Daily digest: British reality stars make surprise cameos at the Spanish preparty…Senhit performs on Albanian TV

Every weekday, between now and the contest in May, the team from wiwibloggs will round up the latest titbits from the world of Eurovision 2021. We trawl through Instagram, Twitter and elsewhere so that y’all don’t have to. In today’s Daily Digest, some British reality TV stars make surprise cameos at the Spanish preparty, Eden Alene takes us behind-the-scenes and Senhit goes on Albanian TV. But first…

Eurovision news: 26 April

Måneskin give first live performance of Eurovision version of “Zitti e buoni”

Italy’s Måneskin performed the Eurovision version of their song “Zitti e buoni”. The performance was part of the PrePartyESC21 and is the first time the band tackled the shorter and cleaner Eurovision version of their Sanremo-winning song. Måneskin were looking smart in suits and ties and lead singer Damiano made a point of singing the non-sweary lyrics needed for Eurovision. But all up, the band retained the fierceness that took them to Sanremo victory in March. (Robyn)

Senhit and Blas Cantó get “Freaky”

At Saturday’s PrePartyES21, many of the competing acts of Eurovision 2021 performed their competing songs — but two acts had some fun. San Marino’s Senhit and Spain’s Blas Cantó performed a virtual duet where they covered each other’s 2020 songs. Senhit gave a sophisticated synth-pop take on “Universo”, while Blas got in touch with his R&B side with “Freaky”. The pair then teamed up for a duet of “Fiesta”, with Senhit joined by Strictly Come Dancing star Graziano Di Prima. (Robyn)

James Newman performs with Preston from The Ordinary Boys

Senhit wasn’t the only one to bring a British reality star to the Spanish bash. James Newman’s backing group included Preston from The Ordinary Boys. The band enjoyed a number of chart hits in the mid-2000s. However, Preston is perhaps best known for appearing on Celebrity Big Brother where he met his future wife. They subsequently split up and Preston infamously walked off the comedy panel show Never Mind The Buzzcocks when the host read excerpts from her autobiography.

t.A.T.u. respond to Manizha’s PrePartyES 2021 performance

Along with her Eurovision 2021 entry “Russian Woman”, Manizha also paid hommage to t.A.T.u.’s “Ne ver’, ne boysia i ne prosi” at the Spanish preparty. In an earlier interview with the YouTube show Alena, blin!, Manizha called t.A.T.u.’s Eurovision 2003 song one of her favourites. After the individual performances were uploaded on YouTube, the official YouTube channel of t.A.T.u. wrote “Don’t be afraid girl!” in the comment section. It is not clear whether this comment has come directly from any of the two former t.A.T.u. girls, as they are currently not on speaking terms. Previously, Manizha received blessings from both Alla Pugacheva and Dima Bilan. (Renske)

Vasil shares his Sunday morning with the ducks and pigeons

After the excitement of Saturday’s Spanish party, Vasil treated fans to a more relaxed Sunday. The “Here I Stand” crooner brought YouTube viewers to one of his favourite parks in Skopje where he did a little yoga and mediation in the company of some ducks and pigeons.

Eden Alene takes fans behind-the-scenes

Ahead Eden’s departure to Rotterdam on 7 May (which is also her 21st birthday!), the Israeli delegation has released a behind the scenes video from the revamped “Set Me Free” music video shoot. The video was shot at the Design City centre and directed by Nimrod Peled and produced by Tali Eshkoli.

The Black Mamba recount meeting with woman behind their Eurovision song

“She became a drug addict. She became a street prostitute….but she felt love would always overcome evil and violence.” Today on the wiwibloggs YouTube channel, Pedro Tatanka and Miguel Casais — the founding members of The Black Mamba — speak with our William. They recount how a woman they met in Amsterdam’s Red Light District inspired their Eurovision song “Love Is on My Side”, which they see as a vessel of hope. They also describe some of the other people they encountered in Amsterdam whose stories may feature in their new music. They include a Latin lothario and a man in scuba gear who hit passersby with a dildo. (William)

Senhit performs “Adrenalina” on Albanian TV

The Freaky Queen brought a burst of adrenaline to TV Klan on Sunday when she performed “Adrenalina” live on Gjysma Ime. Donned in a frilly Commes de Garçons-esque garment and joined by two backing dancers performing captivating choreography, Senhit showcased her Eurovision 2021 entry to Albanian audiences. She also performed her single “Breathe” and her 2020 entry “Freaky!”. She recorded this performance while in Albania some weeks back, where she met up with Festivali i Këngës winner Anxhela Peristeri. (Oliver A)

 

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Additional contributions from Oliver, Renske, Robyn and William

Did you watch the Spanish party? What do you think of Senhit’s TV appearance? Let us know in the comments.

Read more Daily Digests for Eurovision 2021.