In her Eurovision 2018 song Aisel asks Luna to moon her up. And today the stage crew answered her call, setting up a series of “futuristic mountains” lit with neon white LEDs at the edges. She and her dancers stand on the sides wearing all white. Aisel looks stunning, daring to bare her silky legs in a white brazier. A sheer white cape hangs from shoulders, giving her an angelic quality as vivid blue lights illuminate behind her. There’s also an augmented reality effect, creating what appears to be a white starscape — or at least some glittering dots — that spin above and around Aisel as she lifts her arms. It’s a nice touch and reminds some of Dami Im’s on-screen moving images.
Legendary stage director Fokas Evaggelinos, who has created some of the most iconic performances in Eurovision history, explained his thought process in a statement sent to wiwibloggs.
“From the first time I heard the song, an uplifting feeling dominated me. The lyrics and the music played an equal role to that. The stage presence is based on linear formations of elements that create a number of futuristic mountains. Moreover, we combined all those bright elements with a theatrical approach in the performance. The message that we want to communicate is that if each of us believes in ourselves, we can be led higher. Reaching this state, the intense experience of this path, creates the need of communicating the message of believing in ourselves. Lead more people to the top.
Aisel — “X My Heart”: Reaction
Azerbaijan: First rehearsal at Eurovision 2018
Azerbaijan: First press conference 2018
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Photos & Footage: Courtesy EBU & RTP
The stage looks really good, even without LED! I liked Azerbaijan, beautiful staging, beautiful colors.
Albania being 3rd is going to squash Azerbaijan’s chances this year. Of those early songs, this one gets overshadowed
Nothing special. I’m dissapointed. We have 2018. We need something more emotional…
I wonder if Europes all turks will vote up all their money on this? i hope not because its super generic. The staging is 100% better then the song. I like when people are voting for the best song. Not the country. This is not the best not even the 30th best this year
The staging looks indeed impressive (though I am not a fan of the white suits – the mid 2000’s are calling). My problem with this is that Azerbaijan always follows the same formula. Spectacular staging but mediocre songs – at least for my taste. Anyway, best of luck.
Are the backing vocalists supposed to overpower her voice?
I don’t know if this is the right approach for an uptempo pop song, especially when their main competitors for a same audience (Finland and Cyprus) tend to have singers doing things that are more entertaining. But Aisel probably will look gorgeous to the cameras, so let’s wait and see.
Hm, I think a white outfit against a blue background might look a little too cold for the song. I don’t think it’s great entry overall so I was hoping for some “natural passion” in the performance. It looks professional though.
My guilty pleasure for 2018. But i admit the song is not good…
The staging looks promising and the vocals are great.
Song is much better than staging, you…
I like her suit and the staging. It’s very cool
I think she should qualify, but from sf2. Here are too many potential qualifiers, she just doesn’t fit
And that’s a pity, since her song is pretty good
How ugly and tacky is that stage! Gosh, can’t they spend some money on better lighting? Gosh, Copenhagen, Vienna and Stockholm are amazing and modern in comparison despite they were years ago.
She’s wearing granny panties. Should wear something to cover !! LOL
no no no… doesn’t deserve to go to the final.
Lol the staging looks like mid 2000s Greek entries thanks Portugal
I don’t know, they had cheesy pop song which was ENERGIC and it made you want to DANCE. The staging turned it just into a cheesy pop song. It lacks energy and fun, although it’s visually nice.
Azerbaijan in final thanks to votes from televote and juries who supported that countires in many past year in voting in Eurovision. IN final place like Azerbaijan 2016 , Greece 2017
Like any other artist with medium voice, she fails a little to hit the big notes! Thanks to the backing vocals, things are getting better! I’m disappointed of her live singing!
Well, they are relaying totally on the staging to qualify. The song itself shoudn’t qualify in a strong semi like this. The backvocals at the “X my heart”part sound a bit shouty for me.
It’s an ok song, but that outfit does not look good.
To me there are a lot of „Euphoria“ elements in the staging. Nice, but …seen that – done that.
I don’t see them to be honest except for that both have dark staging and wear breezy clothes.
It is so unfair to pass in final only with a strong stanging … the lyrics of the song are awful ..her voice is ok but the song is not something special.. my opinion
She will need more than just a good staging.
If only Eurovision worked like that Jo…
I agree. It’s not only the staging but the diaspora. We’ll see, but this SF is so strong that having Azerbaijan qualifying would be a dissapointment.
I love what I am seeing so far. She has to be in the final for sure.
She will qualify, this is Azerbaijan. No matter how bad, qualification is never in doubt. It’s a shame she has to use a strong staging to cover up those awful lyrics.
The lyrics kill this song dead for me. Which is a shame as I think Aisel is great and I usually like this kind of music but lyrics are vital. “Luna Moon Me Up” is NOT a thing.
Lol no. They ended up 10th in 2015 and 8th last yer, they dont qualify effortlessly. The semi is too strong this time and the song is meh + no small countries like San Marino, Montenegro and Malta so they cant buy votes.
If you want to see Aisel on stage go to Eurovision Instagram story. You’re welcome!
azerbaijan will qualify for sure.. the question is what big name is out because of azerbaijan qualification: estonia , belgium , czech republic , finland?
Belgium or Finland stay in the semifinal I think. Azerbaijan looks strong.
Nah. Azerbaijan too basic this year to qualify.
i dont think so
https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/change-up-the-way-the-points-are-announced-in-the
Sign if you want each country’s televote announced in the ESC final
From what I’ve seen on the Insta story from Eurovision, this looks great. If Finland doesn’t bring it, they are out! This looks professional and sophisticated, and her singing is good for the first time since the pre-parties. This is growing on me and my expectations were beaten.
Omg. She looks amazing. I think she will be in the Grand Final
The staging really elevated the song . Her vocals were really good as well.
Excited for the other performances.
The performance looks like a copy of Lady Gaga’s Joanne Tour performance of Bad Romance/The Cure
Armenia will LOVE a mountain reference!