Time seems to be moving fast when it comes to Eurovision rehearsals, because how did we already get to second rehearsals? Wild! The EBU has released short rehearsals clips to give us a taste of what’s to come, and we could not be more excited!
Today, the countries taking the stage for their second rehearsal are all competing in Semi-final 1. Here’s the snippets we’ve gotten from each country so far:
🇮🇸 Iceland
From VÆB’s rehearsal we see a few glimpses at the changes made to the group’s staging. The boat prop from Söngvakeppnin did not make it to Basel, but references to the ocean have remained in the back LED. The LED is full of pixeled blocks that form a body of water, an erupting volcano, and a lighthouse.
🇵🇱 Poland
Poland is all about FIRE this year, and the second rehearsal snippet gives us a glimpse of the moment Justyna takes to the sky on stage. Behind her is an LED graphic of a flying dragon, while the dancers perform on the box section of the stage with capes that come from off stage. It’s certain that this performance is going to be nothing short of energetic, perhaps even more so than in the Polish national final!
🇸🇮 Slovenia
Slovenia’s Klemen took to the stage early this morning, with RTVSLO deciding to show the final moments of his song in the snippet. We see shots of how illuminated the stage becomes during the final moments of the song, showcasing the hope and love reflected in the closing moments of the entry. Also making an appearance is Klemen’s wife Mojca Fatur – who is the person who inspired the lyrics for the song.
🇪🇪 Estonia
Estonia has shrouded our eyes from knowing too much about Tommy Cash’s performance, choosing to show the very beginning of the performance. The LED is a large red curtain with “Tommy Cash” written on the stage’s box screen, which opens to reveal a “Winner’s Cafe” during the opening line of the song. It is looking like the core concept of the staging will be similar to Eesti Laul from what little we can see. What other surprises linger for Tommy Cash’s performance will be seen during the dress rehearsal on Monday.
🇺🇦 Ukraine
Gone from the staging concept is the grass and flowers, with Ziferblat opting to place the color on their outfits and on the LED wall instead. Strong hues of pink, purple, and blue seem to be the color story for the chorus, which match the bands outfits. We also see a very technical moment in the rehearsal where the lights completely go out during the track’s silent moments, pushing it’s musical impact and pushing the energy forward.
🇸🇪 Sweden
Fans of Melodifestivalen will recognize Kaj’s staging concept as nearly identical, which the main difference being introduced in the LED design behind them. Gone is the sunset forest them from Melfest, and in comes a beautiful clear sky with beaming orange and yellow hues to brighten up the stage. With the exception of the missing backing dancer due to the 6 person limit, the choreography remains unchanged in the snippet.
🇵🇹 Portugal
NAPA seem to have completed redesigned their performance for Basel to focus on . Rather than showing flowers on the LED wall the band’s outfits are covered in floral motifs, with the LEDs bathing the stage in blues before revealing the earth, and then skyscrapers rise from the floor and melt into wiggling lines of blue, black, and yellow. It’s hard to make sense of the design out of context but visually its very impressive. The emotional and lyrical journey that the song takes the listener on remains untouched.
🇳🇴 Norway
Eurovision fans would never know that Kyle underwent emergency dental surgery just a few days ago, as he lights up the stage in his rehearsal clip. The clip cuts off at the end of a highly choreographed dance break leading into the final chorus. We also see a moment of the ceiling light rigs descending in chevrons to create a very impactful spotlight moment on Kyle. There is also a full blow fire raging on the stage outcrop – quick grab a fire extinguisher!
🇧🇪 Belgium
How many Red Sebastian’s does it take to perform “Strobe Lights” in Basel? Well based on today’s snippet we know the answer – exactly four. Red Sebastian is joined by three backing dancers that could pass as his stunt doubles, and for a moment you might think “wait which one is him?”. It seems like this snippet comes from the first verse and chorus, and ends as he starts to walk towards the back of the stage. What happens next appears to be a laser lightshow down stage while the dancers do choreography upstage
🇦🇿 Azerbaijan
For Azerbaijan’s rehearsal snippet we see how they plan to do their performance in semi-final one, filled with black and red outfits with the stage bathed in orange and red. We also see that the band is joined by backing dancers that are projected all across the LED wall during the chorus standing on what resembles an aqueduct. There is also a suspended ring hanging above them, which will likely have some kind of significance for the remainder of the performance. This will definitely light up the arena!
🇸🇲 San Marino
Gabry Ponte’s snippet is up next and we see how they’ve adapted “Tutta L’ltalia” to the Basel stage. There are images of architecture mixed with floral blooms, and it seems the main color story is stone grey mixed with fuchsia. Of the clips we’ve seen today this clip makes the massive size of the stage the most apparent, as it is rather stagnant – but it’s possible there’s a surprise waiting for us somewhere else in the performance.
🇳🇱 Netherlands
For Netherland’s staging we see references to elements from the music video which include the choreography and general movement that the staging has. We also learn that Claude will be joined on stage by three violin players who surround him during the second half of the chorus. The color scheme of the performance has the stage in hues of blue and yellow with hints of orange, while Claude wears his plum suit. It seems like there is more present in this staging than what AVROTROS has given us based on the introduction of the clip and ending.
🇦🇱 Albania
The clip from Albania reveals that the performance will focus on duality – using red and black and white and black to tell the story of two sides of the same coin. Based on the way the stage is partitioned, Beatriçe represents the red side, while Kolë represents the white and black side. We also seen traditional motifs on the stage’s frame arch, moments of static, and lots of pyrotechnics as she comes up stage. The boxes we learn also double as the drums on both sides of the stage.
🇭🇷 Croatia
Marko’s performance is truly a head turner. With an explosion of colors, Marko’s energy is sizzling as he fully takes on the role of a seasoned performer. His expressions are on point, and when he sheds the coat he’s wearing, the entire staging is sent into a whole new dimension with a splash of big, yellow lights that melt into other colors, a culmination for the “Poison Cake”.
🇨🇾 Cyprus
Theo’s performance is sure to turn heads at the end of the semi-final, especially with his opening that resembles the Vitruvian Man. Creating the illusion of hanging from the scaffolding he’s joined by two backing dancers and bathed in shadow and white light. This seems like it’s set to create a very high energy and cinematic performance with clever camera angles that center around the moving scaffolding, choreography, and flashing lights.
Combined with photos of the first and second rehearsals, it’s finally good to see these performances slowly come to life. So, come back tomorrow for more rehearsal goodies and make sure you vote in our reader’s poll!
What do #YOU think of today’s bunch of rehearsals? Let us know on social media (@escunited), Discord, or at our forum.
