Eurovision 2023: First Rehearsal of Switzerland!

Today is the first day of rehearsals, the day when the countries participating in the First Semi Final will take over the stage for their first rehearsal at M&S Bank Arena, in Liverpool!

Next up on stage for their first rehearsal is Switzerland and Remo Forrer with the song “Watergun“.

Who is Remo Forrer?

Remo, after a childhood of playing traditional folk music on the accordion in his little Swiss village of Hemberg, Remo moved onto the piano.

Given time he might have found fame with his accordion skills but it was his singing that landed him victory at The Voice of Switzerland 2020. He also triumphed in the German version of the music game show I Can See Your Voice.

The Rehearsal

Well, this is quite special. “Watergun“ is a heartfelt ballad about the tragedy of war, and a universal call for peace. It’s clear that Remo feels a real connection to these lyrics, and his vocal is beautiful.

Corinne Cumming / EBU

Below you can watch a small clip from the Swiss first rehearsal, once it’s published on TikTok:

@eurovision A heartfelt and haunting call for peace✌️🇨🇭 #Eurovision2023 #Eurovision @remoforrer ♬ original sound – Eurovision

Staging-wise, he has four contemporary dancers (one is Ellinea Siampalis, dancer at several numbers in Melodifestivalen, who has Greek roots) and also dances himself, which we weren’t expecting.

Corinne Cumming / EBU

The staging for this was created by Sacha Jean-Baptiste, who was also responsible for Switzerland‘s G’jon’s Tears in 2021 and Marius Bear in 2022.

Corinne Cumming / EBU

Who says you can’t have pyro in a ballad? Remo Forrer is breaking all the rules, with a short interlude of smoke and red fireworks raining down from the roof. All VERY dramatic.