After two heats and one semi-final, tomorrow six acts will compete in the grand final of Lithuania’s ‘Pabandom iš Naujo! 2021′. But who should get the ticket to represent Lithuania at Eurovision 2021? The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals has listened to the finalists and ranked our favourites. Read on to see which songs we liked!
Lauren
1. Gebrasy – “Where’d You Wanna Go?”
Infuriated that Cosmic Bride and Sunday Afternoon failed to qualify from heat two, I managed to miss the gem that is Gebrasy’s “Where’d You Wanna Go?” until its semi-final performance. There, it was clear to me that the soulful mid-tempo track must win this national final. By winning the semi comfortably, it took a massive step there. The song has a consistent metaphor that beautifully wraps a heartbreaking story together. It reminds me a little bit of Aksel’s “Looking Back” in the sense that the car drive motif paints the plotline, and I’d dare say its in the same lyrical quality tier. Hopefully this stands a chance against The Mighty Roop.
2. Martyna Jezepčikaitė – “Thank You Very Much”
3. Evita Cololo – “Be paslapčių”
4. The Roop – “Discoteque”
5. Voldemars Petersons – “Never Fall For You Again”
6. Titas & Benas – “No”
Lukas
1. The Roop – “Discoteque”
While the hype of The Roop never caught up with me this year, they are the clear favourite. Having over two million views on their music video proves it. “Discoteque” is a quite catchy song and while it is not as instant as “On Fire” it still has this fun and quirky quality about it. Even the live performance was pretty impressive and the yellow styling also is eye-catching. If Lithuania wants to get their best result in Eurovision yet then The Roop is their only option this year.
2. Gebrasy – “Where’d You Wanna Go?”
3. Evita Cololo – “Be paslapčių”
4. Martyna Jezepčikaitė – “Thank You Very Much”
5. Titas & Benas – “No”
6. Voldemars Petersons – “Never Fall For You Again”
Mario
1. The Roop – “Discoteque”
While it took me a lot to get warm to “On Fire” last year, “Discoteque” is the definition of immediacy — it’s such an earworm! It’s fun, quirky and pleasurable in the band’s usual manner, but on the whole other global super level. The live version shows us a good piece of the quirkiness that The Roop possess and are known for, and the European public would respect that if/when they get selected. Hands down the best song Lithuania could ever send to Eurovision.
2. Gebrasy – “Where’d You Wanna Go?”
3. Voldemars Petersons – “Never Fall For You Again”
4. Martyna Jezepčikaitė – “Thank You Very Much”
5. Titas & Benas – “No”
6. Evita Cololo – “Be paslapčių”
Natalie
1. The Roop – “Discoteque”
It was always going to be an uphill battle for any other performers in this national final. And while this might seem like the boring choice, it is because it’s the obvious choice. Described by my girlfriend as “Devon Welsh on antidepressants”. I’m not sure “Discoteque” has quite the natural flair “On Fire” did, but it sure has a spark and the energy we were looking for, with the same depth and character that made The Roop pop last time. Lithuania have a lot to be proud of.
2. Voldemars Petersons – “Never Fall For You Again”
3. Martyna Jezepčikaitė – “Thank You Very Much”
4. Gebrasy – “Where’d You Wanna Go?”
5. Evita Cololo – “Be paslapčių”
6. Titas & Benas – “No”
Renske
1. Gebrasy – “Where’d You Wanna Go?”
Funnily enough, only after the semi-final of Pabandom iš Naujo!, I discovered that Gebrasy is actually Audrius Petrauskas — who I remembered having great vocals. But back then, Gebrasy performed songs written by author writers that did not always suit him perfectly. “Where’d You Wanna Go?”, on the other hand, is his song from all perspectives. It was written by himself and showcases his musical talent and capability to tell a story. Even if this doesn’t win Pabandom iš Naujo!, Lithuania has a fine singer-songwriter in its back catalogue with Gebrasy.
2. The Roop – “Discoteque”
3. Voldemars Petersons – “Never Fall For You Again”
4. Evita Cololo – “Be paslapčių”
5. Titas & Benas – “No”
6. Martyna Jezepčikaitė – “Thank You Very Much”
Robyn
1. The Roop – “Discoteque”
It’s a relief that this is a really strong grand final so if/when The Roop win, they will have (again!) earned their win. “Discoteque” is The Roop taking things to the next level. The song might sometimes feel like TikTok bait, but it’s clear that the song also alludes to the stress of being at home in lockdown when you’re desperate to just go out and dance. The song offers solution to this dilemma — one lyric says it all “By dancing on my own / I’m healing wounded soul”, with the suggestions that come May, Europe may join in with dancing alone. The fun choreography and energy make “Discoteque” a pleasure to experience.
2. Gebrasy – “Where’d You Wanna Go?”
3. Evita Cololo – “Be paslapčių”
4. Voldemars Petersons – “Never Fall For You Again”
5. Martyna Jezepčikaitė – “Thank You Very Much”
6. Titas & Benas – “No”
What do you think? What songs are your favourites from PIN 2021? Who should represent Lithuania at Eurovision 2021? Have your say below!
The Roop not only have a better song, but they deserve it more, due to last year’s contest being cancelled.
I truly don’t care what others will say but I truly want GEBRASY to win!
I truly don’t care what others will say but I truly want GEBRASY to win!
big question is people want a big party in yellow or a replaceable ballad guy?
times are hard in these days through corona – i vote for party!
Okay, look. Personal taste is great and important and all and I get why not everyone loves The Roop (it’s a specific style that doesn’t speak to everyone), however Lithuania is #1 in the odds now and I think we all know that it’s not because of Gebrasy. Lithuania has never won Eurovision and they now have the chance to do so. But I’m afraid only if they pick The Roop. And they deserve to win for once! Gebrasy’s song isn’t bad or anything, but it just doesn’t really bring anything new to the table. It doesn’t stand out. Still,… Read more »
The Roop are a big joke
The Roop.
I thought about it *a lot* today and this is certainly a unique situation. In most cases, I’d claim that ”should win” and ”my favorite” is one and the same. In most cases, I’d say that voting strategically isn’t as genuine as just following your instinct. However, this is not like most cases and even if I’d certainly be very happy to see Gebrasy in Rotterdam, I can stance the claim that The Roop *should win*. Partially because they did in 2020, partially because there’s really such hype around them and partially because they indeed are *that good* this time… Read more »
I’m also hoping that the Roop win tomorrow because they deserve a chance to represent and maybe get Lithuania’s best result ever, whether it’s a win or at least top five. Even if they don’t reach those lofty goals or crash out, at least they will go to Eurovision. I’m also preparing myself for the possibility of Gebrasy winning an upset victory, but I just hope for the best.
“I don’t want for this to turn into another Romania 2019 or Spain 2017 case” Me neither. I think it could be one of the biggest Eurovision controversies of all time. Let’s cross our fingers.
Be brave Lithuania’s jury, GEBRASY!
They’re mad if they choose anyone but The Roop. This isn’t the year for Lithuania to go with an inoffensive nice-guy song – they have a song that has a real chance to make it big in the competition. Do it, Lithuania!
I cannot understand how anyone can choose Gebrasy, a very random and pretty boring song thousand of times heard before with zero uniqueness, over The Roop. Even not being a huge fan of Discoteque, this act is a perfect pack in everything (song, rhythm, singer, dance, styling…), it’s indeed authentic and unique. Only reason some of you prefer Gebrasy is just that passion of pretending to be different and not go with majority, what its pretty boring tbh (like Gebrasy’s song).
Nope. I prefer Gebrasy because I like the song better. That’s it. You do understand that not everybody has your taste, right?
Nope definitely not, I like gebrasy because I really enjoy the song and his voice, nothing to do with trying to be different lol!
Boring for YOU. For the rest, all of them put him at least their 2nd…
”passion of pretending to be different and not go with majority”. I hate it when people try to sound smart but fail horrendously. Bro, we just prefer Gebrasy’s song, it’s that simple. Why would someone state that he prefers Gebrasy’s song so as to not go with the majority, WHILE his identity is literally hidden. It would be pointless.
Well, the one that goes with majority is you, that you support ruthlessly The Roop’s entry, which is not awful, but it’s not that awesome. In my opinion, it’s even kinda annoying to my ears.
But don’t judge me, it’s simply my opinion
Hey Robyn! On the wiwibloggs site it says “Eurovision 2020 News, Info, Reactions”, but shouldn’t it be 2021 since 2020 is over a long time ago and we are well into the 2021 season. Just letting you know 🙂
Running order tomorrow:
1. Titas & Benas – “No”
2. Martyna Jezepcikaite – “Thank You Very Much”
3. Gebrasy – “Where’d You Wanna Go?”
4. Voldemars Petersons – “Never Fall For You Again”
5. Evita Cololo – “Be paslapciu”
6. The Roop – “Discoteque”
Where did you find this information?
Rehearsal took place today and it was in this order so there you have it.
How does the voting work? Does each jury members present their votes individually for a total, or is it just the cumulative points overall?
I’m pretty sure it will be like in the past few years and that is cumulative points overall.
Seems producers still prefer The Roop. If the juries still prefer the Roop like last year, they’ll win with no doubt.
Gebrasy for me, in my top 10 for the ESC 2021 selections. The Roop is top 25-20 maybe
EDIT: I want the Roop to win because it will probably be Lithuania’s first win tho…
Hahaha this is pointless. LRT slipped for a second today and added “The Roop goes to Eurovision. Press conference” to their TV listing. Shortly after it was deleted.
Oops, spoilers if it’s true.
It’s normal to have such items prepared somewhere in the system so they can be published quickly. Sometimes they get published by mistake. There is no foul play, it’s like those articles about someone dying even though they didn’t, published simply because and editor misclicked.
Oh yeah, I remembered there was an inconsistency between reports whether an ailing television actress has died or now. First she died, then nope she’s alive, then it was confirmed that she died. That was a crazy spin (BTW it was Tanya Roberts who was one of the original Charlie’s angels).
I was thinking of the leaked schedule that reported Sergey Lazarov would represent Russia again in 2019. Rather than deny it, they just rolled with it and admitted that yep, he’s back.
It reminds me of the Rotterdam 2020 publish mistake on the eurovision.tv site. Soon after that they made one for Maastricht as well.
I want to see gebrasy’s as the Roops successor next year, Whether or not they actually win Eurovision.
Gebrasy and The Roop, I love both of them. Where’d you wanna go is so pleasing to listen to, but Discoteque is very enjoyable to watch. If any of these two win I’ll be more than satisfied
My fave is “Thank You Very Much” 😀 I never was a fan of The Roop, but of course they would deserve their spot after 2020.
It’s a difficult one for me, I have been converted and am a fan of ‘discotheque’ . But, I really love ‘where’d you wanna’, I think even more. If its just to listen to gebrasy is my go to still, but the roop were amazing performing the song live.
As much as I’d love gebrasy to cause a big upset and have a shot at eurovision, I know the smart choice will be discoteque got Lithuania. I think it might be a nail biter ending on Saturday!
Yeah, I am definitely getting nervous for tomorrow. It does make the possible victory feel less inevitable, but let’s hope it actually does happen because the fallout could be very toxic if they don’t win.
Off topic, What’s up with Armenia, Georgia, Poland and UK? They have all been so quiet and it’s already February… Armenia: We last heard about Armenia when they withdrew from JESC 2020. No other info about their artist or selection process has been heard. Georgia: Tornike was confirmed as their artist back in March and that’s basically it. No info about how they will choose their song or when it will be released. Poland: Dziennik Eurowizyjny told last year that Poland are planning to re-select Alicja as their 2021 artist, but no official confirmations from TVP. I understand that they… Read more »
Armenia will announce their decision on the 10th
Armenia will apparently decide on the 10th of February whether they will participate at all. Should that be the case, it is most likely that they send Athena, since they don’t have time anymore to choose another artist. Georgia will most likely choose their song internally. Last year, they were also really quiet till the release of the song in March. I guess they will release the song either by the end of February or the beginning of March. Poland is allegedly deciding whether they should send Alicja or another male artist (I forgot his name). They will probably be… Read more »
Oh wow, thank you for the information!
May I ask, where did you find all these? I really hope that Armenia will not withdraw! Georgia is usually pretty quiet about their song selection, yeah. I also heard about the Alicja vs Kristian (or smthg like that), but I thought it was just some rumours.
You left off Russia. We still don’t know if Little Big will return the represent them or not
there’s a 99% chance LB will represent Russia this year.
That’s unfortunate
I like them both, but I think The Roop will win. But I hope for Gebrasy.
To me The Roop are the winners of Eurovision 2021.
I mean, I love both The Roop and Gebrasy but The Roop should win this and I should be 100% certain that that’s what is going to happen but I’m not. The Roop have not competed in a heat/semi-final so that we can know if the juries like them or not, while Gebrasy has and we know that the juries loved him. Lithuania’s voting system sucks so much that even if The Roop get 10 times more televotes than Gebrasy (and he is second with the televote), if Gebrasy gets just one jury point more than The Roop, he wins
I think it would’ve been better if Lithuania had the system of voting like Melfest / France: You Decide and now Dora: Televote by percentage. So, if The Roop owns the televote by 80% of votes, no jury could decide otherwise. If by some random chance the percentage of their votes compared to Gebrasy’s are more around 50% / 40%, then some jury votes might help to flip the win. But that way, no ”by a longshot” televote winner can lose.
There is a petty part of me that wishes The televote would pick somebody else other than gebrasy for their second place so that it can neutralize the threat of a jury favored tie, but I just think that’s really cruel.
Well, it’s not an *impossible* scenario that the results end-up like this:
J: 1. Gebrasy, 2. The Roop, 3. Voldemars
T: 1. The Roop, 2. Martyna, 3. Gebrasy
Thus, The Roop winning anyway.
I just *really* hope that if The Roop win, Gebrasy scores OGAE’s second chance contest.
I have a strong feeling that the reason gebrasy Has been coming on top in the heat and semi final stage Is that the jury and Televote, especially the latter, can’t vote for the roop yet until Saturday because they are direct qualifiers. they had to vote for somebody in the heats and semifinal and gebrasy was just the best of the competitors that they are able to vote for at that point. If the roop Had been competing with the rest of the participants in these stages, they would be wiping the floor week by week. I know somebody… Read more »
We have two strong candidates to win this NF: The Roop and Gebrasy. I believe that The Roop have the bigger chance of winning and that is the option I am preparing for, and the one I’d be happy with. They have the right momentum and hype to go big. Contrary to what people say, I believe that Gebrasy also *can* achieve a top ten result (I mean, ”it’s a slower song” is not a convincing argument for me. First off, I’d say that the second part of the song is well into mid-tempo, but perhaps I am wrong. Secondly,… Read more »
My fav is Gebrasy but I hope so much that he doesn’t win bcos I know what will happen if he does: y’all will spread hate, rumours, and lies about corruption/Gebrasy bribing the jury and possibly ruin a great artist’s confidence. We have seen it happen with Manel and I wish I could say that this community has learnt their lesson, but let’s be honest there will be uproar if Gebrasy wins, which is honestly disappointing. On the off chance it does win, even though I know most people won’t listen to me, please respect it and don’t hate Gebrasy.
I actually agree, but I am sad for that. I want to be happy for The Roop winning for their 2020 victory and for the great song they have now. But I don’t want to feel like I’m being held on a gunpoint by peer-pressure. It kinda kills the fun out of it. 🙁
Yeah, that’s why I don’t wanna upset victory in this particular national final. I just know that the reaction to anyone other than the roop winning could get very very ugly and toxic and be really really unfair to gebrasy who would be tainted with this. He would get scapegoated for things that are actually the responsibility of The jury and to some extent the broadcaster. I can only imagine what’s gonna get thrown their way. The jury will probably get the most heat For supporting gebrasy especially if There is a tie and the broadcaster would really get a… Read more »
My favourite is Gebrasy but The Roop are also very good and I guess they deserve to go after their missed chance last year
The Roop are not my favourites and they weren’t in 2020. However it would be unfair to send anyone else. They won the national final fair and square last year and made it very high into the odds, which is incredibly rare for lithuania. They should have ditched the national final and internally selected the roop.
I think if The Roop had been selected automatically they wouldn’t have written the song this good. But because they have to compete, their motivation for writing Discoteque was a lot bigger. They had to make sure the song is good enough to beat other competitors.
Lauren you are a mess, messy yes
It’s gonna be a bloodbath between The Roop fans and Gebrasy fans tomorrow… I mean, The Roop should win PIN 2021, because last year they tried so hard to their victory in PIN 2020 before Eurovision 2020 was canceled. “Discoteque” is like “On fire”, but better and has a harder dance choreography.
However, I think Gebrasy also has a chance of winning PIN 2021, even though his chance of qualifying from semi-final 1 in May is smaller because his song is slow-paced. Songs like that can be boring to some people.
This is my personal opinion, please respect it.
I have no doubt the roop will win the Televote. Jurymight be another story, but I hope they will perform the best performance of their lives to win them over.
The Roop won jury voting last year too, even tho they had stronger competition song (yes, Make Me Human). Choosing anyone else than The Roop is like closing the casket and burying themselves alive. I hope juries wont ruin Lithuanian chance for most likely the best result for Lithuania EVER. Im dont exactly mean victory ( but maybe this too), but a really good and high result
I can’t believe this final is in only two days, which also happens to land on my birthday. It would be a fantastic gift if the Roop win again. I don’t wanna be too overconfident and say when the Roop win, because there’s always a small chance of an upset victory happening, And it could be very devastating if you’re so invested in one outcome. I wanna prepare myself for that possibility, Even if I won’t like it, because Having a little bit of doubt keeps me grounded but But I can also heighten my excitement if My first choice… Read more »
THE ROOP for the win!