diff --git a/modules/backend/widgets/Lists.php b/modules/backend/widgets/Lists.php
index 70eeff323..bc83c11f6 100644
--- a/modules/backend/widgets/Lists.php
+++ b/modules/backend/widgets/Lists.php
@@ -1076,8 +1076,8 @@ class Lists extends WidgetBase
         /*
          * Apply default value.
          */
-        if ($value === '' || $value === null) {
-            $value = $column->defaults;
+        if (($value === '' || is_null($value)) && !empty($column->defaults)) {
+            $value = Lang::get($column->defaults);
         }
 
         /**