Photo: EBU / Andres Putting

On 8 May, seven six acts competing in semi-final one of Eurovision 2021 took to the Rotterdam Ahoy stage for their first rehearsal. The Roop delivered high energy disco, Manizha served traditional Russian fashion, Lesley Roy took us on a journey through nature, and that was just the start.

After reading the reviews from the press and watching the official rehearsal clips, we asked you to vote for which act you thought delivered the best first rehearsal.

After counting 5,806 votes, we can now reveal the winner…

Manizha delivered your favourite first rehearsal on 8 May

Coming out on top of this rehearsal poll is Manizha from Russia. The star was the only act to pick up more than 2,000 votes – receiving 2,079 to be precise (35.81% of the total vote).

Manizha showcased the various sides of a “Russian Woman” through her rehearsal, from dressing up as a Babushka doll, to owning the stage in a red boiler suit. Here’s what wiwiblogger Oliver had to say about the rehearsal:

“When Russia gets it right, they get it right. Manizha appears in a huge oversized traditional dress moving on wheels, which then reveals into the red jumpsuit similar to the one we saw at the national final. The team seems to be putting more emphasis on the traditional/modern fusion, and are also leaning into the parody aspect of the song. It makes the message of ‘Russian Woman’ much more clear, even for those who might not understand the language. At the end, we get a huge wall of singing selfies. It’s been done before at Eurovision, but this time it feels powerful. Manizha and her backing vocalists turn towards the Russian women, almost as if worshipping them. This is heading for a huge result.”

In second place are The Roop from Lithuania, who earned 1,293 votes (22.27%). The group seamlessly copied their staging from national final Pabandom iš naujo! but took things that extra mile for the bigger arena stage. The Roop are hoping to spread a wave of yellow throughout Europe, and our readers have certainly responded well so far and are ready to join them in the “Discoteque”.

Third place in the poll goes to Lesley Roy. The Irish singer picked up 926 votes (15.95%) for her storybook staging concept. While there might be a few kinks still to iron out, fans see a lot of potential in what Lesley is bringing to the contest. With a warm reception following her first rehearsal, Lesley’s “Maps” are hopefully still guiding her to the grand final.

Slovenia’s Ana Soklič claimed fourth place, while Montaigne from Australia rounded out the top five (despite not being present in Rotterdam).

Sixth place goes to Tusse from Sweden, and lastly North Macedonia’s Vasil finished seventh in the poll.

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

  1. Russia: Manizha – “Russian Woman” 35.81%  (2,079 votes)
  2. Lithuania: The Roop – “Discoteque” 22.27%  (1,293 votes)
  3. Ireland: Lesley Roy – “Maps” 15.95%  (926 votes)
  4. Slovenia: Ana Soklic – “Amen” 8.65%  (502 votes)
  5. Australia: Montaigne – “Technicolour” 7.54%  (438 votes)
  6. Sweden: Tusse – “Voices” 5.94%  (345 votes)
  7. North Macedonia: Vasil – “Here I Stand” 3.84%  (223 votes)

Total Votes: 5,806

Do you agree that Manizha had the best first rehearsal amongst these acts? Who do you think will improve the most in their second rehearsal? Let us know in the comments below!

Read more Eurovision 2021 rehearsal news here

12 Comments
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Alex
Alex
3 years ago

Manizha is very cool, the song is not ordinary, although in Russia the song ochenb was not underestimated, and some people want it to fail, so that it failed very much, and after returning to Russia even more to attack it with negative and negative comments! She raises a big topic, the equality of women, that they are strong and she alone opposes public opinion! The number is good, Manizha feels the stage and the clockwork rhythm, under which you want to move.

Boozyfloozy69
Boozyfloozy69
3 years ago

Seems like shouting and screaming is in this year then.

Karl Compton
Karl Compton
3 years ago

The fact that North Macedonia is last completely shows that people are just voting for their country or their already favourite. Ridiculous.

Darren
Darren
3 years ago
Reply to  Karl Compton

Vasil’s song is not great. Why should he be pumped up the list because he got a shiny cheap late. This is a song contest.

Last edited 3 years ago by Darren
Darren
Darren
3 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Chest plate**

Kristian
Kristian
3 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Cheap late was more accurate tbh

Lolek
Lolek
3 years ago
Reply to  Karl Compton

I really like Vasil! He has an amazing voice and is a really nice guy. I just think that the song doesn’t appeal to many people in general unfortunately. Also, I suspect that perhaps many find the shiny chest-plate reflecting light is a little too similar to Dotter’s use of it last year during Melo and they may see it as a bit unoriginal because of that. Either way, I hope he does well. Personally I voted for Russia in this poll. I loved her song before and I really like what I see with the staging improvements, but that… Read more »

Sot
Sot
3 years ago

As she should

notyourtoy
notyourtoy
3 years ago

If there were more audience, I would be sure that the entire stage would be shouting “Don’t be afraid” together with Manizha. This is so memorable and unique

Nobody Important
Nobody Important
3 years ago

A Queen! An Icon! We stan!

shin
shin
3 years ago

not surprised . it was mindblowing.

Eugenie
Eugenie
3 years ago

The winner was obvious. Also, I would put Slovenia higher than Ireland, but I’m probably in minority. Wish good luck Lithuania anyway! These guys are so cool.