One of last year’s big surprise successes was Poland – placed bottom in the grand final by juries, they came 3rd in the televote, pushing them into the top 10 for the first time 2003. The powerful Polish diaspora vote really came into its own with the new points system. Can they achieve a repeat success or even better that this year with the classy Kasia?

I was no fan of Poland’s entry last year (in fact I really disliked it!) but this year I have a much greater respect for the song (and singer). It’s an intensely layered song and in terms of bpm, the slowest entry in the field. It draws you in and the inherent drama in the song could lend itself to intriguing staging. On first view/listen, I wasn’t keen on this, but it’s been a real grower on me and I can appreciate the song’s complexity more now.

What was never a doubt in my mind was the quality of Kasia’s voice – it’s very impressive. She’s also about as far from a diva as you could imagine – shy and humble in interviews and when speaking to crowds. Her song is dedicated to persecuted animals, and I can’t fault that being an animal lover myself.

This could do very well – the new points system gives Poland a natural boost given their large diaspora, and this is a better song than last year’s. It could soar in Kyiv, my only argument against that is the immediacy of the song, it takes more than one listen to appreciate fully – but maybe the staging and live performance will make that irrelevant.

Mum’s reaction: Shake of head, “no, trying to sound like Adele”

Official music video:

Live at London Eurovision Preview Party:

Poland at the Eurovision Song Contest:

First entered: 1994

Appearances (excluding this year): 19

Best result: 2nd in 1994

Last year’s result: 8th