Every day between now and the grand final in May, the team from wiwibloggs will be rounding up the latest titbits from the world of Eurovision 2019. We’ve trawled through Instagram, Twitter and elsewhere so that y’all don’t have to. This is the Daily Digest for Saturday the 4th of May.
First Eurovision stars arrive in Tel Aviv
With the very first rehearsals kicking off tomorrow, the first lot of Eurovision contestants have already made their way to Israel. One of them is Cyprus’ Tamta, who will be the first act to kick off rehearsals at Expo Tel Aviv tomorrow morning. Welcome to Israel! (Florian)
Iceland Music News meets some of Hatari’s youngest fans
It’s no secret that Hatari has struck a chord with the children of Iceland. Iceland Music News caught up with three young fans, who have put together their own DIY version of “Hatrið mun sigra”. The boys talked about making their own costumes with sports shirts and white tape. As as for the song’s dark lyrics, one of the lads revealed: “Klemens told me it’s gibberish. They don’t really mean it.” (Robyn)
Roko pays tribute to former Eurovision winners
If there’s one thing missing from this Eurovision season, it’s an artist performing a medley of former winners. Fortunately Croatia’s Roko has stepped up, with his take on “Euphoria”, “Rise Like a Phoenix” and “Molitva”. He performs the songs with a simple piano accompaniment, showing off his smooth yet powerful vocals. Will we see “The Dream” performed in a winner’s medley next year? (Robyn)
Eliot releases acoustic version of his Eurovision entry
Belgium’s Eliot released a new version of his Eurovision entry “Wake Up”. In the new acoustic version, listeners can witness a more vulnerable and emotional side of him. But most of all, it definitely goes to show his great voice! (Florian)
Serhat drops new music for his fans
San Marino’s Serhat is someone who always has an eye on his fans. He really cares about them a lot! And today, he’s released a brand-new album! Featuring a total of 14 tracks, it includes his two Eurovision entries as well as the well-known duet with Eurovision winner Helena Paparizou. Say yay yay yay! (Florian)
Kate Miller-Heidke drops “Zero Gravity” acoustic version…
Eliot isn’t the only artist releasing an acoustic version of their Eurovision entry today. Australia’s star Kate Miller-Heidke also dropped an acoustic take on her song “Zero Gravity”, accompanied by a music video which shows her playing the piano. With a voice as clear and spectacular as Kate’s, this version deserved to be heard! (Florian)
… and releases some brand-new merchandise!
Busy times for Kate Miller-Heidke. Not only did her acoustic version come out, she’s also dropping exclusive merch for her enthusiastic fans. Whether you’d want a simple shirt, a bag or even baby onesies… she’s got it all! (Florian)
Duncan Laurence gives concert at Zonnehuis in Amsterdam
He’s the big favourite going into the rehearsals in Tel Aviv. And to get some more energy from his home crowd, Duncan had his final show in Amsterdam before leaving for Israel. The show was sold out and Duncan got to play his Eurovision entry “Arcade” among other great performances that rounded out a memorable night. (Florian)
Kobi Marimi visits portrait painting in the streets of Tel Aviv
Israel’s Kobi Marimi is one of the most humble people we’ve met so far. And he must be over the moon to see a painting of him on the streets of Tel Aviv. Being located close to the Expo Tel Aviv, you might have a chance to pay a visit if you’re in Israel! (Florian)
S!sters tease big news coming really soon
Germany’s S!sters — that’s Laurita Spinelli and Carlotta Truman — did some final radio promotion in Germany before preparing to leave for Israel this weekend. With their bond being as strong as it could ever be, they seem to be ready for the moment they’ve been preparing for in the last couple of weeks. And there’s more to come up, as they’re teasing a special announcement coming soon… could it be new music? We’ll tell you as soon as we find out. (Florian)
“Proud” goes bilingual
It’s not uncommon for artists or their supporters to perform Eurovision songs in other languages, and this time Tamara Todevska’s “Proud” has been interpreted in International Sign Language. The song is signed by students from the State School Center for Education and Rehabilitation in Skopje. Tamara writes, “I am so proud of all of you!” (Robyn)
Why didn’t you go?