As the rehearsals have been starting it’s very interesting, how the singers use the stage and what will the stage look like with their performances. First of all, the sound is really impressing, but the lightening is a bit too bright for almost all the performers. The stage design is really up to date and shows everything what’s possible nowadays in the best way. There was no audience allowed in the Ahoy Arena and even the first run of the rehearsals is just for the teams and will not be shown anywhere.

Here are our first insights:

Lithuania

Maybe it’s due to the very first impression of the fully illuminated stage, the first entry in the Ahoy Arena of the ESC 2021. It’s absolutely cool, very colourful and fresh. Overall the Lithuanian entry seems to be the right opener for the ESC, it’s promising and invites people to dance and makes appetite of what to come.

The lead singer Vaidatas is wearing his yellow outfit from the video-clip and male high heels in the style of the 70’s and there is an artificial curtain projected on the LED screen. The entire arrangement is even cooler than in the video-clip, sometimes the band is shown as shadow which makes it worth to watch.

•  A very strong first performance. Kaunas 2022 is possible!

Slovenia

And the fascination does not stop. Ana Soklič had a great rehearsal. The song has grown a lot, combined with the up-to-date technology of the stage it’s a pleasure to watch it. For the first time there will be used transparent LED screens on the sides, which allows Ana to walk the catwalk and a landscape can pass by. She even has put her shoes off, but in a second run she was wearing them. The golden colours and the turning earth in night-mood is well chosen. Despite of her gospel-like song, where a choir is needed, Ana is alone on stage. A choir of a couple of people would be a plus. This year it’s allowed to use recorded backgrounds as well, so a choir can be heard.

• A great stage show, this entry should not be underestimated!

Russia

This is an entry of its own, the very motivated singer Manizha appears in a kind of oversized traditional Russian dress. That’s a funny start of the song. Right after she turns out of the trestle and appears in her fresh red overall, with nice flower applications and a bandanna. The choreography is the same as we know it from the national final. In the background there are historic images of historian riders and Virgin Mary. Big letters show “Be yourself”, “Be grateful” and “Be Strong”, which should encourage women to stand up for their right. At the end the big screen is showing hundreds of women singing her song and Manizha is leaving the “old Russian woman” behind her. This is very well made and should not be overseen. It’s not very emotional but will strike as it’s totally different.

• This one is to watch, very special and striking.

Sweden

Tusse was wearing a red velvet suit in two different shades, on his sleeves there were stars in diamond colours, very stylish. The stage is almost black and the spot is focussing Tusse only, very descent and stylish as we are used it from Swedish entries. Also here the stage technology is showing off, a red carpet can be rolled out, people from the screen seem to be walking toward Tusse. Everything looks perfect. But Tusse had problems with his voice. Due to a vocal cord surgery recently he is obviously having some issues with hitting the high tones. Hopefully he will recover soon so that it does not have any effect on the results at the end.

• A wonderful stage show, everything perfect (almost)

Australia

As we know, the Australians will not be live in Rotterdam. Instead there is the “live-on-tape” version, which will be shown. Unfortunately, there was no rehearsal shown, only a video of Montaigne from some recordings. We still need to wait until we can say more.

• Just wait and see

North Macedonia

The entry from North Macedonia starts slowly with a dark stage, with the sport on the singer Vasil only. A beautiful illumination begins to glow on his chest and the stage opens up. This is a big show, and the entire arrangement is like a musical from Broadway. Vasil looks elegant in a black suit with a cape, additionally his black t-shirt has small mirrors to reflect the light from the spots. From history we know that musical songs never really worked well at Eurovision. Maybe Vasil can change this.

• 100% musical, solid and elegant

Ireland

The stage performance of Lesley Roy has left mixed feelings. It’ was first participant today, who did not use the modern stage technique, therefore the team brought a self-made paper frame and flip books. It appeared a bit like in a children’s book with papered silhouettes. There are six different shapes and Lesley has to walk on a treadmill.

Beside of that unusual inspired stage presentation Lesley’s voice seemed not to be in the best mood today, she can certainly do better. Lesley was wearing a green overall in Irish-green. Only at the end she left her fantasy stage to play with the audience.

• The Irish flip book is cute, but is still room for improvement

Author: Bernd LemmermannEmail: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Public relations, Editor, Journalist

About me:
As one of the founders of eurovisionlive.com I am responsible for the interviews with the singers and the editorial content. My passion for the Eurovision Song Contest exists since my early childhood. The exotic music, different cultures and languages have given a lot of inspiration to me. Since my very first ESC in Dublin 1994 I particularly appreciate the get together and friendship of all the nationalities and Riverdance was a thrill!