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Today’s rehearsals kick off at 11:30 local time, 8:30CET, and the first block of rehearsals will feature the second rehearsals of the last 5 acts from semifinal two. Additionally, in the next two blocks, the Big 5 and host nation Azerbaijan will have their second rehearsals in the hall.
The video player in the sidebar will update when each new rehearsal video is uploaded on our youtube account here!
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Estonia
Nothing much has changed with Estonia’s performance for today’s second rehearsal. Early on in rehearsal Ott removed his blazer. Today his backing singer wore T-shirt and jeans. Mostly good vocals from Ott with some slight problems, especially towards the end of the song and his frustration was obvious. However the crowd was once again very impressed by another great rehearsal.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ef0Zea5Qq6Y
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Slovakia
Another strong vocal. Max really uses the stage, walking and running as he sings, rarely staying still. Unlike last time there are no sunglasses. He is wearing a leather jacket but nothing underneath. The band is also dressed in leather. He is a very confident performer.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J-S7IfX960
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Norway
Three in a row for good vocals and polished performance. Nothing different from first rehearsal.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j01eKglDuww
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Bosnia & Herzegovina
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pqZ4w-Ym9TE
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Lithuania
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrjtC7W74G8
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United Kingdom
First verse simple lighting, the guitarist is illuminated on first chorus, dancers second verse with what look like pink clouds, next chorus red lights and we see more of the dancers and wider angles. On the key change the background turns red to match the lighting and more lights appears. Unfortunately the vocals are off. The song starts well but Engelbert Humperdinck cannot keep and or moreover hold the higher notes, losing power and key.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2zX-OUmiOg
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France
The lace is now black to match a black dress, the backing dancers still topless but now in white tracksuit bottoms. Backing singers in black suits with what looks like diamanté detail. Backdrop and lighting same as yesterday. Vocals as good as yesterday.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YEgXMk39L0
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Italy
Nina is wearing what could be described as an iridescent blue cocktail dress. Both female backing dancers in black trouser and shirt. Male backing dancer in jeans and T-shirt. Nina’s vocals (and hair) are so much better than yesterday, quite the polished performance. No props, no gimmicks and a huge reaction from the press centre and the large crowd gathered to see her.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q9n8IqLDmeM
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Azerbaijan
I am not very comfortable writing about this now, not until after press conference. I suspect the backing singing is Mugham or another traditional Azeri form of music. Also there are light effects in the dress, as if Sabina’s white gown is being used as a canvas for projections or there are lights within the dress or both. We saw all of this yesterday but eagerly await today’s press conference so we can find out more about what they are. The vocals are very strong. The reaction in the hall and press centre is very positive. During the chanting alone there was applause of appreciation from other delegations and pride from Azeris. I did not listen to this song much before departing for Baku as it did not attract me but now I am intrigued. One comment a friend made was that Sabina seemed stressed on stage yesterday. It was lovely to see her relaxed at the opening party and today on stage. She is a great ambassador for the host nation. Just as Lena did last year, Sabina used rehearsal time well singing the song many times in her thirty minutes.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HkfpUVqVZEE
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Spain
Wind machines and five backing singers and overall very strong vocals. Pastora is not wearing what she will wear on Saturday night. Her vocals are strong and she seems to be really happy about her performances and enjoying this. The backdrop looks like raindrops against glass and is most effective. This is another crowd pleaser.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTdHzxmziy4
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Germany
No change from first rehearsal. Also not the costume. The two tops I thought I saw last day might be choices for the final. Still strong vocals and great reactions from spectators.
httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YVxoE7jnTAM
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