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Pray (Alicja song)

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"Pray"
The official cover art for "Pray"
Single by Alicja
LanguageEnglish
Released5 February 2026 (2026-02-05)
Genre
Length3:00
LabelTenace
Songwriters
  • Alicja Szemplińska
  • Sinclair Alan Malcolm
  • Weronika Gabryelczyk
ProducerWeronika Gabryelczyk
Alicja singles chronology
"Napraw mnie" (with Hodak [pl] and 2K)
(2024)		 "Pray"
(2026)
Music video
"Pray" on YouTube
Eurovision Song Contest 2026 entry
Country
Artist
Language
English
Composers
  • Alicja Szemplińska
  • Sinclair Alan Malcolm
  • Weronika Gabryelczyk
Lyricists
  • Alicja Szemplińska
  • Sinclair Alan Malcolm
  • Weronika Gabryelczyk
Finals performance
Semi-final result
2nd
Semi-final points
247
Final result
12th
Final points
150
Entry chronology
◄ "Gaja" (2025)

"Pray" is a song by Polish singer-songwriter Alicja, co-written with Sinclair Alan Malcolm and Weronika Gabryelczyk. Self-described as a reflection on her journey toward personal growth and artistic independence, the song was released on 5 February 2026 through the British independent record label Tenace Records. It represented Poland in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, and finished in twelfth place at the final.

Background and composition

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"Pray" was written by Alicja Szemplińska, Sinclair Alan Malcolm and Weronika Gabryelczyk.[1] Despite its title, the song does not carry a strictly religious meaning, with the concept of prayer used as a metaphor for overcoming personal struggles and finding inner strength, freedom and independence. Alicja has stated the song is an expression of her own experiences within the music industry and of her desire to remain authentic to her artistic identity regardless of commercial expectations, describing it as "personal".[2][3][4] The track blends elements of gospel, hip-hop, R&B and soul, which she describes as "all the influences that have shaped [her] as an artist";[5][6] it was initially conceived as a slower, gospel-inspired ballad before evolving into a more dynamic structure during production.[7]

Music video and promotion

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Along with the song's premiere, an accompanying music video was released. Directed by Martyna Byczkowska,[8] it is set in Alicja's hometown of Ciechanów and centres on locations of personal significance to the artist, such as the parish church and the 1st Zygmunt Krasiński General Education Liceum [pl]. It features a schoolgirl portraying young Alicja, as well as local residents, her relatives and boyfriend.[9][10][11] The music video incorporates familiar cultural tropes for domestic Polish audiences, such as large-panel-system housing, a Polish People's Republic-era school gymnasium and an old-fashioned apartment marked by religious symbols.[12]

To further promote the song, Alicja confirmed her intent to participate in several Eurovision pre-parties, including Eurovision in Concert 2026 on 11 April and the London Eurovision Party 2026 on 19 April.[13][14]

Critical reception

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"Pray" did not receive a clear consensus from Polish or international critics, with limited formal reviews focusing on its experimental nature. In a review for Onet, Mateusz Kamiński characterised it as the "most surprising" entry in Finał krajowych kwalifikacji, noting that the opening "church organ and gospel vocals" serve to "mislead the listener" into expecting a traditional ballad. He highlighted the sudden transition into a "sharp trap rhythm" and described the track as innovative and "exploratory" within the context of the Polish music scene, before concluding that the song serves as a "significant point" in the artist's discography regardless of the contest's outcome.[15] Writing for RGM, Quincy Dominic offered a highly positive review, describing the track as "nothing short of phenomenal" and stating that it "positions [Alicja] as an artist capable of combining technical skill with emotional storytelling" through its blend of trap elements and "soaring vocals".[16] Within Polish media, Alicja's vocal delivery in the song drew comparisons to that of Beyoncé.[17][18] The song also received endorsements from notable Polish figures, including Justyna Steczkowska (1995 and 2025 Polish Eurovision representative), who stated she would "keep her fingers crossed" for Alicja to "reach the top",[19] as well as Quebonafide, who reportedly praised the song for "filling a niche" in the local music scene.[20]

Eurovision Song Contest

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Finał krajowych kwalifikacji

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Finał krajowych kwalifikacji was the national final format developed by TVP in order to select its entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The competition consisted of a final aired on 7 March 2026, with the winner selected exclusively by a public vote and announced the following day.[21] Eight finalists, including Alicja with "Pray", were announced on 14 January 2026.[22][23] She won the final with 26,092 votes, including 20,350 cast via the TVP VOD [pl] application and 5,742 cast via SMS.[24]

At Eurovision

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The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 took place at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria, and consisted of two semi-finals held on the respective dates of 12 and 14 May and the final on 16 May 2026. During the allocation draw held on 12 January 2026, Poland was drawn to compete in the first semi-final, performing in the second half of the show.[25] Alicja was later drawn to perform fourteenth, after San Marino's Senhit and before Serbia's Lavina.[26]

Release history

[edit]
Release dates and formats for "Pray"
Region Date Format(s) Version Label Ref.
Various 5 February 2026 Original Tenace
8 May 2026 Gospel

References

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  1. ↑ Granger, Anthony (7 February 2026). "Poland: Last Finał polskich kwalifikacji Song Released". Eurovoix. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  2. ↑ Rybak, Adrian (8 March 2026). "Eurowizja 2026 – piosenka Polski. O czym śpiewa Alicja Szemplińska w utworze 'Pray'?" [Eurovision 2026 – Poland’s entry. What does Alicja Szemplińska sing about in the song "Pray"?]. Eska.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  3. ↑ Zawistowska, Klaudia (8 March 2026). "Alicja Szemplińska jedzie na Eurowizję 2026. Jak nikt zna smak wygranej i porażki" [Alicja Szemplińska is heading to Eurovision 2026. She knows the taste of victory and defeat like no one else]. NaTemat.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  4. ↑ Wyszkowska, Natalia (7 March 2026). "Alicja Szemplińska zachwyciła na preselekcjach do Eurowizji 2026. 'Godna następczyni Steczkowskiej'" [Alicja Szemplińska wowed at the Eurovision 2026 preselection. "A worthy successor to Steczkowska"] (in Polish). Fakt. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  5. ↑ Gerasik, Paulina (10 March 2026). "Alicja Szemplińska przygotowuje się do Eurowizji 2026. 'Pray' to bardzo osobisty utwór" [Alicja Szemplińska is preparing for Eurovision 2026. "Pray" is a very personal song] (in Polish). Telewizja Polska (TVP). Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  6. ↑ Lewandowski, Karol (20 January 2026). "Alicja Szemplińska wystosowała 'orędzie'. 'Wysyłacie mi komentarze, prośby i zażalenia'" [Alicja Szemplińska has issued a statement. "Send me comments, requests and complaints"]. Plejada.pl (in Polish). Onet. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  7. ↑ "Alicja i jej nowy singiel 'Pray', czyli punkt zwrotny jej kariery" [Alicja and her new single "Pray", a turning point in her career] (in Polish). Polskie Radio. 9 February 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  8. ↑ Wojas, Agnieszka (11 February 2026). "Alicja Szemplińska z szansą na Eurowizję. Teledysk wyreżyserowała gwiazda serialu '1670'" [Alicja Szemplińska with a shot at Eurovision. The music video was directed by a star of the TV series 1670]. Onet.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  9. ↑ Woźniak, Klaudia (9 February 2026). "Alicja Szemplińska z utworem Pray powalczy o udział w Eurowizji 2026. Zobaczcie teledysk" [Alicja Szemplińska with the song "Pray" will compete for a place at Eurovision 2026. Watch the music video]. 4fun.tv (in Polish). Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  10. ↑ "Alicja Szemplińska nagrała teledysk do utworu 'Pray' w rodzinnym Ciechanowie" [Alicja Szemplińska has filmed the music video for the song "Pray" in her hometown of Ciechanów]. Czas Ciechanowa (in Polish). 9 February 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  11. ↑ Żurek, Agnieszka (26 February 2026). "Alicja z osobistym manifestem w preselekcjach do Eurowizji 2026. 'Modlę się o siebie'" [Alicja with a personal manifesto in the Eurovision 2026 preselection. "I pray for myself"] (in Polish). TVP. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  12. ↑ Shmorgun, Kateryna (4 March 2026). "Czy Europa zrozumie ironię? Polska eurowizyjna propozycja może utrwalić stare stereotypy" [Will Europe understand the irony? Poland's Eurovision entry could perpetuate old stereotypes]. Fun in Poland (in Polish). Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  13. ↑ Conte, Davide (20 March 2026). "Poland: Alicja Confirmed for Eurovision in Concert 2026". Eurovoix. Retrieved 20 March 2026.
  14. ↑ Oiko, Giwrgos (23 March 2026). "Alicja to perform at London Eurovision Party 2026". That Eurovision Site. Retrieved 23 March 2026.
  15. ↑ Kamiński, Mateusz (6 March 2026). "Przesłuchałem piosenki z polskich preselekcji do Eurowizji. Mam trzy faworytki" [I listened to the songs from the Polish Eurovision preselection. I have three favourites]. Onet.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  16. ↑ Dominic, Quincy (25 February 2026). "ALICJA Wows With Powerful Eurovision Contender 'Pray'". RGM. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  17. ↑ Jelonek, Łucja (8 March 2026). "Wiemy, kto będzie reprezentować Polskę na Eurowizji 2026! 'Nasza polska Beyoncé'" [We know who will represent Poland at Eurovision 2026! "Our Polish Beyoncé"]. Glamour (in Polish). Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  18. ↑ Staroń, Maria (12 April 2026). "Alicja Szemplińska wystąpiła przed eurowizyjną publicznością. Tak wypadła w Amsterdamie" [Alicja Szemplińska performed in front of the Eurovision audience. Here's how she got on in Amsterdam]. RMF Maxx (in Polish). Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  19. ↑ "Justyna Steczkowska reaguje na wygraną Alicji Szemplińskiej" [Justyna Steczkowska reacts to Alicja Szemplińska's win]. CGM (in Polish). 8 March 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  20. ↑ Doksa, Tomek (10 March 2026). "Modląc się o Eurowizję: Alicja Szemplińska musisz!" [Praying for Eurovision: Alicja Szemplińska, you've got to do it!]. Red Bull (in Polish). Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  21. ↑ "Widzowie zdecydują, kto pojedzie na Eurowizję. Ośmiu finalistów powalczy o bilet do Wiednia" [Viewers will decide who will go to Eurovision. Eight finalists will compete for a ticket to Vienna]. Onet.pl (in Polish). 12 February 2026. Retrieved 12 February 2026.
  22. ↑ "Telewizja Polska ogłasza artystów, którzy powalczą o udział w Eurowizji 2026" [Telewizja Polska announces the artists who will compete for a place in Eurovision 2026] (in Polish). TVP. 14 January 2026. Retrieved 14 January 2026.
  23. ↑ Gersz, Ola (14 January 2026). "Finaliści polskich preselekcji na Eurowizję ogłoszeni. Wśród nich… Pietrek z 'Rancza'" [The finalists of the Polish Eurovision preselection have been announced. Among them… Pietrek from "Ranczo"]. NaTemat.pl (in Polish). Retrieved 14 January 2026.
  24. ↑ "Szemplińska przebiła Steczkowską? Mamy dokładne wyniki preselekcji. Tak zagłosowali Polacy" [Has Szemplińska beaten Steczkowska? We have the detailed results of the preselection. This is how the Poles voted]. Eska.pl (in Polish). 9 April 2026. Retrieved 9 April 2026.
  25. ↑ "Vienna 2026: Semi-Final Draw results". Eurovision.com. European Broadcasting Union (EBU). 12 January 2026. Retrieved 12 January 2026.
  26. ↑ "Vienna 2026: Semi-Final Running Orders revealed". Eurovision.com. EBU. 2 April 2026. Retrieved 2 April 2026.
  27. ↑ "Pray – Single by ALICJA". Apple Music. 5 February 2026. Retrieved 15 April 2026.
  28. ↑ "Pray (Gospel Version) – Single by ALICJA". Apple Music. 8 May 2026. Retrieved 11 May 2026.
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