According to Jastrząb Post, the 2026 Amber Nightingale competition at the Top of the Top Sopot Festival introduced a major scoring shift by bringing back a jury whose votes were combined with SMS voting from viewers. During the live broadcast, co-host Paulina Krupińska had to intervene regarding the reading order, creating a spontaneous moment on stage in the Forest Opera.
Jury Changes and On-Stage Interventions at the Sopot Festival
The panel of judges for the 2026 competition featured Katarzyna Nosowska, Andrzej Smolik, and Łukasz “L.U.C.” Rostkowski. Right before the results were announced, co-host Damian Michałowski turned to Łukasz “L.U.C.” Rostkowski for his picks after Katarzyna Nosowska gave her evaluation. Paulina Krupińska stepped in to enforce a predetermined sequence, stating that they needed to stop for Andrzej Smolik first because she had set that specific order and Damian had disrupted it.
Michalowski did not debate his co-host and promptly handed the microphone over to Andrzej Smolik. According to Jastrząb Post, the presenter remarked on air that Krupińska ruled their duo and that since the queen chose Andrzej, they would follow that path. The brief exchange brought smiles to the stage during the live broadcast.
Competition Results for the Amber Nightingale 2026
A total of eight acts competed for this year’s Amber Nightingale statuette. The lineup included Ania Karwan, EMO x Sarsa, Jeremi Sikorski, Jovi, Kasia Sienkiewicz, Kuba i Kuba, Natalia Muianga, and Oceana. For the first time in years, the jury’s scores and the public’s votes held equal weight in determining the outcome.
The duo Kuba i Kuba secured first place with their song “Stygnie lato,” according to the festival results. Ania Karwan finished in second place, while Kasia Sienkiewicz took third. Jastrząb Post noted that while the judges rated Karwan highest on the panel, the viewers’ votes pushed Kuba i Kuba into the winning spot.
Did you know? The 2026 festival schedule included a Monday tribute concert titled “Stanisław Soyka. Absolutnie” to honor Stanisław Soyka before the main competition events unfolded on Tuesday.
Festival Schedule and Surrounding Highlights
The Sopot event spans multiple days with various musical acts and themed concerts. Alongside the Amber Nightingale competition, other notable moments from the initial days included performances honoring Stanisław Soyka and appearances by artists across the lineup. The festival continues in the Forest Opera with subsequent performances scheduled to close out the event.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who won the Amber Nightingale at the Sopot Festival?
The musical duo Kuba i Kuba won the 2026 Amber Nightingale statuette with their song “Stygnie lato,” as reported by Jastrząb Post.
Who served on the jury for the competition?
The scoring panel featured Katarzyna Nosowska, Andrzej Smolik, and Łukasz “L.U.C.” Rostkowski.
How were the winners decided?
Winners were chosen using a combined system where the judges’ scores and the audience’s SMS votes held equal weight.
Join the Conversation
What did you think of this year’s Sopot Festival winners? Share your thoughts in the comments below or subscribe to our newsletter for more entertainment updates.