The Eurovision Song Contest is a mountain to climb.
We start each season in the foothills, gradually ascend to the summit and by the end only one act is left standing.
Until now Duncan Laurence has had a seamless ascent, but it was almost inevitable that at The Netherlands first rehearsal for Eurovision 2019 he would hit some bumps in the road.
The market leader always has unrealistic expectations to grapple with.
Before people run off in the comments, this is not to say that this performance does not have winning potential.
It teems with beautiful moments.
In the first run through there was a backlit shot where Duncan looked down the camera and caused an earthquake of emotions. That was swapped out for lasers in the second run. But at the third it returned and so much for the better.
the problem here is two-fold: camera angles are too wide and we don’t get enough eye contact from Duncan.
“Arcade” needs emotional intensity, which you get from tight closeups and eye contact down the camera, both of which were lacking today.
In sum The Netherlands still has the ingredients it needs to pull of a win, but at the moment it has not balanced them effectively. But when Duncan looks down the camera and is lit from the back in the climax it is sheer magic.
Duncan Laurence — “Arcade”: Reviews and Reactions
The Netherlands: First rehearsal at Eurovision 2019
The Netherlands: First press conference 2019
Read all of our Eurovision rehearsal reviews
Photo Credit: EBU
Am I the only one who thinks this is on purpose, for not giving away to much? I mean for example the ugly keyboard will be changed for a real piano and that bowl of light hanging there will give some amazing visuals or somekind of magic feeling??
I agree with you, I don’t think his team wants to give away too much before it’s time. It’s a clever strategy, and at least now we know why the piano is present in the performance
I am so dissapointed with this rehearsal, sorry.
Duncan sits at the piano and sings the song. A country that has remembered it is a song contest, not a visuals contest. The song and the lyrics are incredible. The stage is all blue. The only effects are one simple light and white clouds with a blue background. Perfection.
im dutch but our entry this year will be my personal bathroom break
so boring, and unappealing him sitting so lazy behind that piano
it is a song contest i know, but he could’ve done more while standing, getting audience to clap along near the end for example, now he can’t because he’s stuck behind that piano
The song sells it, no matter what happens on stage. Salvador Sobral also won by just standing there, with his eyes closed half of the time. A great song -and a great voice- does not need anything else. Whether Duncan sits or stands, he’s not going to burst out into dance moves anyway because the song doesn’t ask for that.
Honestly you can’t judge a whole performance by just 30 seconds and this is also only the first rehearsal so everyone should take it with a grain of salt – and that goes for all performances.
However, anything but a top 3 position for this song in the final would be blasphemous. I’m not blown away by the staging as of yet but I have no doubt it’s going to do great.
With or without the piano (about which I don’t mind either way), the key to this one is for the cameras to pick up Duncan’s visual performance; specifically his face. But I don’t agree with everything that Angus Quinn writes in his review, for example: “The market leader always has unrealistic expectations to grapple with.” – No it doesn’t. A more popular song does not raise the expectations for staging beyond the possible. It is never unrealistic to provide some kind of innovative staging for any of the entries – that is simply a matter of creativity. Dare to create.… Read more »
This is my favorite entry, but I’m not sure how I feel about the staging. The 30 sec clip only gave us an audience perspective and I think some of the visuals didn’t match the music played. The piano is ok I guess…. I love how he’s like awkwardly sitting behind it – that’s just typically him. Though, I think I prefer him standing. I just love his beautiful hand gestures and intensity when he’s standing behind the mic. Also, I’m not liking the colors and backdrop I’ve seen so far. I think the blue is way too dark. I… Read more »
Honestly? This is pretty close to what I imagined it would be.
All blue with him sitting at a piano.
Since it seems simple and he’s not doing or moving much, I’d say that his facial expressions are going to be CRUCIAL and the thing he needs to work and focus on the most.
People think his song is emotional so he needs to sell his emotions for all that they are worth.
I think the lowering odds might be good for Duncan’s chances. During the run up to the final in 2017, Salvador was on top of the odds, until he was pipped to the first position by Kristian before (I believe it was the Friday?). Anyway, unless we look at 2012-14, nobody really wants to vote for a dead cert winner. People will feel as though their vote would be better placed somewhere else. The staging is what it needs to be – by the sounds of it the improvements are largely cinematographical.
I thought that they’d go for an Oscar Zia ‘Human’ style staging – I have faith that this’ll work as well though!
Okay i didnt see the piano coming and I DONT LIKE IT. All he had to do was just stand on stage with beautiful lights patterns. Anyway, i dont think he’s out of the game now. The song is key. Vocals are on point. I hope the camerawork will be better though.
i would prefer without the piano
At first I was a bit sceptical about the piano but now I am glad it is there because now it has its ‘own’ type of staging if he just stood there I think it would have been more ‘salvador sobral’ nothing wrong but with this it will more stand out
stand out LOL it will make people fall asleep, and north Macedonia performing after this, Tamara has pure emotion, passion and a solid good song, definitely will hurt NL their chances to qualify
I have to work, even during these frantic Eurovision rehearsal days. But tonight I found time to write my outsider-perspective impression about Duncan’s first rehearsal. Am I optimistic for a win? I think I am fairly realistic. I don’t expect a win, and I mirrored that feeling most of the time on here. Anyway, curious what you think of it :-):
https://songfestivalwerk.wordpress.com/2019/05/07/tel-aviv-2019-duncans-first-set-of-rehearsals/
Read your piece. It is actually pretty good. I appreciate your observations. He is indeed going for a “concert setting”
I don’t know why but this reminds me Bulgaria 2017. I think he will get second place.
UGLY UGLY UGLY !
how boring! my deceased grandmother would have sung her better with more emphasis
Hello all…..it looks like Oscars performance of L.Gaga or am I wrong?
Thats what i thought!
And now I’m imagining Bradley Cooper breathing on Duncan’s neck.
Why do people think it is gonna be a non-winning material because of the simple staging? Salvador Sobral didn’t break the all time record by bungee-jumping into the flames. Anyway, good luck for all potential winners!
Sobral won because he had charisma. Duncan has a wonderful voice and is extremely talented, but I am not sure he can go through the screen. The song is amazing though, but it was a long time since ESC was a contest simply about music.
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People wanted to keep it simple
Now he keeps it simple some people are saying its too simple??
But anyway if its mostly camera angels it could easily be fixed… lets hope he is better in handling critics than Waylon ??
This song is so booooring and the performance is more boooooooooring. Top10? Not sure
100% agree.
Top 10? 100% sure.
There is no guarantee he will be top 10 with televoters. However, the jury is going to eat this up and give him a top 3 placing, that’s for sure!
agree, a shame and wasted potential what could’ve done more to this song, also maybe a smoother flow of water in backdrop, instead of those lasers which belong more to upbeat dance music, and not a ballad
He’s too stiff. This performance rather dull imo. I think ITALY will take the trophy home at this point
as I thought – the hype is just about the nakedness in the video. As a stage performer he might be good, but he’s not a winner entry.
Great strategy the video. And I agree with you.
vote me down as you like – but it’s the truth. Duncan will not win this. And don’t get me wrong: I like both the video and the song.
He simply has noot the charima of Sergey so he couldn’t be standing in front of the audience and chose to sit on a cheap keyboard – sorry not a piano – with artificial gimmicks to hide his weakness.
Would have been even worse without the keyboard believe me.
At least he doesn’t need 7 mirrors, seeing his ego multi reflected on stage as your beloved Sergej does!!
God…some Russians get more and more annoying with their endless hype of Sergey and even more annoying with trashing artists who have a real chances to win…
If Duncan is so ‘weak’ why you even care? Ugh!
I just watched the video of his press conference, and someone asked why the piano. Duncan replied that it reminded him of when he first wrote the song (sitting behind a piano) and wanted to translate that moment to the big stage
hopefully a shock NQ for Netherlands, cause i’ve heard better in semi 2
Moldova most underrated, sand art only used once before by Ukraine in 2011, so what about that, it is interesting and i like sand drawings myself
and Anna’s live vocals are also quite good, spot on right amount of emotion, feeling, passion, and a good love song
I like it. It wouldn’t make sense to give this entry an explosive staging, it would undermine its strenghts. So they kept things simple, ellegant and intimate. The lasers give it some modern touch and I bet the camerawork will make a huge difference on our final perception. The thing is that there’s always a cruel pressure on the shoulders of the frontrunner (ask Gabbani or even Netta), so this keeps the door open for the competition. I would get rid of the piano, but maybe it makes Duncan more comfortable, so he should have the final word.
Beautiful rehearsal, this now has a 90 percent chance of winning IMO . Amazing vocals, perfect staging, the lasers. Its Just EXQUISITE
LMAO, lasers don’t belong in a ballad, more in upbeat dance music
this song belongs in 90’s not 2019
The power is in the song and his voice, it doesn’t need any crazy distracting staging. They just need to nail the camera angles. This snippet doesn’t say much obviously.
The ”king” is….naked. Bye bye Duncan…
The Netherlands are my winner . What do you think about Greece; can we believe in a top 10 finish;
Definitely, Xristos. I think a top 10 is almost assured. Hopefully even a top 5. Greece is my number 2, actually, though closely followed by Iceland.
If she sings perfect and the tv direction is perfect…yes. ESC 2019 is widely open…for almost everybody to win !!!
The video is not very revealing, but I highly appreciate that they kept it simple and intimate. This is what we need as a winner this year (other good winner would be Italy…). My only concern is the fact that he is sitting on the piano. Although I personally love it (also because it is reminescent of other male winning singer songwriters) I am not sure if in our day and age this works well in Eurovision for victory… But my hopes are very high.
This could have been done so much better…. Just standing there and emotionally delivering the song with some nice subtle backdrop would have been way better.. But his voice sounds great.
The Netherlands invited their neighbours: This is Blanche’s ball from her musicvideo (Belgium 2017). NOTE: No hate comment, just a comparison for fun 🙂
Nah, I think they borowed it from Valentina.
The winner of the eurovision song contest 2019 !
Simply, stronger and pure.
Netherlands 12 points !!!
I don’t get why The Netherlands has its odds drifting. I mean, what were people expecting? A copy like Moldova or maybe a pretentious and pompous staging like Russia? This entry doesn’t need much more, just tweak some camera angles to create atmosphere. That was enough for Salvador Sobral.
Are we sure that Salvador only won because his song was good? Because in my opinion he didn’t. Don’t get me wrong, I’m happy he is healthy now but I think he overused his then sickness to create drama around him. Regarding the dutch song, I don’t like the piano, I find it too old fashioned. Maybe he wants the older people from the critics to vote for him. The song is good.
Omg, the things people come up with… 1) No one knew about Salvador’s illness at the time (all we knew is that he couldn’t make it to rehearsals, and no details were provided). It was only revealed several days after the contest was done. What “overuse” and “drama” are you even referring to?! Please post the links. 2) 99% of the audience only tunes in the night of the final and doesn’t read ESC news. 3) Let’s even assume that everyone knew, you don’t get 758 points and critical acclaim from both juries and televote “just” because you have some… Read more »
That’s incorrect. I followed all the pre-contest developments starting with the national and internal selections, pre-parties, the whole spiel. It was known that Salvador was suffering from a severe heart health related issue. It was also said that during the semi and the grand final shows, several national broadcaster commentators made reference to the problem.
Please post the links. I was also following the pre-contest development and don’t remember reading a single line about it (and certainly not “overuse” and “drama”). All the hype was around Italy that year, as Gabbani was leading all the odds and opinion polls until very shortly before the final. Portugal was not talked about before the contest, even less so for that.
Please post the links you’re referring to. If there was such a “drama”, should be very easy to find.
Here is the link as well https://wiwibloggs.com/2017/04/16/portugal-salvador-sobral-misses-eurovision-rehearsals-owing-to-the-health-issues/
That is time stamped the 16th of may 2017, the contest in 2017 was held before then, specifically the dates for the 2017 contest were 9th may 2017 – 13th may 2017, your article is dated 16th may 2017
Are you trolling us now? It is April the 16th, it says it in the article and if you had read the article you would see it talks about the rehearsals. The rehearsals can’t be after the contest. Please don’t make me waste my time if you ask for links and you don’t even open them.
I do remember that he was not there for a rehearsal which his sister did. So much for drama. When a singer is not there for the rehearsal, people start asking questions and articles are written about it. I do remember also that the national commentator of my country talked about his condition. So when you see a young person singing and you hear he has a heart condition, I think it makes it easier for you to just send a couple of votes his way.
esc can’t have a second Salvador in 3 years….maybe one per 10 year !!!
The weight of bookies and fans favorite is hard to bear, no wonder people feel disappointed, Duncan probably must fly or burn on the stage to impress skeptics lol
For me the song is magical, he sounds perfect, the lights fits the atmosphere ,add to this a nice camera angles and we have a winner 🙂
though Mahmood is still my king 😛
Yes Mahmood remains the king ! but now I’m worried about the staging… for me duncan was very good and instead all complaining… for that mahmood said it’s always better don’t be the favourite. He’s very anxious, too much pressure doesn’t help
I thought live instruments are not allowed in stage? It says but in the Eurovision rules.
I don’t think that’s true. The Netherlands did it again back in 2014, Greece in 2015 and in 2010 (to name a few) Netta used her weird yet smart gadget last year. Austria had a burning piano in 2015, Alexander Ryback his epic violin in 2009 and 2018 and the list goes on… What rule exactly?
Those were props for the “show”.
Slovenia had a flute in 2014, that was a nice entry. Ireland had a piano last year, Romania had some kind of drums in 2012.
How could I forget!!!! The Romanian entry in 2010 with the double piano! That one was amazing!
You are right, live instruments are not allowed. The piano is just a prop.
I think it’s not allowed to only have live music. It has to be playback.
You must be new, hes not really playing the piano it more used as prop just like the Netherlands did in Copenhagen 2014.
That jogged my memory alright. Austria had a piano in 2015.
This could have worked last year with the simplified no led stage but this year where leds, technology and visual effects are in the game I’m having doubts at least on the televote side. Only juries can save the Netherlands win now.
Why? Because it is the Eurovision Led Contest?…
The biggest problem is the costume. If he wears what he wore in the video, I would vote for it a million times over.
And the traditinal gay shallow attempt of comedy opinion strikes again for no reason at all …
It’s good but was the only one expecting something more explosive?
Will do great though as be should
Good point, but I keep thinking the chorus part could have used more oompah. I wasn’t expecting fireworks either, just more power.
Like what – more Ikea candy with feces in it like you do in your miserable acts? Can you not appreciate simplicity?… I guess not with all your plastic food, furniture and clothes, you cannot appreciate authenticity. What a moron….
First rehearsal. Not much to see. But o so good. Wait until the semi final, and everyone will be blown away. And as far as polls: arcade still strong on top, while sream has gone down. And I wonder how people can change their opinion by seeing just a very small part. Grow up!
There’s also the second rehearsal on Saturday, he laid down a foundation today that he can build on going forward. I’m sure it will look amazing on TV next week
For me: Netherlands, Slovenia, Switzerland, Russia, Italy. No matter who wins, I will love all these songs. <3
Exactly the same for me! 🙂
I feel a little disappointed. I am not getting winner vibes here, even tho i really like the song, but something’s missing. If he was competing in 2018, which was a super strong year, i am sure he wouldn’t win. He can win this year tho, just because 2019 is not a strong year at all.
It is quite simple:
– people that liked Arcade before will be relieved with this pure staging
– people that disliked Arcade before, will hate hate its simplicity
Basically, I don’t think the odds will drastically change 🙂
Exactly that, odds are somewhat drifting now, but he won’t be overtaken I think.
Oh well we’ll see whats gonna happen, altho I don’t like the piano I rather have him standing.
I’m getting some Coldplay vibes from this! I’m imagining the audience also lit up during some of the wider shots, which will look fantastic. All of you who are disappointed, wait until the live show… this is just a 30 sec. FIRST rehearsal snippet.
Is this the same piano 2017 ?
If bringing the emotion by looking in the camera more often, is the only problem.. it’s still a winning game.
But if we remember Salvador in 2017, it was so beautifully shot, he rarely made that eye contact, it was about him, and his connection with the song. I think what Duncan needs is a more intimate setting. I feel like the colour scheme works really well, it keeps the colours from the music video in mind, his voice is stunning, the only thing missing at this point for me is intimacy, and i feel like that is easily fixed. A very minimalist staging is what the song needs, and what will work well with it is Duncan interacting with… Read more »
Last year Israel also disappointed a bit in the first rehearsal and it finally turned out to be the winner, so it is never possible to guess what will happen. What is sure is that we should not criticise that much and let the show start to see what the outcome is.
The youtube comment section doesn’t think this is a winning game for the Netherlands anymore.
That’s not true at all. Maybe you should buy some GLASSES.
Agree, so disppointed.
The Youtube comment section is usually a bloodbath of terrible angry Youtube fans 😉
I think every entry at some point gets a gigantic load of hate, especially if you’re the top favourite and even when you’re in the bottom in the odds.
it isnt a great bloodbath on YT in the Wiwi posts. Of coz the haters always have to find something targetting their hate comments on
i think you must have read a diff act??: snippet: wiwi YT reactions on Arcade- Thijmen Wind 3 uur geleden I am sad he is behind a keyboard, I really didn’t expect that. Still my number 1, but I hope they will change the staging? Joris van Veen 3 uur geleden I think it would be better to have a cleaner PIANO, not a keyboard. Still love it.. man I hope it wins!!? Mucrush 3 uur geleden I 100% agree with your thoughts. The staging is not the best? Julia Ortiz Molina 2 uur geleden Netherlands not that good staging???… Read more »
Probably a bit too toned down however it might look very good with the audience having the lights on their phones etc. as there were loads of audience angles apparently.
Also, every other staging at the top-10-15 so far, has loads going on so maybe this stands out for its simplicity.
I’m for Mahmood but I don’t undestand why a lot of you say the staging of duncan wasn’t good .
I liked it, the song is emotional and doesn’t need special effects, we need just to focus on the song, with some lights and his voice, it is ok for me…
Also the staging of mahmood will be minimalist, he said; now I look forward to seeing this.
Well people in the comment section are definitely being a bunch of rays of shunshine again… What else is new.