OK, where to start with San Marino? Jessika is wearing a black cape which is taken off by two dancers, under it she's most likely not yet wearing her stage costume. The robots are back and even got company of a third one, and even better, some signs that cause huge hilarity - saying - "I am not your robot" and "Will you marry me?". Behind them on stage there are many flashing lights.

For the rap part Jenifer joins from under bridge, she looks relaxed but the rap doesn't sound very convincing.
Jessika is supported by backing vocals but it still doesn't sound all too convincing and the choreography by the dancers towards the end is ridiculously cheap. Suited for a workout, but not for a Eurovision stage.

However, huge round applause in the press centre, only not sure whether in the good way....

San Marino continue our third day of rehearsals. A hooded Jessika starts off proceedings with bizarrely, a few toy robots strewn about the stage. They end up becoming quite big stars of the whole proceedings by displaying slogans "I am not your robot" and "Will you marry me?" Two random dancers interspersed, lots of clustered lights and various other distractions before Jenifer raps away. Bonkers as it gets but they may as well give it a go given their place in the betting market and last year's single point in the semi-final that saw them finish bottom of the pile.

Russia superstar, celebrity and performer Philipp Kirkorov celebrated his birthday in style last night at the exclusive club SUD Lisboa

ESCKAZ.com were invited as one of the few selected media to be on the gold dust guest list. Obviously this was always going to be a party that was not to be missed. Straight from the press centre to the club, we arrived to be greeted and welcomed by Philipp Kirkorov himself, resplendent a one of design by Dolce and Gabbana - looked great and not his age at all….but after all he is only 25 obviously

Attending the party were the delegations from Iceland, Bulgaria, Belarus, Azerbaijan, Greece, Cyprus, Moldova, San Marino, Norway and special guest Sergey Lazarev. We chatted with several of them and got got some some intimate moments in the beautiful surroundings overlooking the waterfront - an amazing spot in Lisbon

Philipp Kirkorov treated us all to complementary drinks as we arrived and gave several interviews to press and welcomed each of his guests in turn - cameras were flashing all the time, TV crews were tripping over each other to all get the most amazing shots.

Finally we were invited inside to listen to some heartfelt comments from Philipp, Alexander Ryback and Sergey Lazarev as well as Alexander performing with his violin. After this the whole party were treated to an amazing array of Portuguese Tapas - again complimentary from Philipp Kirkorov.

During the food and drink there were performances from Rui Drummond, Eurovision 2005, and we wish that one day he will appear on the Eurovision stage again. Afterwards EQUINOX (Bulgaria) performed, as did Aisel (Azerbaijan) and Sergey Lazarev (Russia 2016)

Once again and amazing party and all the ESCKAZ.com team would like to thank Philipp Kirkorov and his team for the outstanding party…

All footage and photography maybe found at this playlist and on this flickr album

https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUj9YGQtlfgFrN_ak2NHBVS-vmPqXTBoo

Sanja Ilić and Balkanika just had their first rehearsal. There's been a lot work done after the national final with more choreograpy now. The girls are all wearing white dresses with black accents. Vocally it's sounding good already and it looks well with golden accents in the background. To me it sounds very relaxing after the pretentiousness from Norway.