The final set of second rehearsals at Eurovision 2017 saw a woman voguing on molten diamond, a diva singing in the stars and a French songstress strutting before the Eiffel Tower. Here’s what went down with Germany’s Levina, the UK’s Lucie Jones and France’s Alma.

Germany: Levina with “Perfect Life”

She sings that sometimes it’s wrong before it’s right. But Levina was already onto a good thing during her first rehearsal. This morning much was the same with Levina turning up the volume visually with a stunning series of pyro geysers that encircle the stage. The stunning opening visual — her laying on the grey-and-white floor and the close camera crops of her face — keep this looking glam and expensive. Vocally she’s confident and precise. This is the kind of German engineering we love!

Germany will perform in the second half of the grand final.

Germany’s second rehearsal

Levina, “Perfect Life”: Performance Preview

United Kingdom: Lucie Jones with “Never Give Up On You”

Earlier in the week Lucie resembled an extra in Les Miserables, channeling the madness and strain that she sings about. But today Lucie glammed up a bit, slipping into a shinier version of the same gold dress. Standing in a massive glass chard she was confident and in total control, and looked stunning as the shard reflected her back to herself. The starbursts and golden colours remain the same — and for good reason. Lucie was already on-point during her first run-through. It’s looking good for the UK and we’re confident they can improve on their results from recent years.

The UK will perform in the second half of the grand final.

The UK’s second rehearsal

Lucie Jones, “Never Give Up On You”: Performance Preview

France: Alma with “Requiem”

France’s second rehearsal

She’s showing classic vistas of Paris on her LED, but she she’s working very modern camera tricks. Producers have sorted out their spinning and cropping and the stage feels less empty. Alma still disappears into the cityscape at times. But if producers tweak the contrast slightly she’ll pop just a bit more. At the same time, Alma disappearing fits somehow with the dizzying quality of the shot.

France will perform in the second half of the grand final.

Alma, “Requiem “: Performance Preview

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This is my opinion (TIMO)
This is my opinion (TIMO)
6 years ago

Uk gets carried away repetitive can’t decide where the chorus is not arranged as she keeps singing non stop untill she finishes her song otherwise this would be a big song, could it be that uk doesn’t want to win! Before 1997 they tried hard to win as they were getting into top 3 stopped by Ireland annual victory until they won in 1997 and after they didn’t care much until now

Kippi
Kippi
6 years ago

1. Germany (it is so underrated !!!!) ????
2. France
3. UK
4 Italy
5. Ukraine
6. Spain
I love all of them !!

Less Glamour More Music
Less Glamour More Music
6 years ago

I can’t wait to watch Lucie’s performance on TV! 🙂

Thad
Thad
6 years ago

I have only one thing to say: wait for Levinas performance. The camera is outstanding and that’s the reason why the staging will be awesome.

Lolek
Lolek
6 years ago

1) France
2) Italy
3) UK
4) Germany
5) Ukraine
6) Spain

Ern
Ern
6 years ago

France — beautiful, but she looks uncomfortable and vocally she has problems.

Germany — awful

The UK — best British entry in years. Quite possibly a top 10.

Fatima
Fatima
6 years ago

I am delighted that the UK is so well favoured as it’s on my bucket list to see the UK win one more time (I saw the last four). I personally don’t think it will, but the big difference is that this year we have a performer who is both young and experienced

Trocatroc
Trocatroc
6 years ago

Good luck to all the countries! Happy Eurovision everyone!! 😀

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

Watched France again and they have some of the best camera work this year. Some amazing shots. Very slick.

Trocatroc
Trocatroc
6 years ago

Based on the entire performance:

1.UK
2. France
3. Italy
4. Ukraine
5. Germany
6. Spain

Bella
Bella
6 years ago

This has nothing to do with staging and such but I’ve found the lyrics for “I will need give up on you” to be incredibly motivational in my last semester of college. I sing it to myself every time I just feel like giving up. “If you could see how far you’ve come…..” thank you for the song Lucie! 🙂 Now, on the topic of staging, it looks FABULOUS!! I think UK will do very well this year.

I love the monkey
6 years ago

1 Italy
2 UK
3 France
4 Spain
5 Ukraine
5 Germany

AngieP
AngieP
6 years ago

Germany : nothing of this presentation on stage can make me like this entry! Maybe it improves the overall result but that’s it! However Levina looks beautiful! U. K. :I feel really positive about this! The performance doesn’t have too much! It’s only the trick with the mirrors. Lucie looks stunning! I prefered the other dress though! I believe this song is the one that will draw your attention by how beautiful it is! Not to mention the voice: Amazing! France : The background looks really beautiful! I love the buildings, the view of the city, the night lights, the… Read more »

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

Please, could someone tell me when the juries vote in the SF1? It’s tomorrow at the dress rehearsal 2, or Tuesday at the dress rehearsal 3?

DR
DR
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

It will be the last run through the day before. The evening performance. Full run though in the morning. Then the juries vote in the evening.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  DR

thanks

Mario C
Mario C
6 years ago

I still can’t see the UK finishing on the left hand side of the leaderboard unfortunately

Mario’s Eurovision 2017
https://eurovision2017blog.wordpress.com/

Cai Pearson
Cai Pearson
6 years ago

UK OMWOW like stage is stunning, id dont get people who say people wont vote for it? you dont need a pop track to get the crowd voting ! 100% top 12 this year ! look at Netherlands 2014 and Belgium 2013 people said no one would vote for it and look what happened

Pabs
Pabs
6 years ago

In order of preference from Spain
1ST UK
2ND SPAIN
3RD FRANCE
4TH GERMANY
5TH UKRAINE
6TH ITALY

Maltese Charlie
Maltese Charlie
6 years ago

1st United Kingdom
2nd Germany
3rd France
4th Ukraine
5th Spain
6th Italy

LONDON 2018

Darren
Darren
6 years ago

If the United Kingdom come any lower than 20th again this year, then Eurovision is a farce of epic proportions! Everything about the UK entry this year just oozes talent, which is surprising as it was the most dull national final. United Kingdom and Ireland made the effort this year, lets not forget that.
Loving France too! The shots of Paris look stunning. I really wouldn’t mind France winning. The Big 5 are having a renaissance lately. Even dull Germany has started growing on me. Good luck to the Big 5.

Archie Glenister
Archie Glenister
6 years ago

Uk for the win!!!

L.
L.
6 years ago

1. Italy
2. Ukraine
3. France
4. U.K.
5. Spain
6. Germany

loving_ya_harder
loving_ya_harder
6 years ago

1. The UK
2. Italy
3. France
4. Ukraine
5. Germany
6. Spain

Roxana Montoya
Roxana Montoya
6 years ago

I liked UK the most.

q
q
6 years ago
Mark Dowd
Mark Dowd
6 years ago

People are making too much of Italy’s first half draw……it will almost certainly be 10, 11 or 13th…(the first two were winning berths for Sweden 2015 and Austria 2014)…..Dami Im almost won from 13 last year…….Italy, because of the nature of the song will get a big boost from the reprises as well…….The gorilla will not be sweating…..

Iamme
Iamme
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark Dowd

This is about France-Germany-UK. You’re obsessed!

Mark Dowd
Mark Dowd
6 years ago
Reply to  Iamme

?????

I think there are posts here including all the big five….that does not amount to “obsession”!!

Leo M
Leo M
6 years ago

France looks amazing, love the background but I still think they will just miss out on top 10. UK also looks nice, Lucie Jones is a great singer but I cannot see people voting for it. Juries will like it but it won’t finish top 10. Germany looks dull and will proobably be fighting it out with Spain not to finish last.

Trocatroc
Trocatroc
6 years ago

Jeeesus I’m so shocked by UK’s glow up I’m speechless. What is happening?!

rafael
rafael
6 years ago

after the 2nd rehearsal of big 5 i can’t believe italy will still be first with bookies

2befrank
2befrank
6 years ago

Not Shelley but Amy her boyfriend wrote their song. Fake news.

Henry
Henry
6 years ago
Reply to  2befrank

Shelley’s boyfriend wrote the song together with their dad. (NOT Amy’s boyfriend)

joy
joy
6 years ago

@Ukrainskyi ___”’Late news….Italy’s singer and Shelley Vol spent last night together in Hyatt Hotel”

Shelly from The Netherlands has a boyfriend, song writer of their song, would she cheat?
She seems a girl with good morals, and family values.
Francesco has a girlfriend too Dalila Iardella.
I don’t know, maybe, but where do you know from?

Racal
Racal
6 years ago

That Alma is absolutely gorgeous. Wow!

Paolo
Paolo
6 years ago

What are the chances that Italy is the only automatic qualifier to perform in the first half of the final

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

Is it right for me to feel EXCITED for the UK now?
– Joint 3rd in the Press Poll.
– Great staging and singer.
– 2nd Half draw.
– 20 years since last victory.
– Brexit sympathy? 😀

Mikaela
Mikaela
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Watching this rehearsal now I felt “why isn’t this a favourite?” I hope it will get the votes it deserves

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Yes it is. I also feel excited and I always liked the song. That part on Brexit sympathy… well that I wouldn’t count on 😉

Donna Vey
Donna Vey
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Yes! UK have done a really nice job with Lucie, she’s looking great, singing every note so crisp and vibrant, and the staging is a really cool concept. I think the BBC saw the conceptualisation last year (particularly Ukraine, Russia, and Australia) and are taking a page. Very nice!

Four of the Top 5 are really good this year, so much effort. Levina has also really grown on me so much, she seems so so nice. Alma obviously is great too. And we all know Italy should do well.

Celeste
Celeste
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Your forget to say the song is boring even with an amazing staging

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Celeste

I neglected to say it, rather. 😀

Éire
Éire
6 years ago

From Ireland..

1. France (love)
2. United Kingdom
3. Germany
4. Italy
5. Ukraine
6. Spain

Crazy Swede
Crazy Swede
6 years ago

I think France has a really goos chance of winning this year! The staging is flawless, her voice is goals and I could name a lot more things! Really crossing my fingers for this!

Crazy Swede
Crazy Swede
6 years ago
Reply to  Crazy Swede

good*

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Crazy Swede

I don’t know, the first minute of the performance really let me down. But it gets much better then. The “street view” thing really works to distract people from the empty stage.
The Eiffel Tower in the end is amazing and 2nd half it’s a garanteed Top 10 to France. The juries will love it.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

If Bulgaria are drawn in the 2nd Half at the end of the contest, then it’s time for Italy to start biting its nails. Wow, what a twist.

Americanvision
Americanvision
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

That’s if there’s any spots left in the 2nd half. Who knows if 8 of the 10 SF1 finalists take the remaining 8 spots in the 2nd half

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Americanvision

Yes, that’s possible. Let’s see.

Hada
Hada
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Or Portugal

Americanvision
Americanvision
6 years ago

Phew! I hoped U.K. end up in the 2nd half!

But that means only 8 acts between the 2 SFs will perform in the second half.

After the 2nd rehearsal:
1. U.K.
2. Italy (I still want him to open the show)
3. France
4. Ukraine
5. Spain
6. Germany

Donna Vey
Donna Vey
6 years ago
Reply to  Americanvision

Why do you want him to open the show? 🙂

Stan
Stan
6 years ago

These stagings are all impressive, except Italy’s… It seems like he’s forgotten that he’s performing for the camera and not for the audience in the venue… I think the voting will be tight. The stagings have levelled out the differences in quality that the songs have. I think the jury and televote will be very different!

It moved France to being my favourite. I think that’s the best total package this year.

Cambell Grace
Cambell Grace
6 years ago

Big five allocation draw:

Italy – First Half.
UK, Spain, Germany and France – Second Half.

Italy being drawn in the first half I find is quite bad unless they’re given between 10th-13th. Imagine if they were given 1st or 2nd in the running order… whilst on the other hand, I feel like France and the UK have now got a better chance being in the second half especially if there’s Spain and Germany in the same half.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Cambell Grace

Yes, Italy will be 10-13. Then 2nd/3rd is always a ballad with small chances of doing well (Czech Republic 2016, France 2015, Belarus/Azerbaijan 2014, Lithuania 2013).
But it’s bad for Italy. Since 2009, Conchita was the only televoting winner performing in the 1st half. For the jury it doesn’t really matter.

Étoile
Étoile
6 years ago

The draw : Ukraine 22nd Italy : First-half. Second-half for France, U.K, Spain and Germany. Good luck to everyone!

Étoile
Étoile
6 years ago
Reply to  Étoile

Favourite staging today 1 : France (elegant, I love her dress) and Italy (very colourful staging) 2 : U.K Very beautiful 3 : Ukraine let’s rock! 4 : Spain let’s surf! 5 : Germany last because there’s nothing special for me but I don’t dislike it.

Cancry
Cancry
6 years ago

I really love UK song but the end of it is too close to a hight energy moment in it that needs time to come down. I think winner is between Sweden and Italy, north or south ? We’ll see

Essy
Essy
6 years ago

Sure that its the second rehearsal video from Germany? She had that long note after the second chorus which made it sound more interesting. Its missing in the video.

Aaran
Aaran
6 years ago

The UK are in the second half. I think this helps Lucie’s chances of delivering the first great result for the UK in a long time. I’m finally proud of my country’s entry!

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

UK: Mirrors are not easy to use with cameras. This is high-level technical work, and I hope it goes well for them. Lucie is singing amazing right now. 🙂

Italy still look like the winners to me. (Sorry).

Alex
Alex
6 years ago

Shocked with Lucie :O

It was always in my top 5 (together with Italy, disappointing Ireland, disappointing France and disappointing Belgium), and even though I appreciate so much more the full of feelings original version, Lucie finally gave light to a chain of disappointing performances!

It might sounds unbeliebable, but I do believe the UK can be in the Top 10 this year! At least top 15! After all it’s one of the least well-performed entries!

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

The staging is beautiful, but the song is too “heavy”, at the end I got a bit bored.
I said she would be this year’s Dami Im, but the song is not Sound of Silence. I’m hopping for a top 10 though

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

Btw, very few good staging this year.

Arc
Arc
6 years ago
Reply to  Jo

I have to agree. While I still think the stage looks smashing and she’s singing beautifully, the full version is a reminder of the song’s faults. The staging makes it feel more nuanced but it’s still pretty flat and doesn’t really “breathe”. And yes she has that “Jamala moment” staging-wise but 1944 is emotional and dynamic whereas Never Give Up On You is beautiful but ultimately pretty bland. The effect just isn’t the same.

I think top 10 might be possible (left side of the scoreboard definitely is) but top 5 is probably pushing it.

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  Arc

I think she will be like Israel last year.

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
6 years ago

Lucie’s staging looks like Valentina Monetta’s from 2014 but better

Felix
Felix
6 years ago

hopefully she won’t flop like Valentina (even though with a song like ‘maybe’ that was inevitable)

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Felix

Awww. I loved “Maybe.” 🙁
Actually what were the other “shell staging” entries… Apricot Stone? Aphrodisiac? They both did quite well. 🙂

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

I was thinking a cross between Valentina and Molly.
The staging is good, the song is serviceable but I still don’t like her voice or expressions enough. You can really tell she is from a musical theatre background. She forces it too much at times.
Having said that, I think she’s definitely top 15 now. Going to be a great result for the UK!

joy
joy
6 years ago

Valentina 2014 and Barei 2016 (mirror)