This was the fourth day of ESC rehearsals with the countries of San Marino, Croatia, Norway, Switzerland, Belarus, Bulgaria, Lithuania, Estonia and Israel. These were the last remaining countries from the Semi Final 2 to rehearse.

San Marino

The disco song from Valentina and Jimmy was longing for a disco stage. And of course the delegation decided to do so. Both singers were dancing in sexy leather outfits, there is a visible background choir. This is a typical Ralph Siegel composition and the male singer Jimmie gives a special dynamic, which was missing in the past songs from Valentina.

Croatia

This entry has a certain approach. The charismatic singer Jacques is singing a duet with himself, accompanied by a male background choir. The LED background is showing an imaginable landscape filled with sunflowers and an unpleasant rainbow, very kitschy though. Compared to the video clip there is an additional violin in the song file which cannot be overheard.

Norway

The stage performance looks very similar to the one in the national final everything is purple colours. In this performance in Kiev there is an additional big drum played by a guy with a ghost mask. This is a solid show.

Switzerland

The Swiss rehearsal reminds of entries from the 80’s, the singer in a yellow evening dress and a grand piano. The singer Murani is also stepping down from a spiral staircase. All in all there are a lot of heavy colours which is probably not everybody’s taste.

Belarus

The lovely duo Naviband have convinced with their positive attitude. The stage setting consists of a little rowing boat where both singers fly through the night. Generally the LED background often shows big kitschy elements in many entries, which can be seen as a retrogressive step compared to the ultra-modern stage in Stockholm. The figures are old-fashioned and also unpleasant.

Bulgaria

Kristian is the youngest singer this year also belongs to the favourites. From the point of the stage setting it is one of the coolest so far. There are a lot of dark and silver colours, very modern compared to the others and it looks like rain. His voice is soft and strong, a solid performance.

Lithuania

The group Fusedmarc is proud of doing a show to watch. That’s to expect from the Lithuanian ESC entry on stage. They have brought a gospel-like choir, which has not been seen before in the national final. There are geometrical figures in the background and fire-circles.

Estonia

Another favourite this year is coming from Estonia. Both singers have Eurovision experience. The song is about the city of Verona, but there is nothing to see on stage which reminds of Italy. Therefore there are a lot of black and white colours, the likenesses of the singers appear in the backdrop. Laura is wearing a beautiful dress, while Koit is still testing the effect of a suit and cool leather jacket.

Israel

Imri already has got good experiences in ESC stage performances. Now it’s his turn as a solo singer with an uplifting and enthusing disco song accompanied by a great choreography and a modern LED background. With this performance and the good starting position a place in the Grand Final will be sure.

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

Editor in Chief of eurovisionlive.com

About me:
Due to the fact that my parents are musicians, I have a gained a great enthusiasm for music. Since 1979 my interest in the Eurovision Song Contest has grown enormously. My first ESC I joined was in Dublin 1995. Six years later I founded the website eurovisionlive.com in the year 2001. The most fascinating part for me is the original idea of the Eurovision Song Contest – the peaceful contest of the European countries. I am very happy that I have the chance to contribute my little part for the greatest music show in the world.