Polish singer Maja Krzyżewska has been announced as a frontrunner for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2023 with her song I Just Need a Friend.
The pop banger has been revamped ahead of next month’s competition after it won her the national title, and has gathered her an online following.
Krzyżewska hails from a tiny village in rural Poland but has been performing for most of her young life. The video for the new version of I Just Need a Friend was released on Friday (October 20).
She is well-placed to make Szeszupka, her village, proud in this year’s competition but will face some tough competition.
What is Junior Eurovision?
While, obviously, not as well known as its adult equivalent, the competition has been held annually since 2003.
European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is behind the event, which is open to entrants aged between nine and 14 on the day of their performance.
Fewer countries generally take part but it is still open to all EBU members, including the UK, and while it is a shorter affair than the normal version, the run time is still up to two hours, 40 minutes.
Like its older brother, the winning country from Junior Eurovision will usually host the event the following year – although this is not always the case.
Lissandro of France won in 2022, which is why the 2023 event is being held in Nice.
When is Nice 2023 and how can I watch it?
The event is being held at Palais Nikaïa, Nice, on November 26, with 16 nations taking part.
Girl group Stand Uniqu3 will represent the UK with their song, Back to Life.
Junior Eurovision 2023 will be broadcast on the CBBC channel although without the fanfare reserved for the usual version.
