Another day, another set of rehearsals. On Sunday the eight acts performing in the second half of Semi-Final 1 had their first rehearsals inside PalaOlimpico in Turin.

Portugal’s MARO opened the day by singing “saudade, saudade” on Stage B — the one in front of the green room — while Armenia’s Rosa Linn closed the day singing “Snap” in a house made of paper.

In between we saw Croatia (pink dress), Denmark (on-stage fireworks!), Austria (large rounded light fixture), Iceland (perfect harmony), Greece (broken chairs) and Norway (wolves, bananas) do their best to stand out. But who impressed you the most?

You can catch up with the performance clips on the Eurovision TikTok channel, and you can watch all of our reactions below, along with our two livestreams. You can also read our recap of the day. Then vote in our poll. 

Poll: Who had the best first rehearsal at Eurovision 2022 on Sunday?

You can vote for as many artists as you’d like, but you can only vote one time, so be sure to make it count! 

175 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Zoran. dordevic
Zoran. dordevic
1 year ago

I think the Greek Eurofans are getting ahead of themselves. It’s still too early to build hype. And the odds reek of organized strategy, as so many countries do, year after year.
I have the feeling that in the second rehearsal, the most beautiful song of this edition will start unstoppable… And in the semi final we will have confirmation.

Robert
1 year ago

Learn from us Croatians from last year and don’t believe the hype.

But it’s good tho.

Ttorres
Ttorres
1 year ago

And what is the most beautiful song that will break out in the second rehearsal?

Zoran. dordevic
Zoran. dordevic
1 year ago
Reply to  Ttorres

You will realize which song is the most magical, mystical, ethereal and straight to the heart.

Matt
Matt
1 year ago

For me it was CROATIA all the way.. My God Mia can sing and she sound amazing live.. And don’t get me started with that gorgeous DRESS of hers.. Absolutely the biggest grower of them all.. 🙂

Lulu
Lulu
1 year ago
Reply to  Matt

Yessss THAT DRESS, give me that Final Fantasy X-2 Yuna vibes queen!! And her version of Euphoria omg talent ??

Colin
Colin
1 year ago

I’ve been thinking, and maybe there is one additional aspect that could help pushing Croatia into finals this year. It’s an uproven and entirely gut-based theory I like to call ”The Crisalide Effect”. I called it after the eponymous song from Valentina Monetta. It was a huge favorite, OGAE favorite, and yet, it didn’t make the finals, leaving many fans surprised and sad. But, you know which song qualified? San Marino’s subsequent entry, Maybe, in 2014. It squeezed into the finals, regardless of not being a big pre-contest favorite on its own. Same thing happened to Israel in 2015 after… Read more »

Teo
Teo
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

Very interesting theory to be honest, she’s a really cute and down to earth human being so I definitely wouldn’t mind seeing her in the finals. Also, Croatian have been waiting for final quite a few years now…so why not? 🙂

Patrick Pastor
Patrick Pastor
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

I actually had a similar theory, called the “Silent Majority” hypothesis. I feel that the vast majority of viewers/voters are people who don’t listen to the songs until the finals (and don’t watch the fansites). They’re the most crucial – and unpredictable – part of the fanbase. They’re the reason that the odds slip up.

Gaby
Gaby
1 year ago

Subwolfer was exactly as expected, but its still great! definitely my grower this year

Miquel
1 year ago

Portugal

Savvas
Savvas
1 year ago

It has been long since the last time we Greeks received such a positive feedback. Thank you very much for your comments. Hope every artist shines during the three shows and we, the audience, have a great time!

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
1 year ago
Reply to  Savvas

In 2019 Greece received also a very good feedback.

eurovisionfun
eurovisionfun
1 year ago
Reply to  L'oiseau

and in 2018 as well.

Helene
Helene
1 year ago

I think the winner is often mirroring something that is going on in society it is catching a feeling or a trend that resonate with people. I am not sure about this year. Last year I was sure Italy was going to win. With all that is going on in the world maybe something uplifting that gives you hope. This makes me unsure about Greece, Netherlands and Poland – too much gloom. Maybe the UK will gives us that feeling. Sweden and Italy have nice songs. Spain is to cheesy according to me. And snow way is too ironic and… Read more »

AllThingsNordic.eu
1 year ago
Reply to  Helene

Greece is amazing, I still feel that perhaps the UK will win the contest. Greece perhaps in the Top-5 if she pulls it off. Amanda is an authentic artist and such artists are always appreciated by juries and people alike. Let’s see. Good luck to all the entries! No more hatred or aggressiveness about ESC, it’s a celebration of music. Let’s see it as such.

Helene
Helene
1 year ago

Yes before rehearsals I thought Netherlands might be the winner of these three songs that give the same vibe. I like it better than Greece. But i am afraid that she looks a kind of awkward on stage. But for the lyrics of the greek song is to depressive. I really dislike them. I need something that makes me warm inside and feels genuine. Sweden definatly have that, maybe the UK. I also like Italy but it is hard to win again, I think it effects the voters. Among the uptempo tracks, none is givning me the right feeling. Many… Read more »

Pete
Pete
1 year ago
Reply to  Helene

You opinion is irrelevant to this poll , if you like to shine with you analytic superficial opinion (chessy, no soul, constructed for Eurovision ???), give me a break , all songs are constructed to Eurovision , just different genres and taste , so be respectful with everyone, if you don’t like some songs keep you bitchiness for yourself because you opinion with such as poor arguments is pretty sad , you sound like the typical bully , play god is not a good thing ,you know everything right ?

Dionysis
Dionysis
1 year ago

Portugal, Ukraine, Greece and the Netherlands are my favourite. I also like Norway and I think that it will qualify; people need some fun. I have a feeling that this is going to be a nice contest.
Thank you to the wiwibloggs team for covering the first day of rehearsal. It’s so good to see you all, so good that we will experience another Eurovision Song Contest. It is my favourite time of the year, I bet is the same for all of us

Winner Vibes GR
Winner Vibes GR
1 year ago

Wow your English are perfect and to the point using English slangs as well? Too good for a Norwegian hehe mmmmm ok

Savvas
Savvas
1 year ago

As a Greek myself I find your comment way too hostile. Enjoy that Amanda had a great rehearsal and stop this toxicity. It can only create hard feelings. (P.S. English IS).

Winner Vibes GR
Winner Vibes GR
1 year ago
Reply to  Savvas

Just wanted to point out that some people pretending to be others.. No hostility at all..
PS. English are is the correct living in the UK 20 years allow me to know better dear 🙂

Savvas
Savvas
1 year ago

I really don’t know if you HAVE BEEN living in the UK FOR 20 years, but still English “IS” and not “are” in proper British English.

Winner Vibes GR
Winner Vibes GR
1 year ago
Reply to  Savvas

Do I sense a bit of hostility in your tone and also just to let you know that using Caps fonts suggesting that you shouting at someone 😉 just relax dear we all have our opinions no reason to create drama…

Savvas
Savvas
1 year ago

No hostility. I use capitals to emphasize. ?

Winner Vibes GR
Winner Vibes GR
1 year ago
Reply to  Savvas

Let me help you understand some basic written etiquete or should I say netiquette?? Typing phrases in capital letters on the Internet is considered rude because it is difficult to read and comes across as very aggressive (LIKE SHOUTING!). So you did come also a bit hostile for a Greek but is fine 🙂 all forgive

Fotini
Fotini
1 year ago
Reply to  Savvas

I agree with Winner Vibes. I am Greek and is not bad we support our entry like the Spanish people, or the Portuguese , the Swedish or the English this year. When other people do it is ok but when Greeks do it you say is hostile? Our song this year is so beautiful. Let people support their favourite how they like. Amanda we love you

Winner Vibes GR
Winner Vibes GR
1 year ago

I actually been to Norway and travelled around the world. Loll. -20c, freezing sea water and very expensive bottle of wine but nice people. The part I could see from them as they were all covered except their eyes hehe 🙂 would love to visit summer next time

Mario
1 year ago

About Greece why everyone is saying about broken chairs all the time and they does not see the obvious that the whole stage will like a sea the chairs will seem like semi sunk amanda will be floating on that sea. if check at the photos the stages seems like it flooded and the waters fall out of the stage and at the end they make a blue fog effect so wait to see the feel performance before you judge or at least pay attention to everything they give and not just tha 15 sec.

jana
jana
1 year ago

Armenia stood out to me! But I think they all did well, especially Portugal and Greece

Annoyed
Annoyed
1 year ago

Greeks praising their own act and calling everyone who doesn’t agree with them with slurs, made me realise that maybe I shouldn’t vote for it.

By the way, calling someone a trashy f*g won’t make you any better. This is for a special persom named Giorgio.

Savvas
Savvas
1 year ago
Reply to  Annoyed

All Greeks we’re not the same. I’m really sorry for these comments.

Winner Vibes GR
Winner Vibes GR
1 year ago
Reply to  Annoyed

I don’t say that calling people names here is correct on the contrary.. But I didn’t see you comment and defend also the Greek song for example when some people here, especially after her amazing rehearsal, called it trash and made some other nasty comments regarding Amanda, her dress, the song etc.. So if we like to come across as fair and good we should keep the same rule to everything otherwise unfortunately we might come across as simply hypocritical with double standards..

Midnight Gold
Midnight Gold
1 year ago

It’s alright, I would’ve also been a bit depressed if I were Norwegian, to see a talent like Amanda represent another country while mine kept sending these novelty entries year after year…

Efthymios
Efthymios
1 year ago

I’m not gonna lie to you, I feel like this is the very first time IN ALMOST A FULL DECADE that the love and positivity we’ve (Greece) been getting from the rest of Europe is absolutely honest and genuine. Thanks to Amanda, we can really be proud for this year, no matter the final result! Thank you very much for the appreciation shown towards her, it will definitely boost her confidence for the actual show on May 10th! 🙂

Linda
Linda
1 year ago
Reply to  Efthymios

Sad that you Greeks don’t spread that love and positivity towards others, always talking down on other countries.

Savvas
Savvas
1 year ago
Reply to  Linda

That’s not true for all Greeks. 🙂

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
1 year ago
Reply to  Efthymios

I don’t agree at all. In 2017 and 2019 Greece was very much supported.

Catriona
Catriona
1 year ago

This is all pointless until we get our people with boots on the ground at the press centre telling us about the whole 3 minutes. Can’t wait until the 4th.

Midnight Gold
Midnight Gold
1 year ago
Reply to  Catriona

Some of those people are also prone to overthinking absolutely everything and anything tho, year after year, it’s inevitable. Can’t wait to hear how the likes of Bulgaria or Denmark could suddenly become shock qualifiers or something along those lines…

krorap
krorap
1 year ago

It looks like this poll is not about how successful the rehearsal was, but how much you like the song.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago
Reply to  krorap

Respectfully, I disagree. 🙂

Shamso
Shamso
1 year ago
Reply to  krorap

Exactly, that’s my opinion too.

ga89
ga89
1 year ago

I don’t understand how you can put the list based on the clips that are 4-5 seconds long. It literally shows nothing. How can you be objective and rational when the content is so limited to make a proper and rational analysis?

Ignonito
Ignonito
1 year ago

I feel like I want to leave the ESC community for 2023 cause the toxicity of this community over this Eurovision year has been just awful. You can’t even have an opinion about a song. If I say I don’t like Italy, I don’t like Greece’s staging, I hate the Serbian song, I didn’t like Tanxugueiras, Sara Jo at all, etc. I would be told that I am wrong, that how is that possible I don’t like it. This has been for me as a Eurovision fan the worst year in the community ever over the 5 years I’ve been… Read more »

Kalla
Kalla
1 year ago
Reply to  Ignonito

Unfortunately it is the perils of an anonymous online platform. I don’t know if you travel to eurovision, but I can assure you it’s the most loving, fun and inclusive event I have ever been to. Every year I leave with knowing I’ve made so many new friends from all over the world, and have partied enough to last me till the following May!

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
1 year ago
Reply to  Ignonito

Negativity reigns on the Internet and it touches every fandom.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago
Reply to  Ignonito

If being a part of Eurovision fandom is something you love, don’t quit just because of others. Think about yourself first, and ask yourself what your needs are. I thought about leaving after I was threatened in 2017. But I didn’t leave. Basically I learned to filter what I write and read/listen a lot more. I feel better about myself generally, and whatever others say gets taken on board and “noted,” as it were. I know I’m not perfect and I make mistakes, and so do others as well. We are a fandom that has emotions, and that is primarily… Read more »

Winner Vibes GR
Winner Vibes GR
1 year ago
Reply to  Ignonito

Hehehe every year is the same so not sure why you just realised. It is the fun of the game.. Everyone has their own opinion and arguments.. Is called Dialogue and Bitching exchanging hehe

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
1 year ago
Reply to  Ignonito

I think in 2017, 2018 and 2019 the toxicity was much higher. People were being threatened, were being called horrible names, the whole comment section was highjacked with obscenity, racist and political comments.

ete sech
ete sech
1 year ago
Reply to  Ignonito

This happens all over the internet, don’t take the haters too seriously bro/sis and enjoy this space bc despite the toxicity it’s a cool place! 🙂

ete sech
ete sech
1 year ago

Greece and Armenia stole the show today! Armenia just made their entry far more appealing and Greece elevated Die Together and now I get winner vibes from them 😀

AllThingsNordic.eu
1 year ago
Reply to  ete sech

Since I first listened to the song, I’ve always felt about Armenia. I have a feeling it will do extremely well. 🙂 Good luck to all the countries!

Ignonito
Ignonito
1 year ago

My Top based on the rehearsals: 1. Norway: Looked just as expected and better. Nothing to say more, just amazing. 2. Croatia: This grew on me so much, they did everything correct with this staging. 3. Armenia: This one looked different and cool, I really like this. 4. Austria: Pia Maria improved a lot but its still not the best, but acceptable vocals. Staging for me is good. 5. Iceland: Looked amazing, just a very nice performance. 6. Denmark: Its an improvement from the national selection and its good. 7. Greece: This fell for me a lot, it looked messy… Read more »

Ignonito
Ignonito
1 year ago
Reply to  Ignonito

Why am I not surprised that I got so many downvotes.

GloriousMustache39
1 year ago
Reply to  Ignonito

I think it’s literally an equivalent of “I disagree” . Don’t take it too personal. ?

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago
Reply to  Ignonito

Oh and another downvoted dude like me here, what a surprise! I wonder what we have in common……LOL it’s easy to see.

Midnight Gold
Midnight Gold
1 year ago

Greece, Portugal and Iceland, but they should all qualify based on the song alone anyway. Zero excuses for the juries not to have them all in their overall top 5, at least.

Dane
Dane
1 year ago
Reply to  Midnight Gold

Portugal and Iceland are so boring

Midnight Gold
Midnight Gold
1 year ago
Reply to  Dane

That’s what happens if you listen to EDM and reggaeton only, it’s not too late to change your ways tho.

Dane
Dane
1 year ago
Reply to  Midnight Gold

I just find them super boring? Its not because I dont like slow songs and ballads. I like Poland and Azerbaijan – just to mention someone 🙂 But Portugal and Iceland is def my toilet break this year.

Pluma
Pluma
1 year ago
Reply to  Dane

You must go to the doctors if you have so close toilet break s ?????

Dane
Dane
1 year ago
Reply to  Pluma

Hahaha my toilet is more interesting than these two songs 😉

Adnama
Adnama
1 year ago

The truth is that if we dont say Greece we will be lying lol

Portugal was amazing too, but maybe I am a bit biased because
Netherlands, Portugal and Greece are my favourites from the start. 🙂

Thomas21
Thomas21
1 year ago

I am not convinced about Greece. She looks shy and not very concinced about herself. People will forget her.

voix
voix
1 year ago
Reply to  Thomas21

Blanche has entered the chat

Dane
Dane
1 year ago
Reply to  Thomas21

Greece will flop in the televotes.

Kalla
Kalla
1 year ago
Reply to  Thomas21

You have me very intrigued!

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago
Reply to  Thomas21

Oh a big downvoted friend! I’m with you guy lol!

Milla
Milla
1 year ago
Reply to  Thomas21

I’m thinking that Amanda don’t give me winner vibes. And the song is not that great as well.

sam
sam
1 year ago

greece definitely delivered! no way amanda won’t qualify, the package is just too strong. i also voted for armenia because i thought the staging really elevated the song and rosa looked gorgeous and i love the outfit she wore, same with amanda. PORTUGAL: maro and the people surrounding her looked great and will make for some beautiful shots, but there were some glaring issues with the projections behind them. it’s unfortunate and i hope the broadcaster doesn’t have to change too much with the background because i think it was staged really well and i’d be voting for portugal too… Read more »

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
1 year ago

It makes me so nervous that not everything is going on as planned. Now I don’t know what to think. I don’t have a will to make any prediction because the stage is broken and with it we can’t properly judge things. I just hope miracle happens and they fix the stage. We can’t have proper contest if the stage, the most important part, does not work.

euromeuro
euromeuro
1 year ago
Reply to  Eurovision fan

I think the EBU, RAI and everyone involved will come up with a solution that will make most eurovision fans happy. Maybe they will put the LED-side of the arches to the front during the performances and make them only move during the intervals. If somthing happen then, it won’t matter. If the arches aren’t in place during the final announcement in the end of SF1 or SF2 – most viewers probably won’t recognize it.

Vincenzo
Vincenzo
1 year ago
Reply to  Eurovision fan

I give my interpretation on what’s happening, having followed the construction of the stage from the beginning. Unfortunately the motors to move the arches are embedded in the main pillar with moving metallic cages where the arches had to be attached. If you go on the Atelier Francesca Montinaro IG page there is a post dated 4th of april where you can see what I’m talking about lifted by a forklift and then put in vertical in the arena. This is the main part of the stage. The motors are embedded inside. To reach the motors all the structure must… Read more »

Kalla
Kalla
1 year ago

Hard to judge again, but from the slight glimpse of Greece’s stage, it looks like it could be very good. Also she sounded pretty amazing in the sound check.

Jo.
Jo.
1 year ago

Greece is my the biggest grower so far. Austria and Iceland also look pretty good. Norway looks like the same from the NF, but that’s not a bad thing.

Frank Arthur
Frank Arthur
1 year ago

EH,but the spanish fans are the fanatics ,no??,hahahaha,i find funny this big circus every year ,i love it,xxx

Midnight Gold
Midnight Gold
1 year ago
Reply to  Frank Arthur

It’s not their fault that Greece, Portugal and Iceland have all got much better entries this year than anything Spain has sent this century.

voix
voix
1 year ago

for ballads and dark entries the ex kinetic sun is not a disadvantage. For all the others though its just a huge black chunk in the middle of a led screen….. What in the 1991 is going on here?

Kalla
Kalla
1 year ago
Reply to  voix

Agreed, it’s not impressive at all stationary. Just a large LED screen alone could have given the delegations a lot more to work with visuals wise.

voix
voix
1 year ago
Reply to  Kalla

i just feel sorry for the countries who prepared stuff and learned literally hours before their rehearsal that they will perform in front of a black chunk with lights like oslo 2010

esc1234
esc1234
1 year ago

#justiceforronela
#notocensorship
#loveislove

Stephanie
Stephanie
1 year ago

Greece and Portugal, no doubt!

esc_fl
esc_fl
1 year ago

Greece by far, followed by Armenia and Portugal. I wish they showed more though; my first impressions of the other songs may be inaccurate.

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago

Norway, Austria, Armenia for me, I really loved the Austrian staging today. Greece is not my cup of tea since the beginning so even with a stellar staging which is not or good lighting or whatever it won’t change unfortunately. Portugal nice song but too simple for my taste. Iceland dreamy song, but doesn’t stand out enough unfortunately. Denmark cool song, cool performers, but same with Iceland it doesn’t stand enough and the stagings are too simple. Croatia has a stunning voice but the song doesn’t grab me enough. So overall my winners or my top in a random order… Read more »

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago
Reply to  Esc addict

Lol guys you’re so predictable with your downvotes, oups I don’t like the overhyped act of the day, I’m so bad, but give me more hatred I love that in fact.

Midnight Gold
Midnight Gold
1 year ago
Reply to  Esc addict

Portugal is “too simple” for your taste but you love the banana song where they’re repeating yum over and over again for a chorus, and you wonder why you get dislikes…

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago
Reply to  Midnight Gold

I don’t wonder why cause I knew I will get dislikes and I know exactly from who and from where, the trolls will recognize themselves, yes I’m not into the greek song, yes Portugal is too simple for me and yes Norway is more fun and more in my taste is it a big problem? I prefer fun and catchy songs rather than depressing songs talking about death, my right, it’s not the right moment in my opinion, I want to be entertained watching Eurovision not the opposite. The greek performer feels cold for me I don’t manage to connect… Read more »

Esc addict
Esc addict
1 year ago
Reply to  Esc addict

Let’s go for the record! I’d love to know exactly from where are these downvotes, no need lol I already know it, I see you ridiculous trolls.

Winner Vibes GR
Winner Vibes GR
1 year ago
Reply to  Esc addict

I love how you guys change profile names and you also comment on yourselves and talk to yourselves.. Seems that Ignonito and you are the same person hahah you should look at this carefully as its an old trick and a bit passé if I’m been honest 🙂

Mirko
Mirko
1 year ago

The last two days have been a game against Italy and Rai; all social media are full of people complaining about our production and posting that this is going to be a 1991 experience part 2. As an Italian, this is just a nightmare; we’re so stressed to do everything at our very best, ’cause we all know that the eyes of Europe are on us. I understand your doubts, but please try to be more positive and avoid the toxicity. First, we don’t know exactly what has just happened so everything is only speculation; and more important we don’t… Read more »

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago
Reply to  Mirko

I wish Italy and Rai all the best over the next two weeks. This is your time, indeed, so enjoy it as much as you can. As for commenters here, some of them will continue to be awful no matter what others say or do, so the important thing is to enjoy the time you have, and of course to let the professionals on the crew do their jobs.

Mirko
Mirko
1 year ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Thank you so much for your kind words!

euromeuro
euromeuro
1 year ago
Reply to  Mirko

I honestly think that even if the arches don’t move it won’t have any major impact on most of the show and for the viewers. It’s something the fan bubble talks about because they literally follow every single thing that’s happeing prior to the actual show. When Italy won last year i was really happy for you guys because i liked Maneskin and i thought it was time for Italy to win after so many amazing entries that never made it to first place. I think many people are just a bit dissapointed by the production team because they spoiled… Read more »

Jo.
Jo.
1 year ago
Reply to  Mirko

After the Armenian delegation confirmed that the rumours about their staging being redone were fake, I remain even more skeptical about all this drama…

willchrisiam
willchrisiam
1 year ago
Reply to  Mirko

If you know all eyes are on you, you could start by making an official statement rather than informing the delegations on the down low and you could also stop censoring Albania. I’m neither Albanian nor a fan of the staging but it’s painfully hypocritical to have to deal with this mess after entries Hatari and Ivan gave us. To name a few. I know Rai is not the only one to blame but they are the face of the organization now. If a smaller country had a similar technical problem you bet your as* they would be postponing the… Read more »

willchrisiam
willchrisiam
1 year ago
Reply to  willchrisiam

Hundreds of people spent months pouring their energy, time, love, passion, creativity, hopes, dreams and money into stagings that now have to be reworked or redone. Could you imagine the stress the delegations and especially the performers are?! They deserve a public explanation and apology.
I have zero sympathy for cowards that can’t own up to their mistakes and apologize.

Jghtl
1 year ago
Reply to  willchrisiam

Amen!

ga89
ga89
1 year ago
Reply to  willchrisiam

Instagram account is EBU thing, not RAI’s so Italy has nothing to do with removal of Ronela’s rehearsal photos.

Ruben
Ruben
1 year ago

Armenia ?? one of my fav this year!! From Spain good luck! ????

euromeuro
euromeuro
1 year ago

After seeing a leaked on-screen-rehearsal video of Moldova i’m actually worried about the overall production of this years contest. Because of the static arches block half of the stage it now looks really small on camera – even smaller than in 2019. The stage floor itself doesn’t look technologically advanced at all. The whole arena looks very dull without many lights being installed. If the whole contest continues with the static sun and only half of the stage being used i think this contest will have a really strange feeling to it. I wish all artists the best of luck… Read more »

Jghtl
1 year ago
Reply to  euromeuro

I also getting worried, this could be one of the worst esc years ever
I hope Italy won’t host for another 100years or so lol

Emma
Emma
1 year ago
Reply to  Jghtl

‘I hope Italy won’t host for another 100years or so lol’. I’ve never read something so utterly ridiculous. The Eurovision bubble is such a toxic cesspit sometimes.

Jghtl
1 year ago
Reply to  Emma

F off

Teo
Teo
1 year ago

Honestly, Portugal and Croatia. Portugal is such a breath of fresh air and Croatia actually elevated absolutely everything as much as they could.

ete sech
ete sech
1 year ago
Reply to  Teo

Indeed, Mia looks gorgeous in that dress!

Atlas
1 year ago

Portugal

Sabrina
Sabrina
1 year ago

Staging-wise, it seems each country on the 2nd half of the semi is doing the right choices to highlight what they have. I’m particularly happy about what I’ve seen from Greece and Portugal, because these are songs that need strong visuals to not risk getting unnoticed and the Greek staging already looks stunning by just some pics and a short snippet and the Portuguese one took some good influence from Salvador’s (using the smaller stage, focus on the singer) and Manizha’s (the formation of the backing vocals) performances.

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Sabrina

I am hopeful for Portugal, and Greece looks like a surefire top 10 place, at least. Amanda might even win the whole contest, and I would be quite cool with that. Mia Dimšic’s dress is really lovely. As for the staging, I am still unsure, based on the little info we have so far. On one hand, having the dancers (I assume) recreate the story behind the lyrics feels drastically different from what Armenia and Iceland are going for, so that’s good! Also, if they bring the right amound of drama, it could lift it up. On the other hand,… Read more »

Sabrina
Sabrina
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

I’m under the impression the dancers will indeed recreate the story on the lyrics of “Guilty Pleasure” and I think it’s a nice touch, since the theme is the most original and flashy thing about the entry. It’s also the only country in the semi using interpretative dancers, so maybe Croatia will find a way to stand out. But I’m also concerned it gan cet messy if they don’t find the right way to insert Mia on the action. Based on what we’ve seen so far, it seems she’ll be very close to them on the stage.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago
Reply to  Sabrina

It’s an interesting choice, because it reduces Mia to a soundtrack-type role where the dancers are telling the actual story of the song. I think it will work for those who enjoy film and TV more than musical theatre fans.

Sabrina
Sabrina
1 year ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

And that’s why they need to be careful. If they find a way to keep the spotlight on Mia while showing a story on the background, this can work, give it a narrative, etc. If we get 3 minutes of not knowing if we should look at her or at the dancers (which it was basically what happened during Dora with that very good but very showy dancer), than we have a distraction.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

It’s funny how the fashion choices have seemingly gotten more coverage over the 1st rehearsals this year. I had no idea that TikTok has fans who are seriously into fashion! 😀

From what I have heard about the music so far, Amanda is far out ahead, but it’s only Day Two. There’s a long way to go.
Sabrina: Well-spotted on the choreography choices.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago

From what I have heard, Greece is an early front runner. I’m so happy for Amanda.
Also, thank you to William, Suzanne, Jonathan and everyone else at Wiwibloggs for your YouTube coverage on Day Two. I felt good energy from you all today. Have a good week ahead. x

AlexC
AlexC
1 year ago

all this hype for Greece. Same happened last year with Victoria for Bulgaria and ended up 11th. This song is nothing special. Just ok. Wait for the big guns on the second semi. I still believe Ukraine will win and Spain come second.

Ben
Ben
1 year ago
Reply to  AlexC

I don’t think Spain will be a contender as a song (it is weak compared to others), but maybe a top 10 if staged good.

now that i see the light
now that i see the light
1 year ago
Reply to  AlexC

As i person who loves VICTORIA 2021 i don’t think they are so similar because unfortunately people hated ”growing up is getting old” , rehearsals created some hype later

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  AlexC

In what world is being 11th out of 40 countries not a good result?

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

Televoting score was seriously lackluster, I admit. However, whether people like it or not, the juries have just as much power in their hands, and the final result is a package deal. You do point out a double standard when it comes to the result. Poland 2016 is called a success, and Malta 2021 isn’t, even if they achieved almost the same place (in fact, Destiny was 7th, while Michal was 8th). I mean, Eurovision was 100% jury-based until 1998. One wouldn’t dispute the victory of Celine Dion or ABBA, right?

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

The artists want to score well. Of course. They don’t show anyone but a winner during a jury voting, so there’s no possibility for showing ”long faces”, but I bet that nobody is happy if after the whole jury score is over, they points are low. I mean, obviously many fans appreciate the televoting points more, but I try to be objective – a score is the same score regardless of who it comes from. Sometimes the juries have been saving some great entries from NQs or from tanking in the finals the same way that sometimes the televoters have… Read more »

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

This is how I personally approach things: Any entry that qualifies, even if they finish really low in the finals has achieved a decent result. A big five entry that enters top 20 has also achieved a decent result. A big five entry that achieves top 15, and other entries that enter top 20 have achieved a moderate success. Any entry that enters top 10 has achieved a huge success (regardless on whether it’s pushed by the juries, televoters, or both). However, I have to add that I fully respect other POVs, and other people’s stances on the importance of… Read more »

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

Also, you are so right about the expectations argument. A song which wasn’t expected to qualify making it to the 22nd place in the finals will likely be remembered as success, and a song called the pre-contest favorite finishing 10th will likely be remembered as an underachievement. Expectations are a funny thing. 🙂

Dane
Dane
1 year ago
Reply to  AlexC

I agree. Greece has a good song, but nothing really special. I can see it flop with the televotes.

apollinischesprinzip
apollinischesprinzip
1 year ago

who, do u think, will qualify?

my bets are in random order:
armenia, norway, greece, iceland, switzerland, portugal, netherlands, ukraine

and last place either austria or lithuania

Jghtl
1 year ago

I pretty much agree with you, but i have a feeling that Lithuania won’t gualify

Colin
Colin
1 year ago

If I had to predict now (in random order):

  • Armenia
  • Lithuania
  • Norway
  • Ukraine
  • Greece
  • Austria
  • Netherlands
  • Portugal
  • Albania

Last place is hard to predict. I want to say Iceland or Croatia, but I’ll likely say Moldova (eh…)

Sophia
Sophia
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

idk why people are downvoting you, I think this is pretty accurate. Maybe Austria is a bit more iffy, but if her vocals are much better now, then it should go through.

Tedd
Tedd
1 year ago

I think Albania or Netherlands might be shocking non qualifier, I’d hate that but I can see that happening.

They only countries I’m 100% sure will qualify are Norway, Ukraine, and Greece. I’d assume Portugal, Armenia, Austria, Albania and The Netherlands will join qualifying countries as well.

And as for other 2 spots, my bet is on Moldova and Croatia. I’d love to see Lithuania instead of Moldova but I think Moldova might score really good with televote.

Sophia
Sophia
1 year ago
Reply to  Tedd

I think these are really good observations. Idk about Albania being NQ actually, but I can see it ending in 9th or 10th like some of the previous hyped up female bangers, like Tamta in 2019 or Senhit in 2021. Netherlands will likely do very well, but I think it will depend on how it looks on TV. I remember back in 2018 when Sennek was one of the favorites and ended up just missing out on the final.

Tedd
Tedd
1 year ago
Reply to  Sophia

Exactly what I’m thinking. That’s why I worry for Albania and The Netherlands. If Anxela qualified as only 10th… oh man.

Robert
Robert
1 year ago
Reply to  Tedd

No m’n.. I’d even say Albania and the Netherlands are the two most certain..

Dionysis
Dionysis
1 year ago
Reply to  Robert

I agree, I think that Albania and Netherlands will definitely qualify

ete sech
ete sech
1 year ago
Reply to  Tedd

Idk about Norway being a sure Q, but I agree with the rest

Eurovision2016>
Eurovision2016>
1 year ago

You are so incredibly spot on however croatia will likely qualify.

Romy
Romy
1 year ago

Armenia <3

WeAreWhitChanel
WeAreWhitChanel
1 year ago

Greece’s rehearsal is pure magic!

Fabian Schmidt
Fabian Schmidt
1 year ago

Boring song

Ttorres
Ttorres
1 year ago

No emotion at all. And I love everything about Greece.

eurovisionfun
eurovisionfun
1 year ago

my top 5 thus far

  1. Greece (-)
  2. Spain (-)
  3. Norway (+1)
  4. Italy (-1)
  5. UK (-)

Notable mentions: Sweden and Albania

eurovisionfun
eurovisionfun
1 year ago

Do you believe Greece is a strong contender for winning this year’s contest?

eurovisionfun
eurovisionfun
1 year ago
Reply to  eurovisionfun

Taking also into consideration the Ukrainian background

eurovisionfun
eurovisionfun
1 year ago
Reply to  eurovisionfun

WOW. Thank you for the reply. It will be great travelling to Greece for next year’s contest <3

zndr
zndr
1 year ago

My votes go to Armenia and Greece

James
James
1 year ago

Amanda and Greece! They will potentially win the whole contest!

Fabian Schmidt
Fabian Schmidt
1 year ago
Reply to  James

No; would not be surprised to see if Greece would not qualify just as in 2018

now that i see the light
now that i see the light
1 year ago
Reply to  Fabian Schmidt

that was one of the best eurovision years and semi-1 of 2018 is probably one of the hardest one ever

Winner Vibes GR
Winner Vibes GR
1 year ago
Reply to  Fabian Schmidt

And you woke up after from a bad dream.. ?

Sophia
Sophia
1 year ago
Reply to  Fabian Schmidt

no, totally different. Greece 2018 didn’t qualify because it was in an extremely tough semi and she had practically no staging. It looks like there was actually an attempt this time to give Amanda staging, which can greatly help elevate a song.

Dane
Dane
1 year ago
Reply to  James

I have a feeling Greece will flop with the televotes.

Efthymios
Efthymios
1 year ago

Voted for Iceland, Norway, Greece (self vote :P) and Armenia! <3

Rob
Rob
1 year ago

Amanda slayed omg.. def my #1