An unpleasant incident has overshadowed Russia’s first rehearsal at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2019. According to the official JESC Twitter account, Denberel Oorzhak fell ill during the first performance of “A Time for Us” in Gliwice. Thankfully he is “making a good recovery.”

“During Russia’s first rehearsal at the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2019, singer Denberel Oorzhak fell ill while in stage,” the statement reads. “He was immediately attended to by medical staff onsite and was taken to a local hospital.”

“We’re pleased to say he is making a good recovery and is being well cared for. Denberel will remain in hospital overnight for observation.”

It is important to note that Russia’s participation in the contest is not in danger. The next rehearsal is in two days, and there are still four days until the show.

According to the RIA news agency, the incident occurred during the third run-through of their performance. His grandmother and representatives from the Russian delegation are said to be with him in hospital.

Tatyana Mezhetseva’s comments

Tatyana Mezhentseva, Oorzhak’s partner on stage, spoke to fans about the matter via Instagram.

“Friends, as you already know, today we had our first rehearsal on the stage of Arena Gliwice,” she said in Stories. “And Denberel passed out. Denberel is now in the hospital and today no one is allowed to see him. The main thing is that he is alive. Tomorrow morning, doctors will tell you why this happened. Thanks to everyone who worries and writes words of support! Denberel, we hope for your speedy recovery.”

We join all of you in wishing Denberel a speedy recovery.

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Geo
Geo
4 years ago

“…..The main thing is that he is alive”… Is his stage partner stupid or what? How can she say that? Of course he’s alive. Jesus……

keith mawson
keith mawson
4 years ago
Reply to  Geo

He had a small heart attack

An American ESC Fan
An American ESC Fan
4 years ago

Aw, I hope he gets well soon! Best wishes to him <3

Katariina
Katariina
4 years ago

This is exactly why the Nordics won’t participate anymore. This is too much of a high stress environment, a child should not be passing out.

Héctor
Héctor
4 years ago
Reply to  Katariina

I think you are overdoing the whole thing. Kids are resistant. It is true that represent your country in an international contest brings a lot of stress. The trip (not so long in their case), the interviews, the rehearsals and the general bubble they are in combined with the nerves of the moment of stepping on stage and the lightning can cause the body to go unbalanced. It could be also the case that Denberel was sick last week or so, so he was still a bit weak without knowing. I won’t say it is putting them under risk or… Read more »

Toffeenix
Toffeenix
4 years ago
Reply to  Héctor

Just a note on that – Denberel is Tuvan and lives in Kyzyl, so with the exception of Jordan there’s a good chance he has the longest journey to Gliwice.

Natalie
Natalie
4 years ago

My heart aches for him. He’s so young and has so much pressure on his shoulders. His poor grandmother and Tatyana as well. Should representatives from the delegation be there right now? I understand wanting to make sure he’s good to preform, but with the stress he’s under shouldn’t he just have his grandmother with him? Worrying about having to preform will definitely hurt his recovery. Hoping for his speedy and full recovery.

Kinga
Kinga
4 years ago

I hope he will perform on Sunday but his health is most important right now. Take care Denberel!

Joe
Joe
4 years ago

Right when I was thinking, “Gee, JESC is finally starting to ease up on the kids, find better music, and overall feel less like a child pageant,” this happens. Delegations pushing kids this way is the reason why countries like Latvia, Lithuania, and Denmark won’t come back.

James
James
4 years ago
Reply to  Joe

There is a reason why first rehearsals are closed from the public and press are not yet allowed to interview the performers until just before live show. That’s so to protect the kids’ well-being and be able to just focus on rehearsing their routines. A lot of the time, JESC don’t need to give their all yet with their first run-throughs on stage.

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
4 years ago

I hope he can still perform on stage, I feel so bad for him. I wish him a speedy recovery and I wish Tatyana a lot of strength as well.

Rasmus Bording Irlind
Rasmus Bording Irlind
4 years ago

poor kiddo, he probably is in a lot pain right now 🙁 and especially with the contest so close he must feel so nervous