Poll: Who gave the best Eurovision 2021 first rehearsal on 8 May?
Photos: Andres Putting / EBU, Jess Gleeson

The first day of Eurovision 2021 rehearsals has drawn to a close.

In total, six acts took to the stage in Rotterdam for their first rehearsals. We got our first glimpse at how the acts from Lithuania, Slovenia, Russia, Sweden, North Macedonia and Ireland decided to stage their songs. We also got a quick glimpse behind-the-scenes at Australia’s live-on-tape recording process.

The Roop delivered high energy disco, Manizha served traditional Russian fashion and Lesley Roy took us on a journey through nature. But who gave the best first rehearsal? Now, it’s over to you! You can watch all of our reaction videos to the first rehearsals below.

Scroll down to vote in our poll. 

Eurovision 2021 rehearsals: Day One (May 8)

Poll: Who had the best first rehearsal on May 8?

As always, you can vote for as many songs as you like, but you can only vote once. So make it count! This poll will close on May 9 and we will publish results shortly after.

Click on each entry to read our reviews, watch our reactions and see the rehearsal snippets.

[polldaddy poll=10826839]

*Australia was originally scheduled for their first rehearsal today. However, the Australian delegation will not be travelling to Rotterdam in light of COVID-19 concerns. Instead, Australia’s rehearsal slot was used to showcase some behind-the-scenes footage of Montaigne’s live-on-tape performance. 

Who did you vote for? Did the favourites live up to the hype? Let us know in the comments below. 

Read more Eurovision 2021 rehearsal news here

128 Comments
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Han
Han
2 years ago

1 Russia – ridiculously sublime. Going on in what is statistically speaking the semi final death slot is unfortunately, but hopefully the dress mobile will make it memorable. 2 Slovenia – gorgeous led’s. She needs to learn to walk in heels or lose them, but other than that the staging is probably the best it can be for a song like this. 3 Lithuania – great opener. Wish I liked the song more but I much preferred on fire. It looks like they are practically ready to go to the stage now. 4 Sweden – how generic. Like the outfit… Read more »

Euro Fan
Euro Fan
2 years ago

Damn, Slovenia will be robbed this year 🙁
Lithuania will qualify alongside San Marino I believe, as Armenia and Malta opened semi finals in 2014 and both qualified. I am sure that Sweden will qualify! I believe Ireland will qualify as well. Russia’s performance represents the Russian culture and I love it! I’m sure she will qualify! I’m not sure if Australia qualifies tho. That bulletproof idea was good for North Macedonia but I’m sure they won’t qualify sadly.

Pancake
Pancake
2 years ago

My Top 7 based on what I’ve seen (+ honest opinion, dv or uv me for all I care) 1st Russia – I think this really improved a lot from the NF, even if the NF performance was easily translatable on Rotterdam. Shows Manizah is a performer of her own right. 2nd Australia – People have the audacity to sleep on her, WTF! I think she could surprise us and considering the aesthetics in hyperpop, she’ll blow us out of the water. 3rd Lithuania – Well, if it’s not broken, don’t fix it. This is what Lithuania did and I… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Pancake
Voix
Voix
2 years ago

Sweden basically fell in love with Tusse and his humor but during these 3 minutes all that an average European viewer sees is an average pop song without anything remarkable. Juries will save them, you don’t mess with the mafia, never make daddy Bjorkman angry

Aaron
Aaron
2 years ago
Reply to  Voix

No Sweden fell for the song, staging and his charisma, what you see is an act from Sweden and automatically dislike it since you will only look for the flaws. There is a difference being objective and subjective and you and majority on here are the latter of the two.

zach
zach
2 years ago

russia looked really good, and ireland i’m really interested to see what the final product is..

Ffs
Ffs
2 years ago

Sweden NQ Russia Top 5

ESC 21
2 years ago
Reply to  Ffs

Russia are Europs little baby they can do what evver they wont. They are jomophobic they started war and have a bad song about hating man AND WE HAVE A WINNER. -10/10

Alex
Alex
2 years ago

I am excited for Ireland although we didn’t see the final product. I don’t want to keep my hopes up yet since i don’t know what they have prepared exactly and how it will be showed on TV but it seems that it’s the biggest effort they made for Eurovision. Russia is really good and theatrical. Slovenia and North Macedon don’t stand any chances but they made good efforts with their staging. Australia didn’t really have a rehearsal so i don’t know what to say. Lithuania gave us what we have already seen in the national final. Nice opener. Sweden… Read more »

Colin
Colin
2 years ago

I have a practical question: Why aren’t the halves now arranged differently? With Belarus gone, there are 16 countries left. Logically, we’d have 8 countries in the first half, and another 8 in the second. Why hasn’t Cyprus rehearsed today? Feels a bit off to have 7 songs in the first half, and 9 in the second, no?

Samo
Samo
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Probably for the same reason why they had a slot for Australia today – the rehearsal schedule was created before Belarus got out of the competition. As this is the first rehearsal, it affects when do individual delegations arrive to Rotterdam. They may make it more balanced for the second rehearsals (or not).

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Samo

I wonder if they didn’t change so Cyprus can keep one of the advantages of getting 2nd half in the draw, since they can arrive one day later to Rotterdam and save a whole day of expenses.

Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

That is probably right. The pre-determined financial reasons. Even though the math is on the side of Cyprus being shifted back and closing the first half. In a way, Ireland still benefits from it, because I think that Cyprus will be an expensive banger on stage.

Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

That song has no business being a part of ESC, but I would still be happy to see it finishing last with 0 points from both televote and the juries. It would be a message to fascism. But I guess that being DQ is as well. Now, even if the song won’t participate in Rotterdam, I am willing to post my short review of it, if anyone is interested (wink, wink… it’s not good. 😉 ).

Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

BELARUS – It takes a lot for me to actually hate the song, and this one ticks all the right buttons! I’d rather listen to Celebrate all week long on a loop than to listen to this ever again. Its production makes Robin Hood feel like Euphoria in comparison. Its lyrics make Leto svet feel like No me avete fatto niente. The unsettling vibe here could give Sasha Bogibnov’s LMLMD a run for its money. It’s not only a plodding, vapid mess, but it also feels dirty and ugly. There’s nothing that gives me any trace of emotion. This is… Read more »

Badwoolfgirl
Badwoolfgirl
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Such poetry. I was almost tempted to put Belarus down as an dishonorable mention for my ranking, but I thought better.

Luc
Luc
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

Bruh, I like Måneskin but their entry is overrated tbf, I liked Irama more in San Remo

Colin
Colin
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

It totally makes sense from the financial standpoint. I am glad that EBU has shown understanding towards the Cypriot delegation. Thanks for explaining, Robyn.

Last edited 2 years ago by Colin
notyourtoy
notyourtoy
2 years ago

Info of the day: after that rehearsal, Russia is approaching top 10 in winner odds, while Sweden is heading outside of it

Also, San Marino is dropping after it was known that Flo Rida will not appear in Eurovision

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  notyourtoy

I can see that Sweden remains 8th and Russia 15th. Where did you find this info ?
Lidl ?

Last edited 2 years ago by Kas
IPA
IPA
2 years ago

Exciting: Ireland, Lithuania
Surprises; Slovenia, North Macedonia
Meh … Russia, Australia
Written off: Sweden

Jonas
Jonas
2 years ago

The country that had the best rehearsal is the country who found it the most useful, tried a few things, made some mistakes, made some notes, decided a few camera angles – and said they would be better the next time.

Kim
Kim
2 years ago
Reply to  Jonas

Exactly – The country which had the best rehearsal is the country that had the worse performance but is wise enough to learn from the mistakes and improve.

Marc
Marc
2 years ago
Reply to  Kim

These comments from Kim and Jonas are the best comments about the rehearsals. Lots of people are judging the reversals incorrectly. We can all judge the semi final performances accurately but the rehearsals are still ideas in development.

Patrick
Patrick
2 years ago

How can anyone vote on this? Nobody saw the rehearsals. We saw a few seconds on a YouTube clip….?

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  Patrick

Hooligans prevail !!!!

notyourtoy
notyourtoy
2 years ago

Can’t agree more with a comment

Apollo
Apollo
2 years ago

Lithuania: As expected, the same as the NF performance but elevated with graphics. Russia: Confident this will place top 5. If Belarus and Armenia were competing and they gave their full points to Manizha, I would be certain she would win. Sweden: The styling is incredible and the staging looks expensive. Other than that, meh. Ireland: I won’t comment until we can see it with the visual effects on TV. Vocals were strained, which is worrying. Australia: Looks promising. The background seems to be solely strobe lights which doesn’t give them much creativity in the performance. Worried this will look… Read more »

Dolly
Dolly
2 years ago
Reply to  Apollo

Russian block votes , JOKE . Ruined Eurovision

Master esc
Master esc
2 years ago

I really can’t see whats so special on Russia for now. However rehearsals were ok for today. Sweden and lihuania improved their national final performances, slovenia and north maced. Were ok even though i dont think they have chance in this semi. Australia looks good and russia was ok, Manizha had good vocals. Lesley on the other hand, she didn’t had the best vocals but the staging seems interesting and creative.

Last edited 2 years ago by Master esc
Jamie
Jamie
2 years ago

Here are my opinions: Lithuania – if it ain’t broken, don’t fix it. And they didn’t. I respect their decision to keep the signature performance. Slovenia – she can sing, but she can’t keep those visuals. Yikes, they are so outdated and cliche. Can’t walk in heels apparently. Sweden – Baptiste did them wrong here (as she does). The staging is way too dark. If it’s not for Tusse’s bright pink vest, I wouldn’t see crap. Russia – this is the only performance that I wanted to see the rest of. So intriguing. This is so liberating that it doesn’t… Read more »

wonder
wonder
2 years ago

Final: Lithuania, Russia and Sweden.
Can’t wait for Cyprus, Israel & Malta…
Spoiler:

Israel Rehearsal
Eden Alene is with blonde hair now! #OMG #She’sGonnaSlay

Dani
2 years ago
Reply to  wonder

It’s a weave, I don’t think she will keep it.

...
...
2 years ago

The most surprising performance was from Manizha, but the best chances of doing well have The Roop. I think both did a great job today.

wonder
wonder
2 years ago
Reply to  ...

I loved it! soo funny! hahaha…

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  ...

I think Lithuania will do worse than what people expact (no top 5)

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago
Reply to  Alex

Well people have got to vote for Lithuania if they want it to do somewhat well. Don’t take it for granted that it will qualify.

Vic
Vic
2 years ago

Russia all the way! Sweden should have sent Eric Saade…

notyourtoy
notyourtoy
2 years ago

I now have a very strong feeling that Sweden will be NQ)

Heartbeater
Heartbeater
2 years ago

All of the rehearsal are amazing I was impressed with all of them except for Sweden but I am sure that it will look better with camera angles

notyourtoy
notyourtoy
2 years ago

My ranking on these rehearsals:

1) Slovenia (just WOW!)
2) Russia (so unique, about that dress in the beginning, I feel that Russia is now a candidate for Barbara Dex awards)
3) Lithuania (I like it now much more than I used to)
4) North Macedonia (that staging totally ELEVATES the song)
5) Australia (ok, just a live on tape, I can’t say more)
6) Ireland (great staging, very poor vocals)
7) Sweden (Generic and impactless performance)

Last edited 2 years ago by notyourtoy
GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
2 years ago

Why do people overrate Manizha’s rehearsal so much? Her rehearsal was the worst of the day. Slovenia was the best today.

McRoro
McRoro
2 years ago
Reply to  GojoSatoru

Manizha is so charismatic and she sells the song really well.
It’s a crazy and funny song and will qualify for sure!
IMO is one of the best russian entries in the contest

GojoSatoru
GojoSatoru
2 years ago
Reply to  McRoro

Charisma and being funny doesn’t mean her rehearsal was. Sure, she will make the finale, but that doesn’t change that her rehearsal was below average.

notyourtoy
notyourtoy
2 years ago
Reply to  GojoSatoru

Manizha DELIVERED

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  notyourtoy

a pizza with mushrooms ?

notyourtoy
notyourtoy
2 years ago
Reply to  Kas

Pirozhki with a bottle of Vodka, cause Russians will see on their TV’s a pure Russian entry and not a Kirkorov generic song

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  notyourtoy

Nobody likes monopolies….but really don’t think so…that this is “pure” (sic) Re. Actually what is pure Re ?

Last edited 2 years ago by Kas
Nati
Nati
2 years ago
Reply to  GojoSatoru

Totally, really bad vocals and cheap staging 🙁

notyourtoy
notyourtoy
2 years ago
Reply to  Nati

If that’s cheap, Swedish staging looks like they didn’t give even 1 Swedish Krona for that performance

Jay
Jay
2 years ago
Reply to  GojoSatoru

The song is terrible, she just shouts

Luc
Luc
2 years ago
Reply to  GojoSatoru

Manizha delivered and her staging definitely fits the song and its message

Esc addict
Esc addict
2 years ago

Vasil has watched the Melfest last year, it’s obvious.

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  Esc addict

Not exactly…he took a video too and some pics.

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  Esc addict

You guys are so naive. It’s not Vasil directing himself but his team hired the Swedes that did Tamara’s staging so obviously the Swedes were inspired (if not created) Dotter’s staging.

OberonYronwood
OberonYronwood
2 years ago

I have to admit, I got a little teary eyed today guys, we haven’t had rehearsals in TWO years, its crazy! I applaud the dutch team, the delegations and all the journalists there for their hard work and ethic, thank you guys Okay, so my two cents are: Lithuania: As good as I thought it was gonna be tbh, great catchy song, a brilliant decision on the producers part, this is a banger and the lead singer has improved inmeasurably. Slovenia: Quite elegant and beautiful, I think this is one of those performances that we’ll have to wait to hear… Read more »

Lena
Lena
2 years ago
Reply to  OberonYronwood

if everybody’s comments were as respectful as yours. Great summary

OberonYronwood
OberonYronwood
2 years ago
Reply to  Lena

Oh, thanks Lina! That’s very kind of you to say!

Lena
Lena
2 years ago
Reply to  OberonYronwood

you’re very welcome

ESC fan
ESC fan
2 years ago
Reply to  OberonYronwood

Someone with a actually respectful comment, wow we haven’t seen that here

Alex
Alex
2 years ago

Russia was the surprise of the day. That song is not easy to sell to the average viewer, they could flop really hard if the staging was bad… but they saved it with something that is going to generate so many reactions. That’s a good job.

Anhel
Anhel
2 years ago

Not sure what I’m voting for, since we’ve only seen the smallest snippets, but I voted Lithuania and Ireland… shrug.

SeNhiT
SeNhiT
2 years ago

ANA WAS AMAZINGGGG but everyone except Sweden slayed so period

Stephanie
Stephanie
2 years ago

I was really impressed by Slovenia, what a voice. Russia was also good. Sweden, not that great…. not at all.

Last edited 2 years ago by Stephanie
Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  Stephanie

How were you impressed by Slovenia?? It’s the same vocals as the video. Nothing new.

Adriana
Adriana
2 years ago

Some tweet from australia going arround and i quote : n “Not voting for Australia for Eurovision homophobic and that`s that on that ” her tweet.

Last edited 2 years ago by Adriana
Darren
Darren
2 years ago
Reply to  Adriana

Technicolour is the most pro-lgbt song of the year though

Sot
Sot
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Even Montaigne belongs to the LGBTQ+ community, what is this man on?

Heath
Heath
2 years ago
Reply to  Adriana

Pretty sure Montaigne was taking the Mickey.

Ashton Schier
Ashton Schier
2 years ago
Reply to  Adriana

its a joke. montaigne said that bcos its a thing gay people do (I can attest to this, as a gay person) where we say something is homophobic if it mildly inconveniences us as a joke. like ‘I stepped on a lego, that’s so homophobic’ even though it’s clearly not. this is what montaigne is doing.

Kristian
Kristian
2 years ago

For me :

What impressed me most : Russia
What intrigued me most: Ireland

What gave me hope: Slovenia , Ireland , Australia
What gave me no hope: North Macedonia
What gave me qualifier vibes: Russia , Lithuania , Sweden

Kristian
Kristian
2 years ago

Bookies initial reactions to what they have :

Positive reaction: Russia , Slovenia
Non-chalant reaction: Lithuania
Mixed reaction: North Macedonia
Negative reaction : Australia , Ireland, Sweden

Last edited 2 years ago by Kristian
Giolo
Giolo
2 years ago
Reply to  Kristian

Ireland is the most negative one I guess, there was a lot of hype before rehearsals start, but after Lesley’s performance, Ireland is in the red with the odds. It looks like it’s the only significant change for bookies. Except for Russia which slightly rised, it seems everybody else had not big reactions from bookies.

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  Kristian

Actually there are no reactions from bookies initiative. First react the gamblers…Till now I cant see any major change.

Last edited 2 years ago by Kas
Alo
Alo
2 years ago

As I already learned in the past, without seeing the performances on TV I can’t decide anything.

Yeah yeah fire
Yeah yeah fire
2 years ago

Is it just me or is the staging looking kind of dark in almost every performance overall?
… I expected a lot more colors and bright LEDs for some reason hmm

Sot
Sot
2 years ago
Reply to  Yeah yeah fire

There’s not a lot of lighting used yet. Dutch people don’t want to lose ALL of their budget on electricity bills lol

phone but on laptop
phone but on laptop
2 years ago
Reply to  Yeah yeah fire

it is being filmed with a phone or a regular camera without adjusting the settings. it will probably look normal on TV

Teddy
Teddy
2 years ago

Ireland and Russia are the two here who impressed me. They were both rather overlooked before but have both served an amazing stage show and could do very well. While I love Discotheque, the Roop didn’t give the me the same itch to see the full performance that a lot of the others did as it seems not much has changed. Ana is amazing but Amen isn’t lighting any fires for me, Montaigne hasn’t really given enough to be judged, Sweden is doing a normal copy + paste from Melfest and Vasil seems to be doing the same 😉

Last edited 2 years ago by Teddy
Hellooooo
Hellooooo
2 years ago
Reply to  Teddy

I have the exact same thoughts

Eugenie
Eugenie
2 years ago

Lithuania is great, I caught myself dancing while watching their rehearsal in kitchen. Their frontman is so charismatic! Wish them luck.

Comi
Comi
2 years ago
  1. Russia(I mean, she’s just epic)
  2. Lithuania(Nothing that was not expected)
  3. Ireland(I’m actually excited for the camera work here)
  4. Australia(Didn’t give away a lot, but looks promising)
  5. Slovenia(Lifted the song a little for me)
  6. Sweden(As average as it can be)
  7. North Macedonia(Expected)

Russia is the clear winner for me today, but why do I have that weird feeling that Manizha will be a shock nq of this year? Idk I’m so scared of juries DESTROYING her while pushing let’s say Tusse(whose song is generic to say the least, but still more jury friendly) who’s performing right after her 🙁

sam
sam
2 years ago

manizha is in a class of her own. she’s the true dark horse this year, mark my words

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  sam

The prophet of dark horses !!!

Sot
Sot
2 years ago

I voted for Russia, Australia, Ireland and Lithuania lol but here’s my ranking ONLY BASED ON THE STAGING, NOT THE SONG: Russia ~ That was genuinely fun and large dresses never get old in ESC! Lithuania ~ I actually don’t mind that they kept their NF staging, I liked that one! Ireland ~ She should be 1st, but the staging seems incomplete yet… Australia ~ I hated the dress on first sight but know I understand that it fits the song! Slovenia ~ I love her dress, I don’t know about the universe behind her though… Sweden ~ Nothing changed… Read more »

Balint
Balint
2 years ago

Over the years, I’ve always found quality in Russia’s entries, but this is the first time that I’m genuinely a fan of their entry. Manizha is amazing, and that staging will be amazing, she’s my clear winner of the day.

Dida
Dida
2 years ago

Massive votes for North Macedonia, so that the overrated Sweden could be last in this poll, please. Sweden is and will always be overrated, wake up people!

Kas
Kas
2 years ago
Reply to  Dida

You will feel better with a last place for Sweden in a wiwi hooligans poll ????

Mr X
Mr X
2 years ago

Lithuania great as usual, but Russia is a big, big surprise and it grows….

Thanos
Thanos
2 years ago

For me four acts stood out today (in a random order) : RUSSIA: I am not the biggest fan of the song but this staging will really work I believe. The giant dress is an innovative idea. I believe this song will be a televoting magnet and will qualify. LITHUANIA: Although the staging is pretty similar to their national final staging, it is very nice and their whole performance was good to begin with, so why change something that totally works! NORTH MACEDONIA: I have a soft spot for this entry and I see that it is staged much more… Read more »

Colin
Colin
2 years ago

Umm… I am starting to think that Russia might even win the televote, or at least finish so high that no juries can DQ it. Even just by this small clip, it’s obvious that this is going to be epic!
I think that Russia and Lithuania are comfortably qualifying from the first half.

Mikey
Mikey
2 years ago

Ireland

Grft
Grft
2 years ago

TECHNI TECHNICOLOUR

Candy
Candy
2 years ago

Russia, Lithuania sure qualifiers. Ireland 90%. Sweden risking qualification. North Macedonia obviusly last place. Slovenia doesn’t look good too. Australia gave us only the dress so not much to say about it.

Nati
Nati
2 years ago

Tots

Frisian esc
2 years ago

Manizha got me smilin at my screen. She really knows how to perform.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
2 years ago

Can everyone just start talking about how Russia is a contender to win the whole thing? Like, I can’t be the only one who’s seeing and hear this, right? 😉

Darren
Darren
2 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

Would NOT be angry if Russia won.
Manizha is the act that Russia NEED and I hope they are finally seeing that.

Darren
Darren
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Here here!
Kirkorov needs to stay miles away from anything Eurovision related. The guy is a tacky sleaze

Ratik
Ratik
2 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

Manizha as a performer is really winning material, but the song is too experimental, it is difficult to love it after the first listen

Sot
Sot
2 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

Unlikely, but I’m all for it!!!

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
2 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

I think as usual, people get carried away during rehearsals. I don’t see her as a contender, mainly because the juries will likely not go in for it, and I can see a few songs ahead of it in the televote.

Edita Vaisviliene
Edita Vaisviliene
2 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

Russia has arrived with a completely redesigned show, so now there is a wow effect, as was the case with the release of the new song. Lithuania’s performance has changed less, so many people say that they are already bored. But 90 percent of Eurovision viewers will all be new, so everyone will have the same chance.

Samo
Samo
2 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

I put some money on her few weeks ago and I’m very pleased with my chances after today 🙂