We are on the sixth day of rehearsals. Yesterday the first comprehensive picture of the countries of the 1st semi-final was completed. In a completely different way of coverage than the one we were used to in previous years and which was implemented for the first time last year, the organizers gave us the rehearsal clip video late at night, as today we saw the rehearsal clips of only the 9 countries of the 2nd semi-final that they had their 2nd rehearsal today.
But the focus today was on the six countries that will appear directly in the Big Final (BIG 6), as for the first time we would get a taste of what they have planned for their appearance on stage. As a general impression all six countries had an impressively good stage presence, visually at least. The theme of the day was boxes, as 5 out of the 6 countries gave them a dominant role on stage. We could say that this year we will hardly see some of the BIG 5 squeeze into the last places of the scoreboard, as we were used to.
First in line is the United Kingdom. The British aimed high this year. After employing a talented and very experienced live performer (who loves Eurovision), the puzzle was completed by one of Britain’s most accomplished stage directors, Theo Adams, to support Olly Alexander’s appearance on the Malmö stage. What we see in the first photos and the short video simply left us speechless. Just one word for what the BBC set up this year: World-class.
Germany brought an entire living room to the stage to support ISAAK’s performance. Not only that, but the room literally is on fire. There is no doubt that ISAAK is a very powerful singer. The dramatic setting is very cleverly chosen to support the intensity of the song. Although probably the weakest entry of the six direct finalists, today’s first taste gives Germany hopes of something much better than 25th-26th place.
Sweden, like every year, comes with the set-up and direction of their song ready from Melodifestivalen. Again this year, we see that the Norwegian twins Marcus & Martinus have adapted their inventive staging to the Malmö stage. Sweden will be a contender in the Competition again this year and the well-crafted pop hit presented by the twins dancing and singing flawlessly will finish high on the night.
France is also in contention for victory this year. A minimalist set (no boxes) makes all the difference here, white smoke and ethereal lighting create strong emotions that crack you up, combined with Slimane’s heartbreaking voice. France wants the crystal microphone desperately – this year we think they are close.
Just like last year, again this year Spain carried the Benidorm Fest scene to Eurovision. The red sofa once again dominates the stage. Together with the dancers, the true stars in Nebulossa’s act. A huge box / cube / cage has been added, that descends from the ceiling, a positive addition. The opposite could be said about the busts of women projected on the large LED screen. This participation is based on the feeling of liberation and fun, as well as on the charm of the dancers and Mary Bas. All the rest are less important. A song that you don’t notice at first, but can do unexpectedly well (see Benidorm Fest).
Last for today, a tiring day with rehearsals that lasted until late at night, Italy. Angelina Mango brought to Malmö a wonderfully staged extravaganza, with the signature ETRO clothes, the fashion brand that dressed Måneskin in 2021. “Boredom”, as her song is called, has never been so exciting. If Angelina managed to win in Sanremo alone with her charms and her voice, where will she stop, with the help of a magical scenery and five dancers? Who would have expected that the first day of the BIG 6 would be the most interesting of all the rehearsal days…!
Once again, that the commentary for the 1st rehearsal of the BIG 6 was made on the basis of the material provided to us by the organizers and with every reservation (since the complete three-minute presentation is the only fair way to judge the entries), we invite you to decide for yourself and vote in the poll below which you think was the best 1st rehearsal of the BIG 6 .
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Stay tuned to ogaegreece.com for all the action from day 7 of rehearsals!
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United Kingdom – so intriguing!