Sweden
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| From Sweden 2nd rehearsal |
After the small drama of Eric's glass box not imploding properly at the end of yesterday, Sweden were first up to do their 2nd rehearsal and there were a few nervous tech guys around we can tell you.. however, at the end of the day all went to plan and Eric gave a fabulous performance with lots of flashing lights. The lights at times were a bit over powering and makes it difficult to concentrate on Eric. However, this was an assured performance although Drew thinks it is a bit too gimmicky!
Cyprus
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| From Cyprus 2nd rehearsal |
The swaying stage performance which parallels the swaying LED balls is very impressive and effective. The ball swinging girl on the cat walk provides a distraction which allows the dancers on the stage to get out of their swaying boot apparatus. He has a good voice and Drew really likes this... Tam thinks it's okay and that it should qualify but may just struggle.
Bulgaria
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| From Bulgaria 2nd rehearsal |
Big rock chick number.... performed very well by Poli Genova. Could struggle to qualify in this tough semi.
FYROM
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| From macedonia 2nd rehearsal |
Both loved the traditional russian dancers but that is where our agreement ends. Tam does not like this but Drew loves this! Drew thinks this is very well staged and performed and it is a catchy little number. Vlatko performs confidently too which helps! Could it have done better in English? We shall see!
Israel
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| From Israel 2nd rehearsal |
There was much tooing and froing before the rehearsal got started but when it did Dana gave a good performance and used the catwalk! Her vocals were a bit shaky at times but she does have a great stage presence. This should qualify but we can't see this winning.
France
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| From France 1st rehearsal |
Wow!!!! This could be dangerous!! Amaury has a wonderful voice and the simplicity of his singing alone against a wonderful sunset and sky backdrop is very very impressive. We still wonder if this is televote friendly but we'd be very surprised if France was not up there bothering the top slots come the final! It could even be Paris 2012!
Italy
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| From Italy 1st rehearsal |
Rafael certainly has a good voice and whilst this is a very pleasant well performed jazzy number, we don't feel it has a wide enough appeal to challenge for victory.
United Kingdom
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| From United kingdom 1st rehearsal |
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| From United kingdom 1st rehearsal |
There is no doubt that Blue are consomate professionals in the music trade.. they know their stuff! The boys sound check was very good and they harmonise well! They looked good, sounded good and performed good!! They had LEDs behind them as well as using the huge LED screen. There is a big surprise at the beginning of this NEW version of I Can which hooks everyone in from the first few bars of the song! And then a pyro effect at the beginning gets everyone's attention and then you are sucked into the whole Blue experience! The LEDs are magnificent and there are pyro effects at the end as well that go off to the timing og the I Cans in the chorus!! The whole thing was very good and a spanish delegate came up to us and said that the UK were going to win, especially as Blue have the european teenage girl vote all wrapped up!! You know, she just may be right... one thing is for sure, the UK had the biggest press attendance bar the home nation!!
Germany
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| From Germany 1st rehearsal, 7th May |
Obviously a huge press presence for the host nation. Drew loves this with it's haunting and mysterious undertones and likes the futuristic performance and staging. Tam really does not rate this whilst appreciates that Lena is a confident performer. Lena gave a quality and slick performance but we can't see Lena retaining her crown... Germany will be top 10 though.
Spain
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| From Spain 1st rehearsal, 7th may |
Lucia performed this happy spanish fiesta number very well but to a much smaller press presence than the rest of the Big 5. We like this song but despite it's wonderful draw at number 22 we can't see this winning.