The time has come again! XTRA DECIDES sees the team here at ESCXTRA score the Eurovision national final songs, reviewing our winner. Follow us from here through to March 2023 as we make our choices for Eurovision 2023. The national final season for Eurovision 2023 starts with Ukraine’s Vidbir national final.
The Scores
| 🇺🇦 Vidbir | Total | 12s | |
| 1 | Jerry Heil – When God Shut The Door 🥇 | 118 | 7 |
| 2 | KRUTЬ – Колискова (Lullaby) | 83 | 1 |
| 3 | FIINKA – Довбуш (Dovbush) | 81 | 2 |
| 4 | OY Sound System – Ой, тужу (Oy, tuzhu) | 68 | 1 |
| 5 | Angelina – Stronger | 62 | 0 |
| 6 | TVORCHI – Heart Of Steel | 54 | 0 |
| 7 | Moisei – I’m Not Alone | 52 | 0 |
| 8 | Tember Blanche – Я вдома (I’m Home) | 44 | 0 |
| 9 | 2TONE – Квітка (Flower) | 39 | 0 |
| 10 | DEMCHUK – Alive | 37 | 0 |
The Reviews
| Justas |
| I was worried that already on the first of December we will hear the song that will win next year’s Eurovision and the intrigue will disappear from the contest sooner than ever. I still don’t know if my fears were justified. I will be surprised if Jerry Heil does not win the final, in which case Ukraine, with a good performance, could claim one of the top positions in Liverpool. However, what bothers me a little about this application is the way too clear anti-war message. I loved ‘Stefania’ this year, because it was a strong, powerfull song with an amazing message, without being to obvious. So I wish there was a bit more subtle way for Jerry to sing about the war, than the words ‘I don’t want war’. For example, I wouldn’t be mad if the whole song was performed in Ukrainian. Either way, it would be a great entry, even though I would prefer to hear ‘Oy Tuzhu’ in Liverpool. |
| Costa |
| Isn’t it amazing what two years can do for a person? I was a Vegan defender during Vidbir 2020, but I welcome this shift from Jerry. Clocking in 30 seconds below 3 minutes, there is plenty of potential to make this even better, but as it stands this song is impactful and memorable, two things I expect from a good Ukrainian Eurovision entry. |
| Micheál |
| From Vegan to When God Shut the Door, Jerry Heil has shown that she has versatility. When God Shut the Door has so many captivating qualities. I will never get over her opera vibratto on top of a DnB beat. I find myself becoming more and more obsessed with it as each day passes and I really hope it wins Vidbir! It is just fantastic! |
| Lisa |
| Going from ‘Vegan’ to this, reminds me of Jamala’s career path from ‘Smile’ to ‘1944’ and the musical whiplash that gave me. Although ‘1944’ and ‘When God Shut The Door’ have a similar garage beat, the latter leans more on gothic choir elements and almost brings the story full circle in its reflective tale of modern life in war torn Ukraine. I have no doubt that Ukraine will be in for a very good result again should they choose this and it would be deserved. Not out of obligated sympathy, but because of the quality of the musically diverse, left field entries they keep sending. |
What do you think of our decision? Who do you think will win Vidbir 2023! Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts.
