Monika Linkytė is a talented Lithuanian singer and songwriter who was born on June 3, 1992, in Gargždai, close to Klaipeda in the west. She has participated in various music competitions and has attempted to represent Lithuania in the Eurovision Song Contest multiple times. In 2015, she represented Lithuania in the Eurovision Song Contest with Vaidas Baumila and performed the song "This Time," placing 18^th, a very memorable stage show with the two same-sex couples kissing. She will once again represent Lithuania in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 with the song "Stay." In the national final "Pabandom iš naujo!" there has been made a fundraising to help Ukrainian refugees.

Monika has also competed in the Lithuanian national selection for the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2007 and has participated in the “Eurovizija national final” and “Eurovizijos Atranka” competitions. She has achieved significant success in her music career, with her single "Po dangum" being certified platinum in Lithuania. Her debut studio album “Walk with Me” was also certified platinum and earned her awards for Best Album, Best Song, and Best Female Act at the 2015 M.A.M.A. Awards.

This year's Lithuanian entry, "Stay," is a stirring call to action that encourages listeners to pause amidst moments of profound sorrow and rediscover themselves. What sets this song apart is the use of "sutartinės," a unique form of folk music that has never been featured in ESC history. These ancient musical pieces are a remarkable example of two and three-voiced polyphony, founded on the oldest principles of multi-voiced vocal music, such as heterophony, parallelism, canon, and free imitation. While most of the sutartinės were recorded in the 19th and 20th centuries, sources from as far back as the 16th century reveal their significance, alongside monophonic songs. Their exceptional value and individuality led UNESCO to include sutartinės in the list of Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

Nevertheless, "Stay" is a captivating and empowering song, urging listeners to channel their inner strength and move forward with renewed energy.