Lithuanian Stars Rally Behind Lion Ceccah for Eurovision Final
As the countdown to the Eurovision Song Contest final begins, the atmosphere in Lithuania has shifted from internal competition to national solidarity. While only one artist can take the stage in the grand final, the stars who competed against him in the national selection process are now coming forward to share their support, their favorite international acts, and the unique traditions that define Eurovision night in the Baltics.
This year, Lithuania is represented by Lion Ceccah, who secured his spot after a landslide victory in the public vote. His entry, “Solo quiero más,” has not only captured the hearts of the public but has also earned the respect of his former rivals. Among his most vocal supporters is the avant-garde performer Lolita Zero, a household name in the Lithuanian art-pop scene. For Lolita, the choice is clear: there is no one else she would rather see with the trophy.
A Unified Front for the National Entry
Lolita Zero, known for her high-concept performances, believes Lion Ceccah has the perfect combination of charisma and production value to succeed on the international stage. “The favorite is unequivocally Lithuania,” she says, noting that she recently met with members of the representative’s creative team to offer her best wishes. For her, the performance is not just a song, but a complete package worthy of a win.
This sentiment is echoed by Rug!le, another standout from the national selection who competed with the track “Ikona Žemaitė.” She describes the experience of watching the national representative as an emotional highlight of the year. “It’s always good to watch our country’s representatives—they grab your heart every time,” Rug!le explains. For her, “Solo quiero más” stands out as the strongest composition in this year’s lineup.
However, not everyone finds it easy to pick a single winner. Ledi Ais, who also participated in the selection process, admits that the quality of this year’s entries has made it difficult to narrow down a favorite. While she remains loyal to Lithuania, she has found herself impressed by the entries from Malta, Luxembourg, and neighboring Latvia. Her household has already put the Maltese representative’s latest album on repeat, highlighting the cross-border appeal that Eurovision fosters.
From Prisons to Clubs: Where Lithuania Watches
In Lithuania, Eurovision is more than just a television broadcast; it is a cultural event that transforms public and private spaces. The viewing traditions of the artists themselves reflect the vibrant and sometimes unconventional nightlife of Vilnius.
Lolita Zero typically watches the final at the Soho club, a staple of the Vilnius LGBTQ+ community known for its high-energy Eurovision parties. This year, however, she plans to start the evening at the Utopia bar, where she will treat the audience to a personal performance before the main broadcast begins.
Vitalijus Valentinovič, the frontman of the group Black Biceps, highlights the diverse ways the contest is celebrated. While he often gathers with family or in his recording studio, he notes that public screenings have become increasingly popular. Venues like the K2 Comedy Club, the Bernardinai Garden, and even the Lukiškės Prison—a century-old correctional facility recently converted into a massive cultural hub and concert venue—serve as backdrops for the final. This year, Valentinovič will be watching from abroad, but he plans to maintain the tradition of competitive prediction tables, where friends and family race to guess the winner.
The Eurovision Economy: Pizza, Tacos, and Lasagna
For many, the night is as much about the food as it is about the music. Data from the technology platform Wolt suggests that Eurovision week triggers a significant spike in food delivery across Lithuania. On the night of the final, order volumes typically jump by about a third compared to a standard Saturday, as fans opt to stay glued to their screens rather than spend time in the kitchen.
Valentinovič notes that for large gatherings, shared food is the gold standard. Pizzas and cheese platters are the most common choices, often ordered through delivery apps to accommodate the influx of guests. In contrast, Ledi Ais’s family takes a more planned approach, often deciding on a theme weeks in advance. Mexican cuisine, including nachos and tacos, is a recurring favorite in her household, often supplemented by a special dish prepared by her father.
Rug!le, meanwhile, balances the indulgence of the evening with fresh fruit and a heavy dose of nostalgia. While she stocks up on watermelons and pineapples, the centerpiece of her Eurovision table is her mother’s homemade lasagna—a dish that, for her, is as much a part of the tradition as the voting sequence itself.
Source: ELTA
