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Belgium
The first rehearsal of Belgium
Wow, this is good! Sennek delivers the best vocals I've heard on this song live. The staging, as well as her dress, are black but it suits and it's finally something different after all the blue / red / yellow stagings we have seen so far. Speaking of the staging, it's probably the most basic one Hans Pannecoucke has delivered so far. It's just Sennek on stage, she walks around a bit.
However, in this first one through there is one big 'but' - and that is the start. The idea of showing just the eyes and then opening up the rest of her face and her is nice, but the cameraman should have a steady hand and not the shaking we saw now. Then again, first rehearsal, first run, a lot of time to improve.
Also, I can't really see it well now, but it seems to me she is the first act to use the 'satellite' stage in the middle, bringing her closer if not among the audience which will hopefully help her connect to the audience.
Belgium First Rehearsal
It’s all in the eyes…and Sennek’s eyes are all we can see as the performance begins. Eventually the lights show us more of her face, then all of her figure. It’s only the second half the song when the strobe lighting gets going. Vocally competent but restrained somewhat – she seems to understandably be saving herself for the days to come. Think we’ll see it build as the week goes on.
Press information from Belgium
This afternoon, our Eurovision candidate Sennek took the airplane to Lisbon. She and our Belgian delegation land there tonight, and Sennek will rehearse tomorrow for the first time on the Eurovision stage tomorrow.
A lot of Belgian press came to wave Sennek off and to ask her for a final reaction before her flight. Peter Van de Veire, the Belgian radio host who will provide the commentary for Belgium during the live shows, was also there to wave her off.
Tomorrow Sennek wil have her first rehearsal on the stage, with her full outfit and the act. This will be the first time that her outfit is revealed.
Here you can find pictures of Sennek’s departure at Brussels Airport: https://we.tl/ASpFLdITRC (copyright is VRT/Sofie Silbermann)
Sennek will perform her song A Matter Of Time in the first semi-final on Tuesday the 8th of May.
Semi-final 1 dress rehearsal 1 - live blog from the hall: to be updated!
In a few minutes the first dress rehearsal for semi-final one will start and we just heard that the opening act will be done twice. I'm live in the hall where I will keep you continually updated, so please refresh from time to time to read the latest news!
The start is delayed for a few minutes. Spain, Italy and UK will also perform.
And we're off! just 5 minutes later than initially planned We start with women wearing traditional gear and Ukrainian folk music in the background. Then a dancer on stage to be joined by Monatik, who proves to be very versatile: rapping, sing and dancing a very modern song that could've been a nice participating entry. Unfortunately I haven't been able to catch his name yet. I hope to update you on that after we have seen him again.
After the second run his name is not mentioned, but instead he introduces the hosts who are in casual clothes for this rehearsal. Some introductory speeches later the lineup for the semi-final is shown on screen and the voting is explained. No surprises here.
Next: song 1 from Sweden!
Post-card: Stills from Robin and his dancers, rehearsing, motor riding, getting ready to perform.
Performance: The lights seem to flicker a bit in the beginning. First time I notice it, not sure it's meant to be like that. Once again a very solid performance so it's bound to at least qualify and possibly do very well. On the other hand, there is still the issue with the 'OK' sign he makes with his hands that means something different in other countries.
song 2: Georgia:
Postcard: Rehearsing with Anri Jokahdze, running in the park, getting ready to perform and walk on stage (which seems a common thing already for all countries).
Performance: There's a delay in the start of the Georgian performance, so stay tuned! A solid performance by Tamara, who has no need at all to hold back.
song 3: Australia
Postcard: Isaiah in Melbourne and in a car, getting on a stage, watching the stars.
Performance: In the hall Isaiah really seems a bit overshadowed by his own images on the screen. A very good performance again. No further issues here.
song 4: Albania
Postcard:Running, singing with a band, doing sports, working on her dress and making the heart sign with her hands.
Performance: Vocals a bit shaky in the beginning. Only yesterday evening she was going all out in the Euroclub.
The long note is not working completely as it should so she sings it lower to save herself. Will be something to look at tonight and tomorrow evening.
song 5: Belgium
Postcard: Blanche playing the piano, reading, doing press conferences, autographs.
Performance: Blanche wears a different dress now - in black! so her nickname nnow no longer fits her outfit. The black dress is very dark, as the staging is as well. I know the white one was criticised a lot but I prefer it to what she wears now. The high parts near the end still sound very weak. However, a good reception in the hall.
Song 6: Montenegro:
Postcard: Slavko in the park, in a theater.
Performance: The visuals of Slvako while he lays on the floor have changed now. In blue, no more bright pink lipgloss. Looks a lot better and a bit less over the top. Slvako still fills the stage on his own, Could be better vocally. I am quite worried about its chances but I still enjoy this song a lot after a few ballads.
First break: Hosts on stage (minus greenroom host Timur). App mentioned. Timur in the greenroom speaking with who performed.
Song 7: Finland
Postcard: Norma John working/sitting together, walking in a building, shopping sunglasses, playing the piano.
Performance: Dry ice. Looks beautiful at the start. Vocally it seems not as solid as we have heard before. Big applause though.
Belgium Second Rehearsal
Blanche is getting more used to the stage with run after run. It is a unique entry, that doesn't quite live up to its potential. Not a fan of Blanche's white dress with silver ornaments. Borderline.