In a recent interview, Joci Pápai revealed that he had revamped his Eurovision 2019 entry “Az én apám” ahead of Tel Aviv. Exact details were unknown, but it was expected to be similar to the version performed at the A Dal final. Now, the revamped entry has been released, alongside a newly-edited version of the original video interspersed with clips from his performance.
‘I felt that something was missing’
Speaking to Bors journalist Levente Harsányi, he revealed why he wanted to make changes to the track before Eurovision:
I know that I’m a perfectionist and very critical of myself. During my A Dal performances, we continually made changes, but even after the final I felt that something was missing, so I went to the studio two days ago. I wanted to make sure that I had no shortcomings with the song.
Except of Joci’s interview with Bors about the revamp
Since the interview, Joci has now released a new clip for his revamped entry on his official YouTube channel:
Joci will perform this version of Az én apám in the first semi final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 on the 14th of May. Whilst the running order remains unknown, we know he will perform in the first half.
Hungary in the Eurovision Song Contest
Hungary first appeared at Eurovision back in 1994 with Friderika Bayer’s ”Kinek mondjam el vétkeimet?” finishing in fourth place. So far, that is still Hungary’s best ever result at the contest.
In total, Hungary have taken part at the contest sixteen times. Ever since returning to the contest in 2011, they have managed to qualify for the Grand Final every year. After Kati Wolf was internally-selected for Düsseldorf, the broadcaster invented A Dal as their new national final. Their best results in the A Dal era are a fifth place in 2014 with “Running” by András Kállay-Saunders and Joci Pápai’s “Origo” finishing in eight place in 2017. Coincidentally, both acts returned to the A Dal final in 2019.
In 2018, the band AWS represented the country with their metal entry “Viszlát Nyár“. They also managed to qualify for the Grand Final in Lisbon, but then only finished in 21st with 93 points.
What do you think about the revamp? Will Joci be bringing Hungary back to the top 10 this year? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates!
