Amsterdam. Skopje. Baku.
Three different second rehearsals from three different corners of Europe.
Reactions to second rehearsals at Eurovision 2019: The Netherlands, North Macedonia and Azerbaijan
The Netherlands: Duncan Laurence with “Arcade”
While rumours of a grand piano were taking flight, Duncan has chosen to to keep his piano simple and understated, letting his voice do the work.
The only major addition to the staging is a transparent cube box sitting on the end of the piano, with a seashell/dome lamp perched on top for his first rehearsal. It proved a major distraction (with its electrical cabling evident), forcing the team to drop it through the second run through. In the third run through, they placed it back on the piano, but didn’t switch it on. Still some work to do here.
At the high chorus falsetto, the spotlight in the background becomes blinding. It’s a somewhat uncomfortable feeling, but strongly expressive and making a statement.
Among a sea of firework performances, The Netherlands is no doubt standing out in it’s own way. It’s the little song that could.
North Macedonia: Tamara Todevska with “Proud”
It’s a matter of why fix it when it’s not broken, with North Macedonia.
Her mirrors stand there not just purely for reflection, but as a strong statement as to the multi-faceted Tamara. Her vocals are arguably some of the most powerful of this year’s Eurovision, enunciating every word with passion.
Still, the focus of her stageshow is photos flashed up on the screen of women and families, channelling her message of female empowerment. The other focus is her voice.
The green dress has made a comeback. And while it may not have its fans and should consider getting it pressed, it now befits her.
Azerbaijan: Chingiz with “Truth”
Vocally, Chingiz was playing it down in his second rehearsal. While it wasn’t as strong and powerful, it’s more a matter of keeping it safe and not pressuring his voice.
Visually, its the same state of affair. The robots and lasers do their nasty work and it looks stunning. The golden heat pulses behind on the LED, exploding by the second verse. Chingiz serves face, gets on his knees and flexes those biceps.
Darkness encapsulates the stage, creating a mood and a feeling which contrasts with his falsetto. It’s a polished package, and ready to go.
Check out all of our rehearsal news here
Photo Credit: EBU
A lot less impressed by some of them than I thought I would be, but it’s mostly because of camera angles and all those horrible wide-shots
Has it occurred to anyone complaining about wide shots that maybe they are showing that part of the snippet? Its only 30-40 seconds of what you will see on the TV come the live shows….
Maybe, but during the live streams there is a lot of complaining too during the entire 3 minutes about wideshots. I don’t see KAN or Eurovision wanting to put us on the wrong foot just so we dont see much yet. There is already so little time to rehearse and to get everything technically correct. I dont think they just use those wideshots as some cover up to not show us everything.
Could it be that The Netherlands (Duncan Laurence) is still hiding something about his act? Because although I love his song (GOOSEBUMPS!), the act itself is SO underwhelming. Could he (and his team) have something up their sleeve?
Wow, Netherlands. Damn, killing it. Azerbaijan killed it too!
https://giphy.com/gifs/julie-3oEhna5pVBi8iy1V5e
Me at all these AWFUL camera shots
The Netherlands so overrated and so boring song and staging but most top 5 in the bookies is overrated :
Sweden as usual
Azerbaijan ? LOL
France AHHHAHAHH joke of the decade
France takes tge trophy of the cringest entry this year. They deserve last place more than Germany.
Doris, Aren’t you tired to bash almost all the entries this year? and that for weeks already?? what’s your point? Chill a bit sis, you will not change anything with all this hate and negativity…
I would be positive if people would have musical taste.
Netherlands: Duncan is doing his thing and vocally he’s doing it very well. The camerawork is a hit-and-miss. I hope we can see more of his expressions. The only moment in the snippet that he looks at the camera, they cut too fast.
North Macedonia: Great performance by Tamara with the right amount of emotion. Decent staging, but I’m still not sure about the lighting and colors.
Azerbaijan: great aesthetics, though I was expecting it to be more energetic. It sure elevates the song, but maybe not as much as the bookies thought.
tamara conquered me completely <3
I am very surprised that I could find 2 minutes of Duncans rehearsal – it is published at the youtube channle of De Telegraaf. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiZ_iNrZlIY
If this is allowed than we should find something like this for every song, does anyone has information about this?
Indeed, I have seen the whole or most of many of the rehearsals. The Spanish, for example, can be found entirely
Come the second rehearsal , press is allowed inside the arena and they are allowed to publish 2 minutes total of the performances they see on the day !
If they publish more they will lose their press accreditation! Delegations can choose to publish their entire performance though!
Sweden cant be involved in the camera work becuase we would never have so many wideshots. Its the delegations who decide the camera work. Do they really want all those wide shots in each?
I believe its the production crew who decide the camera work not the delegations otherwise im sure we wouldnt be getting so many wide shots, im sure not all delegations suddenly decided they wanted wide angles. Portugal being a good example, they quite clearly said after the first rehearsal they wanted the camera work more close on Conan and his dancer and not shot so wide away but when the second rehearsal came it was shot exactly the same way which was why Conan was pissed off in the press conference after.
im sad to hear it
Since the delegations normally have a final say on the editing of the performance, maybe the problem is that the production team is not giving them enough options. It’s almost like they feel the need of insert a wider shot between every different close angle. This is hurting both the dance numbers (the energy on the stage is not matched by the way the cameras film it) and those who need a closer look so we can see the details and connect with the performers.
They have no choice sometimes. You can require a specific shot but what if it’s impossible technically ? No camera available or something happening in the stage must be hidden to the viewer : steadycam, dancers coming in coming out etc.
Doris, yes you are right, sometimes its unavoidable but this year there are many complaints about the wide shots and i think the production crew really need to work on that as it isnt just one particular country complaining its quite a lot of them.
Can somebody tell me how can i play bet online? Thanks already
There are betting sites online
You register and put in money on what you feel will earn you good
Here is the pure sound of Chingiz – what do you think Tibor? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5-C7nDgPBU
Thanks for your answer. He has very good backing vocalists with him, by the way.
I think your guts are right. But I have to see the full performance either to judge finally.
How many times does he sing: shut up about it? Huhu
Youtube is floaded with azerbaijanis tho omg
is that not usual? they are turks to who support always to. If they send a song who there was no word in it. Turkey would still have Azerbaijan as their favourite.
Where’s the results of yesterday’s polls?
Congrats Tamara!Even though she is pregnant for 2 months she serves better performance than most of other participitants..We are PROUD of you!
i don’t get this comment. she’s pregnant, not sick, why wouldn’t she be giving us great performance?
i think its because if youre pregnant vaginas opening get loosen that makes high notes dangerous even baby can slip away, thats why you shouldnt shout if you are pregnant. i am not expert tho, just my idea. hope it helps.
Everything makes sense now, thank you!
What the-? I think I just lost IQ points from this.
Why would you spill info of such personal nature online? OR, did TAMARA share this publicly?
ive heard it as well before in one of her interviews but not with wiwibloggs i guess but not sure
I was thinking same thing today because i noticed that her boobs are getting bigger day by day thats why i see now..
she is not pregnant, she just gave birth to a baby boy.. where r these info from???
Wtf is going with the wide shots? it’s ridiculous!
Amen
It really is bad, somebody needs to loose their job over the awful production this year.
The ESC Hunk of the Year Award goes to………Chingiz!
Truth.
Here’s my take on these songs/performances: _ Netherlands: beautiful song, gorgeous backdrop and a dark, serene atmosphere. I don’t mind the piano at all but I do think that it might be beneficial for Duncan to look at the camera from time to time to really establish a connection with the viewer. Overall still my personal winner and I hope it wins the contest, or at least reaches the top 3. _ North Macedonia: I’ve always thought that if Tamara were to deliver powerful vocals in the semi, she might qualify. Although she did have a great vocal performance, this… Read more »
There is a meaning in Chingiz’s performance, if you check lyrics of the song.
Until you see the full cut in the semi on Thursday, you won’t know about Duncan and the camera. You’re seeing a one camera perspective.. They have five or six there.. It’s all up to the vision mixer and director…
Also: I don’t really get the hype around Azerbaijan. Sure, that staging has a lot of things going on, but his voice explains a lot more of things at that clip.
Same here. I am thinking we are definitely not seeing something in this clip that is a big WOW moment. They are probably saving it for the big night. I heard so much about this performance but honestly this 30 seconds didn’t do anything for me. And are we suppose to see those robotic figures projecting on him? I thought they would be hidden while we see projection on his body. Maybe that’s in the beginning, I don’t know.
Excellent vocal, you don’t agree?
He hits tge high notes, but in an uncofortable way, and sometimes hits it at the wrong time. There’re room for improvements but I think that one happens so naturally, that was questionable if it’s able to be saved.
Still way better than Duncan tho.
Agreed!
Remembering KAN was only given birth for almost 2 years, I can tolerate the camera shots.
I don’t think is a case of skill but obsession of showing the arena. I think though that the actual stage design is difficult as a concept. For example, the bridges/stairs in each side are bulky and in the closer angles they stand out negatively on the left or right of the artists. I am generally confused as to what is the actual design (especially since most of the countries don’t use the triangles on the ceiling etc. ) so is it just a big screen in the back?
#choices
#couldhavebeenNicosia
(and I am not cypriot)
Can anyone tell me where to find the elbow lady? 🙂
She must be at the Diners, having a piece of cherry pie with the Log Lady.
Is the Medallion Guy there too?
enough already wiwibloggs enough!!!!Today is Shabat!!! You are still posting new articles!!!Even birds stop flying today in Israel!!!But you do not!!!Whats purpose????Today is Shabat SHABAT……..
wtf………. you okey?
Eurovision is non political and non religious.. .
Are you not breaking your own Shabbat rules by posting things here?
Ah ah ah good joke! The problem is that irony does not translate well online
Typical religious intolerance. It’s okay if you want to do shabbat, but do not force other people to do what you think is important. Stop forcing your will on others.
Nice israeli imitation… You do realize even israeli news sites keep posting articles during shabbat and that you have a germanic username? I can’t believe people really fall for these bait comments with lots of capslocks, question marks and exclamation marks.
Stop, that’s emberassing
Most of Israeli people don’t care about it as you write here, stop trolling
Basically another ‘Don’t eat in front of us, we’re still fasting!’ comment.
About the lightbowl
They had to fly in another one and they couldn’t hang it on the ceiling yet but next time they will fix it
Furthermore they will change a few things but thats about it i think
I am ready for the downvotes but I just find the Netherlands a little boring. I suppose it is true that it is all about the feeling in a song and whilst I think it is nice, it just doesn’t hit me like it does other people. Therefore, maybe it was inevitable that the staging would do nothing for me as I think it is designed to play on the emotions that people feel when listening to the song. I am a bit disappointed though that what could be the winner didn’t at least try to get other people on… Read more »
I agree , people can downvote because we aren’t all 100% on their selected winner. But I still think there will be a surprise winner.
Completely agreed. (We are people too though just not the majority.)
Can you explain what do you think about stupidity of lyrics of Russian song? What kind of stage show could compensate those awful lyrics?
I agree, the Russian lyrics are not great – a lot of misfiring metaphors, although there is a sentiment in there that I quite like, in terms of the stoicism in the face of tragedy, yet underneath the silence still screams. That is nice. With Duncan, the metaphors work much better, but the sentiment leaves me cold – there is a wallowing, self-pitying vibe which I can’t quite get on board with.
I get what you saying, Kosey, self-pitying vibe is not my thing either, but I guess this song is written in one specific period of life after breaking up the relationship. Taking into consideration that there are few phases which one should go through after stressful event- shock, denial, anger, depression and acceptance, this song shares that specific sentiment, depression which is close to acceptance there.
About Russian lyrics, agree that they reflect one specific manner of dealing with things in a way that others don’t see it, “fire under the ice”, if I could use that metaphor also.
Maybe they can’t be heard or seen
But tears aren’t quiet things
They scream
If tears are not quiet and if they scream then they should be heard? Those lyrics are making my IQ go lower.
It is boring and bland. His voice is too screechy when on high notes. Too much hype and he won’t win the jury vote anyway. No money to be made by hosting it in NL either as it’s an already popular tourist destination as it is. My bet is either on Sweden or Azerbaijan.
Arcade is one of the best songs resent years and has been the song I decided to vote ten times on for a long time ago- but what have happened? NO- connecting with us and the cameras ! I think that will cost a lot of points from the juries. Hope there are room for some changes.
I want to come closer and see face expressions – not what a magnificent scene they have!
Good luck from Sweden, you really deserve to win this year, but do some changes.
KAN is hardly sobotaging some countries like Portugal, Malta, Albania and all the others with the wide shots all over the place just for the boring Arcade to win. And he also had more than 30 minutes of rehearsal today. It’s unacceptable and unfair. Eurofans with a brain should never give a single vote to the already chosen winner. Is that you want ? to be the puppets of EBU/KAN ?
Ridiculous…sorry
Ridiculous are the people who don’t even realize it.
Sorry Doris for our ridiculousness, at least we have you to enlighten us.
There are issues with KAN/Producers no doubt. I don’t think it is sabotage at all much less for NL to win (apparently they have issues as well). The production seems to be failing a lot. To me it starts to feel like incompetence or too much stress. But all this is quite surprising and strange given the production values involved and compared to Lisbon and Kiev, where things run almost very smoothly (I remember only DK had issues with the snow and Greece with something they never explained). But wiwi should do an article about that. The cases are now… Read more »
D*ris, Netherlands has wide shots too…
Oh girl, do you really think this?? Oh my, how old are you?
Portugal is wearing green – ISLAM colour, plus the other 3 colours on stage make a flag well known to the Israelis. To me makes total sense
That’s a very interesting perspective. I thought they chose the colors based on their national flag? But perceptions have their own relevance and this does make sense.
None of these countries would win anyway.
No amount of rehearsal will help him win. This is one song that is doomed to be the biggest failure next Saturday. There will be the dark horse winning again. Just wait and see. Why? Because nobody likes that much of predicability. It’s like Jon Snow killing the Night King. Everyone expected it so the show runners gave the kill to Arya instead. In the end, Eurovision is a SHOW.
I think Duncan should look into the camera more. The song is dependent on connection , we need to see his face. Otherwise it’s just a guy singing to himself. The staging itself is solid but it doesn’t really improve his odds He needs to kill it to win it and he’s not. But be should do well..
His staging is too dark and unless that camera focuses almost entirely on his face, the angles are gonna hurt his chances
what went wrong for Greece? why are they plummeting with the bookies?
yeah, last year SuRie was 5th after the stage invasion o.0, and Ireland was top 5 as well.
the same goes for these reaction videos.
They all live for the moment.
Yes – we only need to compare the odds from the 9th of May 2018 with the results from the 12th of May https://wiwibloggs.com/2018/05/09/eurovision-2018-odds-lithuania-enters-top-five/222952/
Sometimes right sometimes wrong. Didn’t Eleni become an odds favorite during rehearsals last year? That is why it is so exciting! Have any song ever won that wasn’t in top ten of the bookies favorites after rehearsals?
Was for example Conchita first in the betting odds?
If I m not mistaken Conchita had a very bad first rehearsal and wasn’t even in top ten at that point
Conchita was number 9 on the odds list one week before the contest. So in fact she was in the top ten after rehearsals. I think the winner is is in the top ten. But who knows in the end it is the artist that delivers the best performance.
Well, according to this wiwiblog article, Conchita jumped from outside the top 10 to second favourite 32 hours before the grand final
https://wiwibloggs.com/2014/05/09/eurovision-odds-austria-netherlands-narrow-sweden/49961/
It is not correct from what I seen. The attention grew during rehearsals.
You were arguing about top ten. Now switched to attention. Whatever
No one said first – but in the top ten after rehearsals. We will see this week.
If N. Macedonia doesn’t qualify, I really don’t know what will with them.
Her performance was really touching!
If Azerbaijan qualifies (will qualify 100% anyway) then will it open the grand final?
Would bet on Azerbaijan opening and Spain closing or vice versa 🙂
Much better, when Milli open and Chingiz close
Just watched the second rehearsal of Azerbaijan.. I really don’t get the hype around it…
Me neither. I’m rather unimpressed … and what do the robots mean? what has it to do with the meaning of the song? This staging is too distracting. I’m confused.
i don’t get the purpose of those robotic things. and how are they related with the heart? maybe there’s more to the story and they can’t show it in 30 seconds, but until i’ve seen the whole performance, i don’t get the hype too…
He’s got the voice, the looks, the style that NL sadly lacks. That explains the hype.
Well, I know I’m probably going to be downvoted but here it goes: Azerbaijan: I really love the song since the first time I heard it. But now with the videoclip, I think it is getting overhyped for all the wrong reasons. There is too much distracting things going on. The yellow heart is too corny and the robots seem a little ridiculous San Marino 2018 style 2.0. I am starting to think that the so-called press are getting too addicted to flashy staging like the kids in Disney World. Always another roller coaster with the adrinaline rush On Netherlands:… Read more »
Azerbaijan is very slick and polished indeed, but it also makes no sense and feels like fast food music or lipstick on a pig.
And I don’t think Chingiz is the main singer here, but the backing vocalists are.
That’s a good point about Chingiz/backing vocalists. The juries would notice. We’ll see. Now don’t offend the vegans 🙂
Really juries? Last year they pay attention on vocals? With such a low position for Estonia? They only have their name “professional juries” nothing more with word professional, only title
Check out his live performances, especially the acoustic version. He has great vocals and sings it all by himself.
*The Netherlands is very slick and polished indeed, but it also makes no sense and feels like fast food music or lipstick on a pig, in the ballad section.
My thoughts exactly.
Azerbaijan is pleasing to the eyes and ears, musically, visually and especially sexually like look at those muscles, his hair and body
So have your tissues ready then for semifinal and Grand Final
This. So much.
Netherlands- Duncan is doing his thing, it seems kinda better now. Gotta wait whole performance too see facial expressions in the first place. I like the song.
Azerbaijan- slick and polished, he’s ready. Can’t stand the song :p
N. Macedonia- she carries this act, photos not so much. Nice overall.
I can‘t at how effortlessly Chingiz destroys the competition with just one big stage explosion!
Fireworks waiting to happen for sure. He’ll slay in his semi and in the finals.
Don’t be sad, because I think it will still have huge bedrock of support which will be solid despite rehearsal blips. And that’s exactly how Netta won in the end last year.
Most likely TOP 5 countries:
France, Sweden, Azerbaidjan, Italy, Netherlands,
Most likely to win: France, obviously. They are serving a package that is the most mediatically exploitable. And adequate.
Good for France, though, after so many years…
Netherlands will be the Russia of 2016, Italy don’t want to win anyway, Sweden will be high again because Sweden, Azerbaidjan is as motivated as ever, Russia will be the Norway of 2018.
France dont go to win .Is Netherland and Spain is the real dark horse.out of discussion
When I’m nervous, I sing “La Venda” chorus in Argentinian Spanish accent.
France won’t win. We have enough trouble with yellow vests every weekend as it is to host the ESC in Paris next year.
Although this is irrelevant, I’m really quite surprised how some of the stronger entries like Switzerland, Italy, and Cyprus have moved down in the bookies, and Azerbaijan is the top 4, Azerbaijan is good, but I never expected them over Italy, or Cyprus. But its good how close this competition is, and literally anybody can win this year. And the UK is know 20th favourites Lol.
I think Duncan should “play” the real piano. I don’t like how the keyboard looks. :/
I don’t hate the keyboard.
Agree
is ziggo dome available next may? just asking
we dutch have this in the bag, thanks KAN ruining every other country with bad camera angles for us
Beste Nicky, kan jij misschien voor een keer je grote *** bek dichthouden? Bij voorbaat bedankt.
Nicky kan gewoon haar mening geven, tóch? 🙂
Umm ja, jij hebt volgens mij de rest van zijn comments niet gelezen… Hij is niet helemaal honderd punten. Zet “supportieve” comments voor duncan neer waarin hij andere artiesten op zo’n akelige manier naar beneden haalt dat mensen een hekel aan nederland beginnen te krijgen. En de volgende dag is zijn mening ineens 100% omgedraaid. Lijkt op schizofrenie
Zeker de emotie van favoriet zijn ?
Brilliant, Matthijs.
The Netherlands has one of the weakest stages this year
Not at all, IMO. It keeps the blue tones from the video, which is what got the hype started. Without the video, the Netherlands act would not be that popular, IMO.
This song deserve the best staging. So sad.
The only thing you guys have in the bag is the handkerchief to wipe your tears when you go home emptyhanded.
The managing director of the ziggo dome has stated they would love to host eurovision if the netherlands were to win and he would ask artist if they could move their concerts to another date if needed.
https://www.telegraaf.nl/video/3571756/nieuwe-beelden-zo-mooi-zingt-duncan/?utm_source=whatsapp
BRING BACK THE DANCING TIDDIES!!! #justiceforazerbaijan
I-
no more wide shots pls
Azerbaijan is so impressive. They’re coming back strong after not qualifying last year. Chingiz is incredible!
Please tell me where is Paco from Spain. I’m desperate to see that puppet and I can’t see it.
Thank you for your like. I thought I’m crazy but I can’t see it. Is good I’m not the only one. Is so frustrating. I want to see Paco the puppet.
It’s after minute 1:05, left of the image.
Check here;
http://www.rtve.es/m/alacarta/videos/eurovision-2019/eurovision-2019-tercer-pase-miki-su-primer-ensayo-tel-aviv/5192839/?media=tve
Azerbaijan is the best today
Portugal and Israel was not winners at first. Netherlands will end of high even if they dont win 🙂
If North Macedonia and Switzerland qualify this year will be perfect. They deserve it so but when i see their names i can relax 🙂
And Croatia 🙂
North Macedonia really deserves it. Switzerland as well, but I don’t think that he will place high, considering his vocals and the staging overall.
I think Switzerland is good live:)
I agree, but I’d add Romania and Norway.
Norway i dont feel is good enough and Romania maybe
this years eurovision can’t be redeemed anymore, those disgusting wide shots for every rehearsal so far ruined it
i’m sad and disappointed
Sweden’s odds are shortening even more now. Go John!