Alicja Szemplińska to represent Poland at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. Piotr Pręgowski defeated

Alicja Szemplińska won the Polish national selection for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest 2026 and will represent the country during the final in Vienna. The vocalist secured 32.01% of the votes, defeating, among others, actor Piotr Pręgowski, who performed the song Parawany Tango. The winning composition is titled Pray, and its performance resonated widely on social media and within the industry. The selection of the representative took place during a concert broadcast on March 7, 2026. national selection for this year's edition attracted attention due to the presence of experienced artists and unconventional musical proposals. Alicja Szemplińska was set to represent Poland at Eurovision back in 2020 with the song Empires, but the event was canceled then due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In subsequent years, the artist made several attempts to return to the contest, facing strong competition in the domestic market. The Eurovision Song Contest itself, organized since 1956, is one of the oldest and most popular television programs in the world, gathering a multi-million audience in front of TVs every year.

Elżbieta Zapendowska, a renowned music critic and vocal technique specialist, analyzed Alicja Szemplińska's performance. The expert, known for her uncompromising opinions, addressed the winner's vocal skills in the context of the upcoming international stage performance. Although Zapendowska did not spare criticism, her assessment constitutes a significant voice in the discussion about Poland's chances in Vienna. Results of the Polish national selection 2026: 1. Alicja Szemplińska — 32.01%; 2. Piotr Pręgowski — no data

Piotr Pręgowski, a 72-year-old actor widely known for his role as Pietrek in the TV series Ranczo, became one of the most talked-about figures in this year's selection. His proposal Parawany Tango, featuring a characteristic chorus with a phrase about a beach gibango, sparked interest among internet users as early as January 2026. Despite losing to Alicja Szemplińska, the actor does not hide his satisfaction with participating in the contest and announces the continuation of his activities in the music field. „Piotr Pręgowski zabrał głos po preselekcjach. 72-letni aktor ma nowe plany!” (Piotr Pręgowski spoke out after the national selection. The 72-year-old actor has new plans!) — Piotr Pręgowski via Super Express The artist used a specific visual presentation during his performance, featuring motifs of penguins, beach windbreaks, and a torso painted on his costume. Road to Eurovision 2026: January 16 — Song premiere; February 24 — Zapendowska's comment; March 7 — National selection final; March 10 — Pręgowski's statement