Alternative Eurovision Song Contest 33

### Opening act

**Semi Final 1**: Gamka singing "Uraganas" and "Ne toks" with dancers performing along
**Semi Final 2**: Monika Linkytė singing "Stay"
**Grand Final**: Flag parade together with iconic old and new lithuanian pop songs, alongside Paula performing "Like Me"

### Interval act

**Semi Final 1**: Monika Liu performing "Sentimentai" and Akli performing "Taika"
**Semi Final 2**: Monika Marija performing "Criminal" and Deeper Upper performing "Unity" with dancers along
**Grand Final**: Gamka performing "Uragans" and "Išmok mylėt". Sisters On Wire performing "My Heart is Beating"

## Participants

### Returning countries

 Germany
 Norway

## Vote

### Voting system

Each country awards 12, 10, 8-1 points to their 10 favourite songs

### Label

◄ 32 •  34►

The **Alternative Eurovision Song Contest 33** was the 33rd edition of the Alternative Eurovision Song Contest. The contest was held in  Lithuania after **Gamka** won the last edition with their song **"Uraganas"**, with a total of 446 points. It was the second time that Lithuania hosted the contest, and third time the contest had taken place in baltic area. Three live shows took place in Žalgiris Arena, hosted by Monika Liu, Monika Linkytė and Monika Marija.

## Location - Kaunas, Lithuania

**Lithuania**, officially the **Republic of Lithuania**, is a country in the Baltic region of Europe. It is one of three Baltic states and lies on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. Lithuania shares land borders with Latvia to the north, Belarus to the east and south, Poland to the south, and Russia to the southwest. It has a maritime border with Sweden to the west on the Baltic Sea. Lithuania covers an area of 65,300 km2 (25,200 sq mi), with a population of 2.8 million. Its capital and largest city is Vilnius; other major cities are Kaunas and Klaipėda. Lithuanians belong to the ethno-linguistic group of the Balts and speak Lithuanian, one of only a few living Baltic languages.

**Kaunas** is the second-largest city in Lithuania after Vilnius and an important centre of Lithuanian economic, academic, and cultural life. Kaunas was the largest city and the centre of a county in the Duchy of Trakai of the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and Trakai Palatinate since 1413. In the Russian Empire, it was the capital of the Kaunas Governorate from 1843 to 1915.

## The Venue - Žalgiris Arena

**Žalgirio Arena** is a multi-purpose indoor arena in the New Town of Kaunas, Lithuania. The arena is located on an island of the Nemunas River and is the largest indoor arena in the Baltics. The arena's maximum possible seating capacity for basketball games is 15,415, and 20,000 spectators for concerts (when the stage is in the middle, and 17,000 when stage is in the side of the arena). The Žalgiris Arena replaced the Kaunas Sports Hall as a major venue in the city. The Žalgirio Arena is used to host basketball games as well as concerts. The arena's namesake basketball club BC Žalgiris, which currently competes in the domestic LKL and the EuroLeague, uses the facility for all of its European and LKL home fixtures.

## Format

### Design

Our newly crowned winner Gamka is portraying in his winning entry "Uraganas" a story about the illusions life makes us believe in, and the daydreams we fall into. It talks about the rush of feelings and emotions our experiences make us live, until the point of feeling like in a hurricane of feelings. All captured in an 80s inspired instrumental, which creates a sense of nostalgia.

Thus, this edition's theme art is portraying this vision. The center piece is the **feelings hurricane** everyone is feelings, especially our competing artists which have to deal with both the excitement and happiness of preforming on the stage, as well as the nerves that come with the responsibility. The slogan, **"Realizing Reveries"** sends a message of believing in your dreams, because even the most utopic ones can be materialized. The style is inspired by 20s-era cinema, which plays homage to the feeling of familiarity Uraganas gives off.

### Presenters

**Monika Liu**, a dynamic and talented Lithuanian singer, captured the hearts of music enthusiasts with her captivating performance in the Eurovision Song Contest 2022. Representing Lithuania with her song "Sentimentai," she delivered a stirring and emotive performance that resonated with audiences around the world. Placing 14th in the final, Monika Liu showcased her incredible vocal prowess and stage presence, solidifying her status as a rising star in the music industry. Beyond her Eurovision journey, Monika Liu's influence extends even further. She played a pivotal role in hosting the Alternative Eurovision Song Contest 30 in Vilnius, where her energy and charisma shone as she co-hosted alongside Vaidas Baumila. Now she is going to host the event again, this time in Kaunas along other girls. This event provided a unique platform for artists from various countries to come together and celebrate the diversity of music and culture. Monika Liu's musical artistry is marked by a fusion of emotive storytelling and an impressive vocal range. Her participation in Eurovision and her role as a host have not only showcased her talent but also demonstrated her commitment to fostering a sense of unity and collaboration within the music community. With her memorable performance, Monika Liu has undoubtedly etched her name in the annals of Eurovision history and continues to inspire audiences with her passion for music and creativity.

**Monika Linkytė**, a prominent Lithuanian singer, has carved her place in the music industry with her exceptional talent and captivating performances. Known for her powerful vocals and emotive delivery, Monika's journey in the world of music has been marked by her distinctive voice and dynamic presence. Hailing from Lithuania, Monika first garnered widespread attention when she participated in the Lithuanian music competition "Dainų Dainelė" at a young age, showcasing her innate musicality. She further solidified her presence in the music scene when she represented Lithuania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 with the song "This Time", and later on in 2023 with "Stay". Her remarkable vocal prowess and stage charisma left a lasting impression on audiences. Monika's artistic versatility is evident in her ability to tackle various musical genres, from heartfelt ballads to energetic pop anthems. Her dedication to her craft and her commitment to connecting with her listeners through music have earned her a devoted fan base. Beyond her solo endeavors, Monika Linkytė has also collaborated with other notable artists and engaged in various musical projects, showcasing her adaptability and collaborative spirit. Her music not only resonates with her Lithuanian audience but also transcends borders, capturing the hearts of international listeners. With a growing discography and an ever-evolving artistic journey, Monika Linkytė continues to inspire and touch the souls of those who encounter her music. Her passion, talent, and dedication make her a true luminary in the vibrant world of Lithuanian and international music.

**Monika Marija**, a celebrated Lithuanian singer, has established herself as a formidable force in the music industry with her exceptional talent and captivating performances. With a powerful voice and a deep emotional connection to her music, Monika Marija has garnered the attention and admiration of audiences far and wide. Hailing from Lithuania, Monika Marija first rose to prominence through her participation in the Lithuanian music competition "X Factor." Her impressive vocal range, emotive delivery, and undeniable stage presence set her apart as a rising star. Her subsequent participation in Lithuania's national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest further solidified her place in the hearts of music enthusiasts. Monika Marija's artistry is marked by her ability to convey a wide range of emotions through her music. Whether she's performing heartfelt ballads or energetic pop tracks, her authenticity shines through, creating a strong connection with her listeners. Her dedication to her craft and her unwavering commitment to musical excellence have earned her a devoted fan base. Beyond her solo endeavors, Monika Marija has also collaborated with other artists and explored various musical styles, showcasing her versatility as a singer and performer. Her music resonates not only within Lithuania but also on an international level, as she continues to captivate audiences with her soulful voice and genuine passion for music. As Monika Marija's musical journey continues to evolve, her impact on the music scene remains undeniable. Her distinctive voice, compelling performances, and boundless dedication to her artistry make her a true luminary in the vibrant world of Lithuanian and global music.