It’s the time of year when the Post-Eurovision depression is in full swing, but there’s no better cure than to reminisce! Together with ESCDaily Editor, Dennis Van Eersel, we will be discussing each of this year’s competing nations – from their results to how we think they could improve in the future!
Lithuania
Predictions, Personal Scores and Results
Anita:Â
- Prediction: Qualifier, Top 10
- Personal Score: 8.5
Dennis:Â
- Prediction: Qualifier, Top 10
- Personal Score: 8
Results: 8th place, FinalÂ
Did Lithuania live up to expectations?Â
A: Out of all the countries this year, I think Lithuania most adequately delivered on expectations. Since the national selection, where Discoteque was presented, there was a strong visual concept and that was carried through to the Eurovision performance. This was always going to be a strong contender at Eurovision, and we both expected this to achieve a Top 10 result. This was a perfect demonstration of ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ – would you agree?
D: I think Lithuania is a good example of a country that was highly prepared because they had a national selection. The act for The Roop was already polished and done long before they arrived in Rotterdam, and when you combine that with charismatic performers and a good song, you have a very solid entry to be successful. For a nation that hasn’t been that lucky at Eurovision in the past, I’m glad they got the reward they deserved this year.
How do you personally feel about the song for Lithuania at Eurovision 2021?
A: I really enjoyed Discoteque from the moment it was released, but it was never a song I had on repeat. Now that the contest is over, I feel the same about the song. What I enjoyed the most was that Lithuania came into the contest with a very clear identity. I’ll continue to enjoy this song as it comes up on my playlist, but not one I will specifically seek out. ]
D: This song was just what we all needed after a year of not having a Eurovision Song Contest. It’s uplifting, cheerful and just fun to watch. The theme and lyrics of the song were also very suitable as a party-opener to celebrate the return of the contest in 2021. Smart move by the organisation to use it as the opening song of the entire contest in the first semi final.
Could Lithuania have done anything different?Â
A: I don’t think the nation could have done anything differently this year to achieve a higher result. The song was catchy and the performance was slick. As expected, the group achieved a strong televote, and their jury vote wasn’t the worst either. I think Lithuania was a strong semi-final opener this year, but placed midway through the Grand Final meant that they weren’t able to stand out as much. Naturally, the running order is out of their control, so as a group and a nation, I think Lithuania did what they could and achieved a very respectable result.Â
D: I think we will cover a lot of nations where the answer to this question will be a long one, but for Lithuania this is not the case. For a short while they were a potential candidate for victory with the bookmakers, but I never believed in that. The way they staged the song and presented themselves made them get the maximum result in my opinion.
What can Lithuania do to ensure success in future years?Â
A: This is perhaps the most interesting question, as Lithuania hasn’t had a strong national final in years. The Roop really stood out in 2020, and again in 2021, but otherwise, the quality of the entries in the national final are not up to scratch. Will they continue with a national final in 2022? It’s likely, and I think for this reason, it’s hard to imagine Lithuania as a country we consistently see as a strong competitor.
D: I agree with you. On one hand, having a national selection is a blessing because a broadcaster is forced to already think about staging and presentation on television. On the other hand, you rely heavily on the quality of the songs, which will make or break your chances. And yes, we have seen Lithuanian selections filled with weak songs. It all depends on the quality of the Lithuanian songwriters, doesn’t it?
A: Absolutely, and if we look historically, it’s hit or miss. I think the lessons the nation can take from this year include the importance of staging and a complete visual concept. While The Roop had some novelty, I think it’s possible to create something special even without that novelty factor. Obviously, a strong song is needed as well, but if they can match a great song with strong staging, Lithuania is bound for more success.Â
Which was better, the live-on-tape performance or the actual performance?
A: As Lithuania came into the contest with a clear visual identity, the group would not have suffered if they were ruled out from performing live at this year’s contest. There’s few countries I’d feel confident saying that about, but the live-on-tape performance was just as slick as the live performance. Out of all the tapes, the stage and technical capabilities in Lithuania (where a few of this year’s nation’s recorded their tapes) were perhaps the closest to the actual Eurovision event. Very impressive, and easily one of the standouts.
D: Lithuania is one of the nations that impressed me most with their back-up tape. It looks like they were at Ahoy, but I checked it: They were not. They rebuild the stage with an entire LED-screen behind them just like they had in Rotterdam. Such commitment! That being said, I prefer the actual performance from the live shows since there is just a bit more energy and charisma, probably because The Roop needs the actual audience in the venue to get even more motivated to give it their best.