CZECH REPUBLIC

The Czech entry was unveiled in March 10^th via a press release. This was followed the next day by a full press conference and release of the official music video. The internally selected singer is Gabriela Gunčíková and she will be singing “I stand”

This is a more classical ballad with a repetitive and simplistic chorus. The verses of the song have a very strong melody and the lyrics, although a little over the top, are not your usual Eurovision fayre. The chorus is a little weak to be honest with 3 of the four lines just being the words “I stand” and have exactly the same tune each time. One might say that the positive about this is that it is easy to remember.

Gabriela is most known for her involvement in a TV competition “Česko Slovenská Superstar” where she came second. Since then she went to America to study at the Ken Tamplin Vocal Academy song and then became a member of the US Trans-Siberian Orchestra, whose genre is a mix of rock and orchestra, with whom she played in two major tours around 120 concerts. She also has 2 studio solo albums to her name.

The video clip had some very interesting theme, many of which could be used on the Eurovision stage. The cinematography of the first and ending shots are breathtaking and leave you intrigued. I also like the geometric projections and overlays – slightly Stromae-eque. However the stop-go animation (although obviously painstaking to make) didn’t really fit the flow or mood of the song. I cannot comment too much on the odds of the being able to sing this live due to it being a video presentation.

Being one of the simpler and more classical style ballads this could have an outside chance of being the first Czech qualifier ever.  This sticks out compared to all the other songs in the second half of semi one which are either up-tempo or stylised ballads. This would be a great ending to the semi, but will probably be placed somewhere in the middle of its half. Czech Republic does not have many ‘friends’ in Eurovision terms but there are  a few Central countries in its semi so might get a few neighbourly votes. If this qualifies, this will be as good as a win.

ARTIST – Gabriela Gunčíková

SONG – I stand

MUSIC – Christian Schneider, Sara Biglert, Aidan O'Connor

LYRICS – Christian Schneider, Sara Biglert, Aidan O'Connor