After relaunching their national selection last year, Lithuania’s public broadcaster is back with Pabandom iš Naujo! (Let’s try again!) for Eurovision 2021. The first heat saw five artists make it through to the semi-final: Voldemars Petersons, Titas & Benas, Martyna Jezepčikaitė, Milita, and Be U.
Sadly fan favourite Twosome — who competed with “I Love My Bear” — did not make it out of the heat, after failing to impress both the jury and the viewers at home.
Compared to last year, this year’s series of Pabandom iš Naujo! has been shortened to two heats, one semi-final and one grand final. A total of 21 acts are taking part in the Baltic state’s music competition.
The five acts that got through the first heart of Pabandom iš Naujo 2021 will be performing in the semi-final on 30 January 2021, alongside the five acts that will be chosen next week. Eventually, five acts will make it through to the final from the semi, and will compete alongside last year’s winners The Roop, who have been given an automatic spot in the final.
The result was determined by both a jury and televoters, who each accounted for half of the score. Among the jury members were LRT popular music editor Ramūnas Zilnys, composer Jievaras Jasinskis, songwriter Vytautas Bikus, performer Ieva Narkutė and Eurovision 1991 star Aistė Smilgevičiūtė.
Pabandom iš Naujo 2021 heat one qualifiers performances
Voldemars Petersons – “I Never Fall for You Again”
Titas & Benas – “No”
Martyna Jezepčikaitė – “Thank You Very Much”
Milita – “Shadows”
Be U – “Love Yourself”
Pabandom iš Naujo 2021 heat one results
Jury results
- Voldemars Petersons – “I Never Fall for You Again” – 12 points
- Milita – “Shadows” – 10 points
- Titas & Benas – “No” – 8 points
- Donata Virbilaitė – “The Way I Am” – 7 points
- Be U – “Love Yourself” – 6 points
- Martyna Jezepčikaitė – “Thank You Very Much” – 5 points
- Black Spikes & Indrė Launikonytė – “Don’t Tell Me” – 4 points
- Aldegunda – “Sit Down” – 3 points
- Twosome – “I Love My Bear” – 2 points
- Thomukas – “Wish” – 2 points
Televoting results
- Martyna Jezepčikaitė – “Thank You Very Much” – 12 points
- Titas & Benas – “No” – 10 points
- Black Spikes & Indrė Launikonytė – “Don’t Tell Me” – 8 points
- Be U – “Love Yourself” – 7 points
- Voldemars Petersons – “I Never Fall for You Again” – 6 points
- Milita – “Shadows” – 5 points
- Aldegunda – “Sit Down” – 4 points
- Donata Virbilaitė – “The Way I Am” – 3 points
- Twosome – “I Love My Bear” – 2 points
- Thomukas1 – “Wish”
Final results
- Voldemars Petersons – “I Never Fall for You Again” – 12 points – ADVANCED
- Titas & Benas – “No” – 10 points – ADVANCED
- Martyna Jezepčikaitė – “Thank You Very Much” – 8 points – ADVANCED
- Milita – “Shadows” – 7 points – ADVANCED
- Be U – “Love Yourself” – 6 points – ADVANCED
- Black Spikes & Indrė Launikonytė – “Don’t Tell Me” – 5 points – ELIMINATED
- Donata Virbilaitė – “The Way I Am” – 4 points – ELIMINATED
- Aldegunda – “Sit Down” – 3 points – ELIMINATED
- Twosome – “I Love My Bear” – 2 points – ELIMINATED
- Thomukas1 – “Wish” – 1 point – ELIMINATED
What do you think about the Pabandom iš Naujo 2021 heat one results? Are you satisfied with the qualifiers?
Milita was by far the best. Won’t be in the top 20 in ESC if it qualifies but its a pretty decent song…
I’m surprised by this whole notion of “Lithuanian artists self-sabotaging themselves to give way to The Roop”.
Has any actual performer from the selection spoke up saying that they’re doing exactly that?
They’re not self-sabotaging. They’re just really bad.
Based on just one heat?
for me among heat one qualifiers, I agree that I Never Fall for You Again is the winner
This heat was SO weak. Honestly me & my friend talked that we should finish this circus & simply send The Roop again. Anyway. I believe the biggest role that no big names are in selection this year are fact that The Roop will be in final & fact we have quarantine here & singers isn’t allowed to leave cities where they live, as not all live in capital where selection are shoot.
Lithuania had a really good pre-selection last year. To top that is hard. But I really enjoyed the last song by Voldemars (why do I always have to think of Voldemort, lol). I’m looking forward to the song by The Roop. The expectations are high.
I like the song from Titas & Benas “NO”. It was the only song I like so far.
Milita was the best!
I think with the grand final advancement for 2021 and the 20,000 euro compensation payment, LRT made it very clear that they wanted The Roop to win again, so the likes of Monika Marija etc would’ve felt that competing would be a waste of time and that they should wait for 2022.
It’s not LRT, it’s the public that wanted that. If LRT wanted The Roop to represent Lithuania, they would’ve sent them without the selection, like other countries. The broadcaster can’t be biased, it’s still a contest after all.
Erratum: Aist? Smilgevi?i?t? took part in ESC 1999, not 1991.
This year the quality has dropped compared to last year, and it is probably because most of the artists did not send in any songs due to the situation with The Roop. Last year Lithuanian selection was my favorite selection. I think there are less songs this year not because of the restrictions etc, but because less songs were submitted and LRT did not really have to choose from. Don’t see any of heat 1 songs winning, hopefully there will be something better in heat 2, or hopefully The Roop will have a good song, otherwise it is not looking… Read more »
I still don’t get how Voldemars qualified, his song was repetitive and boring, nothing special or Eurovision-worthy. My favourite of the bunch was Martyna and I’m glad she made it.
Voldemars is great, lithuanian rybak <3 i love his song
The fact that Twosome, Thomukas and Black Spikes were all eliminated is kinda disheartening in a sense that Lithuania rejected sending something different to the finals. I’m not saying that these acts were all amazing and if they were up against strong dramatic songs, I’d understand. Still, if middle-of-the-road is where we are headed, I’d rather have middling acts that are original and fun on stage. I still really like Twosome’s song and I hope they do come back. I mean, congrats to Voldemars, Martyna and Be U for their qualification, but I found none of these songs worth qualifying,… Read more »
These ain’t “on fire”
Pfff… if this were a regular “Pabandom is naujo”, most of the songs would have made the next round. There’s been almost no act better than the others, and everything’s been quite balanced: new singers with modern songs, alternative and catchy acts and Eurovision regulars that proved more stage experience.
I see the 5 semifinalists fairly chosen, even Voldemars, who has never been my cup of tea. But my hopefuls for the final would be BeU for the overall feel-good vibe and Martyna with a more polished staging for the next phases.
It’s so exciting to watch this unpredictable selection!!
Hmmmm just watched the full show. Can’t say I was that impressed, can be a usual feeling and by the final I will love some of the songs, but I’m not sure. I don’t think Lithuania have lifted the bar at all from last year. Was hoping there would be at least 1 monique’esque’ song that was really polished and quality. The only performer that really turned my head was Thomukas1. Strange, but quirky and I would happily watch again.
How do you wanna bet that the reason most of these songs suck is so that the Roop will win again? I hope their 2021 entry is worth going through this slog.
Okay WOAH, I was not expecting Voldemars to even advance, let along come out on top! Definitely my favourite song out of the selection, but I barely saw any love for it. So happy to see it do well, hoping for the same in the semis! 😀
I am devastated that Thomas Tumosa came last. That was one of the weirdest, most brilliant things I’ve ever seen in a national final. No idea what I just watched.
Voldemars’ song is nice, catchy and sing-along. I didn’t watch the live performance yet but based on the studio version I can’t say his result is undeserved.
Does someone know the name of the interval act ? Because I really liked it and I’ve been searching for it but still can’t manage to find it… :/
Guest singer was beissoul. 2012 and 2013 selection singer
Beissoul&Einius they have many great songs check it out!
Thank you all !
I think the right songs qualified for the semifinal. I wouldn’t say that the qualified songs are bad but something is lacking in all of them. Titas & Benas’ song has a nice production (it could be even better though) and melody and their voices are really great but the lyrics are bad.
It’s a quirky bunch we have here. 🙂
As long as the qualifiers are better than “Rain of Revolution” then I am happy. (Yeah yeahh.)
If you like your 80s sound (and I do) then send “Shadows.” That was a good performance there.
The song by the two lads reminds me a bit of musical theatre; again, very quirky. So if you like that sort of thing, great.
Voldemars has a stand-out quirky voice that grabs me, but the song is too repetitive for me to like, sorry.
Ha ha ha… Yeah, I believe that all ten of them were better than Rain of Revolution. 😉
Even though I said I’ll post a longer analyze tomorrow, I can say that I quite liked Titas and Benas too. 🙂
I actually really like Rain of Revolution……….
Oh wow, really? 😮
Yeah I know, I have a different opinion it’s so crazy
“Dance…to the…rhythm of the soowwl…”
you need cotton bud?
Me too. It’s actually a really good song. If people would concentrate themselves onto the whole song, not only “yeah yeah” part maybe they would see it too.
I have honestly tried a lot, back during the reviews. Some songs just don’t appeal to everyone.
Did they really have a song called I love my bear?? How did songs like this get approval from the internal committee? I’ll never understand.
Twosome, the act behind “I Love My Bear” took part last year with a song about Lithuanian basketball players. “I Love My Bear” is actually about their country’s love of beer (Source: Twosome tell us their Pabandom iš naujo 2021 song celebrates Lithuania’s knowledge of beer).
I think they add to the fun side of the competition.
Side note, but sad news: 1992 Finnish representative Pave Maijanen passed away. Depressing that he’s the third ‘92 veteran to pass away (as well as Italy’s Mia Martini and Portugal’s Dina). I know 1992 is almost thirty years ago, but it still doesn’t feel that long ago so it’s sad that a relative handful of its contestants have died.
At first I was like most of the people in these comments, but now I see qualifying potential in Martyna after relistening to these. True, The Roop could emerge better but I think she gives them a good run for their money. Lets try again (excuse the pun) in heat 2.
Extra: Although what happened to last year! not one of Monique, Monika Marija, KaYra, Evgenya Redko, Ruta Loop have returned. Maybe some will return next year after The Roop have had their chance (maybe they think they have less chance of winning this year even if they have a good song).
Monique was robbed ! She had a very deep and beautiful song
Yeeeeees but fair play to The Roop
Titas and Benas are so good! Based on song, they should represent Lithuania.
Different gravy.
If they add a high note at the end and transition into their choruses with falsettos, other countries should watch out at Eurovision.
After these disappointing performances people are waiting just one act ……. The Roop obviously !
I was going to comment, but since I’m tired, I’m delaying my detailed rant for tomorrow, when I’ll be more relaxed. In any case, quite a poor semi, with quite baffling results. Twosome 9th? I should have watched MGP instead.
Hugs. Hope you’re okay.
I am, thanks. 🙂 A bit underwhelmed by Lithuanian voting process, but perfectly okay in general. How are you doing?
I am doing okay, considering I can only go out outside under specific circumstances. When I do go out, it is easy to see how tired and angry people are. In a local pharmacy, I saw a woman shouting for 5 minutes after being asked to wear a mask – that was sad. I’m still alive for now, but very worried about the younger people who recently died around here. I’m happy that there are some Eurovision National Finals to watch now; it brightens my weekends for sure.
I am glad to hear from you. My life has also had ups and downs in the last year. Thankfully, I didn’t have ”it”, but I already know several people who did. Our whole spectrum of life has changed, now hasn’t it? I can only hope that things like music and films will keep us entertained and occupied. And that human contacts, face-to-face, via Zoom or via texts online, will keep us connected. Hugs.
Pabandom is naujo is still living under the shadow of what The Roop may bring to us. Nothing seemed competitive tonight, but some were enjoyable. I liked Be U, her voice and their vibe reminds me of Timebelle. The song lacks a punch though. Voldemars was also entertaining and Milita sounds like a very promising performer, she just needs a better song. Anyway, we’re still waiting for that discoteque to open its doors.
Milita has proved herself as a solid performer ever since she tried JESC (2010, 2011), and already gave us a hint of what she could do with any song in 2015 selection. I’m kinda disapointed with her song, though.
She’s very good and looked fantastic. Unfortunately, her song is so-so. But she’s someone to keep an eye on for the future of Lithuania in Eurovision, that’s for sure.
Martyna and Milita were the best by far !! Be careful with Martyna she got almost the same amount of points by televote as the roop on their first show !
I quite wanted to see Black Spikes go through, I was quite mesmerised by the performance. Voldemars was sweet as well.
Did Volmaras bribe the jury? The level isn’t too high but at least Martyna and Mylita sounded better.
“Thank You Very Much” received suspiciously many votes, I doubt that the song convinced so many to vote for it. And judging by the songwriters, it seems to be a Melfest reject… I don’t like this kind of acts advancing.
Yep. Exactly a Melfest reject. And she could not even deliver it properly.
It’s no mystery when recent X Factor alumni get together with a song by international authors (call it MelFest reject or not) and suspiciously get a 1000-vote margin. Not the first time happening.
I see the performance reaching the final, but just for the sake of having some variety on it, like in the previous years.
After seeing this abomination in the first place I have now absolutely NO doubts that The Roop will win by a landslide and dance on PIN’s grave. My only compliments of the evening go to Milita. She delivered that performance like a true diva.
The NF structure itself isn’t the problem (how else would we have the Roop to begin with?). PIN was terrific last year. But I am a little worried the rest of the acts aren’t bringing their A-game cuz they’re up against the Roop.
I have nothing against the NF structure, but rather the decision not to pick them internally this year. Why do they have to go through this. None of the acts will be on their level. I wish they skipped PIN this year and brought it back when The Roop had their chance and big names come back.
Same issue as all the countries still going through with a national final process: their selections are big freaking deals, especially since most of them are smaller markets. Like with Norway, the goal is also to make this revamped selection the way to go forward, and the only way to do that is to keep doing it (although there are exceptions – Latvia, Australia, Iceland, and the Czech Republic have been trying to do similar things with their selections but they’re staying internal this year).
The ROOP will win easily this selection
Did they play their song?
nope
The anticipation is driving me crazy!