Every evening, we look back at the events that occurred in Rotterdam. The rehearsal week is over, now that all countries have had two days to get everything done for the actual shows, starting next week.
In What Happened Today we close off the day with an overview of the most important facts and videos. Have you been working all day? Or you did not have time to follow the rehearsals? Everything you may have missed – you can catch up every night in this article.
Covid hits the Polish delegation
One person with the Polish delegation has tested positive during the scheduled routine Covid-19 testing procedures. It is not Rafal or one of the backing dancers, which we will see on stage next week. The EBU confirms this news in an update on Saturday afternoon, looking back on the first week of rehearsals. Check more on this story below:
EBU gives Covid update: One positive test within the Polish delegation
France and Italy both draw second half
The bookmakers just can’t make up their mind. Over the course of the day, Italy and France kept on switching between the first and second spot in the winner market. Both have had a good second rehearsal, finetuning their camerawork and Italy even updated their outfits to a more glamrock styled performance. Both contenders for victory drew a starting position in the second half of the grand final.
The Netherlands is looking good
Things are looking bright for the host nation as well. Of course, Jeangu won’t come close to victory but from the remaining four pre-qualified finalists, The Netherlands could be the one with the highest result. You can check out a bit of Jeangu’s performance below, and see all other clips here.
Countries may choose between rehearsal tape or back-up tape
If one of the Eurovision singers gets sick during next week, they may not perform on stage due to COVID- regulations. However, they do not have to use their previously recorded back-up tape. According to Event Supervisor Sietse Bakker, every country may choose a rehearsal runthrough instead. Read more about this story here, or check our interview with Sietse below: