The excitement surrounding the Eurovision Song Contest is reaching new heights as Poland recently held its preselections for the highly anticipated event of 2025. With Eurovision's 69th edition set to take place this coming May in Basel, Switzerland, all eyes are on who will don the national colors and represent the country on the global stage.
This year, the Polish representative will be none other than Justyna Steczkowska. After three decades away from the Eurovision stage, she has made her grand return, this time with her entry "Gaja," also touted as her comeback performance. The road to her selection was marked by dramatic performances and emotional moments, captivating fans and voters alike.
The preshow started with vibrant energy as different artists vied for the coveted title. Contestants were narrowed down to 11 finalists who showcased their talents, but the ultimate decision on who would represent Poland was left entirely to the viewers, who voted through SMS texting. This voting system has been both celebrated and critiqued for its potential to reflect popular opinion drastically.
A vibrant ensemble of participants took the stage, including budding artists and familiar names alike. Each artist brought something unique to the competition. Justyna Steczkowska's performance stirred the crowd, and the build-up to her reveal was nothing short of thrilling. Her previous participation back in 1995, where she placed 18th, sparked curiosity about her growth and readiness for this monumental second chance.
Among the standout moments was singer Janusz Radek's heartfelt gesture, surprising many when he presented Steczkowska with the symbolism of a red rose during his performance. "Róża jest dla róży," he said to her, which translates to "The rose is for the rose," evoking emotional responses from fans and spectators who were touched by the camaraderie between the two artists. Few are aware of their history together, having worked on numerous musical projects prior to their participation in Eurovision.
The setlist also included varied genres, with combinations of ethnic-rich pieces and modern pop melodies. From the folksy upbeat beats of the trio CHRUST with their track "Tempo," to the heartfelt ballads from Dominik Dudek and Tynsky's atmospheric "Miracle," the competition was stiff. Not surprisingly, Justyna’s performance was met with thunderous applause, underscoring her talent and experience.
Another highlight was the dual act Sw@da x Niczos, who brought forward playful lyrics and catchy rhythms. Their participation, performed partly using the Podlasie dialect, became the talk of the evening, igniting discussions over artistic expression and cultural representation within the contest. Maria Szachowska, only 20 herself, received raving reviews for her performance, indicating the bright future of new talent on the rise.
After so much anticipation and individual performances, the moment finally arrived for the SMS voting results to be revealed. With every artist anxiously waiting, the atmosphere was electric; fans held their breath as the presenters prepared to announce who had secured their spot to perform for Poland at Eurovision 2025. And the wait was worth it! The announcement echoed joyfully throughout the venue as Justyna Steczkowska was declared the chosen representative. Cheers rang out as her experience, skill, and connection with the audience proved their weight.
Fans reacted jubilantly across various social media platforms, expressing their excitement and hope for Steczkowska’s success at Eurovision after her long hiatus. The historic weight of having representatives like Edyta Górniak, who placed second back during the 1994 competition, coupled with Justyna’s previous participation provides widespread hope for success.
Steczkowska’s return to the contest symbolized not only the individual goals of the artists but the collective aspirations of Polish music representation on the Eurovison stage. For many, it’s more than just music; it’s about pride, identity, and the opportunity to shine. With engaging medleys, historic collaborations, and heartfelt moments to cherish, the stage is set for another thrilling Eurovision year!
With the event now firmly on the calendar, there is much intrigue surrounding not just Steczkowska's approach to the contest but also how she will deliver her performance as the world tunes in. It promises to be another formidable year for the competition, packed with emotive displays of talent, cultural celebration, and the unpredictable nature of public voting!
Poland's hopeful return to key positions within the Eurovision ranks rests once more on artistry, storytelling, and the goodwill of the fans, with the hope held tightly as audiences root for Steczkowska and her chances at the ultimate prize!