Eurovision 2023: Watch the exclusive rehearsal footage from the second rehearsals of the Semi-Final 1 acts!

The preparations on Liverpool for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest are on fire and it’s now a wrap for the 4th day of the technical rehearsals. After their first technical rehearsals, the representatives of the 15 countries participating in the 1st Semifinal on May 9, took the stage of the M&S Bank Arena for their second rehearsals.

The second rehearsals gave the opportunity to the delegations to fix any mistakes spotted on the first rehearsals and help the artists feel more safe and familiar with the Eurovision big stage.

Because accredited journalists are not allowed to watch both the first and second rehearsals this year, we have very little information about what this year’s artists have prepared for the Eurovision stage. EBU has just uploaded through the official Eurovision channel in YouTube a recap of today’s rehearsals. More specifically, we will have the chance to watch exclusive TV footage of today’s rehearsals.

The countries that had their second rehearsals today were the following:

  1. Norway
  2. Malta
  3. Serbia
  4. Latvia
  5. Portugal
  6. Ireland
  7. Croatia
  8. Switzerland
  9. Israel
  10. Moldova
  11. Sweden
  12. Azerbaijan
  13. Czechia
  14. Netherlands
  15. Finland

You can watch the recap of today’s rehearsals below:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XASeTePlkQw


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Eurovision 2023: Second Rehearsal of Croatia!

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

Next up on stage for their second rehearsal is Croatia and Let 3 with the song “Mama ŠČ!“.

Who are Let 3?

Let 3 come from Rijeka, the birthplace of Croatia’s punk scene, where they quickly gained a reputation for merging energetic performances with live art, social commentary, over-the-top theatrics, and outlandish costumes.
Frontman Zoran Prodanović (Prlja) started out in the band Umjetnici Ulice, before joining with bass guitarist Damir Martinović (Mrle) to form Let 2 in 1986 (which eventually evolved into Let 3 when they added a new member).

This established and much-loved group have released 10 albums, one of which, Nečuveno (Unheard), quickly sold out despite the record being completely blank.

In Croatia the band are known for their provocative performances and are no strangers to shocking audiences by performing in the nude… we’ve no doubt Croatian broadcaster HRT are carefully going through the Eurovision rulebook with the boys right now.

The Rehearsal

It’s 2nd rehearsal time for Croatia’s Let 3, and it looks no less bonkers on the big screen than it did in the arena. It’s just…bigger. And brighter. Let 3 kick off with their trademark extravagant costumes, mind-bending graphics and high fashion hat/dress combos, and then for the final chorus they all strip down to their underwear and wave huge missiles.

Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

The colours are more psychedelic. The removal of clothing is in high definition. They have an extensive track record of getting naked on stage, but they’ve kept it classy for a Sunday afternoon.

Chloe Hashemi / EBU

Let 3’s performance ends with the missiles emitting a shower of sparks over a group of men dancing in platform heels, vests and underpants.

Source: eurovision.tv
Photos: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU, Corinne Cumming / EBU


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Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun for all the latest developments regarding the Swedish entry in Eurovision 2023!

Eurovision 2023: The Fourth Day’s rehearsal schedule!

The big moment for all Eurofans has arrived. The wait has come to an end, as we are now in the most important days before the live shows. Rehearsals officially begun on Sunday for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

The rehearsals are divided into two phases; the first phase lasted three days, from Sunday 30/04 until Tuesday 02/05 and included the first rehearsals of all the countries taking part in the two semi-finals of the competition. The second phase will last from today, Wednesday 03/05 until Saturday 06/05 and includes the second rehearsals of the countries of the two semi-finals as well as the rehearsals of the countries competing directly in the Final, namely the Big 5 and last year’s winner Ukraine.

Last year’s changes in the way rehearsals are covered continue this year, as the Press Center opens on Monday after the first and second rehearsals, which means that the information we will have for the first week of the competition will come exclusively from the material to be provided by the EBU to the accredited journalists.

Program

The 15 countries from the first semi-final will make their second appearance on stage at the M&S Bank Arena. These countries are:

  • Norway 11.00 – 11.50
  • Malta 11.55 – 12.15
  • Serbia 12.20 – 12.40
  • Latvia 12.45 – 13.05
  • Portugal 13.10 – 13.30
  • Ireland 13.35 – 13.55
  • Croatia 15.00 – 15.20
  • Switzerland 15.25 – 15.45
  • Israel 15.50 – 16.10
  • Moldova 16.15 – 16.35
  • Sweden 16.40 – 17.00
  • Azerbaijan 17.05 – 17.25
  • Czechia 17.30 – 17.50
  • Netherlands 17.55 – 18.15
  • Finland 18.20 – 18.40

For everything new regarding these rehearsals, you will instantly be informed by Eurovisionfun!

From Monday 8/5, the press center opens normally for accredited journalists, who will have the opportunity to watch the general rehearsals before the live shows as was the case in previous years.

Eurovisionfun will of course be there to inform you about everything that happens at the M&S Bank Arena!


Follow us in all our social media, so that you’ll not lose a thing of what’s happening in Liverpool:

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Eurovision 2023: The odds after the first rehearsals of the countries of the first semifinal!

The first rehearsals for the countries of the first semifinal have been completed and, as it is expected, the odds have been refreshed for those ones. It is the second year in a row that the press center has been closed so there is no more information about the perfomances than the TikTok videos that Eurovision account have published. As a result, there are no big chances in the first days compared to last years.

1st Semi Final: The race of qualification

Most countries have been stabled in their position, except Switzerland who has overpassed Croatia and is now 7th in the betting odds to qualify for the Grand Final. Remo Forrer odds are between 1.33 and 1.4 compared to Let 3 who are between 1.36-1.55. It is also crusial to mention that Portugal has grown the gap with the Netherlands and, despite being 10th, has more chances to qualify compared to “Burning Daylight“. Also, Latvia, Malta, Ireland and Azerbaijan seem to loose ground and that it will be difficult for them to qualify to the Grand Final of Eurovision 2023.

1st Semi Final: The Winner

For the first time since 2007, televoting will decide 100% the result of the semi final, which means that the ten countries who will qualify and also the winner of the semi will be determined only by the viewers. Finland is ahead of this race and it is believed that “Cha cha cha” will win the televoting of the semifinal. The dynamic stage presentance, catchy chorus and also the fact that Kaarija is closing the show are making the odds to believe that he will overtook Loreen and “Tattoo“, the big favourite of this year’s competition. Honorouble mention to Israel and Noa Kirel, who has decreased the difference with Norway and is coming for the third place after the great reviews of her first rehearsal. Could “Unicorn” be the dark horse of the semifinal?

The Big Final

All “blue” for Finland and Israel, who are probably the gainers of the first rehearsals, in the betting odds. Kaarija has decreased his difference with Loreen and is now aiming for the first place. Also, Israel has overtook Austria and is now in the 7th place of the betting odds after her dance break. However, Loreen and “Tattoo” are still on the top of the scoreboard with a “safe” gap from Finland, until now. Sweden has managed to transfer the Melodifestivalen’s staging to Liverpool, despite the fears and difficulties, and did not dissapoint.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3vJfR81xO0&embeds_euri=https%3A%2F%2Feurovisionfun.com%2F&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&feature=emb_title

Stay tuned in EurovisionFun for all the latest now of Eurovision Song Contest 2023 in Liverpool!

Eurovision 2023: Croatia’s First Rehearsal!

The seventh country on the rehearsals schedule is Croatia with the eccentric entry “Mama ŠČ!” of the group Let 3

Everything about Let 3:

Let 3 come from Rijeka, the birthplace of Croatia’s punk scene, where they quickly gained a reputation for merging energetic performances with live art, social commentary, over-the-top theatrics, and outlandish costumes.
Frontman Zoran Prodanović (Prlja) started out in the band Umjetnici Ulice, before joining with bass guitarist Damir Martinović (Mrle) to form Let 2 in 1986 (which eventually evolved into Let 3 when they added a new member).

This established and much-loved group have released 10 albums, one of which, Nečuveno (Unheard), quickly sold out despite the record being completely blank.

In Croatia the band are known for their provocative performances and are no strangers to shocking audiences by performing in the nude… we’ve no doubt Croatian broadcaster HRT are carefully going through the Eurovision rulebook with the boys right now.

The Rehearsal

Let 3 kick off with their trademark extravagant costumes, mind-bending graphics and high fashion hat/dress combos, and then for the final chorus they all strip down to their underwear and wave huge missiles. They have an extensive track record of getting naked on stage, but they’ve kept it classy for a Sunday afternoon. There are also fireworks in the final run-through. Let 3’s performance ends with the missiles emitting a shower of sparks over a group of men dancing in platform heels, vests and underpants. Not sure the Liverpool arena has ever seen anything quite like that.

It feels like a nursery rhyme or a lullaby, but with tractors, kissing and war.

Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

 

Below you can watch a small clip from Coratia’s first rehearsal from TikTok:

@eurovision Oh mama! Let 3 have revved up into Liverpool 🚜🇭🇷 #Eurovision2023 #Eurovision @Let 3 Mrle ♬ original sound – Eurovision

The second rehearsal of Croatia takes place on Wednesday 3/5 and we will be able to have a better view of what Let 3 will be presenting on stage.

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Eurovision 2023: First rehearsals begin today! | The first day’s rehearsal schedule!

The big moment for all Eurofans has arrived. The wait comes to an end today with the actual start of the competition, one of the most important days before the live shows. Rehearsals officially begin today for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest to be held in Liverpool, United Kingdom.

The rehearsals are divided into two phases; the first which will last three days, from today until Tuesday 02/05 and will include the first rehearsals of all the countries taking part in the two semi-finals of the competition and the second which will last from Wednesday 03/05 until Saturday 06/05 and includes the second rehearsals of the countries of the two semi-finals as well as the rehearsals of the countries competing directly in the Final, namely the Big 5 and last year’s winner Ukraine.

Last year’s changes in the way rehearsals are covered continue this year, as the Press Center opens on Monday after the first and second rehearsals, which means that the information we will have for the first week of the competition will come exclusively from the material to be provided by the EBU to the accredited journalists.

Program

Ten countries from the first semi-final will make their first appearance on stage at the M&S Bank Arena, which will host Eurovision 2023. These countries are:

  1. Norway 11.30-12.00
  2. Malta 12.10-12.40
  3. Serbia 12.50-13.20
  4. Latvia 13.30-14.00
  5. Portugal 15.10-15.40
  6. Ireland 15.50-16.20
  7. Croatia 16.30-17.00
  8. Switzerland 17.10-17.40
  9. Moldova 17.50-18.20
  10. Sweden 18.30-19.00

*times in cet

From Monday 8/5, the press center opens normally for accredited journalists, who will have the opportunity to watch the general rehearsals before the live shows as was the case in previous years.

Eurovisionfun will of course be there to inform you about everything that happens at the M&S Bank Arena!

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, in Liverpool!

OGAE Poll 2023: The results of Sweden, Croatia and Poland!

After the votes of 29 OGAE International Network clubs, it is the turn of Sweden, Croatia and Poland to submit their votes.

In detail, the votes of the 125 members of OGAE Sweden are:

  • 12 points to Finland
  • 10 points to France
  • 8 points to Italy
  • 7 points to Norway
  • 6 points to the United Kingdom
  • 5 points to Austria
  • 4 points to Switzerland
  • 3 points to Israel
  • 2 points to the Czech Republic
  • 1 point to Cyprus

The vote of the 21 members of OGAE Croatia:

  • 12 points to Norway
  • 10 points to Sweden
  • 8 points to Finland
  • 7 points to Slovenia
  • 6 points to Italy
  • 5 points to Austria
  • 4 points to Spain
  • 3 points to the United Kingdom
  • 2 points to the Czech Republic
  • 1 point to Armenia

Finally, the vote of the 205 members of OGAE Poland:

  • 12 points to Sweden
  • 10 points to Finland
  • 8 points to Austria
  • 7 points to France
  • 6 points to Norway
  • 5 points to the Czech Republic
  • 4 points to Italy
  • 3 points to the United Kingdom
  • 2 points to Slovenia
  • 1 point to Moldova

The combined results after the voting of 32 clubs are as follows:

Finland remains in 1st place and maintains its lead and the gap widens against Sweden who comes 2nd with a distance of 11 points. The top five is completed by France with 234 points, Norway with 190 points and Austria with 176 points.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all OGAE Poll 2023 scores and all the Eurovision news!

Source: OGAE International

London Eurovision Party 2023: Watch all the live performances!

Yesterday, 16th of April, London held the last pre-party for this year’s Eurovision season.

London Eurovision Party 2023 was held in Here at Outernet and presented by Nicki French(UK 2000) and Paddy O’ Connell(former Eurovision commentator for the BBC).

22 Eurovision participants sang in London and you can watch their live performances below:

  • Australia – Voyager

There is a big difference between the studio version and their live performance. It’s a rock performance and it shows that band songs are meant for live performances. It is indeed difficult to make any predictions, but I wouldn’t be surprised in case it does well with the televoting, even if Australia is usually a jury favorite.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCNeHC4NvAI

  • Austria – Teya & Salena

A much loved entry by Eurovision fans and it is worth it. The vocals are good, the chemistry between the duo is splendid, the weird dancing is present and the crowd is loving it. Austria has managed to beat the odds so far, contrary to those who thought that Who the Hell is Edgar was going to be a fan-flop, similarly to last year’s Halo. Now, we will only have to see how it works in Liverpool stage!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlf8Sb5RaUQ

  • Azerbaijan – TuralXTuran

A beautiful song for sure and regardless the final result, I’m really glad that Azerbaijan finally sent a song that was written by Azerbaijani people. Although, that doesn’t seem to be enough and their performances do not have a large appeal. Probably we will not see them perform in the Grand Final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLvPB2-2LAc

  • Croatia – Let 3

The most controversial entry of Eurovision 2023. Controversial is also the whole career of Let 3. Although, everyone thought that they wouldn’t make it to the Final, their live performances prove the opposite. The crowd is having fun and singing with them and their eccentricity will sure be noticed. It looks like Croatia made the right choice!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHnz8Y4SmHI

  • Czechia – Vesna

A fan favorite to win at first, but at the moment it does not give winning vibes. It was a better performance than usual but it will be a long way for Czechia in order to achieve their result. Their vocals were better but staging still looks messy and chaotic and it does not put across the message of the song. There is still time!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZdTtoA6IcI

  • Denmark – Reiley

A much better performance than usual but it remains a song that has small potential when live performed. Reiley being famous on TikTok might be helpful for his entry, so I can’t exclude any possibility.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ng571hW6Ro

  • Estonia – Alika

A beautiful song and impressive vocals. That’s it! It’s another cliché Eurovision ballad, not good enough for Alika’s vocal abilities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWma2X8tnxA

  • Finland – Käärijä

We can all understand the hype. Exactly like any of his performances, he gives once more the 100% of his personality and energy. The crowd goes crazy and here we have if not the winner, a top 3 contender.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeBDb3QoKss

  • Iceland – Diljá

Strong vocals and stage presence as Diljá is an energetic performer. Although, the song doesn’t seem enough for Diljá either.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5GrD6IRMfc

  • Ireland – Wild Youth

A good band performance, full of energy. On the other hand, the song does not stand out for their qualification. It’s not anything new, it’s something done before but it’s not done well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c03adZUY3I

  • Lithuania – Monika Linkytė

Monika brought the London Community Gospel Choir for her performance in London Eurovision Party. A vocal powerhouse. The song slowly receives more support and it’s all because of Monika herself. Stay is going to be loved by the juries and we can’t exclude the possibility of the public voting for her. She has a personality and you can’t skip over it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FplK-xqYZ90

  • Malta – The Busker

Good vocals and great energy on stage. Looks like they are having fun. Frontman’s moves resemble exactly what the song is all about, feeling socially anxious in parties. I really like this entry, but unfortunately it doesn’t stand out and it’s not enough for Malta’s ticket to the Final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZF3ucUwzok

  • Moldova – Pasha Parfeni

A really energetic performance of Pasha. The crowd is enjoying it and is probably sending him straight to the Final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVM4HO6991Q

  • Norway – Alessandra

Vocally speaking she gets better and better each time. Personally, I don’t mind any voice cracks of Alessandra. She has a really strong entry, her presence is imposing and her view of pre-parties like actual parties, is actually obvious when performing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPRsTpDEV3A

  • Portugal – Mimicat

Although I’m not a big fan of this year’s Portuguese entry and looks weird to me, Mimicat is vocally flawless and I’m waiting for a better performance on Liverpool to disprove me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COErIMq3AFo

  • Romania – Theodor Andrei

You will either like it or not. I don’t like it. Vocally he’s good but none of his performances, although far better than the one in Romania’s NF, seems convincing, just messy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwR26PjTJI8

  • San Marino – Piqued Jacks

In any means, not a bad song. The lead singer is vocally on point. The whole package, although, is not enough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nep9c326_x4

  • Serbia – Luke Black

I still don’t get the song. It’s not my favorite entry but it is quirky, eccentric and special. He still looks awkward to me when referring to his stage presence. I’m waiting for his performance in Liverpool!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXy8vNlVIDA

  • Slovenia – Joker Out

I love that song! Although, the studio version was not that promising at first, the charisma of every single one of the band’s members is to die for. They are stylish, humorous and committed to what they do. I hope to see that energy in Liverpool and Slovenia finally getting awarded with a good result.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwZIzxI7who

  • Sweden – Loreen

The real queen of this year’s Eurovision. She teaches every Eurovision winner about when and how to return back. Vocally flawless and she seems to be connected with the crowd. Although, the led platform is missing, her strong personality is here and elevates the song. Personally, I want to see her crowned as a winner again!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCYrO5vspeM

  • Spain – Blanca Paloma

Whether you like her entry or not, one thing is for sure. No one can deny Blanca’s flawless vocals and how expressive she is. Although, I can’t fully understand the song, because it has many references to Spanish culture, every time I watch her performances, her emotions really touch me. RTVE is here to win, although I don’t think it will be come true. A great entry, one of my favorites, and it is a good example on what should follow the next year after a great Eurovision result.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep2fuj9-FBc

  • United Kingdom – Mae Muller

MAE I LOVE U!!!I can’t be completely honest with her. Vocally wise, her best performance. What it is indeed challenging is not exactly her vocals but how it will be staged. It needs some dancing, but mostly sass and attitude. These are Mae’s weapons, indeed. She seems to enjoy it and no matter the comments, crowd loves her. It’s the most mainstream pop song of this year’s Eurovision, there’s no way it will not be placed high!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJYqmM3g5qk

Which were your favorite performances? Write in the comments!

Stay tuned on EurovisionFun for more news about Eurovision 2023!

Croatia: Let 3 wins first Icelandic Eurovision Preview Show!

Iceland is currently broadcasting their Eurovision Preview show Alla leið.   It is a tradition in many of the public broadcasters around Europe to review the competing acts for Eurovision and rating them.  Iceland is one of these countries and yesterday we could watch the first night of Alla leið 2023.

A panel consisting on four jurors review the songs competing for Eurovision 2023.  At the end of the first show Let 3 received the most points from the panel.  Portugal and Norway came in second and third place respectively.

Here you can see the full scoreboard for the first night of Alla leið 2023:

  Judge 1 Judge 2 Judge 2 Judge 2 Total
🇭🇷 Croatia – Let 3 – “Mama ŠČ!” 12 8 12 10 42  points
🇵🇹 Portugal – Mimicat – “Ai coração” 8 7 6 8 31 points
🇳🇴 Norway – Alessandra – Queen of the Kings 6 7 6 8 27 points
🇱🇻 Latvia – Sudden Lights – “Aijā” 2 12 8 4 26 points
🇮🇪 Ireland – Wild Youth – “We Are One” 6 4 5 7 22 points
🇲🇹 Malta – The Busker – “Dance (Our Own Party)” 3 6 5 7 21 points
🇷🇸 Serbia – Luke Black – “Samo mi se spava” 7 5 6 3 21 points

Next week, the Icelandic panel will review the acts performing in the second half of the First Semi-final

Source: RUV

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for more news about Let 3’s journey in Eurovision 2023

 

 

 

Eurovision 2023: Watch tonight our poll results for the two semi-finals!

Today is the first station of our Poll, since after the your voting, the results follow, which will be announced tonight through a live premiere on the Douze Points YouTube channel.

More than 8,200 individual votes were submitted in the two semi-finals and now it’s time to announce the 20 countries that will advance to the grand final. For about 10 days you voted for your top ten countries in each semi-final. As in Eurovision, also in our simulation 100% of the result was determined based on your own vote, since now only the public votes count in the semi-finals.

Tonight at 20:00 CET, you will be able to watch through the video below the ten countries that will qualify from the first semi-final.

Immediately afterwards, at 20:05 CET, you will be able to see the results of the second semi-final in the video below.

The recap and the start of the voting for the Grand Final follows, where 50% of the result will be determined based on your own voting and the rest 50% by the authors of Eurovisionfun.
Until then you can recall the entries vying for qualification below:

Which countries do you think will qualify?

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all Eurovision 2023 news!