If it ain’t broke don’t fix it. So it seems to have gone with Slovenia’s Zala & Gasper, who brought their intergalactic staging from EMA to Tel Aviv for their first rehearsal. The performance starts off largely in the dark with Zala singing almost in silhouette. She channels her powerful brand of fragility as she stares into Gasper’s eyes.
As the song progresses the starscape behind them comes into sharper focus. It goes on a journey from near darkness to something much brighter and purple — like the box of the iPhone XS Max or the desktop of a MacBook Pro. The most powerful portion is towards the end when the camera is angled up from the floor, so you see the pair and only stars. It’s as if they are floating in space and only have each other as an anchor. When Gasper eventually touches Zala’s stomach it’s a subtle but explosive climax to one of the most atmospheric songs of the year.
Zala Kralj and Gašper Šantl — “Sebi”: Reviews and Reactions
Slovenia: First rehearsal at Eurovision 2019
Slovenia: First press conference 2019
Video here
Why this song is so boring?
Mesmerising. This could win its semi. Or it could come last. Difficult one to predict.
I’m glad they sticked to what worked so well in EMA. The background looks beautiful, more vibrant and detailed. Now it’s just the matter of picking the right camera angles. In the end, those who think it’s monotonous will still not like it, but those who can sense their chemistry and feel the atmosphere will keep loving it. I definitely love this one.
this song has deeper meaning if you spoke slovenian language. it is a requiem of her about lost her virginity to him
This comment makes me dislike the song even more.
Jeez lol, don’t believe everything you read on the internet. The song is about supporting each other while staying true to yourself.
I think they have brought the perfect background for the LED screens. It makes the song so magical and helps to draw the viewers into the athmosphere. It also seems that the lighting progresses through the performance, getting brighter, which adds some progression to the song. Very clever. The staging is simple but effective. Some will get bored, while some others will stare the TV during the 3 minutes fully inmersed in the perforamance. I will be one of the last.
I mean they are adorable, but the song is so monotone. I am sorry, I really don’t get all the hype. This is my head scratcher of the year.
Favourite background up until now, tied up with Hungary. I’d just put Gasper on a smart jacket or a long sleeved t-shirt, that costume doesn’t look good enough on him.
The female singer looks so bored, this isn’t good for camera. I guess they will do well with juries and easily qualify.
No charisma whatsoever. Great song but the singer has no stage presence. Boring
“It goes on a journey from near darkness to something much brighter and purple — like the box of the iPhone XS Max or the desktop of a MacBook Pro.”
… I mean, Bernardo,….
forget it.
It was suzanne from their reaction video that said it and not Bernardo so…. Forget it.
But still wondering what the hell is Suzanne thinking 😀
She’s thinking like a creative designer.
Press poll results:
Cyprus 72
Serbia 67
Czech R. 58
Hungary 53
Belarus 28
Slovenia 19
Poland 16
Finland 2
Montenegro 0
So, according to the press, Cyprus, Serbia, Czech Republic and Hungary are likely qualifiers, Belarus, Slovenia and Poland have a shot, while Finland and Montenegro are DOA? Interesting…
Belarus is better than Slovenia, really? Is this a song contest or staging contest?
Hard to judge just by this bit. It might become boring at some point, or be atmospheric throughout the performance.
I do know the staging works for the song. The question is whether it connects with the casual viewer. Because of its uncertainty I still have Slovenia as Borderline .
Thus far:
CYPRUS – Q
CZECH REPUBLIC – Q
FINLAND – NQ
POLAND – hopefully Q
SLOVENIA – Q
MONTENEGRO – NQ
HUNGARY – could go either way
BELARUS – NQ, but better than expected
SERBIA – hopefully Q
WTF, how can Slovenia be 6th on the press poll when they were the best and awful Czech coming 3rd ????
I was asking myself the same, and no offense to Czechs – his vocals in that short clip are so poor.
This is starting to give me Portugal 2017 vibes.
I cannot wait to see the entire performance, a sure qualifier imo.
I think this’ll look great once we see the camera angles. I think top 10 is possible if the televoting appreciates this enough.
Someone can explain me please what is the “dress reharsal “? The big 5t1 will exhibit only on the final or also in this dress reharsal ? It will be showed to the public these dress reharsals or it is just for the press ? Thank you very much.
It’s when they rehearse with what they are supposed to be wearing on the stage. The automatic qualifiers also do dress rehearsals.
Thank you!
Dress rehearsals are for all and you can buy tickets to them. The Dress rehearsals happen for the 2 semifinals and finals (3 dress rehearsals for each show) .
The 2nd dress rehearsal is the jury show wherein the jury votes ! The first one is the first run-through and the 3rd one is called the family show. All these three you can attend in the arena. None are broadcast.
All countries voting in the semifinal including the Big 5 countries , rehearse in the dress rehearsals for the semifinals .
Thank you ! So the singers of big 5 just wear the dress of the stagingbut don’t sing, correct ?