Vienna 2015: All rehearsals day ten

It’s time for the direct qualifiers for the Grand Final to have their second rehearsal. We are allowed to film their rehearsals in the arena, and you can find our footage here. The fastest updates are being delivered through our live-blog.

ITALY

Just a couple of slight changes for Il Volo from Italy. They have improved their game by looking into the camera more and connection with the audience better. We see a lot of wide shots of the entire arena, making the staging pretty random. It feels like they could have done more ingenious things in terms of staging. Vocally however, a flawless performance which should be well rewarded.

AUSTRIA

It’s still early, so maybe that’s why the lead singer of The Makemakers is sounding not as good as a couple of days before. Still, it might be wise to leave the Euroclub and other parties for what it is from now on, and focus fully on performing on Saturday. Staging remains darkblue and set in a living room atmosphere. Nice close ups behind the piano, connection a lot with the camera. Some nice pans from each band member to another. Austria has well thought about their entry this year and it could do pretty well, if delivered vocally okay.

SPAIN

Edurne changed her silver dress to a golden one, making the whole performance less sparkly. They are still trying some stuff out, although the act and camerawork have remained the same. Lighting seems to be a bit darker. Edurne is performing well, there are a couple of fine close shots of her body, but the last minute it still feels like there is not a lot going on. In combination with the repetitive song, that might be it’s biggest weakness.

GERMANY

Ann Sophie is throwing some Lena-vibe in her performance, but it is just not the same. She works the camera’s, turned around, looking over her shoulder, and walking a bit up and down the stage. It is a really downsizer performance, with not much extras or props. It’s not bad, but it’s not good either. It’s just something that passes by on the big night, and therefore might be forgotten.

UNITED KINGDOM

A vocally weak performance by Bianca, who’s dress is looking like it has christmas lights. The whole performance looks static and amateurish. The only thing that could have saved this act was if if was being delivered in a hilarious way, but now it’s just awkward. A little of medium shots of the full stage, with two female dancers to the left, and two male dancers to the right. No special efforts in staging or camerawork, except for the skatting part.

FRANCE

So perhaps the song is not strong enough for a real high score this year, Lisa Angell is still getting most out of it. Flawless vocals, a fanastic backdrop of a destroyed city, with drummer boys joining in for a epic climax. Close-ups being changed with medium-shots, to actually show the story behind her on screen. It is looking stunning. She changed her dress to full black, covering more body parts and I think it suits her and the overall package better.

AUSTRALIA

Guy Sebastian downsized his performance, compared to a the first round of rehearsals. Lights are now beating on the rhythm of the music. Strobes are being used less. But sometimes, less is more. Is more viewer friendly, easy on the eye. Guy remains one of the best performers of this year, a natural born winner. Could he nail it and keep us in the contest for another year?