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Eurovision 2023: The first Dress Rehearsal of the Grand Final!

Just a few minuts ago, the first dress rehearsal of the Grand Final, which is going to take place tomorrow night, took place. Eurovisionfun, was present in the M&S Bank Arena and is here to offer you a small glimpse of the rehearsals of the performances of tomorrow’s Grand Final.

🇫🇷 France – La Zarra – “Évidement”

🇨🇾Cyprus– Andrew Lambrou – “Break A Broken Heart”

🇪🇸Spain– Blanca Paloma – “EaEa” 

🇸🇪Sweden– Loreen – “Tattoo”

🇮🇱 Israel – Noa Kirel – “Unicorn”

What’s next today, is the Jury Rehearsal and as a matter of fact, it will be the first time in this year’s contest, that the jury vote will count, as in the semi-finals, it was the public alone that decided the result.


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Eurovision 2023: Dress Rehearsal of the 1st Semi Final – Live Commentary! (Updated Live)

Today is the first day of the Eurovision week! We can already feel “United by Music” all the way from M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool and it’s just a few days before we finally know the winner of the 67th Eurovision Song Contest!

The dress rehearsal of the Eurovision 2023 First Semi Final has just started. EurovisionFun will be watching all the shows live both at the on-site press centre in Liverpool and at the online press centre and will be commenting on the full performances of the 15 participating countries, as well as Germany, France and Italy.

This article gets updated in real-time, all you need to do is hit the refresh button on your browser!

So stay tuned to this article as we update it with all details, preparing you for what you will see in the Semi-Final tomorrow May 9th, at 21:00 CEST.

The Show

The show opens with a video of a young Liverpudlian boy traveling across the city telling his family, friends, neighbours (and some special guests!) that Eurovision is in Liverpool. The young boy dances yogether with a young girl on the Eurovision stage.

Julia Sanina performs “Mayak” by The Hardkiss. Translating from the Ukrainian for Lighthouse, the performance: “symbolises in many ways how the UK is United by Music with Ukraine through the hosting the 2023 Contest on behalf of the 2022 winners.”

Spice Girl Mel C‘ voice introduces to the stage the hosts of the contest to viewers across the globe. The hosts of the show are the female trio of superstars Julia Sanina of The Hardkiss, Hannah Waddingham, and Alesha Dixon.

The Competing Countries – LIVE COMMENTARY

Norway: Alessandra – Queen of Kings

Alessandra Mele kicks off the contest with loads of energy, performing her scandi-banger. The performance is very similar to the one from MGP, dark with intense strobing lights and some added orange led content near the ending. Vocally ok but not great, Alessandra will sail to the Grand Final.

Malta: The Busker – Dance (Our Own Party)

The Busker, performing in the unlucky 2nd position, give us a slightly updated version of their MESC performance, with almost identical camera cuts and transitions. A fun and colorful number that will probably struggle to make it to the Final.

Serbia: Luke Black – Samo Mi Se Spava

Another energetic performance from Luke Black, who also kept the staging from his National Final but significantly elevated it, making it look bigger and epic on the Eurovision stage. The added on-screen video game graphics really add to the unique performance, making it stand out. It would be a big surprise if Serbia didn’t manage to qualify for the Grand Final.

Latvia: Sudden Lights – Aijā

Sudden Lights are once again flawless performers. The performance is almost identical to their Supernova show, with some minor led content added. Beautiful performance and lightshow, but a low-key song that could easily get lost in this difficult semi-final. Sadly, it will e very difficult for Latvia to qualify.

First Break

Alesha Dixon chats with young local children and raps a small improvised song about Eurovision.

Portugal: Mimicat – Ai Coração

Mimicat is a charismatic performer but this feels like a downgrade from her FdC performance. She and her dancers give energy but the stage feels quite dark and empty, so viewers could be bored. Also this wasn’t one of her best vocal deliveries. On the other hand it stands out due to its unique style but Portugal’s qualification is not certain.

Ireland: Wild Youth – We Are One

Wild Youth have tried to improve their chances by making their performance as golden as possible. Unfortunately their lead singer is struggling vocally, as usual, and their generic song gets instantly forgotten. Ireland’s journey to Eurovision 2023 ends tomorrow.

Croatia: Let 3 – Mama ŠČ!

The unique and controversial Let 3 deliver a crazy performance, full of weird sounds, psychedelic leds and clever “SC” on screen graphics that definetely stands out. The fact that the results of the Semi Final are 100% televote should help them make it to the Grand Final.

Switzerland: Remo Forrer – Watergun

Switzerland gives us a professionally crafted performance with perfect vocals and interpretive dancing. In the beginning the dancers hold ribbons around Remo but he breaks free and in the end runs to the smaller stage. The show is full of red, black and white colors but I’m not sure if it’s memorable enough. It feels really borderline.

Israel: Noa Kirel – Unicorn

Noa starts her performance inside her rectangular prop and is then joined by her dancers. Vocally she sounds ok, maybe a little unstable (even though technical issues of the online press center can’t let us be certain). The final part of the performance remains as it was in the rehearsal snippet that was released, very energetic but maybe a bit dark. Israel is heading for the top-5 and maybe even top-3 of this Semi-Final but could do worse than expected in the Grand Final.

Moldova: Pasha Parfeni – Soarele şi Luna

Pasha delivers a great show, in orange and red colors with two backing singers – dancers, a dancing dwarf and two drummers, that massively stand out for its ethnic and techno elements. Vocally great and interesting to watch, Moldova should have no problems qualifying.

Second Break

Sweden: Loreen – Tattoo

The big favourite of Eurovision 2023 does not disappoint. Loreen, vocally amazing, had to down-scale her Melodifestivalen performance but this still looks cinematic and epic with great lighting. Some camera shots definetely need to be worked and maybe some added smoke could create a more mysterious atmosphere. Qualification isn’t even a question of course.

Azerbaijan: TuralTuranX – Tell Me More

A sweet performance, in red, blue and pink, by the Azeri twins, that reminds us of The Beatles tunes. An entry that could be supported by juries if they voted in the semi final, but qualification with 100% televoting seems impossible.

Czechia: Vesna – My Sister’s Crown

The girl-group Vesna have significantly improved from their previous performances but still sound a bit shaky vocally and the mixing needs work. The staging is very sleek and modern, but maybe a bit cold. The bridge of the song looks very impressive on stage as the lights go down and the girls stand in a circle singing in unison. Czechia will qualify but maybe not do that well in the Final.

Netherlands: Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper – Burning Daylight

Another act that has improved a lot from their previous live performances. Still room to improve vocally but very decent. The atmospheric blue staging with strobes of “burning daylight” really fits the song, that really stands out as the only duet. Mia and Dion could surprise and make it to the Grand Final!

Finland: Käärijä – Cha Cha Cha

A fun and colorful performance from Finland that starts inside a wooden box (with some weird camera shots) that will definetely get the crowd going wild and easily qualify. In the beginning the leds are mainly green and towards the end they include all the colors of the rainbow. However, Käärijä sounded very weak vocally and the entire show could come off as rather kitsh. Finland will do well but won’t come anywhere near winning Eurovision this year.

Interval Act

Wordwide superstar Rita Ora performs a medley of her hits, as well as a world premiere of ‘Praising You’. Alyosha (Ukraine 2010) and Rebecca Fergusson perform together a cover of “Ordinary World”.

Certain Qualifiers

Sweden

Finland

Norway

Israel

Moldova

Serbia

Croatia

Czechia

Borderline Qualifiers

Netherlands

Switzerland

Portugal

Non Qualifiers

Malta

Latvia

Azerbaijan

Ireland

BIG 5 Performances

France: La Zarra – Évidemment

La Zarra stands on a huge platform that is covered by a sparkling dress. The dress falls and revelas that the top of the platform looks like a discoball, sending light everywhere in the arena. The performance has great camera cuts and vocals. Near the end, the French flag appears in the background lights and a huge curtain of fireworks falls from the ceiling.

Germany: Lord of The Lost – Blood & Glitter

Lord of the Lost deliver a professional show full of energy, very similar to their performance in the national final. The singer is vocally amazing and the song finishes with lots of pyro. Germany should avoid the last places in the Grand Final.

Italy: Marco Mengoni – Due Vite

Marco wears a sparkly shirt and leather pants. Two dancers are behind him on a staircase, falling on a trampoline, in front of the eclipsed moon. However throughout the performance the focus remains on him and his impreccable vocals. A very touching entry that could do better than expected.

The Results

Martin Osterdahl executive producer of Eurovision Song Contest 2022, declares that he is happy to see that we now have a valid result!

Here we have a big change, as the 15 competing acts stand on stage, without their delegations, waiting for the result. The camera shows them one by one, as the presenters announce the qualifiers. After the first 5 qualifiers are announced, Alesha interviews them backstage and then we learn the 5 remaining qualifiers.

The ten countries that (virtually) qualify to the finals for the purposes of the rehearsal were the following:

Sweden, Moldova, Switzerland, Azerbaijan, Norway, Finland, Latvia, Israel, Serbia and the Netherlands

Closing the televised show, we will get to watch a recap of the ten finalist songs.

Watch clips of the dress rehearsal from inside the arena:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxZjOnmr0-s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7UWucPFidw

Follow us on all social media, so you do not miss a thing of what will happen in Liverpool:

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun for all the latest developments regarding the the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, that is held in Liverpool!

Eurovision 2022: The Dress Rehearsal of the Grand Final!

Today took place the first of the two rehearsals of the Grand Final of Eurovision Song Contest 2022. The show begins with John Lennon’s  song Give Peace a Chance, conveying an antiwar message.

At the Opening Act of the Grand Final Laura Pausini performs a medley including “La solitudine” and “Scatola”

Afterwards we see the parade of nations that made it to the final, in the running order that they are going to perform.

Now it’s time to welcome the three presenters on stage! Before the competing part begins, the hosts of the show describe the voting process and show the number where the viewers in each country will have to phone or text, in order to cast their vote.

The 25 Finalists

Czech Republic: We Are Domi – “Lights Off”

The staging is the same as in the previous performances. The lead singer looks cool and relaxed, probably saving energy for the Jury show tonight and for the televised show tomorrow. Vocally she was very good.

Romania: WRS – “Llámame”

WRS gives another catchy performances in this rehearsal. He is very confident, vocally stable and full of energy.

Portugal: Maro – “Saudade, saudade”

Next on stage is Maro from Portugal. She and her back – up singers stand in again in circle, creating the usual atmospheric performance that made them stand out and advance to the final.

Finland: The Rasmus – “Jezebel”

It’s one of the most famous Finnish bands in the world to take the stage. The staging someone could say that is inspired by the famous Stephen King’s novel and move “IT”. Another good rehearsal for Finland.

Switzerland: Marius Bear – “Boys Do Cry”

The fifth performer of the Final. Once again Marius and his ballad create a nostalgic atmosphere that explains why he deserved to be in the final.

France: Alvan and Ahez – “Fulenn”

It’s time for the last year’s runner -up. In a full contrast to what we were used to from France, the staging is full of magical and paganistic/celtic symbols, while the song is performed in Breton and not in the French language, as some of you might think.

Norway: Subwoolfer – “Give That Wolf a Banana” 

Norway preserves the mystical atmosphere, as no one knows who are behind the masks. A good rehearsal for the Nordic nation.

Armenia: Rosa Linn – “Snap”

Probably the most wandering song of the contest. Rosa and her song make you reminiscing emotions and feelings.

After Armenia there is a small break, with a video showing snaps of the two Semi -Finals

Italy: Mahmood and Blanco – “Brividi”

Time for the host nation of this year’s contest. Vocally their performance was better than ever.

Spain: Chanel – “SloMo”

The most explosive performance of the final now on stage.  Despite the fact that it’s a dress rehearsal, Chanel gave it all again, and vocally was very stable during this demanding choreography. A potential televoting winner.

The Netherlands: S10 – “De diepte”

Stien, which is the real name of S10, gives another excellent performance. No changes here as well.

Ukraine: Kalush Orchestra – “Stefania” (Стефанія)

12th on stage is the bookmakers favourite for the trophy. The band gives another good performance. Will they bring the trophy for the third time back to Ukraine? We will find out tomorrow.

Germany: Malik Harris – “Rockstars”

With Germany, begins the ballad streak of this Final. On stage we see different musical instruments and carpets. Malik was very good and stable. No one knows though the luck of of this entry.

Lithuania: Monika Liu – “Sentimentai”

Time for one of the surprises of the Semi – Finals. Monika doesn’t have in this rehearsal her usual hair style, but maintains the early 80s vibes.

Azerbaijan: Nadir Rustamli – “Fade to Black”

Nadir gives another emotional performance. A slightly different hair – style, but in overall, no changes as well.

Belgium: Jérémie Makiese – “Miss You”

Jérémie and his Jamesbondish entry are next. A good rehearsal for Belgium, and a well deserved finalist.

The second brake of the show.

Greece: Amanda Georgiadi Tenfjord – “Die Together”

One of the show’s favourites gets on stage. Amanda is ready to convey all the emotions and to captivate the audience, and probably to win the jury show tonight. Her performance was once again exceptional.

Iceland: Systur – “Með hækkandi sól”

Next on stage is the biggest surprise of the Semi – Finals. The Systur band creates a western atmosphere on stage, but will this be enough to finish higher than last year?

Moldova: Zdob și Zdub and Advahov Brothers – “Trenulețul”

Moldova breaks the aforementioned ballad-streak. For the third time the Zdob și Zdub band are loyal to their randez-vous at the Eurovision final. No one knows the luck of their entry among the juries though.

Sweden: Cornelia Jakobs – “Hold Me Closer”

Another favourite on stage. The Swedish delegation faces again problems, in this rehearsal.  After a few minutes, Cornelia begins her performance.  Vocally was good but at some point a little unstable. Possible jury winner.

Australia: Sheldon Riley – “Not the Same”

Time for the biggest nation of Oceanian continent. The most flamboyant entry among the finalists. At some point the sound stopped for seconds. A very dynamic and emotional performance, that could capitvate the juries.

A small brake until the UK staging is ready.

United Kingdom: Sam Ryder – “Space Man”

Sam Ryder is next on stage. With his cosmic staging, the UK is probably ready to take the trophy back home after 1997. An exceptional performance.

Poland: Ochman – “River”

23rd performer is Ochman from Poland. With a more casual outfit for this rehearsal, Ochman’s performance is good and vocally he is on point.

Serbia: Konstrakta – “In corpore sano”

Second to last in the Final is Konstrakta from Serbia. Even though the performance is very simple, the Serbian entry is really captivating. Being the only ex- Yugoslav nation in the final, Serbia is expecting to ddo well in the televoting.

Estonia: Stefan – “Hope”

The last performer of the Final is Stefan from Estonia. The second western atmospheric entry after Iceland, but with better chances for a better result. A very good rehearsal for Estonia

Following the 25 performances, the voting process starts by showing the recap of all the competing songs and their respective voting numbers appear on screen!

Interval Acts

Last year’s winners, Måneskin, get on stage to perform their song “Supermodel”

In the second interval act, the very first Italian winner in Eurovision 1964, Gigliola Cinquetti gets on stage to perform her winning entry “Non ho l’età” 

Another break after the first two interval acts

The last interval act of the show is a medley performed by Mika.

The Results

After the jury results have been announced, Martin Österdahl, the executive producer of Eurovision Song Contest 2022, declares that we now have a valid result!

The winner in the simulating scoreboard was the United Kingdom.

Later today, the Jury Rehearsal is going to take place, in which half of the results are going to be determined.

Follow us on all social media, so you do not miss a moment of what will happen in Turin:

Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun for all the latest developments regarding the the 66th Eurovision Song Contest, that is held in Turin!