A week after ESCZ’s inaugural live show, we have the result. Representing the Czech Republic at Eurovision 2023…congratulations to VESNA!
The Czech-Slovene-Russian band have come out on top after a week of fans voting through the official Eurovision app.
VESNA beat out stiff competition from Pam Rabbit, Rodan, Markéta Irglová and Maella. This was after last weeks live event and Eurovision’s official YouTube channel. This is the first that Czech broadcaster Česká Televize has hosted after typically purely online voting.
Czech Republic Eurovision 2023: Vesna — “My Sister’s Crown”
VESNA were considered a huge fan favourite going into the selection, with the song released a few days prior. It is perhaps no surprise then, that they dominated both the Czech vote and international fan vote. In fact, they got more than double the points in both votes than the first runner up Pam Rabbit.
The vote was split 70-30, with the Czech voters having 30% of the say in the result.
You can see the full final results below.
ESCZ 2023 results
Czech Public Vote
- Vesna — 3,501 votes
- Pam Rabbit — 1,417 votes
- Rodan — 501 votes
- Markéta Irglová — 184 votes
- Maella – 95 votes
International Public Vote
- Vesna — 7,083 votes
- Pam Rabbit — 2,799 votes
- Rodan — 1,494 votes
- Markéta Irglová — 825 votes
- Maella — 504 votes
Overall Result
- Vesna — 10,584 votes
- Pam Rabbit — 4,217 votes
- Rodan — 1,995 votes
- Markéta Irglová — 1,009 votes
- Maella — 599 votes
Who are VESNA?
VESNA are a group who merge folklore and pop, to create a stunning modern take on the genres. The group originate from the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Russia.
Their song “My Sister’s Crown” is sung in many languages, including Czech, English, a chorus sung in Ukrainian and even a dash of Bulgarian. It is powerful, empowering and already a fan-favourite across social media to succeed in Eurovision in May.
They follow in the steps of We Are Domi who opened the Grand Final in 2022 with “Lights Off'”and came 22nd place with 38 points.
What do you think of “My Sister’s Crown”? How will VESNA perform in Liverpool? Share your thoughts below.
i am listening to this song pretty much every day and i must say, that i am more and more sure and confident that this is a potential winner.
good melody, strength in meaning and girlpower! ( i am specially liking the rap-part)
i just hope they are having a better perfomance. the live perfomance in czechia was a little bit too weak and i dont know if they will look lost on the big stage.
The song is very controversial. The authors of the song say that they wanted to support Ukraine and its struggle against Russia. Yet, Ukrainians are someone who are upset. Should you be more careful about feelings of those you want to support? In my opinion, the reference to ‘sister’s crown’ is a reference to the crown of the Russian Empire. Because of this historical parallel, this song is seen as a call for brotherhood, first of all, with Russia not with Ukraine . Do you know that the Kremlin is using the narrative of ‘brotherhood’/’sisterhood’ do deny the very existence… Read more »
I figured it to be about Ukraine’s crown.
I think this songs is about sisters of slavic world which have been suffering since forever because of the stupid power. Dude take a look on how many centuries those beautiful ladies can’t have a peaceful life over something they don’t want to be part of! It is a call to unite every Slavic sister and don’t give up to the power! This song is so powerful and I don’t take any offence at all as a Ukrainian.
You go queen! Yaaaasss! Women power! We’re all here for you!
Doesn’t it sound like it’s already heard somewhere? Right…
Serious question: I interpreted as, through “Love over power” its a anti-war song. That along with the fact that there are Ukrainian lyrics in it, doesn’t really give me the impression that this is pro-Russian regardless of a Russian being in the group. I mean, there’s a Ukrainian in the group too, as well as Czech and Bulgarian. So I really need help understanding the propaganda or political nature of this song that wasn’t already featured in 1944, Stefania’s music video and the politics that always surround Vidbir or whenever Russia and Ukraine, or even Armenia and Azerbaijan have spats… Read more »
Its easy, the problem is just the “sisterhood” itself. It is a sensitive and triggering topic for all slavic countries, even for Czechs. Russia/SSSR used this and is still using this to justify all the invasions and wars… so as a Czech I can totally understand why so many Ukrainians are angry about this entry.
Seriously? In the Czech Republic, do we associate sisterhood with Russia? I guess I live somewhere else
Exactly. Brotherly/Fraternal was used (bratrský) for example for the fraternal “help” in 1968 but sisterhood? No way.
Sestra in Czech is either a female sibling or a nurse. But definitely not the Soviet Union.
If you want to support Ukraine (if it is an honest intention), listen to Ukrainians.
Just recently, Russian contestant had ‘Crown of the Russian Empire’ dress at Miss Universe 2022.Sister’s crown makes a direct association to Russia, not to Ukraine.
What? I’m Polish and I’ve never heard of sisterhood as a triggering topic ?
I like the song. Good luck, Czechia! Greetings from Serbia
I am in favor of changing the Ukrainian language to the Polish language. He completely left out the support of Ukraine and hopefully he will calm down
With all due respect, I think if UA needs to be replaced, i would pick Czech. Which is almost the same as both languages are much less melodical than Ukrainian.
That’s true, but I like the combination of 4 languages
It’s not about what YOU want
I’m Czech and I’m thinking how to get rid of the hatred from Ukrainian fans. What’s wrong about it?
What the controversy boils down to is the Russian Girl being in the group. If that girl was Ukrainian I doubt the vitriol would be this extreme.
The song is clearly political and tries to make a profit out of the ukraine war. The ebu should not accept that
Czech Republic: please withdraw from Eurovision before you embarrass yourselves further. This is a very rea and sensitive topic for us Ukrainians, not something for you to capitalize off of. If you don’t withdraw it will be a huge betrayal to Ukrainians like myself who are living in horror every day. I know I’m not the only Ukrainian that is deeply offended by the R*ssian propaganda in this song (even if unintentional).
Czech Republic can sit this year out. Come back next time with something less political and more authentic. Thank you.
Please withdraw from wiwibloggs before you embarrass yourself further.
Agree
u are done
Dude stfu
“The Czech-Slovene-Russian band”
Ok, besides using a weird photo for the band´s promotion, i guess there is a partial misunderstanding, Wiwibloggs – the band is Czech and there is definitely no Slovene girl involved. Slovakia and Slovenia sound similar, but there are still two separate countries with different history.
Slovenka means Slovenian allrigt, but in Serbian/Croatian.
In Czech – Slovenka means Slovak.
I really want to know, if the Czech Republic is disqualified from Eurovision, will there only be 14 countries in the semi-final 1? Or will they move one country from Semi Final 2 to Semi Final 1?
And why the hell should Czech Republic be DQ from Eurovision?
It’s very unlikely that Czechia will be disqualified. If there really is some controversy with the song, they will likely be asked to either alter the lyrics, provide different song or provide another artist.
I didn’t like the song, their vocals and find the song a bit overhyped.
The message is good, the lyrics aren’t… sorry, really don’t like the song at all , but good luck to Czechia
Everyone here shouting about disqualifications like….
There is *NO* evidence of anything that this going on. Wild guesses based on nothing.
Don’t be part of a hysterical mob. Especially because guess what, a message like “ooohhh those terrible hysterical over-sensitive Ukrainians are forcing innocent artists to get cancelled and the EBU can’t do anything about it”… you know what that sounds like? Russian propaganda.
Just everything chill out and see what happens.
I think what sparked off this rumor was that on the Eurovision official website, the Czech Republic section of the 2023 participants was still labeled as TBC and it looked like my sister’s crown wasn’t added yet despite winning the national final on Monday. In fact, it still says TBC as of now (hopefully that will change in the future). This got some people on Twitter worried that there might be something going on that’s preventing the Czech Republic from adding Vesna to the official site and that’s where it spiraled out of control. I think Czech Republic will be… Read more »
Excellent point, thank you.
N.B. As far as I know thus far, Vesna will represent the Czech Republic in ESC 2023.
Why are you all complaining now we all know the Eurovision been fixed for years
The best song so far, of course after Spain, which is in another league.
I find it odd that someone can claim that “the CZR wants to benefit from Ukraine’s suffering” like please can you look again how many people voted and compare it with how many people live in CZR??? People MAJORLY don’t give a damn here and mostly just few people that are interested in Eurovision actually vote. It indicates nothing.
Well, I don’t think that Ukrainian broadcaster is really behind this controversy with announcement. At least, it published post on Instagram/Telegram today, in which counted new artists, including Czech Vesna.
Also, I have admit that in Ukraine, a lot of fans are ok with Vesna’s win and their song, even though they have russian member (I also voted for them, for instance). I hope, they will become officially representatives of Czech Republic this year ?
A lot of comments from Ukrainians are terrible. It’s disgusting
Here’s five things we know about the situation:
1. We don’t wanna put in the negative move
2. It’s killin’ the groove
3. I’m a-tryin’ to shoot in some disco tonight
4. Boogie with you
5. We don’t wanna put in
Personally I am not so fond of this entry. There were others of the same genre in the past much better. But I believe it will be a strong contender for the final (it will qualify for sure). All the controversy is just ridiculous…
On the video i like the video but on the performance It was “well ok”… What i cannot understand is why are people saying that this entry Will be DQ’ed just because one of the singers is Russian. If that IS really so, the world has gone crazy.
*the song I meant
The live national final performance doesn’t really do justice to my sister’s crown. In fact, I didn’t have the best first impression of the song because I saw the national final first not the music video. The music video is much more characteristic of what I think will get at Eurovision.
I think people can be more political than a song ever could. People are just hungry for controversy.
Well, it is a catchy tune for Czechia. Ehh I’ll try to weigh in on the “controversies” as a Ukrainain person. Intellectually I understand the good intentions but, honestly, I can’t help but get triggered, for the lack of a better word, at mentions of “Slavic sisterhood”. I guess, in a way it is sort of like blackface for many of us, something just too steeped in its history of continuous abuse and also cultural appropriation. Ukrainians have been seen almost exclusively through other peoples’ (specifically Russian) eyes as being a derivative of something larger Slavic/Russian/Soviet/Eastern/Orthodox/whatever, our self-perception was routinely… Read more »
That said, do I care a lot about all of this? No, just a fan of the show 🙂
That’s an interesting point of view, thank you for sharing
Hello, just here to clarify a few things about the toxic DISC HORSE the twitter hellsite created around this entry: While the song clearly is metaphorically about supporting Ukraine, it was not created to rip-off Kalush. Vesna has been active since 2016, they played this style of music (a modern take on slavic folklore) since the very first day and since the very first day their main themes were femininity, sisterhood and slavic mythology. The omnipresent claim that Russian propaganda has always used the idea of Slavic “sisterhood” as a justification for expansion is false. They do use an image… Read more »
In that family, it’s clear who the annoying child is.
Tell me disc horse is a joke
I think ultimately things will be fine in the end. If the worst that happens is they have to slightly alter the lyrics, then we’re in good shape.
They shouldn’t because the song is about solidarity. If that is political I’m here for it. Contrast that with the last from Belarus, THAT was political at its worst.
Indeed it is.
Hahah, I thought Slavic Folklore music remixes have existed waaaay longer than this. If we rewind back in time from Elitsa Todorova 2007, Slobodan Trkulja, Balkanika, all the way back to Madame Piano (from Serbia) who mixed pop and Slavic music in the 90s even…I’d probably remember musicians even before that, not a big deal. xD
We were talking about a song that may be seen as political but in a way that brings people together. Not quite sure what your point is?
I like this song. Best so far. 5/10
Interesting song but personally I didn’t like the song.
I’m really afraid that Vesna and the Czech Republic won’t participate, all because politics is still strongly present in the competition. indeed, many Ukrainians do not find themselves there with this song, especially with a Russian singer… It must be said that this singer is against Putin, supports Ukraine and sings in Ukrainian it is therefore symbolic !!! Frankly, this contest is getting more and more politicized… I really hope the EBU will keep Vesna and this beautiful song!!! I don’t want it to go by the wayside when the singer is no longer Russian at all and she supports… Read more »
The problem is one country.
Yes … But Ukraine this year it’s an an organizer with the United Kingdom, after that it is up to the EBU to decide, they are the leaders
you do realize the song itself is political… everyone here are hypocrites saying Ukraine’s shouldn’t send a political song and that it only wins because of politics and then here comes Czech Republic trying to benefit from their war and suffering and getting praised for it… and to top it off singing about “sisterhood” with Russia as they actively try to destroy Ukraine. doesn’t sit right with me at all
Noone is singing about sisterhood with Russia. That is only a widespread yet false interpretation used to smear the song. For sure the song despite the tropes used has political connotion. At the same time this can also backfire. Let the public decide this one.
If it was about a sisterhood with Russia, wouldn’t the chorus be in Russian!? Is it possible that ANYONE could read this as being pro-Russian!?
but you have washed your ears and seen an optician? Because the song is in full support for Ukraine! One of the singers is of Russian origin but she left the country a long time ago and is fiercely opposed to Putin! She is for Ukraine and this song is simply support. Either way, the EBU will decide the fate of this song. In the meantime, you are all toxic eurofans and it’s amazing to see this every year. I’m very happy to watch Eurovision alone without anyone, at least I’m calm.
well..Jamala won with a political song, so…xD
Yes but its not robbed. Its deserved. The song is fantastic.
That is very much debatable.
For me in 2016, Jamala deserved the victory !
Today Czech delegation once again posted on their Facebook that Vesna will represent Czech Republic in Liverpool. However they didn’t say anything about the song – so it’s possible that that’s their way of hinting at some troubles with that. Maybe Vesna was ordered to do some changes to the song? Change the song entirely? Who knows.
I don’t understand why Ukrainians are offended by this song when it’s a SONG that supports them…
Probably because the lead singer is Russian
Russia doesn’t sing at all, why are you lying?
Its an Eurofan Toxic…
of 1. it’s not because she is Russian that she is a bad person who is for Putin
of 2. She is AGAINST this dictator and she said clearly
of 3. She supports Ukraine strongly, she also said and in addition she sings in Ukrainian so it is clearly symbolic
You have to stop at some point always looking for the little beast, it is NO LONGER Russian.
your name is ‘Vladimir P’ we see where you stand, send a message to your very warm and superb friend that we will fight until the end.
The lead singer is Czech. Olesya is on the keyboards actually.
As the Karen of the forum, I need to speak to the manager of the EBU. Let the girls sing their song!!
For me…The best song so far…
Musical quality should come first over sending trash songs for the sake of getting some political votes :/ Find this song a bit overhyped and disorganized.
It is a scandal the the EBU has not announced them as the Czech representatives. Ukraine does not dictate which representatives other choose. They did it once, the EBU allowed them, but this is an entire different situation and the EBU should make its voice clear.
I do not really think Ukraíne would do herself a favour with such attempts and I cannot believe they are even trying.
I’d say it is time for the Big Five to step in and make a statement but seeing how the BBC agreed with everything the Ukrainian broadcaster has been asking, I do not rule out them even complying with this mess
The Bulgarian part sounds so good!
Wiwibloggs, wouldn´t it be more appropriate to use a picture of the entire band? The pic shows only one member. But VESNA it is not in their entirety. Feels a bit awkward.
Is there a reason why the Eurovision socials haven’t announced Vesna as the winner and that they’ll go to Liverpool? It’s always done right after the results.
I fear there may be something we don’t know about going on behind the scenes at the EBU. I hope it’s not down to the Russian band member or that the song is too political, etc. Let’s wait and see!
I’m also getting more and more worried. It would be better if they just stated that they need to review the song for possible political message or something. Be clear about why are they waiting, not just be silent.
If they release a statement that they’re investigating the act, it’ll cause uproar, I doubt the EBU wants that.
Perhaps they’re currently negotiating privately with VESNA to remove the Russian member (which is totally unfair). I have a feeling the Ukranian broadcaster is causing some difficulty here…
It’s not like people are happy or calm by them not releasing any statement. I would say it’s equally bad or even worse, because all the rumours that are being told and shared.
I think it’s safe but yeah I expect that it’s been examined by the reference group- and for people saying “why didn’t they do this with Belarus 2021” they probably had the same concerns than, it’s just that this time they don’t want to repeat the mistake of prematurely announcing an entrant
I hate to be that person, but I kinda see why this entry is so controversial. I will start by saying that I do genuinely believe that the girls from Vesna had good intentions and wanted to share a message of unity and peace. I also believe that the Russian member is against the war. I can see why some people might think that them singing about the war in Ukraine is a bit problematic. Kalush was dragged last year for winning because of “sympathy” and “political message”, even though the song was written before the war and chosen before… Read more »
I understand if people are annoyed by its message (although its not explicitly about war but it can be inferred absolutely) but I still think that if the reason some are asking for its disqualification because of someone’s nationality, regardless of them not supporting the atrocities taking place, thats kinda messed up.
I dont think any esc fan would support an artist who supports the war, but calling for DQ of an act for someone’s nationality, even after theyve said they dont support the war, isn’t right.
I can definitely see though how having a message like this with all that’s going on, and having Ukrainian lyrics, I can see how people would be pissed at that.
I agree, if the nationality of a band member is the reason for DQ, it is unfair. I am just wondering what is going on behind the scenes and if Ukraine really objected their participation, what is the exact reason that they stated.
I apologize for my English: It is not true that this does not apply to the Czech Republic at all. We have a bad past with Russia, they destroyed my country. In terms of population, we take care of the most refugees from Ukraine in the world, we send money and weapons. The economic impacts are huge and every Czech feels it. Giving the message that we are still here and will continue to give support is not bad after all
after reading more and more about the situation i have to agree. the sisterhood message in the song is very similar to putins brotherhood message which he used to justify his invasion of ukraine. I’m just saying i see why it’s controversial and Ukrainians feel some type of way about it
The war in Ukraine is not “someone else’s problem” bro! It affects the whole continent in many ways (political, financial, humanitarian crisis). The “ghost of war” is above Europe after many many years and it is serious af for all of us!
Of course it is serious for us all but in the end it’s about Ukraine, so they are the ones who should speak out and decide how we should speak about the conflict in general. If they say that something isn’t really helpful, then maybe it isn’t. They should be able to speak for themselves. It seem that the girls from Vesna just didn’t do their research, because “Slavic brotherhood/sisterhood” theme isn’t really the best idea in this context.
Hold your breath, Polina Gagarina was also singing about peace, love, and unity. But when the war broke out, she chose the side of an aggressor’s peace, love, and unity. I’m not trying to say that every Russian is a two-faced d*ck, but history has a tendency to repeat itself.
Polina Gagarina got a Swedish (and I think there were also like Australian or British songwriters or whatever) product handed to her. It was never anything genuine. Never ever. Not to mention the song sucked anyway, Russian or not.
But she didn’t live half her life in another nationality, this is an awkward comparison
I am the only one thinking the song seems modelled on Stefania. Btw good people it’s a lot, two words. One of my little bug bears.
Its a female version
Such a great choice for the Czech Republic this year, top 10 potential at Eurovision! All the good luck!
Great song, great vibe, great visuals. If they do a solid staging and performance they will do well. It has a message (but not to the point it dictates), and the music and orchestration is amazing. I will definitely vote for it. So far, it tops my ESC2023 list. Good luck, Czechia!
I really have to disagree with those who chastise this as being “too political”. What is and is not political is often a matter of degree and nuance. I mean, Eurovision’s very premise of promoting European unity falls somewhere on that political spectrum. To then expect every entry to be completely apolitical, I argue is not only hypocritical, but would get very boring. We would have forty songs about love kittens and rainbows, when music, like all art, often draws from one’s experience to deliver something compelling, and make its audience feel something (be that melancholy or joy, like a… Read more »
I stopped after “I really have to” but I gave +1 because of your effort to write such a long text
Joke aside, I also think ESC is political in many ways. And I agree with most of what you wrote.
Didn’t mind it on first listen and it has already grown on me, but it’s not an entry I will be particularly hyped for since it still feels a bit try-hard in a typical ESC kind of way and also a bit disjointed, some segments I really like while some others not as much. Despite all of that, have to admit that it actually seems like the most interesting entry the Czechs have sent so far, nice to see them improving their track record overall.
You mean to tell me this may get DQ’ed???
But Belarus 2021 wasn’t??? The entire fandom had to dogpile the EBU to DQ Belarus in 2021 and Russia in 2022 but this is something the EBU wanna go over!? Seriously?
I am not a fan of this entry but in no means is this DQ’able.
I think they’re trying to avoid the mistake made with Belarus 2021 by not prematurely announcing a winner
Wow. The abuse and harassment Vesna are getting on Twitter is insane. So called “Eurovision fans” can be really disgusting people.
they don’t matter. The EBU not immediately declaring this the winner is the scandal.
Ah pay no heed to Twitter, just a platform with a very small splash and very loud opinions.
The EBU better comply with the Czech results right now. It didn’t take them a second to declare that Ukrainian thing eligible to participate in 2016. They uploaded the Belorussian song in 2021 but this one is under review? The Czech Republic better not take any abuse and stand up to these bullies.
They did take the Belarusian video down after a major outcry.
But it was after there was an outcry
The fact it took a major outcry to DQ it was outrageous.
Clearly some countries has a name in the Contest and Czech Rep doesnt 🙁 Not fair at all
Great song Czechia! Very glad to see them be quite consistent and competitive since their 2015 return. If they polish their live performance (and judging by their music video they know a thing or two about visuals) this is a true contender for a top 10 result! I don’t see this winning, but it’s a great step in the right direction.
So apparently (according to Twitter), Vesna are getting disqualified because there is a member of the group who is from Russia, and Ukrainians don’t like that. So much for “united by music”, I see.
Ukraine does not get to dictate which act a country sends. I’m getting really sick of them acting like they own the contest and expecting everyone to bow down to their demands. The truth is that Ukraine should have not participated in the contest last year or this year.
Is Twitter really the most accurate source for verification? I think the Czech Republic will be fine.
I’d take what’s seen on Twitter with a pinch of salt, but it’s a ludicrous demand if true
this was speculation, the vast majority of Ukranians have no problem with the russian member but I can understand the concern they have with some of the lyrics. Plus why should they not have participated last year when they broke no rules? Should the EBU ban all countries that are invaded?
Probs the biggest pro-Ukriane song this year.
From the Czechs, of all countries.
So Ukraine can send political songs but the Czech Republic can’t. Got it.
“Stefania” is about the singer’s mom.
Yes I could see that in the official video for sure…
that was released after the contest- it was clearly written in the first place as a tribute to Oleh’s mother
the video was released after Eurovision
So Ukraine can send political songs but the Czech Republic can’t. Got it.
Eurovision haven’t confirmed the Czechia entry yet and rumours on Twitter they may be disqualified
They literally broadcast the Czech selection process on the official Eurovision channel on YouTube where they declare Vesna the winner.
So what? Now they have to make dure if the song follows the rules. Apparently they are reviewing the content because it could be “too politic” (I do not have an opinion as I don’t understand the lyrics).
Yes but Eurovision haven’t announced the winner on social media yet which they usually do straight away and their website shows Czech representative TBC. Something is going on behind the scenes
What sort of rubbish is this? ?????