This year’s Schlager King title was awarded to Romas Dambrauskas, the Schlager Queen became Amelija Juonytė, the vice-king title went to Igoris Jarmolenka, the vice-queen to Beatričė Dabrišiūtė, the Schlager Prince was Donatas Momkus, and the Schlager Princess – Karina Subačiūtė.
Diplomas were also awarded at the festival:
1st place – Nikita Stuliov;
2nd place – Deivydas Dubinovas;
3rd place – Paulina Seniūnaitė.
The old pop scene passes the baton to the younger generation
This year’s festival became a beautiful example of dialogue between generations. Lithuanian pop legends and young performers, who boldly continue the traditions of Lithuanian schlager, appeared on the same stage. It is symbolic that the Schlager Queen title this year was won by a representative of the younger generation, Amelija Juonytė, and among the laureates were more young, promising performers.
The festival’s initiator and organizer Birutė Petrikytė says that this was one of the most important goals of the festival.
“The greatest joy of this festival is to see different generations meet on one stage. Our pop legends pass on their accumulated experience to young performers, and they prove that schlager music has a future. This year, the professionalism, respect for the genre, and sincerity of the young singers were especially pleasing. I am sure that among them we see more than one future star of Lithuanian pop. Schlager music lives as long as it is taken over by new generations, and this year’s festival proved it once again,” says B. Petrikytė.
Vytautas Lukočius: “The competition was worthy of the biggest stages”
The chairman of the jury Vytautas Lukočius admitted that this year the jury had a very difficult task.
“Schlager requires not only a good voice. The performer must be able to tell a story, create emotion, and establish a connection with the audience. This year the competition was really strong. We evaluated not only vocal abilities but also artistry, stage culture, and the ability to convey emotion to the viewers. The younger generation pleasantly surprised us. Amelija Juonytė stood out because she was able not only to sing excellently but also to embody the character of the performed piece, conveying its character and emotion. This is a very important quality for a true stage artist. There were other strong performances, but some participants still lacked the ability to establish a stronger connection with the audience and convey emotion so that it reached every viewer. Romas Dambrauskas once again proved his professionalism and highest mastery.
His performance was very strong, so he rightfully became the Schlager King. He is a performer who every time goes on stage fully prepared and proves with his work that he deserves the highest recognition. I am very happy to see such a talented young generation of performers. This allows us to believe that Lithuanian schlager has a bright future. I also want to sincerely thank Birutė Petrikytė. Her initiative has for eighteen years not only nurtured Lithuanian pop but also changed people’s lives and careers. For many performers, this festival has become an important step to the big stage, and that is the great value of this event.”
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Romas Dambrauskas: “This is one of the most meaningful recognitions in my career”
The new Schlager King Romas Dambrauskas did not hide his emotions.
“This title is special to me. During my career, and I have been on stage for 41 years, I have experienced many beautiful moments, but being chosen as the Schlager King at a festival that has nurtured Lithuanian pop music for almost two decades is a great honor. I sincerely thank the jury, organizers, and audience for their trust.”
Amelija Juonytė: “This inspires me to improve even more”
Schlager Queen Amelija Juonytė says this recognition gives her even more motivation.
“For me, it is not only a great joy but also a responsibility. I grew up listening to Lithuanian pop legends, so standing next to them today and being recognized at such a festival is an incredible feeling. I really hope that my generation will continue to nurture schlager music and help it find new listeners.”
Igoris Jarmolenka: “The most important thing is to touch people’s hearts”
Schlager vice-king Igoris Jarmolenka performed his original song “New Morning” in the competition, which received abundant ovations from the audience. “The greatest reward for a performer is to see people singing along and experiencing the song you perform. This vice-king title is very dear to me because it was earned at a festival that has nurtured Lithuanian pop music for many years. I am sincerely grateful to the jury and every viewer,” says Lithuania’s most romantic performer.
At the beginning of the evening, the festival’s author Birutė Petrikytė greeted the audience with a touching performance, dedicating a song to friends from the stage who have passed away. The festival featured audience-favorite performers and young talents prepared by vocal teacher Nijolė Maceikaitė. An impressive schlager medley was presented to the audience by violinist Lijana Žiedelytė, and performances were given by Aušrinė with Lithuanian and Latvian dancers, Lilija Amel, Roma Mačiulytė, Gabriela, Valdemaras Frankonis, “Žvaigždžių kvartetas,” jury members Radži, Asta Pilypaitė, Gediminas Norvaišas, Lina Urnikytė, and the event was hosted by songwriter Marijus Budraitis.
For eighteen years, the International Schlager Festival has remained one of the most important traditions of Lithuanian pop. It not only honors stage legends but also becomes a place where a new generation of talented performers grows. This year’s festival once again proved that the baton of Lithuanian schlager is successfully passed to young singers, and this genre has not only an honorable past but also a promising future.
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