Once again Ireland will use the “The Late Late Show” to choose its Eurovision song. On Friday 3 February, host Ryan Tubridy will guide viewers through the Eurosong 2023 special, which spans genres from dance-pop to rap. But before the show kicks off, the Wiwi Jury — our in-house team of music unprofessionals — is reviewing and rating the 6 competing songs. Our final song to review and score is Public Image Limited with “Hawaii”.

Wiwi Jury: Public Image Limited – Hawaii

Renske: Despite the group’s controversial history, “Hawaii” actually brings a tender story. The song is perhaps the most inventive of the bunch — it’s daring and risky, while also remaining quiet. Songs like this have faired very well at Eurovision in recent years. I also love the harmonious combination of lyrics and music: it’s mellow, soft and sultry. Although the song stays mostly flat for three minutes straight, it is the one that you will remember after listening all the six tracks.

Score: 7

Rick: The story of the song is very cute and I can definitely see some people liking the AlternativeRock/Indie-sound of it. But the big problem here is this: fans of Johnny Rotten and the Sex Pistols will be disappointed with a song like this, since he’s best known for energetic rock. This isn’t one of them. It’s also not fresh enough and Rotten doesn’t have the right attitude to represent Ireland, since he’s previously mocked the contest.

Score: 3

Ruxy: The song itself is a fine love song. The story of John writing this song for his wife who’s suffering with Alzheimer’s is indeed emotional. The song has an interesting instrumental, I love the drums. The atmosphere is calm and bright like a summer day but the lyrics are quite repetitive, creating the idea of a very linear and repetitive song. In my opinion, to take part in a show that you call ‘awful and disgusting’ (whether it’s just a PR strategy or not) is somehow disturbing. I can respect everyone’s opinion about the show, but I think that the most important element in any performance is the way in which the artist delivers that song to the audience, live. The performance of an artist can lift up or drag down a song. And I don’t see how an artist can take a performance seriously and give his very best on a stage that he considers awful and disgusting.

Score: 2 

Tom: Ok. Do I respect Mr Rotten’s achievements to this point with the Sex Pistols, yes. Do I think that there is a market for his new track “Hawaii”, absolutely – we all love a bit of nostalgia. “Remembering the good old days” and this song does achieve that. I love that the song was written for his wife who unfortunately has Alzheimer’s. It’s a very honest and touching tribute. I also enjoy the fact that the song does feel like calm waves on a beach in Hawaii. There are positives. However, to be kind, it is just not for me. Taking what Mr Rotten has said and the rotten things about the contest completely out of the equation, it is not a great song. Repetition can work for some songs, it doesn’t for this – it is sleep inducing. The quality of the singing is also questionable, even in the studio cut. If anyone else without his past credentials sent this song in, it wouldn’t see the light of day. 
Not for me.

Score: 4

William: This is the most sincere song of the bunch — John is opening up about the sadness of Alzheimers. His plea for his wife to remember their time in Hawaii is gut-wrenching and real. Musically, however, it’s a bit too plodding. To keep viewers watching this needs to feel more dynamic.

Score: 4

  1. Connolly – “Midnight Summer Night” Score: 7.5
  2. Adgy – “Too Good For Your Love” Score: 7.4
  3. Leila Jane – “Wild” Score: 6.8
  4. K Muni & ND – “Down In The Rain” Score 6.2
  5. Wild Youth – “We Are One” Score: 6
  6. Public Image Limited – “Hawaii” Score: 4

What do you think of “Hawaii”? Do you think it is good enough to represent Ireland at Eurovision? Let us know in the comments.

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Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
Esc addict / Shut up and watch my ...
1 year ago

My winner since the first listen is Adgy, finger crossed for tonight. Hawaii is a personal song, very nice and atmospheric but not enough competitive for Eurovision imo.

Sam
Sam
1 year ago

This is the biggest name in the selection and a song with a very poignant meaning so shouldn’t we be preparing ourselves that this is going to win? Ireland have rarely chosen what the Eurofans want anyway.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  Sam

they did choose Brooke last year who was the fandom’s favorite.

jenblack98
jenblack98
1 year ago

The song is beautiful and in my eyes deserves to win. It probably won’t because yall are just sticks in the mood about one comment. He has been nothing but respectful and happy about performing in all the TV interviews. This is a song that will last beyond Eurovision wether they win or not

Xaxaxa
Xaxaxa
1 year ago

I hope they will change their song after winning. Some great sexpistolish punk song would be amazing!

Xaxaxa
Xaxaxa
1 year ago

Legends. Big legends. They will win but the song is weird. Nevertheless, former Sex Pistols will be in Eurovision, it will be historic moment for this contest.

Serafina
Serafina
1 year ago
Reply to  Xaxaxa

Hahahaha, canceled

Thallo
Thallo
1 year ago

I have a prediction. This will place dead last, John will storm out of the studio after the show ends (or possibly even when the votes are coming through) and chat absolute garbage about Eurovision due to pure embarrassment to the tabloids.

Also, shame on Michael Kealey for bringing a Brexiteer, misogynistic, xenophobe to Eurosong. Step down already, your time was done a decade ago!

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago

The song really isn’t THAT bad. It’s actually art because it’s about his wife, which makes me think there’s a lot more to it. I don’t see it winning but it’s already got hundreds of thousands of views on Youtube and gotten less pro-Eurovision fans excited so that’s a plus right? It’s not the most competitive song and we know Johnny can write catchier songs but there are several options for Ireland, two or three today and this has potential.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago

Potential to be given the number two death slot and finish last in the first semifinal at Eurovision. Not saying it WILL happen for Ireland if he wins, just the potential to do so.

Escfan
1 year ago

The reason it’s gotten the views it has is because

1. Rte and Irish media in general for some reason are promoting him more than all the other contestants
2. because he is a known name in the music industry, particularly in Ireland and the UK
3. Because of all the rubbish he has been spouting since he was selected.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  Escfan

Controversy sells, but it’s coming at the expense of the other artists that could do a better job for Ireland result wise whether they qualify or not. We will see if the best artist or controversy wins tonight.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

The two juries will keep him from winning, even if the televote goes for him. We shouldn’t worry.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

I’m not making any predictions tonight. Let’s just see what happens.

Leo M
Leo M
1 year ago

I like the backstory of the song but the song itself is absolutely atrocious. As for the singer.. he’s not worth the rant

HarpyDarper
HarpyDarper
1 year ago

Thinking about his comments, how do we think John would behave in Liverpool, if he wins tonight? Would he be obnoxious and disrespectful? Or would he embrace the contest and his time in it, and improve his attitude?

Ari
Ari
1 year ago
Reply to  HarpyDarper

He doesn’t need to improve his attitude. It’s not an attitude contest. He can be as obnoxious and disrespectful as he wants, even though there is no reason for him to do so because his own song is absolutely awful. That still gives him the right to speak some basic truth about the contest any way he chooses without getting crucified for it by this oh so tolerant Eurovision fandom.

Dryan
Dryan
1 year ago
Reply to  Ari

What basic truths? His comments were just stupid. Why are you here if you don’t like the contest and think it’s trash? Ironically his own song is trash. If this goes to Eurovision it’s 100% a NQ. And yes he needs to improve his attitude. This not a pub, it’s an international competition.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Dryan

No live instruments.

Ari
Ari
1 year ago
Reply to  Dryan

Free speech can be too much for some people, I get it. Try Russia, theyll protect you. 🙂

Escfan
1 year ago
Reply to  Ari

sorry, there’s no basic truth to it at all, it’s just a sorry whingy excuse for poor results, look at the UK last year when they changed their attitudes.

Ari
Ari
1 year ago
Reply to  Escfan

The basic truth he said was that it is a karaoke contest. That is a fact. Calling Eurovision awful is an opinion he is allowed to have.

Escfan
1 year ago
Reply to  Ari

It’s not a karaoke contest! Literally look at the likes of Chanel and Sam Ryder. That’s pathetic to say tbh.

Also if you really want to represent a country at esc then no you can’t say its awful, whats the point in entering if you think that?!

Ari
Ari
1 year ago
Reply to  Escfan

Singing to a backing track is karaoke. The truth is not pathetic. Karaoke does not mean the singing is bad, you know? You’d have to ask the guy himself what the point in entering a contest you find disgusting is. I don’t want him there, I merely respect his right to voice his worthless opinions.

Escfan
1 year ago
Reply to  Ari

What makes you think everyone’s singing with a backing track, Sam didn’t and Chanel only used it for the mo and low part in the chorus, she still sang the song. Most contestants aren’t using backing tracks with vocals and any who either don’t place well or don’t qualify to begin with.

Escfan
1 year ago
Reply to  Escfan

any who do use backing tracks with vocals*

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  Ari

The problem is that Johnny rotten is being a hypocrite, bashing Eurovision while competing to be a representative for Ireland. That’s not a good look. It begs the question—if he doesn’t like Eurovision, fine, but why are you competing in the first place?

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

It would bring joy to his wife, he says.

Escfan
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Writing this song alone should fulfill that and tbh I doubt she’s impressed with his ranting in the press. He could’ve been respectful and just entered with the song and had the meaning, but no, he couldn’t help himself talk rubbish about the contest.

Ari
Ari
1 year ago
Reply to  BadWoolfGirl

He’s being ridiculous, we all know that. My point is that he is that we are supposed to have free speech in Europe and this humorless fandom is not owed a certain attitude or gratitude by any contestant. I don’t wanna see him in Eurovision, either. His song sucks and he doesn’t bring anything worthwhile to the table. Even within this terrible selection, he still sucks compared to others.

Escfan
1 year ago
Reply to  Ari

Also what basic truth? I think the UK themselves last year so how idiotic that ideology was and people who didn’t vote for them in the last number of esc’s voted for them, not because of the country (which they repeatedly used as an excuse for sh*t results) but because of the performance.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  HarpyDarper

I think it would improve, because the way he feels now is based on ignorance. When he actually gets there, he will learn.

Ari
Ari
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

what does he need to learn? “Apparently I have to — I’m karaoke over a backing track,” he said. “This is nothing I’ve ever done in my life.”
What he said was the truth. He needs to learn to shut up and not tell the truth? The only thing he got wrong was calling the entire Eurovision awful and disgusting per se. And even that’s partly true. I’m sure you too have witnessed one or two disgusting and awful occurances in recent Eurovision years

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Ari

Yes, the second part of what you said.

Ari
Ari
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

I was thinking more about the fantasy points.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Ari

That too.

Escfan
1 year ago
Reply to  Ari

yeah ari at this stage I think you’re trolling

Ari
Ari
1 year ago
Reply to  Escfan

I mean, that’s fine, but let’s look at recent events. 6 countries jury votes were declared invalid last year and Österdahl trolled the audience about it on live television. San Marino’s televote doesn’t exist and yet gives points like everyone else. I think this warrants the term fantasy votes and I do find this disgusting.

Escfan
1 year ago
Reply to  Ari

Yeah some jurors messed up big time but they handled it the only way it really could’ve been handled. Do you want San Marino to just not have a televote at all?

Ari
Ari
1 year ago
Reply to  Escfan

I think no televote at all is still better than a fake televote, yes.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Ari

My worst fear about them is that one day they will decide the result. It’s already happened with the 2019 “jury” vote. If the contest is in any way close, we are doomed. Still, somebody said on here a while ago that they will not be used this year. Hopefully that is true.

Ari
Ari
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

That is exactly what I fear as well. And frankly that would be disgusting. Imagine being robbed like that.

Escfan
1 year ago
Reply to  HarpyDarper

I’d imagine he would be as obnoxious if not more so because he thinks his song is the bees knees and letting him win would fill his ego. Completely agree with Leo’s comment, even if the sentiment behind the song is nice, the song itself doesn’t appear to appeal to most people and with his comments, it makes me and hopefully many others not wanting to vote for him or want him to represent Ireland this year.

Andy
Andy
1 year ago

THIS MAN INSULTED EUROVISION SONG CONTEST AND IF HE WINS TONIGHT , HE HAS NO RIGHT TO BE ON THE EUROVISION STAGE.

Ari
Ari
1 year ago
Reply to  Andy

Yes, he does. Because the winner wins exactly that right, no matter how terrible his music is, no matter how truthful his comments were.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Andy

What about the other three members of the band?

Jofty
Jofty
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

If they don’t show, perhaps Sheeba could take their place? It’s high time Maxi returned, 1981 was a long time ago. I’ll probably vote for Adg later hope he has a “nice outfit”…..

Xaxaxa
Xaxaxa
1 year ago
Reply to  Andy

Johny Rotten wrote history of music. It would be honour and the biggest promo for Eurovision, if he sings on this stage. Open your eyes.

Thanos
Thanos
1 year ago

Though I would like PiL to be at ESC, I think they could have done a lot better with the song. It has a touching backstory but is unfortunately a bit uninteresting even if there is musical quality to it of course. I mean maybe it would be too much to expect a punk Sex Pistols like song from them in 2023 but a more tame 80s post-punk kind of entry would have been possible. Anyways good luck to them!

Ari
Ari
1 year ago

Nah.