Ieva connects well in what’s a very pleasant performance. It’s a beautiful tune and I really hope it won’t get lost on the night due to its low-key qualities. Lithuania do have some strong allies to depend on in the semi though, and there has even been whispers of dark horse qualities and a possible top10 finish. If what we saw now keeps evolving further, that’s clearly not out of the question.
Her delivery is beautiful so I don't need the extra on-screen clips of family pictures at all. But everyone will have a different opinion on this.

Czech republic goes for a pink bubblegum pop art approach. There's a trumpet solo, lots of breakdancing, emphasized backpack action and Mikolas finishes off with a forward flip.
It remains to be seen how juries are going to evaluate the cool schoolboy package. Czech Republic does enough here to receive a good reception of his song in live environment and this will undoubtedly come more to life going forward as he is mostly just walking through the motions at the moment.

Mikolas Josef requested his mike was off until he starts singing, so the first go was cut short after ten seconds. Lots of light boxes and neon is the order of the day for the Czech Republic set. A trumpeter (then turned dancer) and a dancer occupy these. The rucksack stays for the live show too. Rather understated movement and vocals from Mikolas for the first complete run-through. He seemed unhappy with a number of things and just walked off to the side of the stage as the song ended. Obviously, what the rehearsals are for, so plenty of time for him to spell out his vision for the staging of the song. As a result, not much to go on with this just yet when it comes to seeing how one of the favourites will come across.