Teresa & Maria
| "Teresa & Maria" | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | ||||
| Single by Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil | ||||
| from the EP Maria | ||||
| Released | 11 January 2024 | |||
| Length | 2:59 | |||
| Label | Enko | |||
| Songwriter(s) |
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| Alyona Alyona singles chronology | ||||
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| Jerry Heil singles chronology | ||||
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| Music video | ||||
| "Teresa & Maria" on YouTube | ||||
| Eurovision Song Contest 2024 entry | ||||
| Country | ||||
| Artist(s) | ||||
| Languages | Ukrainian, English | |||
| Composer(s) |
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| Lyricist(s) |
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| Finals performance | ||||
| Semi-final result | 2nd | |||
| Semi-final points | 173 | |||
| Final result | 3rd | |||
| Final points | 453 | |||
| Entry chronology | ||||
| ◄ "Heart of Steel" (2023) | ||||
| Official performance video | ||||
| "Teresa & Maria" (First Semi-Final) on YouTube "Teresa & Maria" (Grand Final) on YouTube | ||||
"Teresa & Maria" (Ukrainian: Тереза і Марія, romanized: Tereza i Mariia, pronounced [teˈrɛzɐ i mɐˈr⁽ʲ⁾ijɐ]) is a song by Ukrainian rapper Alyona Alyona and Ukrainian singer Jerry Heil. Described as a song about hope, resilience and empowerment inspired by the humanity of both Albanian-Indian Roman Catholic saint Mother Teresa and the Virgin Mary, it was written by Alyona, Heil, Anton Chilibi, and Ivan Klymenko. It was released on 11 January 2024 through Enko Music, and represented Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, where it placed in third with 453 points.
Background and composition
"Teresa & Maria" is composed by Anton Chilibi and Ivan Klymenko, with lyrics written by Aliona Savranenko and Yana Shemaieva, known by their stage names, Alyona Alyona and Jerry Heil, respectively.[1] According to the duo, the song attempts to inspire hope by implying that divinity exists within all humans[2] as exemplified by the Roman Catholic saint Mother Teresa and the Virgin Mary, mother of Jesus,[3] who "were born as human beings". The songwriting duo have stated that the song is not about the two figures, but references them to symbolize "charity, love, [and] unification".[4]
In other interviews, they have described the song as a reminder that we are responsible for our own destiny,[5] and that happiness is only achievable if one seeks out for it and creates it for themselves.[2] They have also stated that the song was conceived as a message of empowerment for Ukrainian women.[6] In response to criticism of Mother Teresa for her clinics in India displaying a lack of medical care, Alyona defended Mother Teresa stating "she wanted people to live, not die, that's all".[7]
According to both singers, their collaboration came out of their mutual admiration of each other.[5] Heil and Alyona were officially announced to compete in Vidbir 2024 on 12 January 2024.[8] After their victory in Vidbir 2024, Heil announced that the duo were considering changing their performance for the Eurovision Song Contest.[9]
Music video and promotion
An accompanying music video was released on 4 May 2024.[10] To further promote the song, the duo announced their intents to perform at various Eurovision pre-parties throughout the months of March and April 2024, including Pre-Party ES 2024[11] on 30 March and Eurovision in Concert 2024 on 13 April.[12]
Critical reception
"Teresa & Maria" has been largely well-received. In a Wiwibloggs review containing several reviews from several critics, the song was rated 7.73 out of 10 points,[13] earning fifth out of the 37 songs competing in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 on the site's annual ranking.[14] Another review conducted by ESC Bubble that contained reviews from a combination of readers and juries rated the song fourth out of the 15 songs "Teresa & Maria" was competing against in its the Eurovision semi-final.[15] Jon O'Brien, a writer for Vulture, ranked the song fourth out of 37 songs, praising the duo's vocal abilities within the song for creating a "dramatic alt-pop production".[16] NPR's Glen Weldon declared the song as a favourite to win, stating that "the two performers remain distinct, and they create a kind of two-sided musical conversation – a song that comments on itself".[17] ESC Beat's Doron Lahav ranked the song fourth overall, proclaiming, "The song is just epic!... together they create a catchy and emotional song."[18] The Scotsman writer Erin Adam rated the song nine out of 10 points, also praising the duo's vocal abilities.[19]
Eurovision Song Contest
Vidbir 2024
Ukraine's broadcaster, the Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine (Suspilne), officially announced their participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 on 7 July 2023,[20] organizing an 11-entry competition, Vidbir 2024, that was to take place on 3 February 2024. The edition was the eighth iteration of the national final.[21] The winning song in the final was selected by a 50/50 vote of a jury panel and a televote, with an 11 point maximum allocated to each group.[22]
The duo were officially announced to compete in Vidbir 2024 on 12 January 2024.[8] For their national final performance, the duo opted to wear black clothes due to their belief that the color represented "sadness... but on the other hand, it is very deep and symbolizes certain limitations".[23] After voting results were delayed by a day,[24] on 4 February, the song was announced to have won the competition, earning 10 points from the juries and a maximum 11 points from the televote. As a result of the victory, the song won the right to represent Ukraine in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.[25]
At Eurovision
The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 took place at the Malmö Arena in Malmö, Sweden, and consisted of two semi-finals held on 7 and 9 May, with the final on 11 May 2024. During the allocation draw on 30 January 2024, Ukraine was drawn to compete in the first semi-final, performing in the first half of the show.[26] The duo were later drawn to perform fifth in the semi-final, ahead of Ireland's Bambie Thug and before Poland's Luna.[27]
For the song's Eurovision performance, music video director Tanu Muino was appointed as the creative director and re-imagined the staging.[28] The performance features Heil in a thin muslin dress inspired by Archangel Michael, the patron saint of Kyiv. Heil also opted to wear actual breastplate armor for the performance; in interviews, she stated she chose it because the weight of the breastplates represents "[those] who carry this world on their steel shoulders".[29] Alyona wore a 3 kilograms (6.6 lb) chainmail suit, which she described as "torn and burnt" to represent how "a woman's life is difficult, thorny, [and] full of trials".[30] The lighting reflected the colors of the Ukrainian flag. Heil was bathed in a yellow-orange light during her portion of the performance, while Alyona was lit by cool blue light in hers. Heil climbs an inclined rocky platform while simulations of white phosphorus bombs streak across the sky behind her. This symbolized support for Ukraine over the Russian invasion of Ukraine.[31] During Alyona's performance, ghost-like figures representing ancestors were projected above and behind her. The song concludes with a duet by both performers, who lay down on a background of Ukrainian women.[32] "Teresa & Maria" finished second, scoring 173 points and securing a position in the grand final.[33][34]
The duo repeated their performance in the grand final on 11 May. The song was in the second slot, ahead of Sweden's duo of Marcus & Martinus and before Germany's Isaak.[35] At the end of their performance, the duo spoke two messages: "Unite for the world" and "Peace and freedom for Ukraine".[36] After the results were announced, they finished in third with 453 points, with a split score of 146 points from juries and 307 points from televoting.[37] Regarding the former, two sets of the maximum 12 points were given by Czechia and Moldova. The song also received seven sets of 12 points from televoting.[38]
Charts
Weekly charts
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Monthly charts
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Certifications
| Region | Certification | Certified units/sales |
|---|---|---|
| Poland (ZPAV)[59] | Gold | 25,000‡ |
|
‡ Sales+streaming figures based on certification alone. | ||
Release history
| Country | Date | Format(s) | Label | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Various | 11 January 2024 | ENKO Music | [60] |
Notes
References
- ^ Schulte-Wieschen, Claire (4 February 2024). "Ukraine: Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil to Eurovision 2024 with "Teresa & Maria"". Eurovision World. Archived from the original on 6 February 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ a b Tudor, Ruxandra (3 April 2024). ""All the divas were born as human beings" — Jerry Heil and alyona alyona promote Earthly kindness in "Teresa & Maria" lyrics". Wiwibloggs. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
- ^ Shcherbak, Alla (29 January 2024). "Behind the controversy of 'Teresa & Maria' song: Insights from Jerry Heil and alyona alyona". The New Voice of Ukraine. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ Galushchenko, Katerina (29 January 2024). "Jerry Heil will fight for the right to represent Ukraine at Eurovision for the third time: what songs brought her failure and how "Teresa & Maria" sounds live". Obozrevatel. Archived from the original on 7 February 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ a b Adams, William Lee (22 January 2024). "Ukraine's alyona alyona and Jerry Heil: "Teresa & Maria" is a reminder that who we become is our responsibility". Wiwibloggs. Archived from the original on 8 March 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ Bronson, Fred (30 April 2024). "Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil Want People 'To Feel Empathy for Ukraine' With Their Eurovision 2024 Song". Billboard. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ Vishnyakova, Karina (19 January 2024). ""Was a sadistic and a bitch": Jerry Heil and alyona alyona responded to the scandal over Mother Teresa in the Eurovision song". Obozrevatel. Archived from the original on 7 February 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ a b Granger, Anthony (7 January 2024). "Ukraine: Vidbir 2024 Songs to be Released From January 12". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 9 January 2024. Retrieved 7 January 2024.
- ^ Kravchuk, Anna (6 February 2024). "Jerry Heil and alyona alyona answered whether they will change the performance from the National Selection for Eurovision 2024 in Malmö: we had a different vision". Obozrevatel. Archived from the original on 6 February 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ Conte, Davide (4 May 2024). "🇺🇦 Ukraine: Jerry Heil & alyona alyona Release Music Video for "Teresa & Maria"". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ Garnett, Georgia (3 March 2024). "🇺🇦 alyona alyona and Jerry Heil to perform at Pre-Party ES 2024". That Eurovision Site. Archived from the original on 23 March 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ Gannon, Rory (28 February 2024). "🇺🇦 alyona alyona and Jerry Heil to perform at Eurovision in Concert 2024". That Eurovision Site. Archived from the original on 1 April 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ "Wiwi Jury: Ukraine's alyona alyona & Jerry Heil with "Teresa & Maria"". Wiwibloggs. 23 April 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ Vautrey, Jonathan (7 April 2024). "Eurovision 2024: Reviews and rankings by the Wiwi Jury". Wiwibloggs. Archived from the original on 1 May 2024. Retrieved 26 April 2024.
- ^ Juhász, Ervin (23 April 2024). "The Public Reacts to Sweden: Marcus and Martinus – Unforgettable". ESC Bubble. Archived from the original on 2 May 2024. Retrieved 1 May 2024.
- ^ O'Brien, Jon (6 May 2024). "Every 2024 Eurovision Song, Ranked". Vulture. Archived from the original on 7 May 2024. Retrieved 7 May 2024.
- ^ Weldon, Glen (9 May 2024). "Eurovision 2024: Here are the songs with the best shot at glory". NPR. Archived from the original on 11 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ Lahav, Doron (22 March 2024). "Eurovision 2024 Songs Review – Part 1 (Azerbaijan, Lithuania, Moldova, Poland and Ukraine)". ESC Beat. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ Adam, Erin (7 May 2024). "Eurovision Song Contest 2024: All 37 songs reviewed ahead of semifinals, including UK's Olly Alexander". The Scotsman. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 11 May 2024.
- ^ "Євробачення-2024 проведуть у шведському Мальме" [Eurovision 2024 will be held in Malmö, Sweden]. Eurovision Ukraine (in Ukrainian). Suspilne. 7 July 2023. Archived from the original on 25 July 2023. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ Granger, Anthony (28 August 2023). "Ukraine: National Selection to Determine Eurovision 2024 Entry". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 11 February 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ Lutsenko, Yevheniia (3 February 2024). "Фінал нацвідбору на 'Євробачення-2024': де дивитися та як голосувати" [The final of Vidbir for Eurovision 2024: where to watch and how to vote]. Suspilne (in Ukrainian). Archived from the original on 3 February 2024. Retrieved 3 February 2024.
- ^ Vishnyakova, Karina (19 February 2024). "Why alyona alyona and Jerry Heil wore black at the 2024 National Selection - what colors bring success". Obozrevatel. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ Stephenson, James (3 February 2024). "Ukraine: Vidbir 2024 Results Delayed". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 3 February 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ Veen, Renske ten (4 February 2024). "Alyona Alyona & Jerry Heil will represent Ukraine at Eurovision 2024". Wiwibloggs. Archived from the original on 8 March 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ "Eurovision 2024: Semi-Final Draw results". Eurovision Song Contest. European Broadcasting Union. 30 January 2024. Archived from the original on 30 January 2024. Retrieved 7 February 2024.
- ^ Adams, William Lee (26 March 2024). "Eurovision 2024 Semi-Final Running Order Revealed". Wiwibloggs. Archived from the original on 27 April 2024. Retrieved 7 April 2024.
- ^ Stephenson, James (2 May 2024). "🇺🇦 Ukraine: Tanu Muiño Creative Director for "Teresa & Maria"". Eurovoix. Archived from the original on 2 May 2024. Retrieved 13 May 2024.
- ^ Vishnyakova, Karina (8 May 2024). "Real chain mail and metal armor. How alyona alyona and Jerry Heil's costumes for Eurovision 2024 were created". Obozrevatel. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ "Як створювали костюми для alyona alyona та Jerry Heil: палена сукня, лати, архангел Михаїл та Grimes (Ексклюзивні Фото)" [How to create costumes for alyona alyona and Jerry Heil: burnt dress, armor, Archangel Michael and Grimes (Exclusive Photos)]. Suspilne. 7 May 2024. Archived from the original on 12 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ Galushchenko, Katerina (13 May 2024). ""This is such a strong message!" Foreigners have guessed what the lights in the background during Ukraine's performance at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 mean". Obozrevatel. Archived from the original on 14 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ Lahav, Doron (6 May 2024). "Eurovision 2024 Semi-Final 1: Dress/Jury Rehearsal Live Commetary". ESC Beat. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ Galushchenko, Katerina (8 May 2024). "Ukraine made it to the Eurovision 2024 final: how alyona alyona and Jerry Heil performed". Obozrevatel. Archived from the original on 12 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ Vautrey, Jonathan (12 May 2024). "Eurovision 2024 semi-finals: Detailed results show Croatia and Israel won each show". Wiwibloggs. Archived from the original on 14 May 2024. Retrieved 12 May 2024.
- ^ Vautrey, Jonathan (10 May 2024). "Eurovision 2024 grand final running order: Ukraine in second, Austria closes". Wiwibloggs. Archived from the original on 10 May 2024.
- ^ Vishnyakova, Karina (13 May 2024). ""There is a lot of apolitical pressure". alyona alyona has revealed the high-profile details of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024". Obozrevatel. Archived from the original on 15 May 2024. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
- ^ Mukhina, Olena (12 May 2024). "Switzerland wins Eurovision Song Contest 2024, Ukraine takes third place". Euromaidan Press. Retrieved 14 May 2024.
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- ^ "ČNS IFPI" (in Czech). Hitparáda – Digital Top 100 Oficiální. IFPI Czech Republic. Note: Select 20. týden 2024 in the date selector. Retrieved 21 May 2024.
- ^ "Alyona Alyona, Jerry Heil: Teresa & Maria" (in Finnish). Musiikkituottajat. Retrieved 18 May 2024.
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