The sisters of O’G3NE will launch their nuclear harmonies, Denmark’s Anja Nissen will work her signature red dress and San Marino’s Valentina Monetta and Jimmie Wilson will turn the stage into a nightclub with sweaty disco beats. Yes, second rehearsals for Eurovision 2017 are on! Here’s what’s going down inside the International Exhibition Centre.

The Netherlands: O’G3NE with “Lights and Shadows”

Cry no more, but keep on slaying! Lisa, Amy and Shelley were already on-point during their first rehearsal and today they turned things up yet again, hitting their vocals and oozing the same sass and energy that made them a standout earlier this week. The visuals reflect the theme of lights and shadows, and at times seem earthly vs. heavenly as it moves from candle lights (which shine on both the LED floor and walls — to vast expanses of white and a warm golden-orange hue. The LED graphic of a woman laying with her arm outstretched — an obvious reference to their ill mother — flashes more briefly, but seems higher impact now owing to the bright lighting and angle of the view.

Of course it wasn’t just a rehearsal for the ladies. The cameramen and producers did a better job of keeping the trio in focus, particularly during a portion of the song when two of the sisters turn their backs to the camera. Everyone remains in frame, which will surely be a relief.

The Netherlands’ Second Rehearsal at Eurovision 2017

O’G3NE, “Lights and Shadows”: Performance Preview

Hungary: Joci Papai with “Origo”

Earlier in the week he quivered and shook during his first Eurovision rehearsal. But today Joci said sayonara to the nerves as he stood on stage serving his unique brand of pop-rap slayage. The stage no longer swallows him, as the cameramen have refined their angles and do a better job tracking his movements. They’ve also helped give his dancer more of an identity by zooming in on her face and capturing the chemistry between the two of them. These subtle fixes made the performance more spiritual and emotive — essential for pushing this through to the final.

Joci Papai, “Origo” Second Rehearsal at Eurovision 2017

Joci Papai, “Origo”: Performance Preview

Denmark: Anja Nissen with “Where I Am”

She’s always flawless vocally and her performance is largely cut-and-paste from Dansk Melodi Grand Prix. But today Anja managed to take things up another notch by slipping into her signature red dress. That will come as a relief to many who worried that she might wear billowing trousers following her first rehearsals earlier this week, when she wore some outré pants with strange fish fins. Classy and really serving it — especially when she falls to her knees — Anja is ready for her moment.

Denmark’s Second Rehearsal at Eurovision 2017

Denmark “Where I am”: Performance Preview

Ireland: Brendan Murray with “Dying to Try”

Eyebrows sculpted, hair coiffed and game face on, Brendan Murray turned up to his second rehearsal looking every inch the ex-boyband-member. Perhaps hoping to add a bit of sex appeal to his clean-cut image, he unbuttoned his button-up, revealing a white v-neck shirt that clung to each of his delicious contours. The camera pans felt somehow smoother and more controlled — producers have done their homework — giving this a refined and expensive feel. He’s looking good and sounding great.

Ireland’s second rehearsal at Eurovision 2017

Ireland, “Dying to Try”: Performance Preview

San Marino: Valentina Monetta and Jimmie Wilson with “Spirit of the Night”

The “Spirit of the Night” continues to move Valentina and Jimmie, who were having a blast with their freestyle choreography and nightclub couture. Valentina decided to ditch the purse for this run through, leaving her lipstick and mace at home. Much is the same — an explosion of colours from purple to pink, quick camera pans and lots of leather.

San Marino’s second rehearsal

San Marino, “Spirit of the Night”: Performance Preview

Check out all of our rehearsal news here

47 Comments
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Mary whelan
Mary whelan
6 years ago

Everyone forgets about Jury votes when talking about qualification
With this in mind the quality songs with good singers will qualify such as Ireland
If Ireland does not qualify the song contest is truly for Europe and excludes uk and Ireland now

D
D
6 years ago

Ireland is the best!

Erica
Erica
6 years ago

For me, Ireland has grown so much! When he hits those high notes it will be so memorable! Greets from Belgium

Katrinelene
Katrinelene
6 years ago

Ireland- unique voice but the song sound like boy band song, not very original
Netherlands- good voices, staging good but song is little bit boring to me
Hungary- emotional perfomance and very original song
Denmark- great voice but annoying song
San Marino – not my taste

Astro D
Astro D
6 years ago

Love to Ireland from Armenia.Nice song.

M_K
M_K
6 years ago

Netherlands: I guess that people who like the song will like the staging as well. However, I don’t think it will raise the attention of people who don’t enjoy the song to begin with. Hungary: Still a lot better than the A Dál performance. Vocally, I prefer the studio version, to be honest. Joci’s facial expressions should be more focused to reflect the emotion of the song, he looks too scared. Denmark: It sounds like she toned down her vocals a little, something which actually helps the song. The staging is probably the most uninspired one among all 42 participants.… Read more »

Pierre ledoux
Pierre ledoux
6 years ago

Ireland I think Is one of the best songs and productions of Semi final 2
The subtle link between the uncertainty of love and the hot air balloon is really for thinkers – bit like when molly sterling was sent in 2015 with a deep lyrical song that most people didn’t quite understand it’s deep meaning except good non Eurovision song writers.
Brendans voice is also unique. Makes a change- this might stand out on the night for Ireland and I hope he does well-
Good luck from France

Pierre ledoux
Pierre ledoux
6 years ago

Ireland I think Is one of the best songs and productions of Semi final 2
The subtle link between the uncertainty of love and the hot air balloon is really for thinkers – bit like when molly sterling was sent in 2015 with a deep lyrical song that most people didn’t quite understand it’s deep meaning except good non Eurovision song writers.
Brendans voice is also unique. Makes a change- this might stand out on the nude guy for Ireland and I hope he does well-
Good luck from France

Pierre ledoux
Pierre ledoux
6 years ago
Reply to  Pierre ledoux

I meant stand out on the night for Ireland !!

Darren
Darren
6 years ago

Nice to see Ireland actually making an effort. The staging looks really good, I was expecting a six piece pub band.
I hope Ireland qualifies this year, I think we deserve to. Fingers crossed Brendan! I hope Europe votes.

Rhingo
Rhingo
6 years ago

Liked Netherlands, Ireland and Hungary. Disliked San Marino and Denmark. Netherlands – for the first time I saw something likable in this song. Starting to get it. Ireland – thought that the balloon is horroble idea… well, not anymore. Loved it! Hungary – there was something that touched me. His emotions were shown in this dance. It needs to be polished a bit more but I liked it anyway. San Marino – that was bad on so many levels… >< Denmark – Denmark is one of my early favourites but… this is practically copy of her original performance. Even the… Read more »

Eve
Eve
6 years ago

Ireland was amazing, wonderful emotional perfomance! Go, Brendan <3

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

Netherlands: I’ll keep saying their voices are out of this world! They look great! The staging is more or less the same! However, I saw they worked on some camera angles, like they were looking at the same direction at times, or in the bridge where all three gathered at the middle of the stage singing! I liked these shots! Hungary: Finally, we saw the whole performance! I have to say I was not a fan of the song. I didn’t quite know what the song was about! Now I know there’s a story and it’s well translated on stage!… Read more »

Delta
Delta
6 years ago

Wow Brendan sounds amazing it be a shame if he is not in the final .

Sam Dean
6 years ago

A lot of songs have grown this year with Ireland being the biggest grower. It has gone from being a nothing and forgettable song to one of the more memorable and enjoyable ballads. The boy Brendan can sing!!!

WolfClaw
WolfClaw
6 years ago

With the 2nd semi-final rehearsals underway, I made a Top 18 video 🙂 Let me know who you want to qualify!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-OooiAB8TEQ

Leo M
Leo M
6 years ago

I would be worried about Hungary, Joci still looks nervous so I would not say he is a certain qualifier. Netherlands were the best of this lot and I would say they are one of only a couple of definite qualifiers from semi 2. Denmark looks OK but the staging is bland, pryo curttain we have seen so may times before but it seems to work. I would not rule out Ireland. Still don’t like the baloon but he has got a unique voice. I think the juries will like it but not sure he will do too well with… Read more »

Joe
Joe
6 years ago

I have a feeling tha Anja was trolling us about that dress.
Barbara Dex is calling Brussels.

*The Netherlands is coming to win this SF.

Zack
Zack
6 years ago
Reply to  Joe

She used reverse psychology, everybody made fun of her red dress she was representing on most of the press tour so she listened to the fans to change the dress and showed them that is this what you really want. Thereby, making us WISH back the red dress. So clever, I am impressed, hopefully she can be rewarded with a spot in the grand final 😀

Joe
Joe
6 years ago
Reply to  Zack

Yes. They deserve to qualify just because of that.

Pieter greiss
Pieter greiss
6 years ago

Ireland
Austria
Netherlands
The rest can battle it out
The Irish entry is pure class this year

Scoopy
Scoopy
6 years ago
Reply to  Pieter greiss

I agree, the amount of hate from people towards Ireland this year has been ridiculous – he sings it so well and I think the whole performance will come to life on tv!

Yossarian
Yossarian
6 years ago
Reply to  Scoopy

While I’m not overly fond of the song, I gotta say the live performance is pure magic. I wish all the best to Brendan. This just might qualify.

Andrés Jakob
Andrés Jakob
6 years ago

Svala is a party grrrl! Slaying it with another song at the Moldovan party. Take a look at Svala from Iceland.
https://youtu.be/FDYSrNuFrlo

Vladimir P.
Vladimir P.
6 years ago

Valentina and Jimmie can really sing, but it seems like there’s no choreography.

Justitia
Justitia
6 years ago

Hungary, mistakes:
They are going to wear the same cloths/dresses (A DAL Final).
They left out the backup singer (official video).
The background doesn’t support Joci and the dancer….stage looks empty. Denmark’s staging is much better in this respect.
In addition, everything is too ethno (song, cloths, staging). If this was a folk festival……but it’s not.
I do not think Joci is going to make it.

Inci Janiyeva
Inci Janiyeva
6 years ago

Sorry for posting off topic. DiHaj have an exclusive live performance for you today as a band. I hope you-friends will not leave her and her band alone 😀 instead you will enjoy their live songs in both English and Azeri.
Vocals: Diana
Drums, percussion: Ali
Guitar, synth: Anar

May 6th, #Eurovillage, Khreshatyk str., 7PM

Good luck to all countries :* from Baku.

https://www.facebook.com/events/307961182969456/?active_tab=discussion

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

Denmark’s Anja is better than the song. The performance is what will help them to qualify.
Ireland is good but don’t get why there is a hot air balloon on stage?

Pieter greiss
Pieter greiss
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

Hot air balloon ? fragile unpredictable like ??
Einstein u are not clearly

Americanvision
Americanvision
6 years ago

Adding Croatia:
1. Netherlands
2. Austria
3. Romania
4. Malta
5. Croatia
6. Hungary
7. Ireland
8. FYR Macedonia
9. Denmark
10. Serbia
——————
11. San Marino

Americanvision
Americanvision
6 years ago

After 10 (including yesterday):
1. Netherlands
2. Austria
3. Romania
4. Malta
5. Hungary
6. Ireland
7. FYR Macedonia
8. Denmark
9. Serbia
10. San Marino

sandro
sandro
6 years ago

i nthink San Marino is a real Dark Horse and will get to final and be in Top 5 for sure…… AND i’m not from San Marino !!!!

Zebb
Zebb
6 years ago

Biggest grower: Ireland. Great yet cute staging.
A bit less than expected: Netherlands. However, it’s still relying their skills. Can’t see them not qualifying. Same with Denmark but her staging left me even cold unlike it’s been in DMGP. I expected something more… bright.
But I’m most worried about ‘Origo’. Having it as my main favorite I wasn’t into Joci’s NF staging and here seeing it replicated lefts me again a bit disconnected. My last hope is for good camera work. Vocally he was on point and a bit overcame his shyness (as I saw it).

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

All of these songs did better than I expected and I think that all of them have a chance of qualifying (even San Marino!).

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

OG3NE’s voices are just amazing together. Better than Wilson Phillips for sure. I think an easy qualification though based on the 40 sec offical Eurovision clip, I don’t like the staging much. Shame. With a bit more support, this could have done REALLY well in the final.

brownies
brownies
6 years ago

Ireland will look amazing when the Eurovision official channel releases the full rehearsal, with all the effects and camera work we’ll see on the night.

Leoniems
Leoniems
6 years ago

#Netherlands #winners2017

Justitia
Justitia
6 years ago
Reply to  Leoniems

Dutch version of S Club 17.

Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

I feel like Denmark is out. The song doesn’t stand out at all, and the performance doesn’t help it either. Shame, because it’s a cute song, but I wouldn’t miss it in the final.

S
S
6 years ago

Agree. Denmark won’t be missed!

Loukas
Loukas
6 years ago

The Netherlands and Denmark will not be in the final, and will be ”THE BIGGEST CRIMES” in the end, for wiwibloggs tops.

Americanvision
Americanvision
6 years ago

Agreed! I was bored with Denmark while got a little emotional watching Netherlands.

jolly
jolly
6 years ago

The rules say that one person can vote more acts, but one single time, but I’ve noticed that I can vote many times if I clean my search history between each vote.

Danny
Danny
6 years ago

Ok… I am impressed by og3ne! The song feels like a warm blanket

anonymous91
anonymous91
6 years ago

Netherlands easiest qualification in years, even though i dislike the song 🙂

Denmark also a sure qualifier

ALL Wei
ALL Wei
6 years ago

Goodmorning Chris!! Hope you are doing fine and you enjoyed OG3NE this early morning, as much or more than at the 1st rehearsal? Thanks for the reviews. Last night with RTL late night show when talking about eurovision 2017 , you, William and Padraig(sorry if im wrong with his name) with your online reviewclip of OG3NE made it on the dutch national tv. And everybody was liking it alot!! Have a nice day. with Greetings from the lands of Lights and Shadows