Eurovision in Vienna is just less than a month away. In the lead-up to the start of rehearsals, we will get to know a bit more about this year’s artists, their discography, and their Eurovision 2026 journey so far. The next artist in this year’s preview is Poland’s Alicja.
Alicja’s Eurovision journey so far
Six years after successfully winning the ticket to represent Poland at Eurovision, Alicja’s plans were curtailed by the COVID pandemic. She tried a second time in 2023 in the national selection, but was unable to impress either the jury or the public itself. However, in 2026, she returned to the competition once again with her song “Pray”, ultimately topping the televote and confirming she will be representing Poland in Vienna. She will perform in position #14 in the first semi-final.
Alicja’s song for Vienna – “Pray” – was written by Alicja herself, as well as Weronika Gabryelczyk and Sinclair Alan Malcolm.
What do we think of “Pray”?
The team at That Eurovision Site has reacted to Alicja’s entry for Vienna. Molly gave her thoughts on “Pray”, which you can check out below.
Who is Alicja?
Alicja Szemplińska is a 23-year-old singer born in the Polish city of Ciechanów. Despite her young age, she had already had a strong career in Poland, having shot to fame after winning The Voice of Poland in 2019. In 2020, she had won Szansa na Sukces and was due to represent Poland at Eurovision with “Empires” before the Contest was cancelled. She returned in 2023 with her song “New Home” attempting to represent Poland, but finished in sixth place. Since then, she has released several songs, before coming back in 2026 and winning the selection.
Poland’s Eurovision journey
In 1994, Poland made their debut at the Eurovision Song Contest represented by Edyta Górniak with the song “To nie ja!” and placed 2nd, Poland’s best result at the contest to date. Since then, Poland has participated 26 times, qualifying for the Grand Final 16 times.
Poland selected Justyna Steczkowska to represent the national at Eurovision 2025 with “GAJA”, thirty years after her first participation. She qualified for the final, ultimately finishing in 14th place with 156 points. Of these, 17 came from the jury, while the remaining 139 came from the televote.
What do you think of “Pray”? Are you excited to see what Alicja will do in Vienna? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Tumblr, Threadsand Bluesky as we gear up for Eurovision 2026!
News Source: That Eurovision Site / TVP
Photo Credit: Alicja
Silvia Stifini