Denmark second rehearsal
Solid rehearsal for Rasmussen in the first run already, it sounds and looks well on screen, however it all feels a bit forced to me.
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Solid rehearsal for Rasmussen in the first run already, it sounds and looks well on screen, however it all feels a bit forced to me.
In just about 15 minutes the first rehearsal of today will start, which is Armenia.
We start the day with the remaining 4 countries of semi final 1 who will each do their second rehearsal which will be blogged live from the arena like yesterday. The same goes for the first five countries of the second semi-final.
After all these we get to see the first 30 minute-rehearsals from the BIG-5 countries + Portugal. These rehearsals will go on well into the evening, so loads happening today, stay tuned!
Usually The Netherlands are not really known for bringing props on stage, but this year we do. It's a flashing beginning as Waylon and his band members - three guitarists and a drummer who at times also double as a dancer with some very particular choreography that reminds me most of all of the Italian gorilla from last year. The guitars are being played while moving up and down in sync.
Later the backings all leave their instruments and dance / do acrobatics - quite a lot happening on stage which is what I had not expected, it distracts from the song and Waylon's very good vocals, which are really the best part of this performance.
Waylon's image is as expected, quite flamboyant with a leopard jacket.
Denmark is pretty much as we have seen it before in their National Final.
What they added is a bit of flag waving at the end and a lot more fake snow, which is appreciated in the press centre.
The Danish rehearsal is now taking place. They are keeping in line with what we saw before, not many changes. Still the viking theme with sails and dances, this time with fake snow and wind as well. Good reaction in the press centre for a solid performance.
Day three of rehearsals and a first chance to see Norway and one of the favourites, Australia. We'll also hear from Romania, Serbia, San Marino, Denmark, Russia, Moldova and the Netherlands.
Here are the Day 7 rehearsals winners and losers of the day.
MOVED UP:
- The Netherlands. Strong reception in press centre indicates some real momentum for NL. Will it transfer to votes?
- Bulgaria: The high concept stuff considerably improved from 1st rehearsal and they removed some flaws with staging and styling.
MOVED DOWN:
- Denmark. The fan favourite red dress makes the act look too ordinary and old-fashioned. Sometimes it is better to ignore fan opinions.
- Israel: You got a pass for off-key notes in the 1st rehearsal. Not fixing these problems for the second rehearsal is not good.
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.