The first heat of Lithuania’s Pabandom Iš Naujo 2023 was filmed on Tuesday 17 January. This means we now know the 15 acts that will appear in the televised broadcast on Saturday 21 January.
As always, there is some drama surrounding Lithuania‘s national selection. Lina Stalyte was disqualified for releasing her entry too early and was subsequently replaced by the group The PiXLS.
For those who stuck to the rules, the competition is about to begin.
Pabandom Is Naujo 2023: Heat one acts
- Aistė Pilvelytė – “We’re Not Running“
- Joseph June – “Vacuum“
- Il Senso – “Sparnai / Wings“
- W.I – “You Can Not“
- Multiks – “London“
- Lukne – “Paradise“
- Gabrielius Vagelis – “Sauksmas / Scream“
- Alen Chicco – “Do You“
- Ruta MUR – “So Low“
- Justin 3 feat. Dj AugustYno – “Not Giving Up“
- Baiba – “When the Lights Go Out“
- Justa Rubežiute – “When I’ll Find”
- NOY – “Destiny’s Child“
- Paulina Paukstaityte – “Let Me Think About Me“
- Juste Kraujelyte – “Need More Fun
Some of the acts have already released their songs, but not all.
Nevertheless, now that we have a list of the artists and their song titles, let‘s get to know some of them a little bit more.
Aistė Pilvelytė – “We’re Not Running”
If you follow Lithuania‘s national selections then you are for sure going to know Aistė Pilvelytė. A veteran of the selection, this will be her 13th time competing. Aistė‘s first attempt was way back in 1999 and the last one was in 2020 with “Unbreakable”. Will 13 be her lucky number and provide her the time to shine? Only time will tell. But, if Aistė is back then you can count on the fact she has a great song behind her.
Joseph June – “Vacuum”
Joseph June’s music is not tied to one genre or idea. His songs touch on elements of jazz, hip-hop, R&B and indie. This is Joseph‘s second attempt in Lithuania‘s national selection. He competed in 2022 and made it out the first round, but was subsequently eliminated in the semi-final. With more experience behind him this year, Joseph June might do even better.
Il Senso – “Sparnai”
This group is comprised of four young opera soloists who came together in the name of common goals – to go forward, to never stop believing, to nurture and spread the beauty of opera music to the wider stage. Their song “Sparnai” (“Wings”) will be performed in Lithuanian.
Gabrielius Vagelis – “Sauksmas”
Gabrielius started his music journey on Lietuvos Balsas (The Voice of Lithuania). He’s taken the stage of Lithuania’s Eurovision selections on multiple occasions — 2023 will be his sixth try. Gabrielius returns to Lithuanian for this latest attempt with “Sauksmas” (“Scream”). Perhaps this will give him the edge and we might hear another Lithuanian song on the big Eurovision stage once again.
Alen Chicco – “Do You”
Alen Chicco is another returnee. Beloved for his avant-garde look, expressive voice and sense of theatricality, he’ll no doubt put on a great show and he is one of the early favourites to make it far this year. He last competed in 2020 with “Your Cure”. His 2023 entry, “Do You”, is a power ballad with which Chicco wants to show a different face of Lithuania.
Ruta MUR – “So Low”
Ruta MUR might still be a new name in Lithuania but she for sure has a very unique and strong voice to help her stand out from the rest. She’s bringing the ’80s back with her song “So Low”, which shows her unique voice very well. This is Ruta‘s first time on the Pabandom Is Naujo stage, so wish her best of luck.
Justin 3 feat. Dj AugustYno – “Not Giving Up”
You might know Justin 3 from the iconic Lithuanian group Twosome. This year, he is working with well-known Dj AugustYno, who has already had some great hits in Lithuania. Their song “Not Giving Up” has not been released yet, but it will most likely be something fun and jazzy.
Baiba – “When the Lights Go Out”
Baiba Skurstene-Serdiukė is a very experienced singer in Lithuania and she has already graced the big Eurovision stage as the backing vocalist for several acts. A versatile singer, she has competed in Lithuania’s national selection several times. For 2023, she is returning with the beautiful ballad “When the Lights Go Out”.
NOY – “Destiny’s Child”
Nojus Zebrauskas is a very charismatic young performer who rose to fame on Lithuania’s X Factor, where he proved to be a big threat. While he is one of the youngest in this preselection, NOY can definitely give an impressive show. His song “Destiny’s Child” promises something fresh and fun to dance to.
Justė Kraujelytė – “Need More Fun”
After a very successful debut last year, Justė Kraujelytė is back with her second try at Pabandom Is Naujo. Last time her song was quite dark and mysterious, but this year she “Need More Fun” and brings something lighter to the table. Can Justė repeat her success of last year and once again reach the final of the national selection?
Tune in this Saturday to see which acts will be the first qualifiers from heat one of Pabandom Is Naujo 2023.
Who do you think will qualify for the semifinals? And which song are you most excited to hear on Saturday? Let us know in the comments below.
I wonder when the discussion posts will be up for Norway and Lithuania today. I can’t wait to chat and discuss.
Gabrielus song is ace! Fingers crossed.
I just listened to it and I have to agree. Even though there are four songs not available from heat 1, “Šauksmas“ absolutely stands out. It’s gonna move on for sure.
So, as of now, Lithuania has climbed to the eighth spot in the odds for tomorrow night. This seems like a good omen that Lithuania have something really special, but I’m still keeping a sense of caution so that I don’t end up disappointed. I do not expect every song in this selection to be a masterpiece because somebody has to stay behind in the heat and semi finals, but I do hope that there are a few pearls among the sand. I wish everyone good luck tomorrow. Let’s hope for a good show.
If anyone is curious, I will do my best covering tomorrow’s heat comments once again.
We look forward to it.
Didn’t you have that website where you tracked up everything about Pabandom Is Naujoand uploaded the judges’ comments on each PIN show? I’d like to get back on if the site is still active.
That’s correct. You can access that website by either clicking on my name there on Wiwibloggs or going directly to: https://pabandomisnaujo.lt/ 🙂
Thank you for providing the link. I look forward to it.
“Let me think about me” is the one!
I just listened to the song and I have to say I’m digging it. It actually reminds me a bit of Zara Larsson’s song “symphony” at times.
Yeah, i get Zara’s vibes as well!
Lithuania jumping to 12th spot in the odds before PIN even started. Really interesting. What’s the magic? 😀
Maybe somebody put down a drunken bet, or there’s something special in the lineup. It’s also the day before the first heat airs so maybe somebody is trying to drive up interest.
Guard your hearts because Lithuania just jumped into the top ten in the odds at number 9!
Most likely because of Gabrielius. Although, I’ve heard rumors Paulina did awesome in the first heat. Not to mention the favourite – Beatrich – which still has to release a song. And despite not so many releases yet, songs by Paulina, Petunija, Ruta Mur, Agne and Donata are very very decent entries. Donata surprised me the most – her entry “Made of Wax” made me puke inside previously, “Dreamer” is a huge improvement.
Beatrich’s song is out as a snippet for a while now… it’s not special or interesting. It’s either Gabrielius or Paulina doing this magic. Or something got leaked?? 8th in the odds now.
Yes 8 place I am wondering what is doing all this magic, Paulinos song is Amazing. Also waiting for Gabrielius and Monika posted on Ig that she is really waiting for 23rd of january because the long wait will be over what does that mean, is she releasing her song on Sunday 23rd
Yeah, I just checked it. It’s a good song but it does not feel like there is anything unique in these 11 seconds snippet. Very radio friendly though, I would not write her off just yet.
Most likely yep, it has something to do with either Gabrielius or Paulina. Or Both. Having two strong songs is even better. Not sure who else could be a secret bomb to attract odds… Gebrasy? Monika Linkyte? Mario Junes?
Donata also last competed with “the way I am” in 2021 and that was also an atrocious song. She’s definitely improving for this year. I’ve got to give her credit for that.
Yes, but “The Way I Am” was still an improvement compared to that piece of wax she presented previously. Fingers crossed her visualisations won’t look terrible. That’s what I’m afraid of from Gabrielius too. He tends to compete with decent songs but keep failing with his staging and outfits massively. The picture of the video premiere is kinda intriguing though. I love the excitement Lithuania delivers. It seems that with 2020, Lithuania has come to a new decade most Europeans were not ready for neither in politics, nor in the music industry. Sweet!
I’ve been to the filming. His staging is great this time. Very minimal and clean. No more atrocious clothing haha
Great news!
That’s good to hear. It seems like he’s finally learning to rein it in.
Another song has been released for heat 1–Lukne – “Paradise“
Hmm.. yes.. Gabrielius is the whole package! Smoking Hot! His voice is an ear orgasm and I loved the song. So yes, in my opinion he is Lithuania’s best chance!
The full song will drop tomorrow, so we’ll see if it lives up to the promising snippet.
This all sounds great and I am usually a fan of Lietuwa’s entries. However with 100% Televote in semi, they will qualify whether they send Baa Baa Black Sheep or Bohemian Rhapsody.
But that depends if they get into a semifinal with all of their allies. If they are alone, it’s more critical that they send the strongest song they have. In fact, there have been years were the televote Didn’t help Lithuania at all. In the 100% televote era in the 2000s, lithuania actually did not do that well, with the exception of 6th place in 2006. It’s not always a guarantee.
True but that was almost 20 years ago. If they draw Ireland, Norway and UK (voting in their semi) that’s 36 points minimum with no jury to drag them down. Regardless of the song quality. But it’s more likely to be good than not. Going back to 2006, “neighbourly voting” cost Polànd a spot in final. We’ll see what happens but if a powerhouse gets kicked out, the jury will be back. You probably know who I mean (clue 2010)
Osterdahl needs to come to his senses and reverse this irresponsible decision for next year regardless, the contest will only suffer because of it.
But what if Lithuania doesn’t get those three countries in their semifinal? That could hurt them if they don’t have a very strong song to compete with.
Oh, I know who you’re referring to (Sweden, right?), but they failed to qualify in 2010 because of the juries. If there was just televote vote in 2010, Sweden would’ve qualified. In fact, Sweden has never failed to qualify with the televote.
They wouldn’t have qualified in 2008 if there wasn’t a backup jury
I completely forgot about that.
With an annoying generic entry which squeezed out a great entry (FYROM)
That’s why I really hated the wild card rule for 2008 and 2009. It was really unfair to the countries who finished 10th and would’ve qualified in any other year. North Macedonia got unlucky to be 10th for both years and not qualify because of the stupid wildcard.
I agree re 2008, but I was glad in 2009 because Lose Control was one of my favourite entries. I would like to see the rule back though as a safety mechanism. So Croatia would have ij qualified in 2021.
Wow! Gabrielus looks hotter every year! Hope he wins! That would be a Great edition with Gabrielus, Marco Mengoni, Agoney and Andrew Lambrou;)
Rooting for Gabrielius!
Now it´s finally time for Gabrielius.
Not really feeling any of these yet, but I love “Love of My Life.”
Already fully published songs I like the most are in the other semi, but Gabrielius’ snippet feels very promising! Is it his time to represent his country? Based on the snippet, I wouldn’t mind at all. I hope that the full version is amazing. Good luck, Gabrielius!
I was obsessed with unbreakable!!
That was her 2020 PIN entry. Her 2023 entry is not out yet. Unless you just like the song.
I do just like the song – even now!
People that attended the recording yesterday said she had the worst song of the night lol
Oh dear. Is it bad enough that she could not make it to the semi finals Or could she still make it because of the wide net and her name. Who had the best and worst performances?
There is a chance that she won’t make it. Best performance by far: Gabrielius. Also Paulina is quite strong, even though I’m not a big fan of the song. Very Zara Larsson in every way. Worst: Aiste, Baiba
As it is released, Baiba’s song is bad, I agree. She definitely won’t make it out of the heat this Saturday.
Ruta Mur or Gabrielus for me. I think both are of a good and unique quality.
I must say that each time Gabrielus enters the competition I really like his entries and I think listening this snippet this year won’t be an exception. I’ve watched only NOY’s Music Video so far and this guy seems fun and talented too, his MV looks expensive.
Paulina Paukstaityte might surprise everyone, because her song sounds really good. There’s a snippet on her tiktok
Her song is good !
Petunija with “Love of my life” is out also and this is…. GOOD !!! (Ballad yes but very emotional & good vibes).
Yes, Petunija have a real chance to win PIN2023 🙂 I love love her song
I’m really enjoying Ruta Mur, that song is a nice vibe.
Gabrielius Vagelis! OMG! How can I even concentrate on the song when the singer looks like that? I have to say.. the male beauty in this world just never ends..
With 15 songs, I wonder how many are going to move on to the semi finals because there’s an odd number. My guess it will be somewhere between 7-8 maybe 9 songs moving on (10 would leave just five songs behind).
it’s about time for an article on Lithuania. I’m tired of talking about it on other article comments.
It’s 8.
That sounds about right, but how do you know that? Was it written in the rules?
Actually, I was reading the wiki entry for Lithuania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 and it actually quoted A Lithuanian article that there will be ten qualifiers from heat 1. Now I’m confused. I guess we’ll have to find out on Saturday.
That article says nothing about 10 qualifiers. I attended the pre-recording, hosts said only 8 will advance. Then 4 from each semi. There will be 8 acts in the grand final, as always.
Oops, probably misheard it. Sorry, 10 will advance. You’re right!
So my devil-ish plan of wishing for 10 acts in the Grand Final was confirmed? Praise my powers, you folks! 😀
Nothing is known about the final yet, but this makes sense. 20 qualify from the heats, then 10 qualify from the semis.
I really wish we had all the songs out (at least for this heat), so I can make a prediction of who will make it to the semi finals and who will be left behind. It’s hard to do that because something that I think should remain in the heat may end up making to the semi finals because the wide net of 10 qualifiers.
On the other hand, the math makes sense. 30 songs for the heat, 20 songs for the semi finals, and 10 songs for the final if that’s the case.
Gabrielius Vagelis sounds very promising. He’s gotten big in Lithuania recently, so this could bring him the long awaited victory. Adding to the fact how weak the other acts sound and the hopefuls falling short (Monika Linkyte, Beatrich). There’s still Gebrasy and AKD left though, so we’ll see.
Have you heard Petunija’s song love of my life? I think it actually sounds really good. Could be a dark horse.
Not rly 🙁
You don’t like it, or you don’t think it’s a dark horse? everybody has different tastes. I just think at the moment it feels like the best song of this selection for now with the 11 songs that are currently out right now. It might get surpassed by a few other songs when more are released, but that remains to be seen.
I liked it, a lot actually. But now I’m kinda bored of it. Maybe the live performance will lift it up, we’ll see.
you probably listened to it too many times. That could make somebody sick of a song. Just take a break from it.
Yeah probably. Petunija said the live performance will be a bit different and will feature a studio instrumental. It could sound even better!
I cried when listened to Love Of My Life the first time, cuts deep