Dress rehearsal report

The first dress rehearsal for the Eurovision Song Contest Semifinal has been held today at the Hartwall Arena. The opening act features some snow falling from the ceiling on to a singer who is on the catwalk. The show itself gets started very quickly though with very little talking from the presenters before the first song, and that honour goes to Bulgaria. Elitsa & Stoyan sing ‘‘Voda’’ very well, and the use of the drums works with the performance+ even some in the audience are joining in with the high-pitch screams. The Israeli entry features the words ‘‘Push the Button’’ flashing on screen during the chorus, and again is another vocally good entry. The third entry from Cyprus was well performed by Evridiki whose stage set up was purple and blue. The only thing bad from her point of view is that Belarus’ entry from Koldun performing directly after was brilliant- vocally good (those who thought he couldn’t sing are definitely proved wrong), and the dancers used the stage and props very well.

Coming after an impressive opening four is never easy, but Iceland’s Eirikur made it look so easy. There is nothing special about this performance, just a well-performed song in ‘‘Valentine Lost’’. Next up the debut entrants from Georgia, with Sopho looking a little lost as her red dress blends in with the background; however it’s another strong performance- albeit with the sword fighting still looking a bit out of place. Stevan Faddy for Montenegro uses his three minutes well; again, a no-nonsense performance with just the song being sun and a little bit of playing to the camera. Then came DJ Bobo and the Swiss entry which looked very impressive. Some pyrotechnics were also used, and complimented the dance routine and stage setup. Bobo played to the crowd and really got the atmosphere going in the hall.

Natalia Barbu performed ‘‘Fight’’ very well, but it’s one of many songs using the same yellow (if not red) stage background. The backing singers were also doing some interesting things with tissues which was bizarre. And on to the Netherlands, where Edsilia stood on top of blocks to perform ‘‘On top of the world’’ so she was above all the dancers. Towards the end of the performance there’s a strange bit of dancing by a male, but apart from that it was another smooth entry. The Albanian entry by Frederik Ndoci really is lost at Eurovision. It comes as people are just starting to get a little restless in the arena, and doesn’t do anything in it’s time of stage. Denmark’s DQ got one of the biggest applause in the hall, and the use of pyrotechnics also fitted in well with this performance as well. He was definitely saving his voice in some parts of the song, but it looks very promising.

Then we’re on to Croatia, which again struggles to go anywhere. It might get the Balkan vote, but it does seem rather out of place. The Jet Set sing Poland’s entry with a dace cage on stage, which eventually has pyrotechnics coming off of it (after the dancers are out that is). Marija’s performance for Serbia is faultless and went very big in the hall. She was also saving her voice a bit, but performed exceltently. The only danger with this song is that it appears a bit like Bosnia 2006. The debut entry from the Czech Republic was very well performed, and if rock songs are the way to go then this will do well.

Sabrina for Portugal performed her gentle Latino-style song very well, and amongst all the rock songs it could stand out. The entry from FYR Macedonia does sound very much like the tune we have heard for the last 5 years, but the final refrain in English works well. Karolina definitely has the best legs in the contest! Norway become the second Latino song in nine minutes with Guri’s entry, which is using the costume change from the national final and is performed well. Olivia Lewis for Malta performs in the face of a force nine gale but delivers ‘‘Vertigo’’ confidently.

The gold-painted backing dancers compliment the stage act. Andorra are fast becoming one of the favourites not only in the semifinal, but also for winning the contest itself. The stage looks good with numbers, as well as some good guitar jumps. Hungary in at number 22 are trying to offer a little bit of class to this year’s competition with a well thought out act. Estonia have a very well-polished stage and dance routine, whilst Belgium bring their own style to the contest! Slovenia went big in the hall with their operatic-pop entry which sounded very good. Kenan from Turkey have a confident performance, whilst Austria used the stage very well with the ribbon. Finally Latvia got a large cheer and really looked comfortable and stylish (except the jeans!).