Eurovision 26 April

Every weekday, between now and the contest in May, the team from wiwibloggs will round up the latest titbits from the world of Eurovision 2021. We trawl through Instagram, Twitter and elsewhere so that y’all don’t have to. In today’s Daily Digest, some British reality TV stars make surprise cameos at the Spanish preparty, Eden Alene takes us behind-the-scenes and Senhit goes on Albanian TV. But first…

Eurovision news: 26 April

Måneskin give first live performance of Eurovision version of “Zitti e buoni”

Italy’s Måneskin performed the Eurovision version of their song “Zitti e buoni”. The performance was part of the PrePartyESC21 and is the first time the band tackled the shorter and cleaner Eurovision version of their Sanremo-winning song. Måneskin were looking smart in suits and ties and lead singer Damiano made a point of singing the non-sweary lyrics needed for Eurovision. But all up, the band retained the fierceness that took them to Sanremo victory in March. (Robyn)

Senhit and Blas Cantó get “Freaky”

At Saturday’s PrePartyES21, many of the competing acts of Eurovision 2021 performed their competing songs — but two acts had some fun. San Marino’s Senhit and Spain’s Blas Cantó performed a virtual duet where they covered each other’s 2020 songs. Senhit gave a sophisticated synth-pop take on “Universo”, while Blas got in touch with his R&B side with “Freaky”. The pair then teamed up for a duet of “Fiesta”, with Senhit joined by Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima. (Robyn)

James Newman performs with Preston from The Ordinary Boys

Senhit wasn’t the only one to bring a British reality star to the Spanish bash. James Newman’s backing group included Preston from The Ordinary Boys. The band enjoyed a number of chart hits in the mid-2000s. However, Preston is perhaps best known for appearing on Celebrity Big Brother where he met his future wife. They subsequently split up and Preston infamously walked off the comedy panel show Never Mind The Buzzcocks when the host read excerpts from her autobiography.

t.A.T.u. respond to Manizha’s PrePartyES 2021 performance

Along with her Eurovision 2021 entry “Russian Woman”, Manizha also paid hommage to t.A.T.u.’s “Ne ver’, ne boysia i ne prosi” at the Spanish preparty. In an earlier interview with the YouTube show Alena, blin!, Manizha called t.A.T.u.’s Eurovision 2003 song one of her favourites. After the individual performances were uploaded on YouTube, the official YouTube channel of t.A.T.u. wrote “Don’t be afraid girl!” in the comment section. It is not clear whether this comment has come directly from any of the two former t.A.T.u. girls, as they are currently not on speaking terms. Previously, Manizha received blessings from both Alla Pugacheva and Dima Bilan. (Renske)

Vasil shares his Sunday morning with the ducks and pigeons

After the excitement of Saturday’s Spanish party, Vasil treated fans to a more relaxed Sunday. The “Here I Stand” crooner brought YouTube viewers to one of his favourite parks in Skopje where he did a little yoga and mediation in the company of some ducks and pigeons.

Eden Alene takes fans behind-the-scenes

Ahead Eden’s departure to Rotterdam on 7 May (which is also her 21st birthday!), the Israeli delegation has released a behind the scenes video from the revamped “Set Me Free” music video shoot. The video was shot at the Design City centre and directed by Nimrod Peled and produced by Tali Eshkoli.

The Black Mamba recount meeting with woman behind their Eurovision song

“She became a drug addict. She became a street prostitute….but she felt love would always overcome evil and violence.” Today on the wiwibloggs YouTube channel, Pedro Tatanka and Miguel Casais — the founding members of The Black Mamba — speak with our William. They recount how a woman they met in Amsterdam’s Red Light District inspired their Eurovision song “Love Is on My Side”, which they see as a vessel of hope. They also describe some of the other people they encountered in Amsterdam whose stories may feature in their new music. They include a Latin lothario and a man in scuba gear who hit passersby with a dildo. (William)

Senhit performs “Adrenalina” on Albanian TV

The Freaky Queen brought a burst of adrenaline to TV Klan on Sunday when she performed “Adrenalina” live on Gjysma Ime. Donned in a frilly Commes de Garçons-esque garment and joined by two backing dancers performing captivating choreography, Senhit showcased her Eurovision 2021 entry to Albanian audiences. She also performed her single “Breathe” and her 2020 entry “Freaky!”. She recorded this performance while in Albania some weeks back, where she met up with Festivali i Këngës winner Anxhela Peristeri. (Oliver A)

Additional contributions from Oliver, Renske, Robyn and William

Did you watch the Spanish party? What do you think of Senhit’s TV appearance? Let us know in the comments.

Read more Daily Digests for Eurovision 2021.

27 Comments
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Eyal
Eyal
2 years ago

When I grow up I want to be Senhit.

Jamie
Jamie
2 years ago

For 50 year old ladies maybe.

Sot
Sot
2 years ago

I can see that the ESC channel gets more and more random on their uploads and I’m all for it!

JulianA
JulianA
2 years ago

The charisma of Italians is everything !! His voice.
Their style. Self made music. Individuality!! Youth and beauty.
The world will be for them!

Ulla Rajala
Ulla Rajala
2 years ago

Italy is as good as ever!

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
2 years ago

the delusion

sangfreudx
sangfreudx
2 years ago

Wow – James Newman has such a killer voice. He might surprise us all at the big show. Especially if he avoids dressing like a Fig Newton, like he does in this video.

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
2 years ago
Reply to  sangfreudx

1000% agree

John
John
2 years ago

I am loving that Senhit is living her best life. She totally deserves it.

Joe
Joe
2 years ago

“Love is on My Side” is like a better, Portuguese “A Team.”

Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago

atleast Vasil does not look creepy unlike that Ukranian band.

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
2 years ago
Reply to  Roodi

oh Vasil definitely looks creepy. go_a looks dark but kinda cool. Vasil just looks….not right (nothing about his physical appearance, more about the emotion he shows)

Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago
Reply to  Ashton Schier

atleast he is honest

Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago
Reply to  Roodi

do you think that annoying white voice sounds sexy?

esc1234
esc1234
2 years ago

Vasil and Manizha are very talented but Vasil acts as if he is aroused by himself, while Manizha regardless the hate she received, is super friendly and down to earth

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
2 years ago

The UK is killing it. Period.

Fionn
Fionn
2 years ago

manizhas performance was just amazing, love the backing vocals too. can anyone tell me why t.A.T.u aren’t on speaking terms? also really loved roxens performance. was very disappointed with lesley’s performance tho, thought she would’ve worked on her vocals since last year’s ‘late late’ disaster

destiny stan account
destiny stan account
2 years ago
Reply to  Fionn

i think it’s because lena said that julia blackmailed her or something.

notyourtoy
notyourtoy
2 years ago

If you want to avoid Vasil next time Tetovo or Bitola should be your top choices. But I think Ukraine should be the top choice

Darren
Darren
2 years ago

Hope the date went well though lol #ThatsTheMainThing

Darren
Darren
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Haha well Atleast you didn’t combust. Can’t say I’ve had the pleasure of visiting Skopje but sure I’ll take your word for it haha

raylee
raylee
2 years ago

ahahahahah i can’t 😀

Grft
Grft
2 years ago

Those camera movements in the Adrenalina performance made me feel dizzy

Jamie
Jamie
2 years ago
Reply to  Grft

It’s Albania, what did you expect. The camera work on FIK is nightmarish.

gurki loko
gurki loko
2 years ago

Vasil may be sweet person in real life, but when I see him I just find him overdramatic & unintentionally hilarious.

gurki loko
gurki loko
2 years ago
Reply to  gurki loko

Too bad the national team is not trying to tone him down or who knows maybe it’s the other way and they think that’s great strategy and he’s like ok.

Lolalola
Lolalola
2 years ago

Why nobody is talking about how amazing was Roxen’s live performance… WOW shes my #1 now