Lithuania 2023: Monika Linkyte with ‘Stay’

Pabandom is Naujo has actually been watchable in parts this year with a step up in quality. Coming through is our second returnee in a row with 2015's Monika Linkyte:

It's hard to say that one of the big names in the field drawn last with a solid vocal and alright song was a curious choice but that's what we have here. Petunija and Beatrice were both clearly superior entries (feel free to debate on Ruta + others too) and it seemed at least one of the latter ones would get the ticket but Monika was able to sweep back in and take a roller-coaster of a national final.

What we have isn't bad but it's very uninspiring and to be honest a pretty boring addition to the year. Perhaps it's the bag of clichés from song title to forced jury notes to unjustified gospel choir but I can't really get into this- it's a typical heard it 20 times before Esc entry- and not in the good way. Neutrals are unlikely to be won over much.

By quirk of the year however, this should do alright overall - Lithuania have a kind semi final and second half draw as well as an active diaspora. There's also moderate jury appeal when this reaches the final in comparison to what's expected to be a televote leaning final. It puts them on track for a solid mid table finish which is all very boring and predictable.

Personal Rating: 3/10

Competitve Rating: 5/10

Early Prediction: Semi Final two 5th-9th, 13th-17th in the final.