09/05/2021 – David Watt
Today the remaining semi final one (SF1) countries took to the stage of the Rotterdam Ahoy arena for their first rehearsals. So what is SF1 shaping up to look like? Who is on track to qualify and who might have a bit more of an uphill struggle? Well it is still early days but we have definitely got a flavour of what to expect.
Competing in SF1 we have:
- Lithuania: The Roop – Discoteque
- Slovenia: Ana Soklič – Amen
- Russia: Manizha – Russian Woman
- Sweden: Tusse – Voices
- Australia: Montaigne – Technicolour
- North Macedonia: Vasil – Here I Stand
- Ireland: Lesley Roy – MAPS
- Cyprus: Elena Tsagrinou – El Diablo
- Norway: TIX – Fallen Angel
- Croatia: Albina – Tick-Tock
- Belgium: Hooverphonic – The Wrong Place
- Israel: Eden Alene – Set Me Free
- Romania: ROXEN – Amnesia
- Azerbaijan: Efendi – Mata Hari
- Ukraine: Go_A – Shum
- Malta: Destiny – Je Me Casse
As well as these countries voting, they will be aiming to impress automatic qualifiers Germany, Italy and our very own hosts the Netherlands.
Lithuania: The Roop certainly impressed me throughout in Pabandom iš naujo, deservingly winning the national heat and re-earning their tickets to Rotterdam in style. So needless to say they didn’t need to change around much to make very happy indeed. And I really am! Their iconic yellow outfits stand out so much better with the new purple LED backdrop and allow their fun choreography, catchy dance tune and personality to shine.
How could they improve: Well it is already looking very polished to me and I can’t see it not reaching the final in it’s current state. A little more practice and hopefully that will just tighten everything up that tad more and leave them feeling super comfortable.
Slovenia: Ana’s vocals are the star of this performance through and through. She commands the stage and looks very much in control. The LED galaxy is also a really nice touch that could add a real magical quality to this performance.
How could they improve: To really make this pop on camera, I hope she perfects her movements on stage. I feel a bit more confidence in where she is moving at on stage could potentially add more dynamism and depending on how the delegation have picked their camera shots to draw our attention in, we could see something even more powerful.
Russia: “Every Russian woman needs to know, you are strong enough” and this was a third strong rehearsal for the semi. Coming off of the back of Slovenia’s power ballad Manizha and her incredibly ornate dress, almost floating around the stage sporadically will be sure to be a talking point. For such a unique song blending modern and traditional elements, the presentation works very well.
How could they improve: Traditionally, rap isn’t going to be the biggest jury pleaser at esc so for me at least, if I was Manizha I would be aiming at playing to the crowds and creating a real atmosphere that’s tangible at home. The perfomance is already going to be remembered by televoters so if they can really connect, she will be rewarded.
Sweden: Voices is a really comforting entry to me, it just feels like something I’d expect from Eurovision (but in the best possible way). Unsurprisingly, Sweden have very much kept the staging from their national selection Melodifestivalen with a few minor changes and it works for the most part. Tusse also delivered the song well and seems a natural on stage.
How could they improve: The Melodifestivalen staging isn’t quite as impactful in the Ahoy arena for me. I think this can easily be solved though by having smaller shots and focusing the camera to give the illusion that the LEDs are of a similar proportion. Focusing on Tusse and his backing dancers will allow for his charisma to carry the song further.
Australia: Of course due to the ongoing pandemic in the world, Montaigne will not be performing in Rotterdam but rather a pre-recorded video of one of her performances will be used. The EBU (European Broadcasting Union) teased at her performance yesterday though giving us an idea of what it will look (and sound) like. The song seems to have been given new choreography, which does seem to enhance the track and Montaigne’s outfit appears to be reflective – mirroring the song title Technicolour. I am sure the EBU are hiding the most iconic moments of the song too, so I am looking forward to potential costume reveals and lighting effects.
How do I hope it develops: I just hope it has that wow factor, especially following on from some very solid entries. A change in background and lighting at some point could work wonders.
North Macedonia: Even with Vasil clearly saving his voice at these rehearsals, everything about this performance suggests it will be vocally excellent and it is very apparent Vasil had a hand on the composition as song and voice gel so beautifully. This is another song which is going to have a big costume moment (although probably much more toned down from what Russia is attempting) and it will be a likely surprise for many people watching.
How could they improve: Saving the vocals is a clever move, Vasil’s voice will be a major selling factor with this song. Beyond that the delegation has to ensure the costume reveal (seemingly the main gimmick) is as seamless and impactful as possible. Jurors will respect the vocals but televoters will potentially need a real moment where he ‘shines’.
Ireland: Using a flip book style staging, this number should have some real charm and make it stand out from all the other songs in the semi, especially coming off of a ballad. The performance is also very dynamic and if perfected will feel very natural and uplifting.
How could they improve: Singing on a treadmill is challenging and it is clearly having an impact on Lesley’s breath control. I am pretty sure the delegation will focus their attention on letting her practise and tighten up a few wobbly notes here and there.
Cyprus: Well we knew Elena could dance and wow does this choreography show that! Vocals didn’t seem to be effected in a particularly problematic way by it either. This has the potential to be a real visual spectacle through dance alone. Very promising for a first rehearsal.
How could they improve: Practising on a treadmill could be good for Elena too, just to tighten it up. But a stellar job.
Norway: From one devil themed act to the next, however both are different in style and outfit choices so shouldn’t cause an issue. Why do I bring up outfit? Well, his distinctive look with those massive angel wings returns, accompanied by four dancing devils. They manage to completely fill the stage and have a real stage presence.
How could they improve: I personally would love to see some fragility in Tix’s interpretation to drive home the song’s message. Hopefully they can put together the pieces of an already impactful stage show in a meaningful way.
Croatia: Albina’s dancing is spot on to the rhythm, which is crucial because she is mirroring 4 professional dancers and any mistake would show. She is also coping very well with controlling her breath. This should create a really professional almost music video-esque staging I imagine.
How could they improve: I’d like to hear Albina sing a bit louder over the backing vocals, at times it felt a little quiet.
Belgium: This whole performance from Hooverphonic is the definition of classy. From the vocals to the monochromatic theme, the whole package feels so professional. Of all the songs in this semi, it is this one that screams elegance to me.
How could they improve: The LED backdrop is somewhat distracting. I doubt they can change it at this late stage but seeing parts of a face above the band’s heads isn’t what I really want my attention drawn to.
Israel: Eden really seemed to be having fun with this run through. Her vocals were good and she seemed to be looking for ways to inject dynamism into them which promises an impactful performance. She also coped well with the choreography.
How could they improve: My biggest concern was Eden blended in with her backing singers a lot visually, particularly when she was at the back of the stage dancing. So I would like to see either a cameraman on the other side of the stage, to keep Eden at the front or a slight change in the choreography so she doesn’t end up hidden from view.
Romania: This rehearsal seemed pretty ambitious and kudos to Roxen for that! Incorporating a full contemporary dance whilst singing live will be incredible if she can pull it off live. It looks very artistic and takes from the best parts of the music video in my opinion.
How could they improve: Currently, the result isn’t quite there. The vocals were messy from the dancing and the whole performance needed a little refining. It’s not unfixable but they will have to get to work on improving breath control and tidying up the movements on stage.
Azerbaijan: Another song where the choreography has been nailed and it is looking very visually appealing as a result. The vocals seemed largely fine, certainly strong enough with the backing that the track is more than sold.
How could they improve: Again I’d turn up her vocals just a bit louder, as I think juries would respect it more. But a solid performance
Ukraine: This song is a vibe and they have translated that vibe onto stage. If this isn’t the party number of the semi I don’t know what is. The performance is dynamic and engaging.
How could they improve: I can’t see juries getting behind a Ukranian folk/rave song in vast numbers. So it will need to keep up energy throughout for the televote and pack a punch by keeping the vocals sharp and staccato.
Malta: Destiny is serving vocals to conclude the semi. I don’t see how she could go wrong on stage. The performance is energetic as well and keeps the dance vibe going. There is a reason this has been so high up the odds for so long.
How could they improve: Similar to Croatia, Destiny is right next to her dancers and mirroring their movements. A good camera cut to keep her from being directly compared to the dancers could help.
So overall, a solid semi. There are quite a few ways this semi could swing still but I think Lithuania, Slovenia, Russia, Cyprus and Belgium are the big winners of the run through, as far as increasing their hype. In particular Lithuania has been trending on YouTube both yesterday and today.
If you want to see these rehersal snippets for yourself, be sure to check out the Eurovision YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRpjHHu8ivVWs73uxHlWwFA
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