Croatia Albina Rehearsal Eurovision 2021

Croatia’s Albina has taken to the stage inside the Rotterdam Ahoy for her first rehearsal of Eurovision 2021. She’s scrapped most of her Dora staging and come with a clean slate. But does it work? Let’s see.

Croatia’s Albina “Tick-Tock” — Eurovision 2021 first rehearsal

Oliver: With little carried over from Dora, this is the biggest shift in staging we’ve seen thus far. The vision here is ambitious, but all the ideas seem messy when clumped together. Albina and her dancers are dressed in futuristic battle armour dance costumes. The choreography in the first verse aligns with the neon magenta and cyan LED effects. Then in the second verse there’s some Beyoncé-style multiplication and we see five Albinas at once. At one point, the dancers lift her up. And on top of this, the vocal isn’t the strongest. Editing is necessary if Croatia wants to strengthen its chances of qualification. In the words of Coco Chanel, “before you leave the house, look in the mirror and take one thing off.”

Padraig: This is the first of our national final winners to significantly switch things up. The most obvious change is her outfit, which now resembles some kind of futuristic space-age superhero. Dressed in complementing costumes, her male dance group act as her henchmen. She also channels Armenia’s Iveta Mukuchyan from 2016 with some holographic duplicates of herself. The pink and blue colour scheme from Dora remains intact. Albina has taken a big risk by using her own voice for the pre-recorded backing vocals. The problem is that it gives the illusion that she’s lip-syncing, when she’s not. A different voice in the background would have cleared any confusion.

Reaction to Croatia’s first rehearsal at Eurovision 2021

 

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What do you think? Did Albina live up to your expectations? Let us know in the comments below. 

Read more Croatia Eurovision 2021 news here

Photos: EBU / THOMAS HANSES

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Jake
Jake
2 years ago

at least she proves she can sing AND dance–some other women tonight left a lot to be desired in accomplishing both

gurki loko
gurki loko
2 years ago

For a moment I thought Roko was standing behind Albina.

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
2 years ago

I love that staging. Lots of attitude and modern space-vibes <3

Tomasz
Tomasz
2 years ago

Slayyy Queen Albina

Last edited 2 years ago by Tomasz
Alex
Alex
2 years ago

Croatia investing in their staging! Finally! Sweden and Norway take some notes on how you improve your national final performance.

Bella
Bella
2 years ago
Reply to  Alex

For Sweden, that’s not really fair: the Melfest performances are built with Eurovision in mind, so they’re meant to be their Eurovision stagings. I’m not that surprised they don’t change much.

Most other countries don’t really invest much in their national finals, so usually the winning song is still somewhat “unfinished” and they then work on the Eurovision staging.

Blanche
Blanche
2 years ago

She knew she needed something to spice up that song with those vocals, good for her I guess (no shade).

But someone has to call the fashion police to the Ahoy this year, there will be a fashion massacre in two weeks.

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago

Like it happens with the song itself, the staging seems more creative and risky when compared with its cousin entries from Cyprus and Israel, but also less polished. I guess “Tick Tock” is in direct competition with “Set Me Free” for a spot in the final.

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  Sabrina

Cyprus is safe for Q.

I think Israel, Azerbaijan and Croatia will fight for the ticket(s). I can see 1 or 2 of them qualifying but definitely not the three of them/.

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago
Reply to  Alex

I agree. All things considered, Cyprus was a big winner of these first rehearsals, because they have the best staging between all the bops.

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
2 years ago

Albina looks AMAZING!!!! My humble opinion is that Croatia is 100% in the final!
Even if that wont happen doesnt mind, she shows how modern, young, confident Croatia presentation on ESC can be. This is the good path! Good luck Albina!

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
2 years ago

Why you are here in this comment section under article about Albina. You are commenting for a long time about here and always, always leaving negative comments. Whats the point? You think if you write that you will change something? As you said there is 13 others songs by your opinition which are better, then go to those articles and leave comment of cheering up instead being so negative. Its not healty, man!

Robert
Robert
2 years ago

Cry me a river

WannaEatMySpaghetti
WannaEatMySpaghetti
2 years ago

I like the song and the singer but now that I saw the photos on Instagram… seriously Albina? She wears a body suit, which is already very sexy, but on top of that there is no material around her buttocks. I find it really vulgar. And the worst thing is that the bookies seem to like it.
Still hope she will qualifies but I really don’t stand this choice.

Nina711
Nina711
2 years ago

She wears tights – colours are nude, white and light rose – thats the reason why it seem she has nothing, but she is fully dressed

Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago

So what she wears a body suit which is very sexy what is wrong with that? I think you still live in the 90s with that sexist attitude.

Ana
Ana
2 years ago

Ok so, im from the Balkans and i can assure you that this evil thing with the costumes is done by Zigman, the one who designed Nina Kraljic’s dress in 2016.

Jo.
Jo.
2 years ago

blade-runnerish

Stephanie
Stephanie
2 years ago

Same problem as Ireland. Vocally, not that good. There has some work to be done.

Robert
Robert
2 years ago
Reply to  Stephanie

Lol she was literally impecable vocally.

Helene
Helene
2 years ago
Reply to  Robert

It sounded prerecorded. Bits probably are since it is her own voice that is prerecorded. It actually disturbed me a lot.

PP77
PP77
2 years ago

Croatia sorry but for me Dora staging is better . This is for Barbara Dex award this year , and for 11-12 place in semi final.

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
2 years ago
Reply to  PP77

Barbara Dex to modern costume?!?

PP77
PP77
2 years ago
Reply to  Tom Ripley

Albina costume is modern kitch costume, and till now is contender number 1 for Barbara Dex award. Second place for Russia and 3 rd for Azerbaijan till now.
Best outfit till now Belgium and Slovenia for slowly song and Cyprus for uptempo sog.

Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago
Reply to  PP77

This will 100% qualify juries are gonna place this high because it is a good produced pop song and televoters also because she is a very charismatic performer.

Doris
Doris
2 years ago

So many contenders this year for the victory….

To the Barbara Dex award.

Sot
Sot
2 years ago
Reply to  Doris

My money is on Vasil 100%

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
2 years ago

I’m very happy to see Croatia take a risk with the outfits and choreography. Bravo. I hope it pays off.

Colin
Colin
2 years ago

I really hope we qualify this year. This is the first time since 2016 that we have a competitive song and at least somewhat of a hype. But alongside Belgium, Azerbaijan, Lithuania, North Macedonia, Israel, Ireland, and Cyprus, we are in a disadvantage of being a part of BOTH of the toughest semis in newer ESC history! Please, if next year there is another ”bloodbath”, let us be in the easier semi. 😉

Good luck, Albina! We are proud of you no matter the outcome!

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

I say that about Ireland lol we always end up in the bloodbath semi whenever we enter something remotely competitive.

ESCFan2009
ESCFan2009
2 years ago
Reply to  Colin

You are from Croatia? I always thought you were British lol.
I’m also proud of Albina! <3

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
2 years ago

little monsters are shook ! this looks like the chromatica performance we never got

Polegend Godgarina
Polegend Godgarina
2 years ago

well well

yeahyeahfire
yeahyeahfire
2 years ago

That’s the definition of blood-bath. Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Israel and Croatia will fight hard for the spot. I really liked Albinas performance, her staging was what she needed to shine. But honestly what the hell is she wearing, she looks like a circus.

Last edited 2 years ago by yeahyeahfire
Timi
Timi
2 years ago

Croatia’s problem is being in the same semi as Cyprus, Israel, Malta and Azerbaijan. They can’t all qualify (they all go with a banger pop song and a lot of dancing); at least two have to stay in semis. It’s just logic.

The photos and what I could hear (it seems that she’s lip syncing and doesn’t reach her most interesting notes) don’t give a good vibe.

This stays in semis. Other vocalists overshadow her, and her charm is no more charming than that of her direct competitors.

Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago
Reply to  Timi

If this was Sweden then you would have sayed that this is 100% gonna qualify.

Matt
Matt
2 years ago

The Queen.. Love it.. Modern and sophisticated, dance routine and the looks.. Amazing..

Anne Marie
Anne Marie
2 years ago

Yes, Albina, slay, girl

Candy
Candy
2 years ago

This semi is getting even tougher

Hello hi
Hello hi
2 years ago

Barbara dex here we come . Who honestly thought these outfits were a good idea . Laughing stock

Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago
Reply to  Hello hi

She looks gorgeous in that outfit.

kas
kas
2 years ago

The common director of Croatia and Cyprus…seems to make common thinks to both entries. Dancers costumes a big no, Albina’s its ok. Very good vocals.
In the mortalcombat zone too.

London Boy
London Boy
2 years ago
Reply to  kas

Your obsession with Cyprus or Greece is becoming a bit unbearable. Obviously didn’t visit the doctor I have kindly suggested you in one of your many silly comments..

kas
kas
2 years ago
Reply to  London Boy

Really ? I’ll call him right now to feel better.

Ende
Ende
2 years ago
Reply to  London Boy

@London Boy your obsession to randomly accuse others of having obsession is becoming a bit unbearable. Obviously you didn’t visit the doctor you kindly suggest
to people in some of your many silly comments.

kas
kas
2 years ago
Reply to  Ende

!!!

Euterpa
Euterpa
2 years ago
Reply to  kas

Croatian outfits were not made by Dietmann…

kas
kas
2 years ago
Reply to  Euterpa

yes indeed !

Alex
Alex
2 years ago

Amazing staging for Croatia, wow this is their best entry in AGES.

Albina is talented and likeable.

This is very polished and modern, futuristic and interesting. If it was Dua Lipa, everyone would be drooling.

This looks like a certain qualifier now.

Hector
Hector
2 years ago

I really like the background from what I’ve seen. Not too keen on the costumes though

JOHNSANDERS
JOHNSANDERS
2 years ago

Cancel Croatia…It seems Eurovision is a joke for them
Dancers costume look horrible
Just awful

Mr.Who
Mr.Who
2 years ago

this is amazing!

Berco
Berco
2 years ago

Oh no, oh no, oh nooo!

Berco
Berco
2 years ago
Reply to  Berco

she looks like she’s attending an intergalactic wedding tho.

Last edited 2 years ago by Berco
Aeria
Aeria
2 years ago

They really just copy-pasted that Dora staging huh? Lame

Hayne
Hayne
2 years ago
Reply to  Aeria

She took NOTHING from Dora, except blue and pink scheme.
The camera work is just awesome.

Roodi
Roodi
2 years ago
Reply to  Aeria

That staging looks different from Dora are you blind?

Benedictos
Benedictos
2 years ago

Target: be the new iconic Foureira for Eurovision bubble.

Reality: cheap drag show.

I understand what she wanted to try but it needs high aesthetics, which are totally absent on this. Croatia will struggle to Q in my opinion cause it’s too much of everything without being something specific.

Tom Ripley
Tom Ripley
2 years ago
Reply to  Benedictos

Oh, each time something from Croatia do something its cheap… wings on Roko 2019 was oh nooooo, now on Tix is wow. Albina looks AMAZING!

Jamie
Jamie
2 years ago

The costumes…. yikes. Borderline qualifier.

Aeria
Aeria
2 years ago
Reply to  Jamie

Bold of you to think they’re even considerably ‘borderline’

Agent 007
Agent 007
2 years ago

Her outfit is good. But those of the dancers… I’m sorry for them.

Liam
Liam
2 years ago

Croatia and Cyprus Send generic songs and fans : Yeyyyyyy .Sweden does it: noooo. Haha fans are the saddest people . Cyprus have send the same song 3 years in a row

Yeah yeah fire
Yeah yeah fire
2 years ago

Woow! It looks amazing! They really stepped up their game

Dida
Dida
2 years ago

Croatia has put a lot of an effort this year, apart from their usual balcanic sound, this is fresh, is modern. This is a 100% qualifier

Sot
Sot
2 years ago

WOW. That’s risky!

If this goes as expected, it’s extremely likely for Albina to qualify over Efendi!

Ted
Ted
2 years ago

CROATIA IS GOING FOR ALL OR NOTHING. Phenomenal. It needs more work on her dancing skills, she needs to relax a little more, but overall – wow! Straight to the finals!

Darren
2 years ago

Promising stuff from Croatia

DanyQueen
DanyQueen
2 years ago

Woooow!!!