The Czech public broadcaster chose its representative in a national final last December 4th and has once again relied on its traditional ESCZ to select its representative in Eurovision. That representative was Aiko with her song -“Pedestal”.
Who is Aiko?
Born in Moscow, raised in Czechia, and based in Brighton, Aiko is an artist with a unique blend of cultures and influences. She stands out for the themes she explores in her music, such as loneliness or self-awareness.
Her latest studio album, “Fortunes Child,” is a testament to her concept as an artist. She is the only Czech artist who has had the opportunity to perform in Times Square, which stands as one of her greatest milestones in her career. Moreover, she has always used her voice as an artist to advocate for equality within the music industry.
Her live performances have become a captivating experience for audiences worldwide, gracing the stages of renowned festivals like Rock for People, ESNS, Metronome Prague, The Great Escape, and Grape Festival.
Music critics describe the artist’s lyrics as “sincere and raw,” combined with smooth yet dramatic production, with hints of alternative electronic pop.
“Pedestal” will be the song with which she represents Czechia in Eurovision. It is a pop-rock track that the artist herself defines as a “self-love anthem,” speaking to how we should face a breakup and embrace independence, emphasizing the importance of putting yourself at the center of your life. It also doesn’t forget to narrate all those dark moments experienced between the end of a relationship and the subsequent empowerment. The song is co-written by Aiko herself and English producer Steven Ansell.
“Pedestal” the Czech entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2024
The song representing Czechia at Eurovision is called ‘Pedestal’ and brings us that pop/rock sound we love. Its strength on stage will be its great ally for a song that, although at first glance may not seem too competitive, Czechia always surprises us with its stage performances, which could greatly enhance the show.
“Pedestal” talks about how we should face a breakup and embrace independence, and the importance of putting yourself at the center of your life. However, it also doesn’t forget to narrate all those dark moments experienced between the end of a relationship and the subsequent empowerment.
Lyrics of «Pedestal»
Your sorry means nothing when everything else
Stays the same, stays the same
You stay silent, I get violent
And everything else stays the same
I’m tired of explaining you shit
You’re so full of it, full of it
I’ll give all the love to me
And then I’ll truly be free, I’ll truly be free
And I, I, I, I need to learn to
I, I, I, I need to learn to
Put myself on a pedestal
I will be loving me more, loving me
Put myself on a pedestal
I will be loving mе more
I finally learned not to forcе things
And I love me more, love me more, love me more
Love me more than your bullshit
Put myself on a pedestal
I will be loving me more (Loving me more)
Love of your life, just please don’t ask
For any actions or any proof
Ugh, the irony, where did my pride go?
I feel no shame, but you should and now I know
I, I, I, I need to learn to
I, I, I, I need to learn to
Put myself on a pedestal
I will be loving me more, loving me
Put myself on a pedestal
I will be loving me more
I finally learned not to force things
And I love me more, love me more, love me more
Love me more than your bullshit
Put myself on a pedestal
I will be loving me more (Loving me more)
Loving me more
Loving me more
Loving me, loving me, loving me, loving me, yeah
Yeah
Czechia’s participation in Eurovision
Czechia was one of the Central European countries that took longer to participate in Eurovision, as its debut did not occur until 2007, unlike its neighbors Poland, Hungary, or Slovakia, which debuted in 1994. In its first edition, they brought Kabát with the song “Malá dáma” to Helsinki, achieving a disappointing last place.
Their first qualification for the final did not come until 2016, with Gabriela Gunčíková’s “I Stand,” which only reached the penultimate position in the final with 41 points. In 2018, they reached their peak at the festival, with a sixth place thanks to Mikolas Joseph and his “Lie to Me,” totaling 281 points in the grand final held in Lisbon. The following year, Lake Malawi finished in nineteenth position with their “Friend of a Friend.”
After failing to qualify for the final in 2021 with Benny Cristo, in 2022 they offered one of the best selections of the season and again secured passage to the final with We Are Domi and their “Lights Off,” entering the favorites list of many Eurofans, although they eventually ended up in twenty-second place. In 2023, the musical group Vesna, composed entirely of female members, was chosen in the national final of ESCZ to represent the country in Eurovision, where they finished in tenth position in the grand final with 129 points with their song “My Sister’s Crown.”