Swiss rehearsals just started but there's something we can say already... Stage graphics are massive! Back wall is used to represent the skyline of some metropolitan area, probably that of Chicago or Montreal, not quite sure about that, while vertical screen panels are covered with skyscrapers graphic. Maybe I'm adding too much personal feelings to it, but I think this city-on-stage is gonna look awesome on TV screens. First sound rehearsal goes on as Lovebugs are fixing their sound output and other technical stuff... Stay tuned for pics and videos.

Andorran performance is totally girly in a good meaning of this word :) Susanne has some "cuteness factor" for sure. Her back singers wear some sort of red-lite LED screens on different parts of their bodies that show Andorra's number in the order of performance - "07"... not sure how they will fix it in case that Andorra advances to final :)
There's nothing much to say more about it but "La Teva Decisio" overally leaves very nice feeling of moderately simplistic stage positioning, background graphics and dancing routine. Vocals are fairly good for a girly rock song and it works for Andorra's advantage compared to highly overproduced Armenian entry. TV picture is clear as well.
Switzerland after a little coffee break, just can't wait <3
Video included.

Armenian rehearsal turned out to be rawly produced and there's surely a big room for improvement. Maybe because of some lack of pre-contest rehearsals and promo-touring not everything on the stage is synchronized. Dance routine is huge and appears to be an advanced version of Nor Par dance from the music video. Sisters also use some green laser hand gadgets that they take out of that mysterious blue box.
Background graphics are produced and ready to be used, and they are probably the most spectaculous among the other we've seen yet. But unfortunately it just adds more mess to the already fairly messy act. Camera work also has to be fixed as soon as possible, judging their TV point of view.
Overally, if Armenian team doesnt clear Inga and Anush' performance, this entry can easily turn out into surprising flop.

In the middle of the stage there is a strange looking blue something, dont have the slihtest idea what they are going to do with it.
The back displays show a wide range of all kinds of strange things starting with giant pink balls on wings, then there are spinning lamps, etc
So, the blue something apperas to be a sofa, the performance starts with girls on it, then four of them start to dance, the singers stay on the sofa during the whole performance. Vast use of all the possible visual effects makes the performance a bit strange. In the whole, vocally ok, visually ok, Shoddy likes it, but that's not my cup of tea.

Photos and video under cut

At the press-conference director of stage presentation has called the rehearsal "waisted", as, apparently, main gimmicks still are not yet ready and have not arrived.

Peter has performed two songs and showed his vocal abilities in a JCS way.

Representatives of press praised Petr's music vide calling it best music video for ESC 2009 entry.

As usual, Belarus delegation has prepared a lot of presents, including something tasty. ESCKaz team has been given vodka and we're still trying to find if anyone in our team actually drink vodka.

Belarussian beer next time, please!

Videos and photos under more.

During the third and, actually,the last run I went out to the main hall to check the way Malena looks from the camera point of view. And it was kinda disappointing experience as Sweden's voice sounds there actually way worse then within the stage hall.
Armenian sound check just started and this country's staff brought some mysterious looking blue thingie on the stage.

Sweden's on the stage. Their background graphics aren't ready yet so they just use solid white color that matches Malena's beautiful dress. Swedish performance starts with Malena surrounded by 5 dancers wearing black outfits and 5 pillars made of glass-like material. As performance goes on, dancers grab silver glittering masks out of it which add some spice to the routine. When Malena takes her high note they start to dance around her creating some star-like figure. It looks very stunning so far. However, Malena has obvious sound problems, which havent happened to the first four singers earlier today. Still a raw rehearsal, it seems to have very good potential when sounds problems are solved and displays' graphics are added. Also to add, Swedish entry is the first one to use loads of searchlights in the outer part of the arena roof.
More on Sweden soon as their rehearsal continues.

Video and pics under cut

So the first four rehearsals have been held and there's not much extra I can say about it. So I'll try to cover the life inside the venue. The organization seems to be much better then we expected after yesterday's accreditation horror. This year pidgeon holes are equipped with personal lockers that will surely provide much more safety yet some problems (like the limit of promo packs' height). The first delegation to share their promos was Switzerland and their double CD pack with various versions of "The highest Heights". With Swiss song being my favourite one, this fact made a good beginning of my day :P Belarussian delegation provided working journalists with their usual Soviet-styled food. This year packs included some ice cream and curd cakes with Petr showing his bright smile (and equally bright hairstyle) from every package... So we are about to set off for Swedish rehearsals which is just about to start. Stay tuned :)

At least we see Patrick. During the sound check he went meow-meow, so cute!
The backstage displays show kind of flame, fireworks, striking and impressive.
The siner and the band are in the middle of the stage, during the performance Patrick almost does the splits, the backvocs act like cats in some moments (i hope they'll have appropriate costumes).
In the whole, looks fresh and light, vocally good. Favourable chances

Photos and videos under cut

Petr has been given a few more minutes for his rehearsal so I've got some time to express my reviews on Belarusian performance. Vocals (sometimes unconditionally loud) were the only descent part of Petr's performance. Every other part of it is awul, speaking generally. The guy who's wrapped in a huge piece of cloth, the long-haired guitarist and especially acid green color of background graphics all seem completely out of place and time.
Maybe it's quite early to make predections but it's evident (at least for me) that only magic can help this entry to make it to the final. At least he's got some time to improve.

Photos and videos under cut