norma john backstage eurovision 2017 first rehearsal

When you dominate in your national final, it only makes sense to recreate that at Eurovision. That’s certainly the case for Finland’s Norma John. They’ve transplanted their UMK staging and simply added some minor flourishes here in Kyiv. Atmosphere builds once more and Leena was in great form vocally.

Atmosphere is the name of the game when it comes to “Blackbird” and it’s on show once again. A dreamy blue backdrop surrounds the duo as the song starts. As in UMK, flashes of red LED start to creep in to the song — but there’s much more than we saw in Finland. Lasse’s piano in fact lights up from the inside, both red and a blinding white during his piano solo.

After the craziness of Montenegro, this may be exactly what some people need for the show to get “back on track”. All run-throughs of the song were vocally perfect. Whilst some of the early “wow” factor from UMK may be lost on us in the press centre, those watching at home for the first time should be just as enchanted as were in January.

Norma John — “Blackbird”: Reviews and Reactions

Finland: First rehearsal at Eurovision 2017

Finland: First press conference 2017

Read all of our Eurovision rehearsal reviews

Read all of our Finland Eurovision news here

Photo: Eurovision.tv (EBU)

34 Comments
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Karl Fradgley
Karl Fradgley
6 years ago

this is magical …. really wonderful from Finland

Iggema
Iggema
6 years ago

Dreamingly beautiful. Genuine and honest, love it!

=)
=)
6 years ago

WINNER

Zebb
Zebb
6 years ago

Glad to hear everything is on same (great) level.
They shared some press impressions on their insta
https://www.instagram.com/p/BThR4X9liyb/?taken-by=normajohnofficial

Héctor
Héctor
6 years ago

If somthing works keep it! As you say, for us it isn’t surprising, but I think this could be a dark horse, appealing both the jury and the televote.

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

They keep it real! They keep it simple! They keep it as In UMK! And they slayed!!

They didn’t dissapoint! They were amazing! Great rehearsal!

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
6 years ago

STUNNING background, but I don’t know If it is enough to qualify

God-Emperor
God-Emperor
6 years ago

Beautiful. Simply stunning. The winner of today’s rehearsals. I can’t believe how this is far from being a sure bet. The staging shouldn’t even be pivotal with such poetry and voice.
Blackbird is only surpassed by Amar pelos Dois in the semi. End of discussion.

Bandido
Bandido
6 years ago
Reply to  God-Emperor

God-Emperor I wouldn’t say far from being sure bet. Just in the middle in many odds. This song’s appealing is at stage performance, not necessary hearing from the radio and that’s, what gives it mixed rank.

Alexandre
Alexandre
6 years ago

Well, if the Europeans crowned 1944 but refuse to qualify Finland with a real, timeless song, it would be the proof they are real idiots.

Jamie
Jamie
6 years ago

Winner of the day is Dihaj. Period. Best vocals of her was today regarding pre party performances.

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
6 years ago
Reply to  Jamie

Agreed. 100%

M_K
M_K
6 years ago

I guess this it going to look amazing on screen (probably better than in the hall). Details (colour scheme, camera anglese etc.) matter a lot if you keep it simple and it looks like they’re trying to work them out to perfection.

I will be VERY surprised if Finland doesn’t qualify for the final.

Joe
Joe
6 years ago

Qualifying for sure.

razmique
razmique
6 years ago

Don’t let Blackfart qualify…..

2017rules
2017rules
6 years ago
Reply to  razmique

Razmique Black fart don’t sing really , you’re a black fart dummie you can’t sing. This has big chances of qualifying and if you go to eurovision well… you’re probably not even gonna get to the actual show.

Bandido
Bandido
6 years ago
Reply to  razmique

@razmique If you haven’t anything sensible to say, stay out and go play! Take your fart also with you! Your idiotic comments doesn’t amuse anybody here!

Joseph
Joseph
6 years ago

BORING. 15/42

H
H
6 years ago

Stunning and beautiful!

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

Still dull as dishwater.

Bandido
Bandido
6 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

@Briekimchi Again, the song isn’t for teens, who get’s instantly bored, if there’s no action (like Swedish overproduced pop) or idiots either (in musical aspect). XD

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago
Reply to  Bandido

I would LOVE to still be a teen! Or in my 20’s in fact.
Please keep assuming when people have different opinions than you. That’s a very mature thing to do. 😉

Alexandre
Alexandre
6 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

You know nothing my poor Briek.

Eve
Eve
6 years ago

This looks very promising, her voice is beautiful!

sorin
sorin
6 years ago

it seems that jurnalists are not allowed to record rehearsals anymore, and they show only what the official eurovision site is giving them. am i right?

Americanvision
Americanvision
6 years ago
Reply to  sorin

I know in the last few years, Wiwi post the full 2nd rehearsal so we’ll see if they will or not.

sorin
sorin
6 years ago
Reply to  Americanvision

thank you for the answer, hope will become better.

Americanvision
Americanvision
6 years ago

Like Sweden, it’s copy and paste. But it’s better that what I’ve seen so far.

After 8 (saw a very small clip of Azerbaijan):
1. Sweden
2. Finland
3. Albania
4. Australia
5. Azerbaijan (like Will said on his review, it’s a total mind****)
6. Montenegro
7. Belgium
8. Georgia

Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

Their UMK performance was haunting and genuine. I’m glad they’re recreating it at the contest, they deserve the final.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

Agreed again. #WhatPolegendSaid
😀

Dew
Dew
6 years ago

A big meh to me.

ChiaraM
ChiaraM
6 years ago

The staging is pretty much the same like at UMK and that’s good. I like that they added a bit more red in the background and it just looks so beautiful and magical. I really hope this will qualify!!

Ay Jo
Ay Jo
6 years ago

Finland is amazing in terms of everything.
I hope they will be in top 5.

Mameo
Mameo
6 years ago

The staging is okay. The voice is okay too.