With only a month to go before Supernova 2023, Latvia’s national selection for Eurovision, broadcaster LTV has now revealed the 15 acts who will compete. Each of their songs have also been released for our listening pleasure.
The participants include Eurovision 2016 singer Justs and Supernova stalwart Markus Riva, who will be competing for the ninth time. He’s entered every year since 2014 (except for 2021, when 2020 winner Samanta Tina was selected internally).
Fans will also remember RAUM and Inspo from last year’s national final. Meanwhile, Sudden Lights placed second at Supernova 2018.
Supernova 2023: Participants and songs
24. Avēnija – “You Said”
Music and lyrics: Kārlis Grīnbergs un Ernests Vīgners
Adriana Miglāne – “Like I Wanna”
Music and lyrics: Adriana Miglāne, Darren Michaels and Martin Älenmark
Alise Haijima – “Tricky”
Music and lyrics: Alise Haijima
Artūrs Hatti – “Love Vibes”
Music and lyrics: Agnese Rozniece, Matīss Repsis, Karlīne Anna Ērgle, Toms Kalderauskis, Baiba Ozoliņa
Avéi – “Let Me Go”
Music: Raitis Aukšmuksts and Ieva Kudlāne
Lyrics: Daniela Brilovska, Ieva Kudlāne and Raitis Aukšmuksts
Inspo – “Sway”
Music: Aivars Lietaunieks
Lyrics: Nadīna Stirniniece and Aivars Lietaunieks
Justs – “Stranger”
Music: Justs Sirmais, Weronika Maria Gabryelczyk and Uku Moldau
Lyrics: Justs Sirmais and Weronika Maria Gabryelczyk
Katrine Miller – “Beaten Down”
Music and lyrics: Katrīne Millere and Andris Lūkins
Luīze – “You To Hold Me”
Music and lyrics: Luīze Vītola
Markus Riva – “Forever”
Music and lyrics: Markus Riva
Patrisha – “Hush”
Music: Patrīcija Ksenija Cuprijanoviča, Krists Indrišonoks, Nanna Prip Pedersen, Rūdolfs Budze
Lyrics: Krists Indrišonoks, Nanna Prip Pedersen, Rūdolfs Budze, Jūlijs Melngailis
Raum – “Fake Love”
Music: Reinis Straume, Daniel Levi Viinalass and Jānis Jačmenkins
Lyrics: Reinis Straume and Daniel Levi Viinalass
Saule – “Finally Happy”
Update: Saule has subsequently been disqualified. Read more here.
https://youtu.be/yvHXVZPXBMU
Sudden Lights – “Aijā”
Muisc: Andrejs Reinis Zitmanis, Kārlis Vārtiņš, Kārlis Matīss Zitmanis and Mārtiņš Matīss Zemītis
Lyrics: Andrejs Reinis Zitmanis
Toms Kalderauskis – “When It All Falls”
Muisc: Julianna Tīruma and Toms Kalderauskis
Lyrics: Julianna Tīruma
What do you make of the Supernova 2023 lineup? Which is your favourite song upon first listen?SHare your thoughts in the comments below.
RAUM for the win!
Pleaaaase…someone give Markus that chance!!!! (I haven’t heard none yet)
At least if he gets finally gets to go to eurovision, he’ll stop Competing in supernova. Just get it over with.
143 comments for this, either a great selection or a really bad one ^^
Perhaps both at the same time.
It could be so bad it’s good.
I think Patrisha is the best of them in this selection. Could actually bring Latvia back to the final with the right tools even. Since she was a guest act at Supernova 2019 she sang well there. I have high hopes for her to take it home for Latvia
So happy with this selection as i have 3 songs I would be thrilled to see in Liverpool ! i love when i Root for some songs in NF
1st Sudden Lights. So great
2nd Patrisha
3rd Inspo
The three of them are songs with lots of personnality and punch. Come on Latvia ! Bring the vocals and the staging and the grand final Can be back yours !
Okey, now I’ve had the time to listen to all of them I can say both Inspo and Sudden Lights are the best options. It is true most of them sound a little bit basic though and Justs has been a disappointment. If I had to choose, I’d go for Sudden Lights I think it’s the most different in the line up and could appeal to a wider audience. I still think Latvia will have a hard time qualifying with only the televote. My top 5: 1. Sudden Lights – Aij? 2. Inspo – Sway 3. Raum – Fake Love 4. Lu?ze – You… Read more »
What a wonderful surprise! Can’t wait! Hope that it’s a diverse selection and that the best song wins. 🙂
I’d say, if everyone think nf sucks, maybe try internal selection next time? Idk
Marius Riva should retire or get back to Supernova only with a decent song. All his previous attempts (including this one) are basic and generic as F.
I don’t think he’s capable of a decent song.
After several listens, here is my top 5 : Patrisha (good vibes, good voice and catchy chorus & she has potential on the stage) Inspo (I love the voice of the girl and the rock/heavy mental part is sooo catchy and good) Luize (Power ballad with good vocals and I’m touched by the melody) Sudden Lights (it’s very Beatles and I love the rock vibes and the melody it’s catchy and amazing and they finished 2nd in 2018 !) Raum (good voice and good song I think and the chorus it’s catchy) For me it’s a good selection with potential… Read more »
Not one song in Latvian, instead we have English lyrics that sound like they’re written by an AI. It feels like every one of these artists is trying to be someone they aren’t, doesn’t feel authentic at all.
I hope this is the last edition of Supernova. It would be interesting to see how Latvia does if they go internal.
Like they did in 2021?
The song was not good. There were some good ideas in the song, but overall it would have never qualified, no matter the staging. But yes, generally Samanta was too focused on her green color and employing her friends (the designer). 2022 was a big improvement for Latvia staging wise and how things were handled. I think a huge part was played by Citi Zeni and their determination, but the host of delegation was also finally changed in 2022 (after like 10+ years?), so that might have impacted the overall process as well. There were no mistakes made regarding Citi… Read more »
That was an exception.
Latvia loves alternative and subtle sounds, so this selection feels authentic to them. Most of the entries are pleasant, some are even interesting. The issue which was noticed by the multiple people here is the mainstream appeal. For a country that NQd 5 times in a row, including finishing last twice, one’d expect a bit more tactical approach. However, I appreciate their honesty. It’s very Latvian, and isn’t that what so many Eurofans are craving from the selections? My last year’s runner-up, Raum, again has a song I quite like, and it’s probably the one with the most instant hook… Read more »
I don’t mind at all seeing returnees, if their new efforts are good. Especially those from awhile back or those which unfairly tanked at ESC. I also love hearing good songs from new artists. I like when selections have a good balance of recurring names (especially those that haven’t won yet) and newcomers. However, as a rule of thumb, if mediocre fillers have to be included, I prefer them to be from newcomers who can improve later than from someone who was outstanding once upon a time. Aside from not including Latvian language, I find this selection to be rather… Read more »
I’m happy to welcome anybody back, on the condition that they actually care what country it is for. I’m thinking songwriters.
The awful truth is that Markus Riva tried so hard, so many times, that made us tired of his perennial presence in Supernova. So I can get why his song is being bashed again. But this is one is surprisingly fine to my ears.
I keep hoping Latvia manages to qualify soon, because I feel they’re always being very sincere about what they’re sending to Eurovision. The same applies to Georgia, for example. Should they be more tactical? For competitive sake, sure. But I like an underdog that keeps following their heart.
There’s that fine line of being authentic and having a hook. Italy and Ukraine are good examples of countries which routinely manage to attract attention without sacrificing any authenticity or artistic value. Latvia, much like Georgia can be either too niche or too subtle. I still appreciate their spirit. There are a couple of songs here that I’d likely have as my personal semi qualifiers, if that means anything. Markus Riva started out well in 2015, but lost to Aminata who was even better. His subsequent returns, however, dwindled down both in quality and in result. This is the first… Read more »
I appreciate the passion to fight to be in Eurovision, I guess the problem is when national finals keep selecting that performer because they’re well known by the audience and not because they have a good song to compete. Some of Markus’ attempts were even embarassing. Allowing him to be there it was bad exposure for him.
I think Markus Riva is very unlucky to have chosen this rather competitive year to bring his most promising attempt to Supernova so far.
okay but Latvia, you guys been using Supernova for over 10 years and have only gotten ONE good result with Aminata. i think it’s time to scrap this and go back to the drawing board. as always the selection is not that good, especially compared to what Estonia is offering this year. don’t you guys want to at least qualify?
I do not think a miracle would happen and something better would be submitted if a selection method would be changed.
Picking an artist and writing a song did not work either (Samanta Tina 2021).
And, as a Latvian, there is no good Latvian pop music. Only good Latvian music is alternative, which would not appeal to Eurovision fans.
Knowing Latvian music industry, there is a bigger chance that something competitive will be submitted for a national selection eventually, than a good song will be written for internal selection. I rather have locally produced music that fails to qualify in Eurovision, than buying songs from elsewhere like Azerbaijan always does, and I believe majority of Latvians would agree to this. Internal selection also would not work in Latvia, because the viewers are used to having a national selection and most do not even know there are other ways of selecting an entry for Eurovision. LTV would experience even more… Read more »
They pay like everyone else, except Australia.
7 years, actually.
Disappointed with most of these songs. Most fall in my average category of just “okay.” I only care about three of the songs.
One of those selections that will underwhelm those who follow national selections looking for an instant Eurovision winner song (I don’t see anything here reaching the top 10, for example), but I particularly like this lineup for trying something cool, embracing more alternative and current attempts. Also, I can separate all the songs from each other, which normally won’t happen in many national finals. My favorite is Inspo’s “Sway”. They already got my attention last year and I believe there’s space for this kind of sound in ESC (Estonia always bring something like that, but it never wins Eesti Laul).… Read more »
People are dismissing this selection too readily. True, there is no immediate Eurovision winner in the mix, but I don’t think we have heard one of those anywhere else just yet (perhaps with the exception of Elsa Lila, but that hasn’t been chosen, bummer). But Latvia really has an interesting selection and it’s far too early to talk about qualification. I can see, that you have picked up on roughly the same entries as I have. Only difference are the female ballads. They are, what I would call “generic” or “forgettable”, but they’re undoubtedly pretty and well sung in the… Read more »
I got Muzak vibes from… more than a few. Raum was the only one that instantly POPPED, and that would be important at Eurovision given you only get one listen. I also agree with Mbappe’s comment below. It’s funny how only Estonia truly got inspired by Sentimentai.
That’s completely fine, we are all different people with different tastes, I’m not on a mission. But I have to say, if Inspo or Sudden Lights or 24. Avenija played on an elevator, I would think that’s a really cool elevator. And I’m not going down the language rabbit hole again. Let’s just say that I think people should not feel the constraint to sing in any specific language at all, be it English or any other language. I don’t think it’s inherently better to sing in your native tongue. But I know that there are different factions regarding this… Read more »
You’re right, we missed “Aija”, but after you and so many mentioned it, I revisited it and I think it’s a cool one. I wasn’t a fan of the beat in the beginning, but once it gets to the background of the track, I actually like it. It could be a solid replacemente to Saule’s song, since he’s gone now. I’m still with Inspo though. I personally don’t have a problem with the clothing store sound thing. A couple of years ago, my favorite entry in Denmark was a song just in this alley. And I use to listen a… Read more »
Aija is such a grower. I 100% agree about the sound at the beginning (I called it ”misplaced drumming” in one of my drafts). But as the song grows, it gets better and better. The ending is very lovely. My highlights of this season so far are Evita in FiK; Venom, Bridges, Lighthouse, and House of Glass in Eesti Laul (Estonia has 4 great options IMHO). Kolyskova and Mi familia come next. Actually, from only 6 full selections so far (yeah, I’m not counting MGP, MESC, and Belgium yet), this is definitely a solid start. And so many more selections… Read more »
There are a bunch of songs I like in Eesti Laul, but I’m not expecting the Estonian audience to vote for them (though sometimes they surprise me, Minimal Wind did very well, Annet & Fredi too). Spain also has things I like and one of them is the supposed frontrunner (“Mi família”).
But so far I haven’t LOVED any entry. Which can change with the right live performance, of course. I’m curious to check the Lithuanian entries (haven’t listened to any of them), because it’s been a selection that gave me some gems recently.
I think I was a little unclear, “Evita” is not my favourite song of the season so far, but the one which I felt most confident could have made a dent and brought Albania something else than a close qualification and a 19th place in the final. Personally, I’m rather pleased so far, I have songs I enjoy in almost every selection, only outlier would be Romania, and I haven’t listened to the ones who only put out snippets, so there might be disappointment lurking. On the other hand, Norway is always a big gamble for me and my taste,… Read more »
Evita is, alongside Venom, my personal favorite song of the season so far. If it was sent by Italy, and sung in Italian, everybody would be talking about a certain top 5 placement and possible victory. Since it’s Albania, a top 10 placement would be more realistic, but still a fantastic achievement. I don’t think that Duje will do that well. A predicted borderline qualification and a usual okay result in vain of most Albanian ballads is plausible. The song is nothing I’d personally vote for, but I see its merits.
That is not surprising, if I have learned anything about your taste over the last years then that you love yourself a strong ballad. And “Evita” was undoubtedly extremely well performed. It’s always difficult to talk about placings so early in the season, so I’m just not going to, but let’s say that Elsa Lila had a considerably higher ceiling than your usual Albanian entry, something I cannot say about Albina Kelmendi and her family. And “Venom” is holding up really well in my own ranking as well, although I have also learned not to put my hopes on Estonia… Read more »
Oh, absolutely, all of this talk about potential placement is guesswork at it’s finest. It’s mostly based on how entries of a similarly broad appeal and perceived quality placed in previous contests. However, since each year has entries we claim are robbed, these predictions are just fun malarky. 😉 Still, it’s hard for me to imagine Evita being at last year’s contest instead of Brividi and not getting that one spot higher. As for Estonia, I usually have great experiences with them. Remove two extremely bland and sub-par entries from Uku Suviste, and you have three entries from Elina, Victor,… Read more »
I don’t want to take anyone’s fun away, so knock yourself out with the predictions. I’m just not doing them before I know the competition. I’m not sure about Elsa Lila being able to finish higher than Mahmood & Blanco last year, “Brividi” was a real strong song. I had a field day in the grand final anyway: All of my favourites had qualified, 7 of my personal top 10 made the actual top 10, 11 of my top 12 made the top 15. The only real disappointment was Czech Republic, but given the overall results, I could live with… Read more »
What’s always fascinating is how tastes are different. Sure, I agree that Brividi is essentially a strong song, but I find both Hope and Evita to be much stronger. In a 2011 line-up, Stefan would’ve been my clear runaway winner. 🙂 This way, in a much stronger years, it’s still my runner-up. I would also be very happy with Alika or Sissi winning Eesti Laul (even if I’d place Ollie even higher). Then again, dramatic ballads and country-pop are my preferred genres much more than they are yours (on average, at least). You usually prefer a bit more subtle and/or… Read more »
As for the actual placements in the contest, my top 10 in 2022 were all in the finals, with my top 3 finishing 10th, 12th, and 13th, which is all good in my book (especially how the public loved them). Most others are either in top 10 or very close by. My only regret is the very bad result of France, which I even wouldn’t find *that* bad had it been through the semis, but as it crashed right in the finals, it’s just a really sad scenario. Czech Republic deserved better, but at least they had their mini-victory by… Read more »
Yeah, Moldova being popular with the televote didn’t surprise me at all – but it being that popular did. These funny folk entries always have an audience – but gladly they never win.
And I’m sure that you remember that I thought France picked the wrong entry. But I will admit that I wouldn’t have expected them to come second to last nonetheless, my guess would have been around 15th.
France had a strong NF (yet again), but this was the entry I was somehow being drawn to since the beginning. I’d take that 15th in a heartbeat. 🙂
Oh my God, you are absolutely right, I always get the years mixed up, that’s why I always say the title and/or the singer, and never “Estonia 2017”. I should stick to that rule. “Verona” was an absolute abomination (sorry for all its ardent fans), “Play” was the last Estonian song that made my top 3 (or even top 10).
And I wouldn’t have minded Stefan winning in 2011 at all. But in 2022 he would have been a most unexpected winner.
Play is my personal 2016 winner, and it finishing last in the semi was such a cold shower. I know that Juri was a bit nervous on stage, but that it finished lower than Finland, San Marino, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Monetenegro was adding an insult on injury. I still loved his performance, and I’m glad that I voted. As for Verona, I don’t hate it, but it was one of the most overrated songs among fans in recent memory, rivaling perhaps Monsters in 2018 and What About My Dreams in 2011. None of these achieving a result to write… Read more »
PS. Now seeing which entries actually qualified in 2016, I’d probably take Malta and Azerbaijan out, and put Estonia and Iceland in.
2016 is still a rather weird year for me. People always claim it was one of if not the best year, but I just don’t see it. It was probably the apex of Eurovision being a contest mainly for polished, glossy pop. Juri never should have finished last, I don’t care how creepy people say his performance was, I loved it. And “Verona” was just cringeworthy from start to finish, an absolute trainwreck. I know you will not agree with me, but there is only one song, I think, that was equally overrated by the fans and that was “Crisalide”.… Read more »
I utterly disagree about Crisalide, but I’ll always defend your right to say so. 🙂
I absolutely agree about the charms of Juri’s creepy performance, though. 😉
I kinda agree about 2016. I mean, the year is fine for me, but not better than 2015, 2018, or 2021 on average. There were some great songs, but a lot of the top results are just okay, not amazing in my book.
I’ve been so busy in my personal life recently, I don’t even know if I’ll finish the national finals’ season or give them up… I mean, I’ll find some room for Sanremo and Festival da Canção for sure and I’ll be watching the most shows I could, but I don’t see myself listening to snippets or carefully judging entries this year, sadly. So, I’ll probably meet the Lithuanian hopefuls when PiN actually starts. As it usually happens concerning powerful ballads, I’m exactly between you and Colin. He probably loves “Evita” much more than I do, but Elsa Lila’s performance converted… Read more »
I hope you are busy with something pleasant and not just stressed out with work. And it’s good to hear that your attendance of the important live shows is not in jeopardy. Take your time, it’s always good to read you even if it’s perhaps not as often as it used to be. Life can get busy sometimes.
It’s work + studies. So, I’m not busy with pleasant things, but hopefully I’ll get my reward for all the stress in a near future. I would guess I’m not alone on this, it’s like a restart of the world after the pandemic.
I just hope Eurovision-related activities will give me joy and not more stress, so I hope we have a drama-free season (oh, silly me :D).
I wish you all the best in your studies and work. I hope you find some time to post here and do whatever else makes you happy. 🙂 As for 2016, I am glad you like Lighthouse. Despite of Nina’s cold (and a vocal performance that would certainly go under the ”imperfect, but good” I’ve mentioned earlier), and a really unfortunate choice of dress, it’s my favorite entry from us since our return at ESC, and a rare example I have my own country deep in my personal top 10 (6th at this point). 2016 did have several songs I… Read more »
Thank you for your support, Colin. 🙂 I’ve read your comment yesterday, but I had to sleep. That’s my life now! It would help if terrorists weren’t ruining my Sunday by trying a coup… That’s another thing I didn’t like about 2016: the results of the semis. In the end, “1944” grew on me with time (and proved to be even more relevant after the events from the following years) and I can appreciate a bunch of other entries, but it’s probably the only Eurovision since I started watching when I wasn’t rooting very much for anyone. I guess my… Read more »
There’s an answer pending, it has been swallowed by the filter.
I am looking for a song which is at least a 5.5/10. That’s not what I got.
Interestingly, preliminarily I feel like most of the songs here are between a 5/10 and 7/10. Perhaps not very instant, but certainly pleasant. And maybe some are growers?
It’s a matter of taste, I guess. I would give most of these songs between 5 to 7. I believe we can all agree that the problem with this lineup is the lack of 9s and 10s.But as a show, I tend to prefer one where I can enjoy almost all of the songs than other that has a couple of stand outs and a large field of songs I would never listen to again in my life.
I don’t know that I would agree with that. I always feel a little lost when you guys start grading, because I don’t do that and don’t really know how to, but I don’t think this selection as a whole is just above average. I’ll probably be eating my words in May, but I don’t think the songs from Inspo or Sudden Lights or 24.Avenija would be mere filler material. I feel liek we have entered a new phase in Eurovision, in which the slick pop song doesn’t always give you an advantage anymore. Just think about Go_A or Konstrakta… Read more »
I’ll disagree on the “melodically not super engaging”, but I also believe we’ve entered a new phase where “musical personality” and attitude counts a lot. Though I don’t think this would apply to the probable winners if Ukraine didn’t have so much solidarity on their side this year (ironically, Kalush fits very well on the list you just made). Wouldn’t mind if one of the 3 you mentioned did well in Eurovision though. But let’s wait and see. I’m still afraid they tend to be overlooked. About the grading, I only do it during WiwiJury. I’m not as commited as… Read more »
15 entries and everything’s in English, why do they insist on writing really generic stuff in a language they’re clearly not that comfortable with? Why not try to promote your own language/culture at least?
The last Supernova song I really liked is ANNNA’s Polyester from the 2020 selection, if anyone remembers that one. So much better than what Latvia usually sends, would have been one of the most memorable of the year.
There are three songs that I got through: Saule, Adriana Miglane and Toms Kalderauskis. The rest not so much..
Saule is very good and atmospheric
Ok job done I’ve listened all of these songs carefully and there are 4 acts that keep me interested until the end, these are the entries of Luiza, Adriana Miglane, Raum and Saule, and I would personally go in Liverpool with Luiza or Raum if I had the choice their songs are really good, they seem to be interesting artists and they could do well IMO.
Jesus, this is a very sub-par national…Sorry to say that. Nontheless, my opinions: Avenija – You said – thats such a weird song, I kinda like it but maybe not enough. But it’s definitely something different so I appreciate that quite a lot. Love the whispering and modified voice part. Adriana Miglane – Like I wanna – its REALLY basic and generic and I really don’t like it lol and the tropical vibe definitely doesn’t help Alise Haijima – tricky – jeez, I really don’t like her voice. I feel I’d like the song more if someone else sang it… Read more »
latvia should add a joker as #16. :)R?ta ?ergalve – M?s N?ksim Vakar?groovy ethno tunes folks,which is missing (again) at supernova.
Ruta Kergalve – Mes Naksim Vakara
Already in love with Avenja‘s song
What is going on here? Has ChatGPT developed the ability to write pop music and not just lyrics? Something is seriously off with almost every song. I was almost going to make that comment after songs #1 and #3, but it just kept happening.
Sudden Lights kind of makes this work for them insofar as their song kind of resembles later Radiohead, and “slight malfunction” is practically part of the brand.
Inspo and Luiza seem like potential growers as well
Actually there’s probably a decent chance that I’ll end up liking these three songs enough that I’ll feel bad for immediately clowning on the selection as a whole
Inspo is my favourite, but it does feel like it belongs on the end credits of a Scream movie.
Two days later, and this is exactly what happened. All three would be in my top 10 NF songs so far. Luize is the most subtle of the three, and yet it’s the one I can’t stop thinking about. Those backing vocals whispering “hold me close” aren’t a traditional hook, but they keep pulling me back to the song like an undertow. The lyrics, too, intrigue me like a puzzle that just barely doesn’t fit together. Why the bluesy invocation of the dead at the start? Is the song addressed to someone who’s passed, or someone who has helped her… Read more »
I could see*
Inspo & Sudden Lights are my favorite.
It’s lovely to have Justs back – what a voice!
A lot of people say it’s an average selection me I think it’s good and it’s pretty decent with potential!
For me, I see Latvian potential with :
. Inspo
. Sudden Lights
. Patrisha
. Luize
. Raum
. Saule (but but I think he will be disqualified because his song was released in 2021 and he did a live from elsewhere…)
Justs, i’m dissapointed about him but i love his voice.
Katrine Miller & Markus Riva are good also.
The rest is not my cup of tea.
Good Luck Latvia !
1.Sudden lights
2. Justs
3. Saule
Supernova has always been average at best, but it usually had one or two decent quilty pleasures among the songs, but this time…. Ouch.. Not a single decent song.
Latvia actually has some options this year. My top 5 are Lu?ze, Inspo, Patrisha, Saule and Sudden Lights
Me too bro !!! ^^
Its better than last year, but i think they could do better. They are going in the right direction, but maybe a break like Portugal took? I don’t know, but between Lithuania and Estonia, I’m sure they can pull out better.
I used to get behind every Latvian entry but I guess I am grown up to realise us Latvians just don’t have anything to offer that can actually make some noise at the big event. Hard to support my own country when the main objective always will be not to finish last lol
People disliking your comment are just in denial.
I refuse to believe Latvian music is this generic. Every single one of these sounds like something that would play in the shopping mall. Grim, but I don’t think Latvia is qualifying this year either. Just send a folk song or something?
Couldn’t agree more. Most I got tired at 1 minute and others were very average. Nothing really grabbed me.
agree with INSPO – “Sway” and Katrine Miller – “Beaten Down” …..but I would put my money on INSPO.
Inspo – “Sway” – that is 100 % my kind of music – melodic alternative electronic metal (some sort of that). This will pass the semi-final- 100 % guaranteed!!!
The article doesn’t list it, but Latvia is scheduling their semi final and final to take place on February 4 and 11, which means there will be SEVEN (!) countries having their national finals that day, in addition to a few countries having semis. That’s a massive Super Saturday if I have ever seen one. I don’t know why Latvia wants to join a crowded day when they could have scheduled it the next week on the 18th with their Baltic brother Lithuania.
7 is too much (+ 2 semis too) aaaaaaarhhhhhh!
but i will/can skip latvia then – not so interesting this year maybe sudden lights but the songstart is ugly – my first choice at that day will be the sanremo final – maybe croatia (no songs from there so far) and eesti laul?
or better lithuania semi 2?
…jesus christ!
They do it on a crowded day because it’s not important to them if we are watching, it is for the home audience. Which is fair.
There is a music award show in Latvia on the 18th, so they had to schedule it before.
The selection is for the local audience, not for the Eurovision fans.
Oh my gosh! It’s all pretty sub-par
Latvia has a nice batch of songs, but I fear it’ll stay again in the semi this year, unfortunately nothing stands out 🙁
With good vocals, luize could probably get a good result for Latvia. It’s honestly the only song here I can see do well. But i quite like sway aswell
RAUM, Patricia or Sudden Lights are my favourites I think.
Maybe the 10th time will be successful for him…
Well, unsurprisingly, Supernova is once again an ocean of meh. I only save Inspo (a bit like last year’s ESCZ rock song from Skywalker) and Sudden Lights, maybe Lu?ze, Saule and Patrisha.
Justs is super-boring and Markus Riva confirms he’s only a Wish version of Robin Bengtsson.
And, well, no song in Latvian like at all? Disappointing, even if not surprising.
The song of Sudden Lights is partially Latvian.
Indeed. That’s not a lot, anyway… Even last year was proposed the beautiful “Es Pabiju Tur” by El?na Gluzunova 🙁
Latvia serving up deliciously wierd songs as usual…that somehow work.
Never change Latvia!
Somehow work?! They haven’t qualified 5 years in a row. That’s the opposite of working.
They don’t NEED to qualify. It’s not about doing the best you can, it’s about whether or not we unsubjectively like the song seperate from the contest. And at the end of the day, that’s all we can hope – that we find a new song that we like.
SUDDEN LIGHTS the best!!
Some really exciting stuff here, well done Latvia! I’m really pleased to see INSPO and RAUM back, they were two of my favourites last year. Of the two, on first listen, I am more drawn to INSPO, it feels so epic.
Of the others, I am enjoying Sudden Lights, Saule, Luize, Katrine Miller and Arturs Hatti. Indeed, there is no entry that I dislike, so all in all I find this to be a good selection.
I’m yet to listen to them but it feels like a dream line-up to me. I loved Justs in 2015. Sudden Lights were my absolute favs in 2018, not only from Latvia but the whole NF season, and last year both Inspo and RAUM found the 1st and 2nd place in my top. I liked Tom Kalderauskis too.
I’ll give my feedback once I listen to them but Supernova looks good this year.
Justs was 2016.
Justs is still as good a performer, but this time he’s missing Aminata as producer and songwriter.
She was a thousand times better than the salad song last year, but still, even if she had won Supernova I’m not sure she would have qualified in Torino.
Inspo’s Sway is definitely my favourite of the bunch
100 % agree with you Dani – that would be my pick too.
I mean, I get why the songs from every national selection are so poor this year. Everyone already knows who’s winning Eurovision 2023, so why bother sending your best?
Yessss, nobody will beat Duje, it’s over!
Albania 2024 woo!
Oh yeah, I do not like either of them at this stage.
Albania would need a serious revamp or a song change, and I do not think I will ever like a Tvorchi song, I do not like the concept and style of the duo.
Also, I do not think Ukraine will win this year.
Everyone already knows that they have no chance against Mengoni!
Just any one of the 40 Maltese
Saule for me please
Lots of great songs for Latvia this year but my favorite is: Lu?ze – “You To Hold Me”
For Latvia it is all about giving a platform for artists, so 15 is fair number. You do not have to like the songs, just be happy that artists get a chance to perform on live TV. For quite a lot of these it will be the first experience – Lu?ze, Avei, Saule, Arturs Hatti and 24. avenija are all new names in music. Last year was Inspo’s debut on live TV as well. Others appear here and there, but it is a great experience for them as well, a great chance to collaborate with songwriters and producers from outside… Read more »
Better chances for your faves to qualify
As a Latvian I don’t think any of these songs stand out, they all kind of blend together. Another year in the semi’s unfortunately. We really are coming for Netherlands non-qualification record.
If we can’t do well, at least we can break records for being the worst, love that!
Latvia already has the most last place finishes in semis, so there’s that lol
Maybe Latvia needs a break – Why testing limits? N Macedonia already understood
You never know when someone will submit a good entry for the selection. Aminata did so in 2015, maybe someone will in 2024…
True but Latvia is specific … Latvia is not Azerbaijan, Poland, Sweden, Italy, Hungary – Latvia doest have a name sadly