In eleven days time Eurovision fortnight begins. Delegations will arrive from across Europe, artists will take to the stage and together the continent will crown a successor to Salvador Sobral.
But before anyone gets their hands on the crystal trophy, all 43 artists will have multiple rehearsals, to ensure their live performances are on point.
And today RTP has revealed the rehearsal schedule to delegations. As with last year, rehearsals begin on Sunday the 29th of April and run through to Sunday the 6th of May. That gives each act two rehearsals to hone their craft before dress rehearsals begin during the week of live shows.
Normally jury rehearsals – which allocate 50% of the points – take place the night before each live broadcast in Eurovision week itself.
First rehearsals the week before last for 30 minutes, with delegations given 20 minutes at second rehearsals, since it’s expected delegations will have a better grasp on the performance by then.
You can see the full schedule below, note times are in Portuguese local time (i.e. GMT+1, for Daylight Savings Time):
EUROVISION 2018 FULL REHEARSALS CHEDULE
Sunday 29th April
10:00-10:30 Azerbaijan
10:40-11:10 Iceland
11:20-11:50 Albania
12:00-12:30 Belgium
13:40-14:10 Czech Republic
14:20-14:50 Lithuania
15:00-15:30 Israel
16:00-16:30 Belarus
16:40-17:10 Estonia
17:20-17:50 Bulgaria
Monday 30th April
10:00-10:30 FYR Macedonia
10:40-11:10 Croatia
11:20-11:50 Austria
12:00-12:30 Greece
13:40-14:10 Finland
14:20-14:50 Armenia
15:00-15:30 Switzerland
16:00-16:30 Ireland
16:40-17:10 Cyprus
Tuesday 1st May
10:00-10:30 Norway
10:40-11:10 Romania
11:20-11:50 Serbia
12:00-12:30 San Marino
13:40-14:10 Denmark
14:20-14:50 Russia
15:00-15:30 Moldova
16:00-16:30 Netherlands
16:40-17:10 Australia
Wednesday 2nd May
10:00-10:30 Georgia
10:40-11:10 Poland
11:20-11:50 Malta
12:00-12:30 Hungary
13:40-14:10 Latvia
14:20-14:50 Sweden
15:00-15:30 Montengro
16:00-16:30 Slovenia
16:40-17:10 Ukraine
Thursday 3rd May
10:00-10:20 Azerbaijan
10:25-10:45 Iceland
10:50-11:10 Albania
11:15-11:35 Belgium
11:40-12:00 Czech Republic
13:05-13:25 Lithuania
13:30-13:50 Israel
13:55-14:15 Belarus
14:20-14:40 Estonia
14:45-15:05 Bulgaria
15:30-15:50 FYR Macedonia
15:55-16:15 Croatia
16:20-16:40 Austria
16:45-17:05 Greece
17:10-17:30 Finland
Friday 4th May
10:00-10:20 Armenia
10:25-10:45 Switzerland
10:50-11:10 Ireland
11:15-11:35 Cyprus
11:40-12:00 Norway
13:05-13:25 Romania
13:30-13:50 Serbia
13:55-14:15 San Marino
14:20-14:40 Denmark
15:05-15:35 Portugal
15:40-16:10 United Kingdom
16:15-16:45 Spain
16:50-17:20 Germany
18:25-18:55 Italy
19:00-19:30 France
Saturday 5th May
10:00-10:20 Russia
10:25-10:45 Moldova
10:50-11:10 Netherlands
11:15-11:35 Australia
11:40-12:00 Georgia
13:05-13:25 Poland
13:30-13:50 Malta
13:55-14:15 Hungary
14:20-14:40 Latvia
14:45-15:05 Sweden
15:30-15:50 Montenegro
15:55-16:15 Slovenia
16:20-16:40 Ukraine
Sunday 6th May
10:00-10:20 Portugal
10:25-10:45 United Kingdom
10:50-11:10 Spain
11:15-11:35 Germany
11:40-12:00 France
12:05-12:25 Italy
Monday May 7th
10:00-12:00 Viewing Camera Crew | SF1 & Acts from Spain, United Kingdom + Portugal
14:00-16:25 Semi Final 1 Dress Rehearsal 1 (incl. 2 Acts from Spain, United Kingdom + Portugal)
19:00-20:00 Pre-Show
20:00-22:10 Semi Final 1 Dress Rehearsal 2 (incl. 2 Acts from Spain, United Kingdom + Portugal)
Tuesday May 8th
10:30-12:30 Viewing Camera Crew Dress Rehearsal 2
14:00-16:10 Semi Final 1 Dress Rehearsal 3 (incl. 2 Acts from Spain, United Kingdom + Portugal)
16:30-18:00 Viewing Camera Crew Dress Rehearsal 3
19:00-20:00 Pre-Show
20:00-22:10 Semi Final 1 Broadcast
22:30 – 23:10 Press Conference 10 finalists + Draw for the Grand Final
Wednesday May 9th
10:00 – 12:00 Viewing Camera Crew | SF2 & Acts from Germany, Italy and France
14:00-16:25 Semi Final 2 Dress Rehearsal 1 (incl. 3 Acts from Germany, Italy and France)
17:00-17:20 EBU & RTP Press Conference
17:30-17:50 JESC Press Conference
19:00-20:00 Pre-Show
20:00-22:10 Semi Final 2 Dress Rehearsal 2 (incl. 3 Acts from Germany, Italy and France)
Thursday May 10th
10:30-12:30 Viewing Camera Crew Dress Rehearsal 2
14:00-16:10 Semi Final 2 Dress Rehearsal 3 (incl. 3 Acts from Germany, Italy and France)
16:30-18:00 Viewing Camera Crew Dress Rehearsal 3
19:00-20:00 Pre-Show
20:00-22:10 Semi Final 2 Broadcast
22:30-23:10 Press Conference 10 finalists + Draw for the Grand Final
Friday May 11th
10:30-12:00 Opening Grand Final Rehearsal – All Finalists
13:00-16:00 Grand Final Dress Rehearsal 1
16:00-18:00 Viewing Camera Crew Dress Rehearsal 1
16:20-17:00 Big Five and Portugal – Joint Press Conference
19:00-20:00 Pre-Show
20:00-23:30 Grand Final Dress Rehearsal 2
Saturday May 12th
09:30-10:30 Viewing Camera Crew Dress Rehearsal 2
12:30-16:15 Grand Final Dress Rehearsal 3
16:30-18:00 Viewing Camera Crew Dress Rehearsal 3
19:00-20:00 Pre-Show
20:00-23:30 Grand Final Broadcast
TBA Winner Press Conference, Press Center
The semi-finals will be broadcast live from 21:00CET on May 8 and May 10. The Grand Final will broadcast live on Saturday 12 May from 21:00CET also.
Almost, almost … welcome, have a memorable journey in Portugal ! Rediscover the world.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N8bHCHl8X_0
No LEDs in Portugal because its a poor country
LEDs in Ukraine last year because its a rich country?
Portugal GDP per capita 32.576
Ukraine GDP per capita 8. 656… yeah right
Thank you for pointing that out.
It is mostly a style choice… deal with it!
Of course. Thats what i pretend to demonstrate…It was a choice, has not relation at all with being wealth or poor. I already saw pics from the stage under construction. Its amazing, and Jon Ola Sand said the same
For those of you crying about the ledwall on this year’s
Eurovision stage: “The thingy that hangs in the middle is one of the Panasonic PT-RZ31K Laser projectors that we are installing for those delegations that will use projection in their perfomance.”
Panasonic’s PT-RZ31K Projection mapping of the Merlion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmOQet7-9rM
Wow that is amazing. Thank you for sharing that. I wonder, though, why cannot Estonia use that instead?… Stupid question maybe?
That looks a lot more interesting than a mre led screen with selfies…
The thingy that hangs in the middle is one of the Panasonic PT-RZ31 Laser projectors that we are installing for those delegations that will use projection in their perfomance.
Panasonic’s PT-RZ31K Projection mapping of the Merlion
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bmOQet7-9rM
I think it’s time for Bernardo from wiwibloggs to go to altice arena (if he likes this suggestion) and interview the stage team. I’m tired of hearing all these rumours about the poor stage when in fact the same company that did last years stages was hired and have, for sure, creative input. I’m sure that technology wise is going to be up there with the best.
I was a bit worried that without LED everything will look the same but after seing the magic panels fx that they are using insted im excited cause is gonna be something different and it looks so cool.
Here is a demo of the panel lights. They have more than 300 at the back of the stage.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VR8NvDQajvc
I was a bit worried that without LED everything will look the same but after seing the magic panels fx that they are using insted im exited cause is gonna be something different and it looks so cool
Here is a demo of the products. They have more than 300 at the back of the stage
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VR8NvDQajvc
Thanks for sharing that. Personally, I think that creates a much better effect than LEDs, because they can be very distracting at times and even ruin the staging, like it ruined for Italy last year.
That’s really cool, thanks for sharing!
Thanks for sharing. That looks interesting and will spice things up, I’m sure.
There will be several technologies involving light and projection.
The main structure on stage (which resembles the hail of a ship) will move and works as a laser projector.
Rumour says the main stage will have an elevator too
.
https://m-m-pr.com/index.php/eurovision-diary-2018/339-april-14
Mark my word, this year will be the biggest MONEY CONTEST! Wealthy countries can afford expensive props, firework, confetti made of gold and poor countries can afford only a microphone on a big stage. Portugal tries to be different and thinks that without LEDs, the participants can focus on the art / song when the reality is the focus will be on expensive props for an edge. We see problems with Estonia’s dress already. LEDs at least provide a level playing field and equal opportunity for al countries more or less. Thanks to the “Portugal way”, poor countries would be… Read more »
You guys clearly haven’t been watching the stage construction blog
ESC existed long before LEDs. I see it as a challenge for the artistic teams and I’m sure it will be nice. I really don’t like when some say: “Portugal won’t use LEDs because it’s a poor country”. What a stupid argument, LED are not the expensivest thing in the world !!! Let them do their way and accept each country has its own vision. Otherwise we can choose some rich countries to always organize the contest, only for rich countries participants, and of course only diffused in those rich countries. And we can change the name to “Rich Europeans… Read more »
Portugal tries to be different by copying their entry from last year. Okay …
C’mon. Don’t be in bad times…
Last year’s stage (of Salvador) was quite a shock to me but I must confess it matched with the song.
I’m sure RTP try to vary the show not prejudice singers!!
I’m surprised that young people, supposed to be open-minded, are so refractory and vehement towards any changes!!
Pray for your country to win, so next time you’ll have ESC at home, and you won’t be homesick.
Queen Foureira and Queen Aalto will slay! 12 points to the so-called “pop-corn songs”! Put them on my microwave… coz they haven’t stop playing on my phone!
Has she learnt to sing live?
Eurovision fortenite? Exciting
Cant wait to see Netta in a real reharsle!!
Say yay yay yay if you France to win
Remember in the summer when we thought Macedonia were not coming to Lisbon.Ahhh scary times
And then they came with a masterpiece.
which is a sure non-qualifier. 🙂
Says a Greek person. No surprise!
All Greeks are not mean but u seriously expect Macedonia to qualify through that strong Semi? They didn’t last year when they had an amazing song on a weak Semi…they surely won’t this year because there r sooo many great songs on Semi 1!
Seriously?! Yes, Dance Alone was a great song, but the reason why Jana did not qualify was because her performance was not strong enough. Her vocals were weak, compared to the studio version.
Marija, however, has an amazing voice, and really proved that she can sing live.
You’re just so pessimistic when it comes to Macedonia, sorry!
You’ll see by yourself in May. I think that fyrom will be last in semifinal, she can’t even sing.
Hahahah keep dreaming cuz that place is already reserved for either Ireland or Iceland.
Dude, way to burst my bubble. Ireland won’t come last because of the running order just saying and they’re bringing the dancers into Lisbon. Just gotta wait until the rehearsals.
She has many videos online where she sings lost and found flawlessly. I have good faith macedonia can make it this year.
Imagine what will you do if Macedonia qualifies and Greece doesn’t.
LOL
You gotta be really delusional to think Macedonia has any chances of qualifying, lol.
Macedonia is a great song, but it will not qualify. The semi final is too strong and they won’t have enough votes. However, the one guy who thinks she can’t sing is one delusional individual.
F.Y.R. Macedonia’s song isn’t on par with most of Semi 1’s line up, they’re doomed, unless they can slide into 9th or 10th, but even then, in the final they’ll be in the 20’s
Greece, Cyprus and Macedonia can stay the HEL L out of the contest until they sort out their little problem!!! The entire Balkan for that matter. They must not WIN!!! Last thing we want is another political contest!!! Western Europe and Scandinavia can host.
So in your little worldview: Balkans – out; Southern Europeans – out; poor countries – out; I guess, Israel – out… So, the Eurovision should go back to the early sixties with about 12 countries… You make me sick
Rasmus, I get your point on this one and might even agree, which is indeed sad. But this is not what “Perfection” meant… Check out his other comments in other posts. This is pure hate and racism.
Thanks @Rasmus. Finally, someone can understand the bigger picture! To those who dislike what I say or think I am racist, this is the hard reality you try to brush under the carpet. Europe is not as peaceful as you think! To ensure the contest still exists and run in an orderly manner, Western European countries and Scandinavian countries are in the best position to host. Do we really want a poor country or political unstable country host and ruin the contest when it is already suffering a decline in interests? Let’s be real that the reason why Australia, a… Read more »
Amm, there are Eastern European countries as well that aren’t in war or dispute… and could host the country; Czech Republic, Poland, Slovenia, Hungary, Croatia, Baltic states, Belarus, Bulgaria, Romania…
The main problem is that Western Europe almost always shows mediocre and uninteresting songs at the contest, and most of the new and creative music comes from Eastern and Southern Europe. The question is – what is more important to you – a contest without problems or the victory of a worthy participant? For me, the second option is preferable, it is more interesting to see how the contest is organized in a new country than again in Sweden. Moreover, as the past year has shown, Western Europe is no longer as calm as before, even such stable countries as… Read more »
This is ridiculous and it is really ignorant. First of all, Portugal is a Western European country. Secondly, Portugal is the 32nd richest country in the world, so not so poor. (30,650 USD GDP per capita) not far from New Zealand (38 340 USD GDP per capita). Thirdly, your little head is full of stereotypes. Fourtly, very unfortuntately we are not safe anywhere in the world. How one can be so ignorant and such a biggot is beyond me. The reality is that the majority of the Eurovision is made up these countries you hate, so I suggest you find… Read more »
I agree with @Perfection more or less. I don’t think Portugal should win or host this year. I hate a really bad time at Lisbon, Portugal last year. I was robbed – my wallet and phone were taken from me at night. Thank god I hid my passport. At the time, I struggled to find people to help me on the street. I had food poisoning from the seafood I had there. Where I stayed was suppose to be a nice hotel but air-con was not working and despite my numerous attempt to speak to people, it was never fixed.… Read more »
*i had not I hate
And on top of that, I did not really like Salvador’s entry last year.
Does anyone know if there’s a schedule for the Eurovision village?
Yesssssssss
Wiwi the people that go to lisbon like me would you have a metting point anywere to salute you guys.
CANT WAIT
Guys remember at the start of the season when we thought that Macedonia was not coming to Lisbon
Pleassssssssssssssssse don’t remind me I still have nightmares.
You want us to have a Vietnam Flashback? Don’t remind us!!
Wasn’t it 20.00 CET until last year?
Portuguese time- everythings an hour earlier than CET in Portugal.
No it has been 21:00 cet for atleast 2 years now i think
OMG, in less than two weeks the Eurovision craziness will start. I can’t wait… I’m so excited and i just can’t hide it!!!!! 😀 😀 😀
OMG! I’m so excited! We’re getting closer and closer!!
Queen Foureira! #Fuego in Lisbon
I just love Altice Arena! Amazing venue!
They already showed images from the stage under construction, its amazing! 🙂
France to rehearse last again 🙁
Omg, I can’t believe this is all starting again now!!! I feel like it was yesterday when Blanche first rehearsed and everyone was like ”She’s gonna stay in the semi”, the good old days 😀
I never believed that she’s gonna stay in semi, Blanche my winner <3
yeah, I never believed that… She wasn’t exactly amazing and her staging wasn’t as good as expected, but People were overexaggerating as always. I thought Guys, be chill.
I’ve always believed in Blanche. She is such a sweetheart with amazing voice and song. She deserved to finished in second place, just because Salvador was unbeatable last year! 😀
I agree with you. The Top 5 should have been like this:
1. Portugal
2. BELGIUM
3. Bulgaria
4. Moldova
5. Italy
It it was a matter of should have been then Citylights should have won by a landslide…. Bit should haves remain should haves
I loved City Lights, but Portugal had the best song and the best performance. I voted for them, too.
Same, I loved so much Blanche last year, and also Salvador, all my votes went for them!