William: Estonia’s Elina & Stig faced some major technical issues during their first rehearsal. They had to stop several times and it seemed like the projections — large shadows and a cityscape — weren’t always working. But by the time we saw the final take we were in love. The visuals reflect the Old World glamour of the song. Stig & Elina — decked in black — look extra glossy and sensual and their vocals have improved significantly since Eesti Laul (and they were already in good shape). The emotional shadow of their relationship is conveyed through the literal shadows projected behind them. They are enormous, like mini-skyscrapers. Elina looks away from the camera while Stig stares straight into it. We aren’t sure if this is meant to reflect his detachment and her obsession. But regardless we are loving this. Can’t wait to see if the odds change after the bookies see this one…
Estonia’s Elina & Stig: First rehearsal
Chris: After the initial technical issues that seriously delayed their second run-through, Elina & Stig proved why they were the favourites months ago. I was majorly impressed with Elina, who owned the camera in every shot and played the jilted lover role to perfection. Stig remains a mystery to me; I can never tell if he’s really disinterested, or if he too has got his role in the song down well. Was he looking past Elina on purpose and in to the camera, or was he simply doing his own thing for now – I can’t wait to see how this changes in the second rehearsal.
Padraig: Following the umpteenth technical hiccup, it was clear that the pair were becoming frustrated. They shouldn’t be. Their vocals were spot on and the cold-as-ice chemistry was near-perfect. The staging overhaul is a huge improvement from Eesti Laul. Gone is the Ikea showroom, instead we have a wonderfully sixties style silhouette backdrop. Once the technicalities are sorted, this should soar.
Estonia: Reviews and Reactions
You can read our reviews of all of the rehearsals by clicking here.
Photo: Andres Putting (EBU)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7jX3p3rdm4
I really hope it wins, it would be amazing if it won, like I would be sooo happy! I think they’re staging is fine, I mean it could be better, but it’s still great!
Hope for Talinn 2016!
Question for everyone saying the staging is bad, how do you want them to stage it? Because there is very little that they can do in a song like this and I think the simplistic route was the best approach by far. Plus, we’ve only seen 30 seconds of the performance so far, so why are we already making assumptions on the entire staging being bad. Not trying to be mean, just wondering!
They perform very well. I like this set, it’s nice and simple.
They have improved their vocals, but oh boy, what a boring performance. They have zero chemistry and both of them stand as still as a tower or something, I don’t know. However I don’t fear qualifying so far, but I fear they won’t be in the top 10, but we’ll see. Anything could happen!
I want the national final’s lamps back. They gave such a mysterious and cozy atmosphere to the stage.
Disappointing indeed. I used to say these two or Maraaya were gonna win. Now the Slovenian team is my black horse (although the one I like the best is Spain).
Visual effects look spectacular! Everything is looking and sounding like a winner. Good luck Estonia! <3
With such a lackluster staging Estonia might be in danger of not qualifying for the finals…. borderliner at the moment for me
This is not at all comparable to the 2011 performance…
Where is Mario? 😀
Yes they will win the 1st Final …
Yes they will fight for the Top 5 at the Finals …
Yes but a chair is just a chair …
& a house is not a house
so for me therefore not win at ESC 2015 in Vienna ,
my personal opinion maybe they catch up 3rd to 6 th place at the BIG FINALS.
…more to come … I am sure … have a laugh please all Wiwibloggers …..
it’s ESC time 2015 …it’s PARTY TIME .YEAHHH
The placing of Estonia always is very unpredictable. Their only winning song was the worst-ever-entry for me. Then again, Getter Jaanis 1273 Rockefeller Street blowed my mind. As did Tanja last year. My bettings concerning our southern neighbour always goes wrong. I wish Estonia will be in the final, but I don’t think Stig&Elina will enjoy many sets of douze points. Good luck anyway. With love and respect.
Is there a risk of overdoing that cold feeling? Might put voters off. To show some emotions ain’t bad.
Their interpretation of the song is near perfect. I don’t expect a sweet chemistry here because it’s not. And Stig manages to sing very well, to think that he had a gig the day before this rehearsal! Tallin 2016, I really think so!:)
Estonia needs to win the whole thing.
Of course it will qualify!!!
and def top ten…just not a winner..
I’m struggling to understand all the negative remarks and/or pessimism around this rehearsal.
🙁
Why I have a feeling this will barely qualify? Not definitely qualify, just barely? I’m a sad panda!
Estonia’s entry & their 1 st rehearsal …..review from my point of you:
And I am not from the WiwiTeam even when I am a press menber of a print & online media here in Vienna:
What we have seen is not so good, staging performing was really not so good,
because Elina & Stig did not seem necessarily to be a couple on stage. Neither of them were looking great & with any doubt they did show any emmotions at all.
Who knows if they can improve for the 2 nd rehersal even better?
You’d think Estonia would have the good sense not to repeat their 2011 New York skyscrapers background theme. It was the last time they were favourites but nothing came of it so it’s bad luck.
Anyway, I hope William is right and they slay. You can’t really judge anything from this 40-second clip. The Netherlands hadn’t impressed me that much with their rehearsal footage last year either.
I don’t think this will do very well, maybe they go the finals but I expect a weak result
In love with it! The stage design is simple, as it should be. The vocals are on point. And i stand by their choice: Elina trying to make a connection, Stig trying to detach himself form that. For me, it’s an original and genius take on it. Go Estonia!
I don’t think it’s a smart move to recycle the backdrop Estonia had in Düsseldorf.
Disappointed 🙁
Amazing … love their voices, the song, the staging, the background and THE MOODY dramatic feel throughout the song … Best of luck Estonia !!!!!
#boringashell
More like disappointment. This is an OGAE train wreck in the makings.