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ESC 2017

San Marino second rehearsal

Desiree on Sat, 05/06/2017 - 10:50

Still a good performance from Jimmy Wilson and Valentina Monetta. Both are still in the same clothes as in the first rehearsal. The song is still the biggest question.. not crazy about Valentina's outfit. I could hope that it's not her final outfit but since it matches to Jimmy, it probably is. No issues with the vocals and of course it looks very bright and colourful in the hall!

Ireland second rehearsal

Desiree on Sat, 05/06/2017 - 09:29

I've said it a few times before, but Ireland is another of those countries where the visuals look a lot better in the hall than on screen. It is very dark and my first association when I see it like this is an artic sea with icebergs in it, all be it that they are black in this case as well.

The balloon is still there and still adds nothing to the performance, other than it being a prop that people may remember it for. I hope in a good way though..

Vocally it seems ok in the hall, but it'll all depend on how it sounds on tv and of course on how well he will sing during the jury final and semi-final.

Denmark Second Rehearsal

ChrisB on Sat, 05/06/2017 - 09:22

Last time I said Denmark had an absolutely superb performance, even though the outfit did not match the backdrop.
There has been a lot of fan obsession to bring back the red dress known from MGP.
The Danish delegation apparently followed the fans wishes, because the red dress is back today.

I do not think that was the right move, while she looked joyful and young during 1st rehearsals, the overall impression now is more classic and old-fashioned. A rather typical ESC diva ballad and that is a real shame.
Anja also looked more comfortable last time and this might be dress-related as well as the controversy might have gotten to her head a little.

It is still a very good performance, but it missed that spark of joy today.

Denmark second rehearsal

Desiree on Sat, 05/06/2017 - 09:04

Other than Anja back to wearing the red dress we have already seen her wearing during the national final and the promotour, everything seems to have stayed the same for Denmark. It sounds and looks completely amazing in the hall.

Now I assumed a few days ago that Anja was not yet wearing her costume meant for the semi-final. It appears it was, but will be changed. It is really the only big 'if' for me - the red dress is perfect, what she wore on her first rehearsal looked very strange. It depends on the changes made to her dress (or just keeping this red one) whether it's indeed going for those top spots or not...

The pyro curtain at the end of the song makes it all look even more impressive, but even without it I still think it's going to do very well.

Hungary second rehearsal

Desiree on Sat, 05/06/2017 - 08:36

Joci Pápai is on stage now for a second rehearsal. It all sounds and looks very solid and it is nice to have some ethnical songs as they are in a very small minority this year. The only thing that strikes me as less fortunate here is that the screens don't make clear why Joci has a milk can on a stand next to him. In the hall we can see that during the first instrumental break he drums on it, but the camera then mostly focuses on the violinist and the dancer, with Joci seen in the background, so the first time viewer probably won't notice him at that moment.

Two possible solutions: either get the milk can away (don't think it adds value to the performance) or show better why it is on stage.
(Update: on the second run I did see Joci playing the 'drums' clearly - they may have picked up on it or I missed it in the first run as the screens with the feed in the hall go on and off).

Some words on the backings - they're still in gold with silvery/white doves shown on them, looks really nice. Just before the rap the dance features pyro.

The Netherlands second rehearsal

Desiree on Sat, 05/06/2017 - 08:16

No changes in the Dutch rehearsal at all it seems, but there wasn't any need for that in my opinion. Lisa, Amy and Shelley are still wearing the same dresses in the first rehearsal, the choreography is the same as well. The sisters sound perfect each and every time, no exception there either.

Not much more to add for me, just that I still love it and yes I know I'm biased on this one :)