The rehearsals at Liverpool Arena are progressing according to schedule. However, as previously noted, access to the arena and press centre is restricted to other media outlets. Therefore, we must depend on official sources such as Eurovision.tv and TikTok for updates. These sources are offering brief glimpses and impressions of each performer and their team as they prepare for the grand stage. While there are some snippets of the live performances available, the TikTok videos are of poor quality with blurry images and distorted sound. It’s important to note that these videos are recorded from within the arena, and not the television broadcast.

Here is a quick summary of the first day of rehearsals:

Norway

It’s clear that the delightful performer Alessandra had a blast on stage, and is eager to experience it again. During her performance, the backing singers added to the already high energy of the song by tossing around glow sticks. Alessandra herself was dressed in a stunning, short green velvet outfit with a golden bustier, crown, and other decorative elements. At the beginning of her performance, she even wore a cape, adding to the overall sci-fi movie vibe of her appearance.

 

Malta

The young men from The Busker appeared to be in a festive mood, which is fitting given the title of their song, “Dance (Our Own Party)”. They wore their trademark colourful pullovers and even sported party hats. On stage, they had some additional people represented by cardboard cut-outs, and the set was designed to resemble a private living room. As the performance came to a close, The Busker shed their pullovers to reveal glittering outfits underneath.

Serbia

The rehearsal of the Serbian performance closely resembled their national final show. The centrepiece was a large white bowl in which Luke lay, surrounded by fog. Four extra-terrestrial figures suspended from tubes added to the otherworldly atmosphere, which was further amplified by a pulsating rhythm. Although the overall effect was quite strange, it added to the show’s unique character and appeal.

Latvia

The Latvian group Sudden Lights successfully created the atmosphere of an intimate club concert within the vast arena. The use of yellow parking lamps created a nocturnal ambiance, adding to the overall intimacy of the performance. The band opted not to use any elaborate costumes or props, instead allowing their music to speak for itself.

Portugal

Mimicat did not incorporate the sofa that they had used in their national final performance, leading to a fine-tuning of their choreography. The new routine includes more rhythmic dancing and an increased level of energy on stage, which is a positive development. Interestingly, the LED screens were not used during the performance, resulting in a pure and gimmick-free presentation for the Portuguese entry.

Ireland

The Irish boy band Wild Youth is brimming with excitement to perform on such a grand stage. The lead singer Conor’s eye-catching golden body suit ensures that all eyes are on him throughout the performance. Additionally, for the first time, pyrotechnics are being used, adding an extra layer of excitement to their show.

Croatia

The Croatian performance heavily relies on visual effects, with the use of LED screens featuring animations and elements from their national final performance. The band’s outfits are a mix of mismatched items, as expected. In fact, this kind of provocative styling is a signature of their history as a group. At the end of their performance, the band members undress themselves, adding to the overall provocative and unconventional nature of their show.

Switzerland

The Swiss have clearly invested significant effort in elevating their performance to a higher level. The use of elaborate visual effects and a well-polished choreography is sure to make their entry stand out. However, the outfit chosen for Remo, which is primarily black with transparent elements, may not have been the best choice. It’s possible that a different outfit may be in store for future performances, as this was just the first rehearsal.

Moldova

Pasha Parfeny’s prior experience performing on the Eurovision stage is evident in his current performance. The mystic ambiance, combined with traditional instruments and even a midget playing the flute, creates a solid, exotic, and fascinating show. Overall, it seems that Pasha has incorporated his past experiences to deliver a captivating performance that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Sweden

Many people eagerly anticipating Loreen’s rehearsal will not be disappointed. The highly anticipated illuminated bottom plate is present in a smaller and slightly different version from the one seen at Melodifestvalen, but the effect remains the same. In fact, the structure now resembles more of a piece of furniture, and it wouldn’t be surprising if IKEA began stocking a “Loreen table” in the near future. Loreen herself appears calm and positive, and there don’t seem to be any major changes to her outfit.