fit in this context. Some people will shake their heads when they hear the song for the first time.” I think this was expected by Forcher, and it shows. But, if the ORF team doesn’t feel this as an entry, they could’ve just said no and consider other artist’s bid. They didn’t and goes forward with it. It’s a capslock, bold move if you think of… Read more »

Loin dici
4 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

But, then, why don’t they want to win, or at least keep their qualification streak? Coming first in the jury vote is amazing, but does that mean they ‘already won’ and would that became an argument to put less effort this year? They still do quite lot of promotions (London PP and Moscow PP, plus an acoustic version) so personally I don’t believe they don’t want to win or do well.

Cesar's salad
Cesar's salad
4 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

Austria wants to be in the Final for the Saturday Night ratings. Winning is for sure not of interest as of now! However, I would speculate that ORF is keen on winning by 2023 and hosting in 2024 in the brandnew arena of Vienna.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
4 years ago

Out of all of the songs this year, this has the biggest range from its floor to its potential ceiling. I had this as a dark horse to make the final originally but it is a song of such razor-thin margins. There is so little to it that it needs an amazingly captivating performance to work and after EiC, I’m not at all confident on Paenda delivering that.
At the moment, sadly, I think it is more of a contender to come last in its semi than to actually qualify.

KYLLITO
KYLLITO
4 years ago

This song gives me a vibe similar to last year’s Lithuania entry by Ieva. I think it’s very understated and could be very emotional on stage. Hopefully this will happen. At the EiC in Amsterdam, the audience didn’t do much during this song which is not a good sign. At least she’s number nine in the running order of the dreaded SF2.

MarioVision
MarioVision
4 years ago

From my least liked songs in this year’s contest…
Its not a bad song though…
Just dull & uninteresting…
I don’t think that Austria will qualify from the SF…
My grade : 4,5/10

MarioVision
MarioVision
4 years ago
Reply to  MarioVision

My rating so far

Serbia : 7/10
Armenia : 7/10
Denmark : 6/10
Ireland : 5/10
Latvia : 4,5/10
Austria : 4,5/10
Poland : 4/10

André
4 years ago

The most forgettable song of the year

Colin
Colin
4 years ago

AUSTRIA – This remains one of the hardest entries to rate because it’s very introspective and it’s depending on the mood of the listener and the presentation so much. It’s undoubtedly elegant and authentic, yet as verses are more impactful than the chorus, it can be a bit anti-climactic. I was hoping for a big breakdown near the end, but if she can show it subtly on stage, this could be a huge grower. If not, I could just break into thousands of glass pieces. Something needed to be a tiebreaker and just went with my initial instinct when I… Read more »

Cesar's salad
Cesar's salad
4 years ago

I hope Paenda gives them an awkward interview moment like Anja Niessen did, after she was butchered by wiwibloggs in 2017.

Cesar's salad
Cesar's salad
4 years ago
Reply to  Cesar's salad

Well, you can’t have it both ways. Give an act a horrendous rating online (with I take with a huge grain of salt, because I don’t respect wiwibloggers for being art and music lovers) and then suck up to the same act for the interview to capitalize of it online. Reap and saw. William gave 2.5 and Padraig 1 of 10 for the Humans. I mean, such ratings are so indecent and are not justifiable. Only trash that was created without due effort deserves a rating below 5 (5 for me is like 50% which is the same grade you… Read more »

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
4 years ago

PAENDA together with the really cool sounding title Limits had me very excited but, imo this is the most dissapointing entry of the year, especially after Austria’s steak of decent/ great results. This will most likely not qualify, but I do see potential, she is an amazing singer and I do see some people connect to the song, but idk for now.
5.5/10

Kris
Kris
4 years ago

It’s meant to connect on an emotional level but sadly I’m not and so won’t Most viewers. This can go through based on a huge jury push . A 4/10 for me. Good running order adda a point . Austria doesn’t get free diaspora votes , so reducing one point. Overall 40% chance to qualify.

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago

All my respect to Austria for making such a bold move and to Paenda for the courage of submitting something deeply personal to a competition. The lyrics are outstanding. As someone who can relate to the feelings behind it, I’m grateful that she was able to put into words what’s so hard to describe. I like how minimalist and delicate the track is, my only criticism being that it could benefit from some gentle explosion in the end. I fear it’s a difficult song to sell, but I hope Paenda nails the vocals and makes to the final. 8/10

Sabrina
Sabrina
4 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I agree that it suits the song, but it also makes the entry too subtle for the contest. Not a problem to me (it fluctuates between 9th and 15th on my ranking), but I bet it is for the majority of the fandom. Just like Tibor said, this can become magical or a disaster depending on how much attention it can grab from the viewers.

Simon
Simon
4 years ago

Shame on you Wiwibloggs….this is so good, this is a Masterpiece but the most Blogger here likes cheesy Songs….WILLIAM 2,5 ???. This is a Crime

Jo.
Jo.
4 years ago
Reply to  Simon

2.5 is way too low

Loin dici
4 years ago
Reply to  Simon

Now that you mention it, I checked the score of NLD14, and… 4.44. I see what you mean there.

Cesar's salad
Cesar's salad
4 years ago
Reply to  Simon

I must have been the first one who called the dark horse alert in 2014 for the Netherlands. It was instant love for me and I knew this song would work very well outside the queer fan culture, which has a blind spot for meaningful and artistic songs outside the cheese box. Kudos to Ilse de Lange and this everlasting piece of art. “Arcade” does not have the same impact to me, the chorus is very contrived, feels like forced into an otherwise reasonably sweet, delicate and emotive song.

Loin dici
4 years ago

I’m happy there’re people who love this song besides me. This might not win, or even qualify, but ‘Limits’ is dear to my heart as a perfectionist, and will always be. It’s also the piece that made me want to download the whole Evolution II later on.

As Mask noted, it’s simply not your usual contest song, and stays to its message. It’s like a rejuvenating waterfall that you don’t really notice but nourishes and cleanse you inside and out. It’s self-worth, self-lifting, and self-loving.

Loin dici
4 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

About its prospect at the contest, Wiwi once said that PAENDA will be best observed live. Not merely because we will see the live performances, but we can also see if this kind of song will be received well in the contest.

Wiwi Jury’s ranking will not always reflect its prospect at the contest. NOR18 only got 5.44 and win its semi. LIT18, 5.83, 12th place. CRO17, 4.39, 13th place. POL17, 5.74, 22nd place. Anything could happen, it’s up to the rehearsals to help us decide.

Cesar's salad
Cesar's salad
4 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

When I listened to Limits for the first time, I was reduced to tears. Fortunately, not only cheeselovers vote in Eurovision, so there is hope. And if not, I still continue loving it.

Ioa Ioa
Ioa Ioa
4 years ago

My pee-brake of SF2.
Anyway, good luck.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago

I love this song, precisely because it does not try to be a contest song. It is true to its own message. It is a performer’s piece, not a listener’s piece. Straight away I can hear the influence of Sarah McLachlan on this song, even though Pænda herself perhaps sounds more like Ellie Goulding. But even without those inevitable comparisons, this is an excellent standalone piece of music about self-worth and self-image. The decision to tell the whole story looking into a mirror and singing “you” the whole time is so psychological that it might even be music therapy. The… Read more »

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Good to have you back Purple Mask!

Lisianthus
Lisianthus
4 years ago

There is no song I hate more this year than Limits. She’s a good singer but I don’t like her voice. I hate the you-ou-ou in the chorus. The music video doesn’t make it any better either. 2.5/10

Héctor
Héctor
4 years ago

Despite all the criticism I kinda like “Limits”. The verses are on point and the first chorus is okey. After that, I would have liked a bit more of progression, specially from the second chorus to the final. If I listen to this song alone it grabs me, but I can’t say the same if I’m with someone. The same could happen to casual viewers. They might find it too “long”, linear and flat. Anyway, Austria is my 14th. 13. Armenia (7) 14. AUSTRIA (7) 24. Latvia (6) 29. Serbia (6) (Somehow I missed this post, but here it is… Read more »

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
4 years ago

There is something about this song that I like – its not pretending to be masterpiece… as it is average song with sensitive atmosphere. But the “problem” of the “Limits” that there are actually so many limits to grow.
Unfortunatelly, non Q!

La Signora
La Signora
4 years ago

“This is so 18th century”

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
4 years ago

Austria’s streak of sending feel-good songs that do well (3 straight) is at an end. Compared to Cesár’s shocking 3rd-place performance last year (I had him finishing 14th in the final; bookies thought he’d finish 20th before the show), Paenda’s is a letdown, and will ride the razor’s edge between qualifying and not qualifying.

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago

This song used to be in my top 10 but no longer. I still like it though.

Herr Frau
Herr Frau
4 years ago

The song that probably gets skipped the most in Eurovision playlists.

I can’t see Austria qualifying I’m afraid

Mark Dowd
Mark Dowd
4 years ago

I agree with the jury. This is dull. Not a qualifier I am afraid.

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
4 years ago

I like the song, but unfortunately I get Malta 2017 vibes here – talented performer, pleasant jury-friendly song, simple staging, gets lost in the semi. PAENDA is a fantastic artist, and “Limits” feel very pure and personal, but I think they could make a better song choice. Nonetheless, 7,5/10 from me.

Colin
Colin
4 years ago

Montenegro?

Blackbird
Blackbird
4 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Slovenia #sorrynotsorry

Jo.
Jo.
4 years ago

I don’t think it’s a totally lost cause, but I’m not very confident about this entry.
That being said, it is not a bad song by any means, just maybe not strong enough .
6.5/10

Nicky91
Nicky91
4 years ago

its cute, and i respect Austria for taking such a big risk, and also good contrast compared to what they had last year in Cesar

song wise, it feels interesting but not quite getting me at the moment

7.5/10

Rimig
Rimig
4 years ago

@Doris, you should have added “my comments” as an option. I would have chosen it

Rimig
Rimig
4 years ago

“Limits” is unfortunately not pushing me through the limit at all. The song starts promising and, at first listen, during the first 20 seconds I thought I was going to really love it. But then it suddenly lost me. It does not captivate me at all and, by the end, the chorus starts to annoy me. It will need a very stunning staging if it wants to have a chance to go through but, for now, I really doubt it. This year, Austria is at the middle of my personal list, at number 20. 16. Ireland (6.5/10) 17. Armenia (6.5/10)… Read more »

Pluma
Pluma
4 years ago

Austria’s song this year is of that songs that personally they don’t gonna bother me if qualify but even if not…

Colin
Colin
4 years ago

Absolutely! Based on how it turns out on stage, this could be really *good* or really *bad*. I’m not happy that Wiwi Jury decided to release this so early, as this is one of my last still unrated songs. Gonna be an interesting afternoon.

Phary
Phary
4 years ago

I quite like this one and I definitely think Austria’s got a chance of qualifying this year. The minimalistic electronic instrumentation really goes well with PAENDA’s beautiful high-pitched voice which is probably the most startling element of the song. The verses can seem a little bit monotone but I love the chorus! I like how the instrumental grows stronger towards the end into the bridge. She feels the song, and as a songwriter she really knows where to take the listener to. A solid 7.5/10.

Erasmus
Erasmus
4 years ago

This is so underrated in the fandom. It’s in my top 15. But with that being said, I don’t know if it’ll qualify in semi 2, which is the harder one of the two, we’ll see. But i appreciate it a lot. Staging might really help this song, as it did to Lithuania’s song last year. Something about this song just pulls me in and I always listen to it all way through. My score: 8 / 10 My Top so far: 9 – Armenia 8 – Austria 7,5 – Poland 6,5 – Ireland 6 – Serbia, Denmark 4,5 –… Read more »

Rimar
Rimar
4 years ago

I am not surprised it hasn’t got a high score. However, the hate and and dislikes she is receiving are just ridiculous. This song is maybe not for Eurovision, but it is magical, a beautiful piece of art and true to itself and to PÆNDA, which makes the whole concept very credible.

Matthew
Matthew
4 years ago

I think this is one of the best songs in the field, but I don’t really get why the Austrian delegation thought this was right for Eurovision. However bear in mind Conchita, Cesar, Nathan Trent all exceeded expectations, arguably Zoe too, so maybe Austria knows what they’re doing. On the other hand, there’s also The Makemakes.

Rimar
Rimar
4 years ago
Reply to  Matthew

Fully agree. However, whilst The Makemakes didn’t have the best song, it was not bad in any way. Additionally, they were victims of the old voting system. Otherwise, they wouldn’t have been second to last and moreover, they wouldn’t have got ZERO points.

NickC
NickC
4 years ago

I really do not see this qualifying unless they bring a staging miracle.

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
4 years ago

I am very sorry, but this song just doesn’t reach me at all. I know what Paenda was going for with it, but it doesn’t work for me. I kinda enjoy the verses, they sound melancholic and they caught me on the first listen. Gave me hope that I would love the song, bc I usually adore these kind of ballads. But in the chorus I feel like everything just falls apart. The chorus is just not good, it’s disappointing and kind of annoying. It doesn’t elevate the song in any way or form and after hearing it I didn’t… Read more »

impressiveinstants
impressiveinstants
4 years ago

As a song, this goes nowhere but with a decent performance it may go somewhere.

Miguel
Miguel
4 years ago

Yes, to the bottom.

Best from Spain

Conor K
Conor K
4 years ago

This going to shock everyone and easily qualify 🙂