First Rehearsal Archives - Eurovision News | Music

Eurovision 2023: Second Rehearsal of Sweden!

May 3, 2023/0 Comments/in Eurovision 2023, Sweden/by Andreas Papayiannakis

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 Sweden and Loreen with the song “Tattoo“.

Who is Loreen?

Lorine Zineb Nora Talhaoui, known as Loreen, is a Swedish singer, songwriter, and this year’s winner of Melodifestivalen. Interested in becoming a musician, Loreen took part in the Idol 2004 television competition, finishing fourth. The following year she released her first single, “The Snake“, with the band Rob’n’Raz and became a television presenter on TV400. While working as a segment producer and director for several Swedish reality TV shows, she entered Melodifestivalen 2011 with the song “My Heart Is Refusing Me“, which became a top 10 hit in Sweden. She also had top 20 hits in Sweden with the singles “Crying Out Your Name” (2012) and her Melodifestivalen 2017 entry “Statements“.

Representing Sweden, she won the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with her entry “Euphoria“, which topped the charts in numerous European countries. She will represent Sweden in Eurovision for a second time in 2023 with “Tattoo“ which broke into the charts globally in many countries.

The Rehearsal

Loreen and her light box are back on stage – we were really interested to see the big screen version of this, as so much of it is filmed in close-up.

Sarah Louise Bennett/EBU

The stage and the LED screen is a sea of swirling smoke, and the whole effect is incredibly intense. It’s WAY more intense and dramatic than it looks in the arena – Loreen is NOT here to play.

Sarah Louise Bennett/EBU

It’s Loreen, so obviously this performance is tighter than that catsuit and more polished than those terrifyingly long nails. Sounds incredible, looks incredible – the perfect finish to a brilliant first day of rehearsals.

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

Follow us on all social media, so you do not miss out on any moment of what will happen in Liverpool:

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

Eurovision 2023: Second Rehearsal of Moldova!

May 3, 2023/0 Comments/in Eurovision 2023, Moldova/by Andreas Papayiannakis

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 Moldova and Pasha Parfeny with the song “Soarele Şi Luna“.

Who is Pasha Parfeny?

Eurovision runs through Pasha Parfeni’s veins, having been involved with multiple national final songs in Moldova, as well as representing the nation at the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2012, where he finished 11th.

The following year, he joined forces with his wife Yuliana to compose Moldova’s entry “O Mie for Aliona Moon“. Aliona had been a backing vocalist for Pasha in 2012, and this time he took to the Eurovision stage to accompany her on the piano.

The Rehearsal

No changes from the first rehearsal, and great to see that the pounding bassline we felt in the arena comes across on the big screen too. There’s so much to love about this performance from Moldova – the huge drums, Sergiu the epic flute guy, Pasha’s atmospheric vocals, the two backing singers with huge horned headdresses.

Sarah Louise Bennett/EBU

It’s the kind of ethno-banger we used to see a lot more often at Eurovision, and all together it creates a performance that’s pulsing through the arena floor. This is going to go BIG in the Liverpool arena next Tuesday.

Chloe Hashemi

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

Follow us on all social media, so you do not miss out on any moment of what will happen in Liverpool:

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

Eurovision 2023: Second Rehearsal of Switzerland!

May 3, 2023/0 Comments/in Eurovision 2023, Switzerland/by Andreas Papayiannakis

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 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

No changes from Sunday’s first rehearsal that we could see, and still sounding great in the arena. “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. 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.

Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

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

Follow us on all social media, so you do not miss out on any moment of what will happen in Liverpool:

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

Poland: Watch the backstage video from Blanka’s first rehearsal!

May 3, 2023/0 Comments/in Eurovision, Eurovision 2023, Poland/by Fotios Ntinos

Blanka’s first technical rehearsal took place yesterday and Blanka herself shared a backstage video from yesterday’s rehearsal on her social medial. In the backstage video we can watch more of her performance, in comparison with the exclusive video shared by Eurovision account on TikTok.

Δείτε αυτή τη δημοσίευση στο Instagram.

Η δημοσίευση κοινοποιήθηκε από το χρήστη Blanka Stajkow (@blikeblanka)

Blanka seems really satisfied and excited about her performance, with the only issue concerning her now being the camera work, which needs some fixes.

It is indeed really interesting that this year’s artists as well as the broadcasters themselves are sharing with us more backstage videos, giving us a better picture of their performances. Especially this year, that the accredited journalists are not allowed to attend the rehearsals inside the press center, the artists themselves are those who keep the fans’ interest.

More information about Poland’s first rehearsal:

Eurovision 2023: Poland’s First Rehearsal!

The second rehearsal of Poland is scheduled for Friday 5/5 when we will have more details on Blanka’s performance.

Poland with Blanka and her song Solo participates in the 2nd Semifinal on May 11, performing 9th.

You can also watch the reaction video of EurovisionFun on Solo below:

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Eurovision 2023: Cyprus’ First Rehearsal!

May 1, 2023/0 Comments/in Cyprus, Eurovision 2023/by Antonios Kofkelis

Last but definitely not least for today’s rehearsals is Andrew Lambrou with his song “Break A Broken Heart” representing Cyprus!

But who is Andrew Lambrou ?

Andrew Lambrou was born in Sydney, Australia and he is of Greek-Cypriot descent. Although he is just 24 years old his presence on TikTok is spectacular, since his profile on this social platform has gathered more than 700,000 followers.

He started to play music at the age of 5, when he was enrolled at the music school of AMS where he learned how to play the piano. One of his talents was his capabiity of listening to a song and then playing it on his own by heart. Soon he realized that he had to fulfill his musical destiny after having already won the first place in a competition singing the song “Doh A Deer”, still at the age of five. His own parents encouraged his inclination towards music throughout his life, while he attended musical classes at “LaVoce” Music School, where Marc Villagra was his vocal coach.

Andrew Lambrou currently lives in Sydney, Australia where he composes and performs his own songs, while he has also taken part in “The X Fctor of Australia”, “Australia’s Got Talent” and “The Voice of Australia”.

The rehearsal

Inspired by the elements of the earth, from the abyss to the catharic waters of the waterfall, we end up to lava and fire for a rebirth.

This is a great way to end what has been a brilliant second day of rehearsals. Break A Broken Heart is a powerful, heartfelt ballad with a marching drumbeat that’s vibrating through the Liverpool Arena floor – Andrew’s vocal is sublime, and there’s something electrifying about the way this song builds from the first big note to an even bigger finish. The LED backdrop transitions from waterfall to flames, and the whole thing is a massive Monday afternoon MOOD. Surely there’s some pyro incoming?

Cyprus has floor smoke AND four banks of flames – the first real flames of the contest!

@eurovision Red lights, flashes, Andrew Lambrou rises out of the ashes ☄️🇨🇾 #Eurovision2023 #Eurovision @Andrew Lambrou ♬ original sound – Eurovision

Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

Sarah Louise

Cyprus’ second rehearsal is going to take place on Friday 5/5; so it is then when the audience can get a full picture of Andrew Lambrou’s performance on stage.

Source: https://eurovision.tv/

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for even more news regarding Cyprus’ entry in this year’s contest!

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Eurovision 2023: Belgium’s First Rehearsal!

May 1, 2023/0 Comments/in Belgium, Eurovision 2023/by Antonios Kofkelis

Just one place before the last one for today and it is Belgium‘s rehearsal, represented by Gustaph singing “Because of You“.

Who is Gustaph ?

Stef Caers, also known professionally as Gustaph, is 42 years old and he comes from the Flemish speaking part of Belgium. He is an experienced artist regarding the contest, since he has already participated before as a back vocalist for Senek in 2018 and for Hooverphonic in 2021. His debut in the music industry began in 2000 while he was studying in at the Royal Conservatory of Ghent and also he used to be a vocal coach.

Gustaph’s participation in Eurovision is considered to be one of the most unexpected participations, since he was an outsider in Belgium’s Eurosong. He was not the winner of either public’s vote (second) or jury’s vote (third). However the combination of the two results gave Gustaph the golden tickret for Liverpool, who actually beat Starlings by just one point.

No matter the fact that Gustaph has generally gathered negative reviews regarding his qualification, his flawless live performances at pre parties may proove the exact opposite, since he is currently at the odds-in’s eighth place for qualification.

The rehearsal

This is such a feelgood track, and Gustaph’s pink and white outfit is incredibly stylish. It’s a love-filled inspo bop about the people who never let us down, though good times and bad. Gustaph has his own flight of stairs, three backing singers, and an LED backdrop of vogueing, drag queens and all the people who make Gustaph’s world a better place. We’re having a Green Room dance, and can’t wait to see the crowd go mad for this next Thursday.

Gustaph rehearsing

Gustaph rehearsing at the first rehearsal – Sarah Louise Bennett

@eurovision The party gets started in Liverpool and it’s all because of YOU Gustaph 🤩🇧🇪 #Eurovision2023 #Eurovision @Gustaph ♬ original sound – Eurovision

Belgium’s second rehearsal is about to take place on Thursday 4/5 when we are going to get a full picture of Gustaph’s performance on stage.

Source: https://eurovision.tv/

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for even more details regarding Belgium’s entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2023!

Follow and subscribe on all Eurovisionfun’s social media platforms so you not miss out on any moment of Eurovision!

Eurovision 2023: First Rehearsal of Sweden!

April 30, 2023/0 Comments/in Eurovision 2023, Sweden/by Andreas Papayiannakis

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 Sweden and Loreen with the song “Tattoo“.

Who is Loreen?

Lorine Zineb Nora Talhaoui, known as Loreen, is a Swedish singer, songwriter, and this year’s winner of Melodifestivalen. Interested in becoming a musician, Loreen took part in the Idol 2004 television competition, finishing fourth. The following year she released her first single, “The Snake“, with the band Rob’n’Raz and became a television presenter on TV400. While working as a segment producer and director for several Swedish reality TV shows, she entered Melodifestivalen 2011 with the song “My Heart Is Refusing Me“, which became a top 10 hit in Sweden. She also had top 20 hits in Sweden with the singles “Crying Out Your Name” (2012) and her Melodifestivalen 2017 entry “Statements“.

Representing Sweden, she won the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 with her entry “Euphoria“, which topped the charts in numerous European countries. She will represent Sweden in Eurovision for a second time in 2023 with “Tattoo“ which broke into the charts globally in many countries.

The Rehearsal

So the light box is back, but it’s a smaller version than the one we saw at Melodifestivalen. It’s also raised off the ground, so the bottom section can be wheeled onto the stage. The stage and the LED screen is a sea of swirling smoke, and the whole effect is incredibly intense.

Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

It’s Loreen, so obviously this performance is tighter than that catsuit and more polished than those terrifyingly long nails. Sounds incredible, looks incredible – the perfect finish to a brilliant first day of rehearsals.

Corinne Cumming / EBU

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

@eurovision Loreen ✅ Lightbox ✅ Liverpool ✅ #Eurovision2023 #Eurovision @Loreen ♬ original sound – Eurovision

Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

The second Swedish rehearsal will be held on the 3rd of May, when we will know how the performance will look on screen for the Swedish entry.

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

Follow us on all social media, so you do not miss out on any moment of what will happen in Liverpool:

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

Eurovision 2023: First Rehearsal of Moldova!

April 30, 2023/0 Comments/in Eurovision 2023, Moldova/by Andreas Papayiannakis

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 Moldova and Pasha Parfeny with the song “Soarele Şi Luna“.

Who is Pasha Parfeny?

Eurovision runs through Pasha Parfeni’s veins, having been involved with multiple national final songs in Moldova, as well as representing the nation at the Eurovision Song Contest back in 2012, where he finished 11th.

The following year, he joined forces with his wife Yuliana to compose Moldova’s entry “O Mie for Aliona Moon“. Aliona had been a backing vocalist for Pasha in 2012, and this time he took to the Eurovision stage to accompany her on the piano.

The Rehearsal

There’s so much to love about this performance from Moldova – the huge drums, Sergiu the epic flute guy, Pasha’s atmospheric vocals, the two backing singers with huge horned headdresses.

Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

It’s the kind of ethno-banger we used to see a lot more often at Eurovision, and all together it creates a performance that’s pulsing through the arena floor. This is going to go BIG in the Liverpool arena next Tuesday.

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

@eurovision Harnessing the power of the ☀️and the 🌕 🇲🇩 #Eurovision2023 #Eurovision @Pasha Parfeni ♬ original sound – Eurovision

Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

The second Moldovan rehearsal will be held on the 3rd of May, when we will know how the performance will look on screen for the Moldovan entry.

Source: eurovision.tv
Photos: Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU

Follow us on all social media, so you do not miss out on any moment of what will happen in Liverpool:

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

Eurovision 2023: First Rehearsal of Switzerland!

April 30, 2023/0 Comments/in Eurovision 2023, Switzerland/by Andreas Papayiannakis

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.

Corinne Cumming / EBU

The second Swiss rehearsal will be held on the 3rd of May, when we will know how the performance will look on screen for the Swiss entry.

Source: eurovision.tv
Photos: Corinne Cumming / EBU

Follow us on all social media, so you do not miss out on any moment of what will happen in Liverpool:

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

Eurovision 2023: Norway’s First Rehearsal!

April 30, 2023/0 Comments/in Eurovision, Eurovision 2023, Norway/by Efthimis Megoulis

The time has finally come! The first delegations have arrived in Liverpool and the M&S Bank Arena has opened its doors for them. Today marks one of the most important days of the Eurovision season as the rehearsals of the 67th Eurovision Song Contest officially begin!

First to take the stage of this year’s Eurovision for her first rehearsal is Alessandra from Norway with her song “Queen of Kings”!

Who is Alessandra?

Alessandra Mele was born on September 5 2002 in Pietra Ligure in northwestern Italy to an Italian father and a Norwegian mother. At the age of 12, she won a local talent show in Italy, VB Factor. After graduating high school in 2021, she moved to Porsgrunn in southern Norway to live with her grandparents. She later moved to Lillehammer to study at the Lillehammer Institute of Music Production and Industries. After winning MGP 2023, she gets the chance to represent Norway at Eurovision 2023.

The rehearsal

Unfortunately this year, accredited journalists don’t get the chance to watch the first and second rehearsals, so we only get the information and content that the organizers officaly release to the public.

Alessandra is keeping the black and gold viking sass queen vibe of the MGP final, wearing a fabulous metallic bustier with serious power shoulders and a black cape. She’s accompanied by four backing dancers with giant glo-sticks, backed by icy blue lighting.

Staging aside, this song is a huge female empowerment battle cry, with the drums vibrating through the floor of the Liverpool Arena and that whistle note at the end lifting the roof off. This is going to be such a fantastic opener for the first Semi-Final.

As it turns out there is no pyro nor any jet streams for Norway.

Below you can watch a small clip from Norway’s first rehearsal from Tik Tok: