escYOUnited
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Czech Republic CZECH REPUBLIC 2020 - Benny Cristo - Kemama
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Ritararita
Active member
After 10 days of re-listening and re-considering everything from each possible aspect, I have finally voted. It was a strategical compromise between what I not only like but also believe has realistic chance to end in the TOP3 of both public and jury ranking, so... I've sent 3 votes for WAP and - surprisingly even for myself - 2 for Benny Cristo. At this point, I am ready to support almost anyone as most of those songs are rather growers than faders in my book, except for one. So, whoever manages to beat that one, will be my hero.
Yesterday I have finally seen one of the ESCZ Instagram livestreams, with Ben. He was kind of awkward and unsure about his chances. I've never seen him so vulnerable, but somehow it made him look more "human" in my eyes, if that makes sense. From what he said it looks like he would be willing to do a revamp (probably with bit slower start and definitely with last chorus one octave higher) and he would bring 3 or 4 dancers on stage. One of the first questions he was asked was if he believes that he is going to win the NF. Half-jokingly, he said that he was absolutely sure about that... until he listened to the other songs.
His favourite for the win (if he wasn't competing) are WAP, but he also spared a lot of kind words for Barbora, Elis ft. Čis T and Pam. When Kryštof Šámal mentioned international jury, I've got the impression that Ben was completely unaware of them until that moment. When asked about previous entrants, he said that he liked both Mikolas Josef and Lake Malawi, but hadn't seen previous Czech representatives. I think it was more a modest way how to avoid criticism of less succesful colleagues than truth, but that's just my speculation based on his previous claim that he already considered to apply for Eurovision in 2017 or 2018. The rest of the stream was more or less just Kryštof Šámal bitching about ungrateful Czech fans criticizing everything.
Oh, and one more thing (to quote Columbo). Someone asked if the international jury is judging only songs or if they can see the videos. Šámal said that unlike last year, this time they will see the videos to get better idea of personality/potential of each candidate.
Yesterday I have finally seen one of the ESCZ Instagram livestreams, with Ben. He was kind of awkward and unsure about his chances. I've never seen him so vulnerable, but somehow it made him look more "human" in my eyes, if that makes sense. From what he said it looks like he would be willing to do a revamp (probably with bit slower start and definitely with last chorus one octave higher) and he would bring 3 or 4 dancers on stage. One of the first questions he was asked was if he believes that he is going to win the NF. Half-jokingly, he said that he was absolutely sure about that... until he listened to the other songs.
His favourite for the win (if he wasn't competing) are WAP, but he also spared a lot of kind words for Barbora, Elis ft. Čis T and Pam. When Kryštof Šámal mentioned international jury, I've got the impression that Ben was completely unaware of them until that moment. When asked about previous entrants, he said that he liked both Mikolas Josef and Lake Malawi, but hadn't seen previous Czech representatives. I think it was more a modest way how to avoid criticism of less succesful colleagues than truth, but that's just my speculation based on his previous claim that he already considered to apply for Eurovision in 2017 or 2018. The rest of the stream was more or less just Kryštof Šámal bitching about ungrateful Czech fans criticizing everything.
Oh, and one more thing (to quote Columbo). Someone asked if the international jury is judging only songs or if they can see the videos. Šámal said that unlike last year, this time they will see the videos to get better idea of personality/potential of each candidate.
HayashiM
Veteran
After 10 days of re-listening and re-considering everything from each possible aspect, I have finally voted. It was a strategical compromise between what I not only like but also believe has realistic chance to end in the TOP3 of both public and jury ranking, so... I've sent 3 votes for WAP and - surprisingly even for myself - 2 for Benny Cristo. At this point, I am ready to support almost anyone as most of those songs are rather growers than faders in my book, except for one. So, whoever manages to beat that one, will be my hero.
Yesterday I have finally seen one of the ESCZ Instagram livestreams, with Ben. He was kind of awkward and unsure about his chances. I've never seen him so vulnerable, but somehow it made him look more "human" in my eyes, if that makes sense. From what he said it looks like he would be willing to do a revamp (probably with bit slower start and definitely with last chorus one octave higher) and he would bring 3 or 4 dancers on stage. One of the first questions he was asked was if he believes that he is going to win the NF. Half-jokingly, he said that he was absolutely sure about that... until he listened to the other songs.
His favourite for the win (if he wasn't competing) are WAP, but he also spared a lot of kind words for Barbora, Elis ft. Čis T and Pam. When Kryštof Šámal mentioned international jury, I've got the impression that Ben was completely unaware of them until that moment. When asked about previous entrants, he said that he liked both Mikolas Josef and Lake Malawi, but hadn't seen previous Czech representatives. I think it was more a modest way how to avoid criticism of less succesful colleagues than truth, but that's just my speculation based on his previous claim that he already considered to apply for Eurovision in 2017 or 2018. The rest of the stream was more or less just Kryštof Šámal bitching about ungrateful Czech fans criticizing everything.
Oh, and one more thing (to quote Columbo). Someone asked if the international jury is judging only songs or if they can see the videos. Šámal said that unlike last year, this time they will see the videos to get better idea of personality/potential of each candidate.
The stream caught my eye as well, I just wasn't really sure whether I shall write yet another summary
Thanks for doing yours! I absolutely agree that it was almost shocking to see him that vulnerable, perhaps even kinda defeatist at one point. I also think one important piece of information is him mentionning he feels kinda embarrassed harassing people on social media to vote for him so he doesn't do it that often as he probably should... We know Olga and Elis certainly don't give in to any similar feelings, so combined with Olga's intense youtube marketing (I assume it is her song you are tactically voting against?
), the televote could perhaps see some interesting twist.
HayashiM
Veteran
So, how about a little prediction?
Televote (see above, I am not anymore so sure about Benny's lanslide victory, but otherwise I am 90% positive this is it):
1-2 Olga & Benny
3. Elis
4. WAP
5. Pam
6. Barbora
7. Karell
(the last three could be in any order, but it doesn't matter all that much)
Juryvote (super hard to predict):
1. - 4. Olga, Elis, WAP, Barbora. I see WAP and Barbora a bit closer to the first two positions, but it could be any combination of any of these 4 in any order. My gut feeling is 1. Barbora, 2. WAP, 3. Elis, 4. Olga
5. Benny
6. Karelll
7. Pam
Overall: I see it as a two horse race between Elis and Olga with Olga being the favourite because of the televote edge. The only way WAP could take this is if they win the juries (tough), Olga doesn't win the televote (still quite tough) and doesn't score better with the juries than 4th (feasible), ...and if Elis and Benny don't score that well with the juries either (e. g., Barbora helps). So a WAP win is not impossible, but not that probable either.
My (slightly disappointed, but certainly not dejected) prediction is Olga.
Televote (see above, I am not anymore so sure about Benny's lanslide victory, but otherwise I am 90% positive this is it):
1-2 Olga & Benny
3. Elis
4. WAP
5. Pam
6. Barbora
7. Karell
(the last three could be in any order, but it doesn't matter all that much)
Juryvote (super hard to predict):
1. - 4. Olga, Elis, WAP, Barbora. I see WAP and Barbora a bit closer to the first two positions, but it could be any combination of any of these 4 in any order. My gut feeling is 1. Barbora, 2. WAP, 3. Elis, 4. Olga
5. Benny
6. Karelll
7. Pam
Overall: I see it as a two horse race between Elis and Olga with Olga being the favourite because of the televote edge. The only way WAP could take this is if they win the juries (tough), Olga doesn't win the televote (still quite tough) and doesn't score better with the juries than 4th (feasible), ...and if Elis and Benny don't score that well with the juries either (e. g., Barbora helps). So a WAP win is not impossible, but not that probable either.
My (slightly disappointed, but certainly not dejected) prediction is Olga.
I hope it means they will watch both the MVs and acoustic live performances. Judging based on studio cuts only wouldn't sit well with me. Eurovision is a live show after all.
Kairit
Well-known member
Found the time to listen to these entries. I expected more from how much people were praising this selection, but it is solid regardless.
1. Barbora Mochowa - White & Black Holes ... That ending. Holy crap. This song is definitely a journey with something new to discover and enjoy with every listen, after it ends I just want to go on that journey again. I love her ambition, doing something out of the box and non-standard, but instead of going the wacky incoherent route, she manages to make something utterly beautiful and breath-taking.
2. Benny Cristo - Kemama ... It's a total vibe. It's warm, pleasant, flows wonderfully. Nothing extraordinary, but I don't feel like it lacks anything either. The second of the two songs in this selection that I've had on repeat.
3. Olga Lounuva - Dark Water ... The beauty, softness yet strength of her voice really hits me for some reason, the beginning almost brought tears to my eyes. Overall this is a solid, pleasant entry. It just doesn't reach any particular heights. It really would be a shame if this was selected over Barbora's entry.
4. We All Poop - All the Blood (Positive Song Actually) ... I have an aversion to anything that sounds like Twenty One Pilots that isn't Twenty One Pilots. But I like that this is something fresh in the Eurovision context.
5. Elis Marz - Wanna Be Like ... It gets your feet tapping for sure and has a quality production, but otherwise this is just vapid. That singing style is also annoying to me.
6. Pam Rabbit - Get Up ... Just not the type of sound I'm into, it has no warmth. I found it hard to get into her previous entry as well.
7. Karelll - At Least We've Tried ... It is just... Kind of there isn't it. Certainly not a bad entry though.
1. Barbora Mochowa - White & Black Holes ... That ending. Holy crap. This song is definitely a journey with something new to discover and enjoy with every listen, after it ends I just want to go on that journey again. I love her ambition, doing something out of the box and non-standard, but instead of going the wacky incoherent route, she manages to make something utterly beautiful and breath-taking.
2. Benny Cristo - Kemama ... It's a total vibe. It's warm, pleasant, flows wonderfully. Nothing extraordinary, but I don't feel like it lacks anything either. The second of the two songs in this selection that I've had on repeat.
3. Olga Lounuva - Dark Water ... The beauty, softness yet strength of her voice really hits me for some reason, the beginning almost brought tears to my eyes. Overall this is a solid, pleasant entry. It just doesn't reach any particular heights. It really would be a shame if this was selected over Barbora's entry.
4. We All Poop - All the Blood (Positive Song Actually) ... I have an aversion to anything that sounds like Twenty One Pilots that isn't Twenty One Pilots. But I like that this is something fresh in the Eurovision context.
5. Elis Marz - Wanna Be Like ... It gets your feet tapping for sure and has a quality production, but otherwise this is just vapid. That singing style is also annoying to me.
6. Pam Rabbit - Get Up ... Just not the type of sound I'm into, it has no warmth. I found it hard to get into her previous entry as well.
7. Karelll - At Least We've Tried ... It is just... Kind of there isn't it. Certainly not a bad entry though.
HayashiM
Veteran
I am sorry to disappoint us, but the way he said it didn't sound that way, it was more along the lines of "we had already sent them the music videos", while the acoustic performances are only being recorded during these media days. Also, Olga's acoustic cover is only gonna be out a day before the results announcement, which further makes it less probable.
Ritararita
Active member
Yes, Kryštof Šámal literally said "We've sent them Youtube links" and since the live performances are not on Youtube (unless the artists upload them themselves on their channels like Barbora and Ben did)...
And for the advertisement - I think that artists actively promoting their songs are better alternative than sitting pretties waiting for Godot (no offense, Barbora and Karelll). But you know, there are some differences between the ways they do that. I feel more sympathies for Elis who goes personally everywhere she's invited (or everywhere they let her in) and usually actually sings there, whether it's a radio/TV/school/whatever, than for Olga paying a big invasive YouTube campaign and then pretending how spontaneous fan support she has. But to be fair, I keep seeing several variants of Ben's ad as well (examples 1, 2, 3).
And for the advertisement - I think that artists actively promoting their songs are better alternative than sitting pretties waiting for Godot (no offense, Barbora and Karelll). But you know, there are some differences between the ways they do that. I feel more sympathies for Elis who goes personally everywhere she's invited (or everywhere they let her in) and usually actually sings there, whether it's a radio/TV/school/whatever, than for Olga paying a big invasive YouTube campaign and then pretending how spontaneous fan support she has.
But to be fair, I keep seeing several variants of Ben's ad as well (examples 1, 2, 3).@Ritararita But what kind of promotion Barbora and Karelll could do if they have no money, fanbase or connections? They can't compete against established acts who have means and visibility. That's why this system doesn't make sense to me.
Instead, Česká televize would be wiser to organise something to guarantee every act has a chance to make themselves and their songs known at least. If a televised NF costs too much, would advertising them on TV be too much too ask? Make a short interview per act, insert a part of a live performance and call it a day? I don't get why it remains so Internet-centered and confidential.
Instead, Česká televize would be wiser to organise something to guarantee every act has a chance to make themselves and their songs known at least. If a televised NF costs too much, would advertising them on TV be too much too ask? Make a short interview per act, insert a part of a live performance and call it a day? I don't get why it remains so Internet-centered and confidential.
Ritararita
Active member
@tuorem Well, Pam, Elis or We All Poop are no millionaires either, but they are much more active on social sites, which - whether we like it or not - is crucial for any public figure nowadays. Also, not sure about WAP, but Pam and Elis are constantly performing somewehere - no matter how small event that is or whether it's paid or for free, they keep themselves busy, slowly but surely increasing the amount of people who know them and their work. I totally understand that especially Barbora is very introverted person and any form of "selling herself" makes her feel uncomfortable, but you know, that's part of the job. Not even Olga or Ben were famous and rich overnight. Their current celebrity status is result of 10-15 years of very hard everyday work.
I agree that ČT should do more (part of every media day is interview with the artist on ČT's morning show, but that's all, I'm afraid), but I am not sure if they can. They have some sort of codex, which doesn't allow them to promote commercial activities or things they are involved in but are not televised. For example, they are releasing lot of their shows on DVDs or publishing books based on their TV series etc., but they are not allowed to show commercials for that. It's a "Catch 22" situation and we really need a televised NF to change that.
I agree that ČT should do more (part of every media day is interview with the artist on ČT's morning show, but that's all, I'm afraid), but I am not sure if they can. They have some sort of codex, which doesn't allow them to promote commercial activities or things they are involved in but are not televised. For example, they are releasing lot of their shows on DVDs or publishing books based on their TV series etc., but they are not allowed to show commercials for that. It's a "Catch 22" situation and we really need a televised NF to change that.
njdevils94
Veteran
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- Posts
- 6,546
And for the advertisement - I think that artists actively promoting their songs are better alternative than sitting pretties waiting for Godot (no offense, Barbora and Karelll). But you know, there are some differences between the ways they do that. I feel more sympathies for Elis who goes personally everywhere she's invited (or everywhere they let her in) and usually actually sings there, whether it's a radio/TV/school/whatever, than for Olga paying a big invasive YouTube campaign and then pretending how spontaneous fan support she has.
Why should that be Olga's fault though putting resources into promoting her song. If anything its the broadcaster's fault for not holding a LIVE Show for the National Final. If she wins she is clearly going to put a lot of resources into staging.
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HayashiM
Veteran
I agree I am ok with Elis going wherever she is invited and performing there. Yeah, it's maybe not that easy to get invited into morning shows, but I also think her move of performing in schools is brilliant, potential politician - worthy. Kids are the easiest audience to convince to install an app and vote, especially when it's free. (I am not sure how ok I am with people coming to a school and potentially disturbing classes, but given her popularity, the kids are probably not complaining).
The thing is, Barbora couldn't pull any of these not only because of her introverted personality, but also because of the song itself. It's not radiofriendly (True Colours maybe was, yeah). You definitely can't sell it to kids. She is advertising on facebook, but yeah, she doesn't have that big funds.
One thing I am not sure about is whether a TV NF would help this year already. The big names would *still* smash the televote. The juries could get a better picture of the artists, but I am not sure their eventual ranking would change much.
What we need is Eurovision becoming a comparable brand to the big name arists here - which means more people would come without preconceptions, more interested in voting for the sake of the contest itself. Of course, the big picture could have been greatly helped with a NF TV already this year (I just think this year's result wouldn't change much).
However, we are headed in the right direction for the last few years, that's the most important thing. If we consistently get good results, the overall Czech attitude towards Eurovision is bound to change, and the investors just can't not come. Just hang on with us
The thing is, Barbora couldn't pull any of these not only because of her introverted personality, but also because of the song itself. It's not radiofriendly (True Colours maybe was, yeah). You definitely can't sell it to kids. She is advertising on facebook, but yeah, she doesn't have that big funds.
One thing I am not sure about is whether a TV NF would help this year already. The big names would *still* smash the televote. The juries could get a better picture of the artists, but I am not sure their eventual ranking would change much.
What we need is Eurovision becoming a comparable brand to the big name arists here - which means more people would come without preconceptions, more interested in voting for the sake of the contest itself. Of course, the big picture could have been greatly helped with a NF TV already this year (I just think this year's result wouldn't change much).
However, we are headed in the right direction for the last few years, that's the most important thing. If we consistently get good results, the overall Czech attitude towards Eurovision is bound to change, and the investors just can't not come. Just hang on with us
HayashiM
Veteran
I don't blame her. I just believe there's at least 3 songs in this selection with a better Eurovision potential, so I'd rather see us sending those. I would also like a bit more balanced fight, but that was probably impossible to achieve this year anyway.
If Olga wins, I will of course support her.
VirginiaVision
Well-known member
Is anyone else having trouble voting with the app? It says I already voted, which I didn't
Is anyone else having trouble voting with the app? It says I already voted, which I didn't
Apparently, it's a bug. You have to reinstall the app so that the cache get deleted and it should work
Ritararita
Active member
@HayashiM In real life, Barbora Mochowa is a music teacher. So I can imagine she could have some useful contacts allowing her to do some promo in schools as well. But you are probably right, kids wouldn't appreciate her song as it is. Maybe if she would sing it in planetarium? Idk, just a brief idea. In Karelll's case, I am more surprised that we don't see more of him, since his father is a multi-millionaire media magnat (owner of infamous Šlágr TV and music brand Česká muzika) and singer-songwriter as well. Again, Karelll's song is something completely different than what is his father usually working with, but he surely has both money and contacts to push his son whenewher it's needed. But I guess Karelll just doesn't want to base his career on nepotism.
I believe that televised NF would make some differences, even this year. Firstly and most obviously, everyone would have clearer idea about staging, live vocals and stage presence. Secondly, even the lesser known candidates would be introduced to typical TV audience (lets's say 45+), which is not used to actively search for new stuff on YouTube, Spotify, Instagram etc. I can imagine this type of audience being curious about the trio they already know (Ben, Olga, Elis) and then positively shocked by the rest they probably never heard of. There surely is much bigger audience for Barbora, Pam, Karelll and especially We All Poop than they have right now. We just need either televised NF or some black or white hole to make those two (TV/internet) parallel universes meet each other.
I believe that televised NF would make some differences, even this year. Firstly and most obviously, everyone would have clearer idea about staging, live vocals and stage presence. Secondly, even the lesser known candidates would be introduced to typical TV audience (lets's say 45+), which is not used to actively search for new stuff on YouTube, Spotify, Instagram etc. I can imagine this type of audience being curious about the trio they already know (Ben, Olga, Elis) and then positively shocked by the rest they probably never heard of. There surely is much bigger audience for Barbora, Pam, Karelll and especially We All Poop than they have right now. We just need either televised NF or some black or white hole to make those two (TV/internet) parallel universes meet each other.
RainyWoods
Croak-kay
I finally just voted and my heart went to Barbora. Last year I voted for her as I thought she was your best chance to do well. This year I'm voting for this girl because her song and the aesthetics of the music video interest me far more than any of the other pieces of music on offer here. I think a song like White & Black Holes is a risk, but then risks can pay off, especially when the quality of the risk that you're presenting is so high.
Uto
Veteran
I just finished listening to all the entries. Seems clear to me that Barbora is the best entry by quite a margin. Melodically not that interesting, but such a stunning production and if she can produce those vocals live it's going to be utterly magnificent.
Winning is hard though. There's a pretty strong field of entries for Czechia. I do feel that most of them are let down by a weak vocal melody (mainly the lack of a decent hook), but they're stylistically solid (except the one by Karelll which is just a very weak entry overall). The one exception to this is Elis Mraz, that song has a simple but effective hook. I don't like it though, I just find the stupidity of that song grating. I can understand if that song is chosen for the commercial expectations though.
Seems like the actual favorite is We All Poop, but I find this baffling. It rips off the style of 21 Pilots in a very obvious manner, but the vocals are atrocious and there's not much of a song there. It's just 3 minutes of trying to sound like 21 Pilots. I could be very wrong here, but I don't think that it works.
Winning is hard though. There's a pretty strong field of entries for Czechia. I do feel that most of them are let down by a weak vocal melody (mainly the lack of a decent hook), but they're stylistically solid (except the one by Karelll which is just a very weak entry overall). The one exception to this is Elis Mraz, that song has a simple but effective hook. I don't like it though, I just find the stupidity of that song grating. I can understand if that song is chosen for the commercial expectations though.
Seems like the actual favorite is We All Poop, but I find this baffling. It rips off the style of 21 Pilots in a very obvious manner, but the vocals are atrocious and there's not much of a song there. It's just 3 minutes of trying to sound like 21 Pilots. I could be very wrong here, but I don't think that it works.
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Uto
Veteran
Ah yeah thanks, that solves that issue comfortably. Very close to perfect. Easily impressive enough to win over the juries.