Czechia is taking part in the ESC for the 12th time and the Czech representative was chosen in the National Selection. It was determined by 70% of the international votes and 30% of the Czech votes. What’s intriguing, it won the international voting by a mile whereas it came only fifth in the Czech voting.
Aiko’s performance was given a mixed reception as Aiko was criticized for poor vocals.
Well, frist things first. Quite a strong, almost rock introduction to this song. And yes, at first, the vocals seem to be almost weird, for some even jarring, as if Aiko was singing out of tune or had just a kind of a shouty style. Maybe it’s all about the sound system. It’s hard to say on the basis of the video only.
To be honest, I’m on the same page with those who claim that the vocals need some, let’s say, remastering. Is this going to be a banger?
This year’s song was created by Aiko herself and Steven Ansell.
I like the moment when Aiko moves to the pre-chorus, let’s call it in this way, when you can hear her voice’s different register.
Yeah, and the chorus turns out to be the strongest part of this song. And also, Aiko seems to be the most self-confident and just best in this part.
This is the most energetic part of this entry.
So, if you fancy music with a faster beat, this energetic song from the Czech Republic is for you.
Aiko builds up the stanza towards the stronger chorus.
What about the outfit? It seems to match the song and is of a braver type and goes along with the dance of the same type.
I’d hazard a guess that this song’s vibes are a bit similar to the Ukrainian song that was to appear at the ESC 2019 (MARUV – “Siren Song”).
What’s Aiko’s song about? Well, it’s about hardships you encounter in a relationship. About the need for loving yourself and putting yourself on the title “pedestal”.
I quite like the staging, as it harmonizes with the song. It’s getting dynamic rahter than static. Aiko’s accompanied by the drums, guitar and two dancers. I’m wondering if the staging will stay the same.
Will this be kept this way in Sweden?
Will it go like a bomb? Hmm, it’s hard to decide now.
All in all, I’d say this is a decent performance that is claimed by many to need revamping. What’s your stand on that, Guys?
As each juror is going to rank all the competing songs in each show based on the given criteria. I will assign points in the same categories (eurovision.tv):
– composition and originality of the song, 8 out of 10;
– quality of the performance on stage, 7 out of 10;
– vocal capacity of the performer(s), 6 out of 10;
– over’all impression of the act, 7 out of 10.
So the total is: 28 out of 40 that is 70%.
Will Aiko’s song lead her to victory and put her on a pedestal? We’ll see if she will get the best result for Czechia. To do that she would have to finish fifth (as Czechia’s best result is the sixth place to date. It happened in 2018).
In the end, I can only say: Well done, Aiko! Congratulations, Czechia! I assume this song might qualify for the Grand Final but the performance itself needs some elaboration, doesn’t it?
What do the bookmakers say about the Czech entry? Well, at this moment (28th December 2023) it’s in 35th place (out of 37 contestants on eurovisionworld.com). But to be honest, we only know three songs, don’t we?
Let’s hear it for Aiko and the whole team!
Thanks for reading my article!
What do you think of the Czech entry? Let us know in the comments section below!
Source: YouTube
