As the Eurovision Song Contest approaches, excitement builds around Poland's representative, Justyna Steczkowska, who recently won the national pre-selections for the 2025 competition with her song "Gaja." The artist received an impressive 40% of the public vote during the pre-selection process, highlighting her popularity ahead of the contest, which takes place in Basel, Switzerland, on May 13, 15, and 17.
Steczkowska's triumph comes at a time when national pride in her performance is palpable. To bolster her chances of securing points from neighboring countries, she is actively promoting her song internationally. A key event in her promotional calendar was the "Nordic Eurovision Party" in Oslo, where she performed on March 22, 2025, alongside representatives from eight other nations.
The atmosphere at the Nordic Eurovision Party was electric. Fan reactions streamed in online, many lauding her performance. Positive comments flooded social media platforms, with fans describing her live vocals as magical, akin to a "siren's voice," and many predicting her as a potential winner. “Wow, these beautiful vocals performed live, like the voice of a siren, were finally recognized as some thought it was played from a tape, just beautiful,” said one user on YouTube, encapsulating the admiration demonstrated by viewers.
However, not all feedback was positive. Some fans expressed concern regarding the intensity of Steczkowska's performance. Commentators noted her singing was overly loud and her stage presence a bit aggressive. Critiques included remarks like, “It’s a very aggressive show. Why is she so loud?” and “Girl, stop screaming.” These mixed reviews illustrate the polarizing effect her performance has on audiences, which might affect her chances in the contest.
Despite the critiques, Steczkowska's presence in Oslo added to her growing profile as she prepares for Eurovision. Her pre-selection performance recently became the most-watched of any country's submission on YouTube, further solidifying her status as a frontrunner. As excitement builds towards the Eurovision semi-final, which will see her up against competitors from Croatia, Ukraine, Estonia, and other nations, she remains focused on perfecting her act.
Interestingly, Steczkowska's performance includes an elaborate stage routine, which has been met with challenges. In interviews, she revealed difficulties surrounding the stage construction for Eurovision. Specifically, the organizers are hesitant to allow for certain acrobatic elements that were showcased during her national pre-selection. Steczkowska explained, “They proposed a swing for me that I would attach to, and I said, ‘Really? How am I supposed to do that in two seconds?’” She expressed concern that the proposed changes may hinder her ability to present her full artistic vision.
In terms of her costume, Steczkowska is collaborating with renowned designer Katarzyna Konieczka, who is known for creating outfits for high-profile clients including Madonna. Steczkowska expressed confidence in Konieczka’s abilities, stating that the designer's past creations for her have always resulted in a striking and flattering outcome. As her show develops, Steczkowska aims to distill her artistic essence into a performance that resonates deeply with both the audience and judges.
As the countdown to Eurovision narrows, excitement and speculation continue to mount about Steczkowska's performance. Observers note that she is not only aiming for a great showing but is also keen to represent Poland with pride and passion. Preparations are already underway for additional pre-parties taking place across Europe, where she will likely further refine her performance.
This year’s Eurovision is particularly significant as it marks Steczkowska's return to the international stage, previously competing in earlier years and showcasing her evolution as an artist. With no shortage of talent in this year’s competition, many betting odds have already begun to reflect her emerging potential for victory.
In conclusion, Justyna Steczkowska stands at the threshold of an exciting and unpredictable Eurovision journey. As she navigates the complexities around her performance, including creative challenges and mixed fan reception, her dedication and artistry promise to keep audiences captivated.
