Pray (Alicja song)

"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]

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]

"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]