Boxes typically have a flat base and sides, are square or rectangular, and are topped off with a lid. But at Eurovision they can also light up, take different shapes, hang from the ceiling and conceal wonders like dancers wearing pink Flamenco outfits.
And so it went during first rehearsals at Eurovision 2023, where three of the most impressive acts all had a very big box in their arsenal of weapons. So we have to ask: Which act has unveiled the best box so far?
Finland: Käärijä’s giant crate
Talk about an upgrade! At Finland’s national selection, Käärijä seemed to perform around a wooden pig pen. But here in Liverpool he now starts on top of a gigantic crate. He doesn’t just think outside of said box. He dances on it, stomps on it and releases a lot of rage. But there’s more. The box conceals his dancers in flamingo peak. Their release shows how the pina colada he sings about can release the fun within.
?? It’s crazy, it’s party, it’s Käärijä! Finland’s first rehearsal is underway in Liverpool. #Eurovision
— wiwibloggs (@wiwibloggs) May 1, 2023
? Corinne Cumming / Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU pic.twitter.com/oK2YwUzQut
Israel: Noa Kirel’s light tunnel
Okay, so technically it’s not a box since it doesn’t have four closed sides. But Noa’s stunning tunnel of light really packs a punch. A series of squares, each placed at a slightly different angle, create a sense of movement that frame the “Unicorn” singer beautiful. Each square shines and can change colour. Camera cuts will likely give this a sense of movement, as if the box is rotating.
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Sweden: Loreen’s elevated box
If you’ve followed Eurovision in recent weeks, then you’re well-versed in the drama regarding Loreen’s box. But if not here’s a quick primer. During Sweden’s national selection contest she wowed with two rectilinear structures — one on the floor, and another (weighing 1.8 tonnes) that hung from the ceiling. But because the roof in Liverpool is shared by 37 competing countries, with their various needs, it was impossible for her to bring such a heavy structure. So she had to downsize her boxes. The bottom one is now significantly higher than it was in Sweden. That’s to conceal wheels that are needed to wheel it quickly on and off stage.
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why don‘t you give the same amount of attention to all countries? Your round up video was a joke, why showing Israel twice, it‘s unfair. This is not independent journalism. It‘s just about your personal preferences, I‘m so disappointed in you guys.
Will, sweety, when’s who has the nicest tractor on/off stage poll due?
Oh yes… tractor rules!!!
This is the silliest poll ever, each box is lovely and unique in its own way. I voted for Finland’s enormous box.
Israel box is the most expensive one, by far. But eah one and his box
Pasha has the best squats, and he can do a knee-into-squat jump
I think Sweden have taken a misstep with their scale-down while Finland went bigger.
Sweden have no chose
Hopefully, their camera work can help cover this drawback.
Completely useless poll! Finland box is economic. Loreen should need original box, instead that hamburger.
If you look at “Who had the best first rehearsal (May 1)” -poll, you can see that Armenia has gotten over 1,3k more votes in just under 6 hours.
I feel like it’s another good example that this site needs better content than polls, since there’s no use in these. Even if they’d be done humour in mind.
Nevermind, they have now 1,8k votes while today at 15PM (CET) they were around 250 votes only, which means they have +1,6k. Pointless content, which could be replaced with something more interesting/useful.
Are we heading for a top3 all in a box at ESC2023?
let’s think outside of box
I prefer Spain’s string cylinder, hehe
I can’t choose before I see how Noa’s cube is photographed on TV, it probably creates some interesting effect.. We’ll wait and see.
Who has the best box? My mind is going weird places Haha
Better close that last poll, Armenia has been getting over 1k votes in couple of hours. Kinda suspicious?
I like them all, and they all fit conceptually as part of their song performances, which is a plus. Loreen’s box is a key part of her song’s story. It symbolises the pressure she’s under and which she faces and overcomes. It’s about mentality and inner strength. In this way, as a storytelling device, Loreen’s box is conceptually important rather than just being a prop. Kaarija’s staging speaks to the character of the song coming out of his shell / his box, as he gets ready to dance and cha cha cha. Noa’s box is perhaps the most immediately striking… Read more »
The next pool should ask “Who had the best socks?” lol
Maybe “pool” could be a better idea than “poll” lol
That’s probably the only thing Romania could win – Pikachu socks ftw.
Reading the title without looking at the image almost gave me a heart attack.
it just sounds insanely inappropriate
2016: Trees in the background
2023: Boxes
We could also add dancers on a leash and singers laying on their back for this year.
UK 1971
I went and had a look on YouTube. Surprisingly, no box! lol
What the hell is this poll???? Really??? lol
Is this poll for real? xD
It’s a bit of fun considering the newfound trend for boxes at Eurovision 😉
I’m really digging what Israel is doing so far! I think if they play with the camera angles in a neat way a la Dance You Off, this stage show is gonna POP OFF.
Loreen’s toaster has given claustrophobic vibes from day 1. I hope it looks good on screen, now that it’s smaller.
Noa’s tunnel looks expensive and interesting, I’m curious about the camera angles. Really wanna see the final product.
Kaarija is my winner of them three, not box-wise, but I still love what he gives us. Rooting for a Finnish victory.
I think those vibes is what Loreen is going for. She fights her way out of her claustrophobic environs/mentality to freedom! For that symbolism alone, Loreen has the best box.
Best poll EVER!