Labas vakaras Europa ir labas rytas Australija! It’s time for the final of Eurovizija.LT! Whoever wins tonight’s national selection will represent Lithuania at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 in Sweden!!

Sit back and relax, and let Eurovision Ireland’s own James Scanlan entertain and inform you. As always, feel free to tell me what you think and give your opinions about tonight’s Final and who your favourites are! I might even shout out to you in the blog!

Tonight’s show is coming to us live from the Švyturys Arena in coastal Klaipėda. Hosted by Gabrielė Martirosian, Nombeko Augustė Khotseng and with Nerijus Trilikauskas in the Green Room, 10 songs are still in the running to fly Lithuania’s flag at Eurovision 2024 and will perform in the following order:

1 Aistè – “We Will Rule the World”
2 Žalvarinis – “Gaudė Vėjai”
3 Pluie de Comètes – “Be Careful”
4 Silvester Belt – “Luktelk”
5 VB gang – “Kaboom!!!”
6 Il Senso – “Time”
7 Shower – “Impossible”
8 Monika Marija – “Unlove You Starting Tomorrow”
9 Queens of Roses – “Walk Through Fire”
10 The Roop – “Simple Joy

Much like the actual Eurovision Song Contest, tonight’s result will be decided by a 50/50 mix of jury and public votes. The winner will be the next representative of Lithuania at the Eurovision Song Contest!

If you want to watch along with all the Baltic fun yourself, you can watch either HERE ON LRT ONLINE or  HERE ON YOUTUBE from 20:00 CET / 19:00 GMT. The show is scheduled to finish at 23:00 CET/ 22:00 GMT, but if you’re here chances are you’ve watched enough national selections to know that live TV rarely runs to schedule! At leas this isn’t Sanremo…

With all 5 of Lithuania’s Eurovision most recent entries landing in the Top 15 (ergo Top Half of the scoreboard!), Lithuania clearly produce a sound Europe loves. Is there someone here tonight who can give Lithuania their first ever Eurovision victory?

You know the drill: Just refresh this page to get the comments, points of view and all that Eurovision Ireland goodness you know and love!

LIVE BLOG STARTS HERE!!

Almost show time in Lithuania! Just 10 minutes to go and the search for our next contestant for Eurovision 2024 is underway

And we’re live in Klaipėda!

Interesting to see what amounts to the flag parade when it’s all the same country! Always curious as well to see who gets the biggest cheers… The Roop and VB Gang were definitely getting the love!!

Our hosts for tonight, Gabrielė and Nombeko – looking gloriously 80s!

I was at the Lithuanian national selection last year in Vilnius and it seemed quite small and tame by comparison… perhaps doing so well in Liverpool convinced them to up the budget!

Nerijus in the Green Room introduces us to the jurors who hold half the voting power tonight. Some of them seem to enjoy being on camera… others, not so much…

Aww, We Are The Winners from Eurovision 2006… a classic, even if it was a tad too optimistically named…

It looks like that’s enough preamble and we’re on the the first of tonight’s 10 songs. Full disclosure, I haven’t listened to any of them before tonight, so you’ll be getting my first, unfiltered impressions… you lucky lucky people! :D

Aistè – “We Will Rule the World”

Aistè is looking disco-tastic in her glittery bell bottoms and has a good, strong voice. I can’t fault that. Almost feels like she’s trying to channel ABBA – and as we’re off to Sweden in May, that’s not necessarily a bad idea! Musically, this song has more than a sprinkling of Olivia Newton-John’s “Physical” in there, which dates the song significantly and for a song named after global conquest, it feels rather tame and doesn’t grab me. It’s not a bad little ditty, I enjoyed it. A fun start to the night, I’m curious to see what else Lithuania has on offer!

Žalvarinis – “Gaudė Vėjai”

One of the few offerings tonight in Lithuanian, I’m really enjoying this! It has a dark rock edge with a strong ethno feel, which I always appreciate! It’s quite hypnotic with the chanting and it shows the band have given their staging some consideration, with good connection to the camera and some easy choreography. There are a lot of things that work here and I think would transfer well to a Eurovision stage – some of the comments on the YouTube feed are comparing it to Norway’s song for this year, I can see where they’re coming from… but I’d argue this is a much more accessible offering than Ulveham… I’m impressed, bravo!

I must say Lithuania, I like this pace of show… I’m not bashing away at the keyboard till my figures bleed, which had been known to happen in other shows, but I’m also not loosing the will to live *cough* Sanremo *cough* – well done Lithuania, I’m impressed!

Pluie de Comètes – “Be Careful”

Bathed in sultry lighting and seductive arm-ography, this performance immediately draws you in and feels very intimate, like she’s singing just to you with that rich, sweet voice. There’s something distinctly 70s and mellow about it too, which gives it a retro feel. These as all good things – and we’ve had a touch of French lyric too (very in this year!) My concern though is that a song like this that can fill a lounge or small concert venue will lose almost all of its power in the air craft hanger that is an arena for Eurovision. Remember Latvia 2019? Was lost on that large stage, despite how entrancing it was. As lovely as this is, I suspect sending it to Eurovision won’t end well. Shame, but Eurovision doesn’t suit every style of music.

Silvester Belt – “Luktelk”

As far as I can tell, this is the last song tonight in Lithuanian, which is a shame as we’re only on Song #4! The beginning of this number, in darkness with staccato movements and Silvester leering down the camera has instant impact. It’s moody, modern and very slick… I’m getting elements of Shum by Go_A, She Got Me by Luca Haenni and bizarrely, Loins D’Ici by Zoe!! What do all these songs have in common? They all did VERY well at Eurovision. It’s a touch repetitive for my liking, but I can see this doing very well… one to watch for the win tonight, I think!

We’re on an ad break here in Lithuania, but don’t go too far – we still have 6 songs left! Have we seen the winner yet?

And we’re back! Fun fact, I’ve been to Lithuania twice, both times in January and both times with deep snow on the ground… so that snowy montage of Klaipėda is very much the Lithuania I know! (I’ve been told I need to go in the summer… I’ve done Latvia and Estonia in the summer, and it’s stunning!!)

Nerijus is backstage talking to some of the jurors. My Lithuanian is almost non-existent, but I just heard a word that sounded suspiciously like “guitar”… so guess they’re talking about music!

Last year’s winner, Monika… she’s hilarious, had great fun with her last year at Pabandom iš Naujo! That’s not the only reason why Stay is my favourite Eurovision entry from Lithuania, it’s a beautiful song!!

Speaking of songs, it’s back to the search for this year’s song!

VB gang – “Kaboom!!!”

Do not adjust your sets… yes, you are watching people in neon crash helmets flounce and bop around the stage to thumping techno music that’s getting steadily faster while a guy wearing 3 sets of sunglasses shouts in Korean… because of course, you’re high on ketamine you’re watching a Eurovision Song Contest national final!! This puts me in mind of both Aqua from the early 2000s and Moldova’s Natalia Gordienko. Musically it’s not particularly erudite or deep, but it’s gloriously ridiculous and will be televoter gold come May. Highly entertaining and Lithuania could do worse than sending this!

Il Senso – “Time”

Well now! This is very dark and alternative… unwavering eye contact down the camera, uncompromising lyrics with harsh diction… it pulls you in! Vocally it’s very strong with it’s mix of gravelly male and shrill female sounds, but the staging is also stark and bold – but incredibly simple and impactful. Proof that sometimes less really is more!! The overall message of waiting on the edge and anticipating darkness will resonate with a lot of people, but goodness me it’s dark… I feel like as brilliant as this is, sending it to Eurovision might not be the right move. Bravo though Il Senso, that was indeed sensational!

Shower – “Impossible”

I’m not quite sure what to make of this… lyrically, it starts with rather beautiful imagery and feels very sensitive and deep, which contrasts with the singer’s gruff leather jacket demeanour. To further shake things up, we hit a bit of a rap verse, were the vocals become quite angsty and harsh, further juxtaposing the gentle melodies when they come back in… there’s a lot going on here and I’m torn between saying “This is really unique” and “this doesn’t work”. What I can say though without hesitation is that he’s committing the cardinal sin of Eurovision: keeping his eyes closed while he sings… especially unhelpful as there’s a lot of moments his face is obscured by lighting on stage. There are some good elements here, though they’ll need some work before going to Sweden. Definitely a different addition to the line up though!

Monika Marija – “Unlove You Starting Tomorrow”

Will it be Monika III for Lithuania? I love the staging, smoky, intimate and Monika sells the story of the song beautifully with her furrowed brow and gestures. It’s quite a gentle, understated ballad about a failing relationship which will no doubt strike a chord with many across Europe. Yes, we can spit the key change coming a mile off, but it’s still lovely! I like it, I really do… I just wonder if it’s a little too gentle for the contest and will struggle to stand out – bearing in mind it’s in a competition with other, much less understated songs! Nevertheless, brava Monika, I enjoyed that!

For those of you not following the other national selections tonight, 🇲🇩 Moldova have selected Natalia Barbu and “In The Middle” 🇲🇩

Queens of Roses – “Walk Through Fire”

She, Queen of Kings, running so fast… oops, wrong one! These queens are owning that stage with their synchronised dancing, which adds well to this upbeat dance track. It’s a real gear change from what came before it and I’m sure that’ll come in handy when the votes start rolling in. I was born to walk through fire is quite a powerful image and the song feels both fun and empowering. Yes, this kind of song is a well-trod genre, especially at Eurovision, but that’s not a bad thing! It’s fun and and they sell it well. I wouldn’t pick this out as a potential Eurovision winner, but it’s the kind of song that’ll find its fans.

The Roop – “Simple Joy“

They’re back… and the mere mention of their name got the audience screaming!! As soon as I heard they were in the selection again, I was curious to see what they’d bring. Vaidotas is one of the most charismatic performers I’ve ever seen, and tonight is no exception as he holds the audience in the palm of his hand. The message of simple joys and finding happiness wherever you go is bound to strike a chord around the continent, though musically I’d argue it’s very radio friendly but not their best… but that’s the problem when you have such a strong back catalogue! They’ve won Lithuanian national selections by a landslide twice before… will tonight be a third massive victory? I haven’t discounted them just yet!

Well, didn’t that come round quick! We’ve heard all 10 songs Lithuania can send to Eurovision 2024, but there’s only room for one of them! While we hear some more from the judges, I’m going to compile my thoughts on how I think tonight will play out – brb!

Not going to lie, for a long time Lithuania left me utterly cold at Eurovision. If there was a country I was almost guaranteed not to like their song, sadly it was Lithuania. But after some cracking songs in the last few years and attending  Pabandom iš Naujo in 2023, I’m appreciating their efforts so much more – dare I say it, I can finally see potential for a Lithuanian win on the horizon! Particularly after what I’ve seen tonight!

Lithuania have put on a fantastic show and I’m genuinely impressed by everything – the songs, the performances, production values – it’s been a really brilliant! For me, stand out moments are Žalvarinis, Silvester Belt, VB Gang and Il Senso. While I haven’t discounted The Roop entirely, I feel like victory tonight will belong to someone else and I’m thinking that’ll most likely be Silvester. While I think VB Gang would be televoter gold at Eurovision, I’m wondering how much the jury will side with them. I can see a path to victory for Queens of Roses too in the event of a split vote, but we’ll have to wait and see.

So if I call it now… Silvester Belt or VB Gang for the win… in that order. I suspect Silvester will win the jury vote, and then it’ll depend how much the jury nobles VB Gang or how much the televote scuppers Silvester… this could get messy! Could The Roop come clear up the middle and snatch it from both of them? We’ll find out soon!

One of Lithuania’s jurors talks us through some of the songs chosen elsewhere around Europe for this year’s contest, including Latvia, Italy and Finland… this is an interesting segment to have during a national selection, it’s almost like “Right everyone, this is what we’re up against… please don’t mess this up!!”

🇪🇪 Estonia have chosen! It’s 5miinust & Puuluup and “(nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi” 🇪🇪

Bloody hell, I don’t envy having to learn to say that for ReVu2!!!

Lithuania, lines are closed! Your Eurovision 2024 fate is sealed ;-)

While the votes are counted/verified, we’re getting a performance from Lithuanian girl trio Mango… not Angelina Mango, who is representing Italy in May!

I must say, Lithuania have put a lot of effort into tonight’s final and it really shows!

Results are in from Copenhagen! 🇩🇰 Denmark are sending Saba and “Sand” across the Øresund/Öresund to Sweden! 🇩🇰

See, Estonia? That’s how you name a song – one word! :-P

Thank you Mango! Are we any closer to results?

Yes we are! The jurors have picked Shower, Silvester Belt and The Roop as their Top 3! Surprised Queens of Roses faired so badly!

Interesting that they’re keeping the Top 3’s points a secret for now… I’m guessing this is to increase suspense!

Hmmm… this word looks more like jury, so I wonder if that above was the Televote! Which raises even further questions!

So looks like Shower, Silvester and The Roop are our Top 3 and the only acts still in the running to represent Lithuania at Eurovision 2024.

This is the fun thing about watching a TV broadcast in a language you don’t know much of (beyond hello, thank you…) – you can follow a surprising amount but then when they have to explain what’s going on, you have to improvise!

Dons fresh from winning Latvia’s national selection last weekend takes to the stage. There’s something superbly dark about this entry that makes it really compelling!

So yes, we’re getting a second performance of our 3 Super Finalists!

Shower – “Impossible” – Super Final

I’m surprised this is in the Super Final, so I’m really watching and listening this time… he’s a very intense performer, which is what I’m guessing earned him his place here. Musically I’m still not sure all the different components work together, but listening to that audience react I’m clearly in the minority! I must admit though, I liked it more on a second listen.

Silvester Belt – “Luktelk” – Super Final

Listen to that audience… I said it before, I think this might be the one to beat. It’s got sleek staging, a driving club beat and a performer who knows how to work an arena. Another very confident performance from Silvester and I think Lithuania could do much worse than sending this to Sweden! Most of the audience were on their feet and I’m sure that would get the hall moving in May too!

The Roop – “Simple Joy” – Super Final

Vaidotas seems oddly distracted – little glances away from the camera like something’s concerning him during the first few bars. This song has summer radio hit written all over it and is full of The Roop’s trademark whacky energy and effervescent dancing – so why am I’m hoping someone else wins? We know The Roop can Eurovision and gave Lithuania one of their best ever placings (and potentially a shot at the win in 2020, one of many MANY reasons to hate COVID!!)… perhaps my reservations are that feeling it’s time to pass the baton and let someone else go and experience the mayhem and delirious joy of Europe’s biggest TV show :)

I’m still tempted to say it’s Silvester’s to lose, but we know the Eurovision Gods can be very fickle and love to throw a spanner or two in!

Lines are closed – someone is going to Sweden!

Monika gives us one last rendition of Stay before handing to the reigns over to a new Lithuanian Eurovision act – I LOVE this song and singing it with her in Vilnius (yes, you read that right!!!) is one of the highlights of last year (and possibly life in general!)

I think we have some results incoming…

The Roop 3rd… this is why I love live TV, Vaidotas didn’t look pleased, by then brushed it off for the cameras!

Shower 2nd, with Silvester Belt 1st! Silvester is off to Sweden!

Congratulations Silvester, we will see you in Malmö!

Thanks for reading along tonight, hope you enjoyed my thoughts on goings on in Lithuania!

Thank you Europe and goodnight!

Author: James Scanlan
Source: LRT