Belgium, Israel and Romania - Eurovision 2021 Second Rehearsals
Photos: EBU / ANDRES PUTTING / THOMAS HANNES

We’re back with more coverage of day five of Eurovision 2021 rehearsals. Next up to the Rotterdam Ahoy stage for their second rehearsals are Belgium, Israel and Romania. Will we see any major changes since their first run-throughs? Let’s find out…

Second rehearsals at Eurovision 2021: Belgium, Israel and Romania

Belgium’s Hooverphonic “The Wrong Place” — Eurovision 2021 second rehearsal

Oliver: Hooverphonic have spent years honing their craft. They are professional live musicians and they have very quickly made the stage the Rotterdam Ahoy stage their home. No material changes to report. Looking more broadly at the lineup however, it’s clear that this provides a refreshing shift in energy from the upbeat eccentricities of Cyprus, Norway and Croatia. The elegant, spooky and more subdued vibe of Geike’s haunting presence could see Belgium through to the final.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by wiwibloggs (@wiwibloggs)

Padraig: It’s another moody and atmospheric rehearsal from Hooverphonic. And while it’s still dark, the darkness is a tad brighter. Geike also seems to be a bit more expressive… although that could just be me trying to find something new to note. Hooverphonic were pretty much sorted after rehearsal one, so today is just going through the motions. It’s very understated, but Geike may just hypnotise Europe into pushing Belgium through to the final.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by wiwibloggs (@wiwibloggs)

Israel’s Eden Alene “Set Me Free” — Eurovision 2021 second rehearsal

Oliver: Something has shifted today. Eden’s second rehearsal elevated massively on the first, with slicker choreography and a stronger visual package. She’s wearing the braid hairpiece right from the start, meaning the final reveal is much smoother and the dancers don’t have to worry about leaving Eden’s crown wonky on her head. The billboard lighting is also much more dynamic, maintaining momentum as the team prance down the runway. However, she missed the whistle note on today’s first run-through. We know she can hit it, but it’s a big risk that could cause Israel to miss out on some jury points if it’s not perfect.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by wiwibloggs (@wiwibloggs)

Padraig: Straight off the bat, we see a change in Eden’s production. Now, instead of having a coronation moment at the end of the performance, she instead wears her crown of braids from the very beginning. Otherwise, things remain the same. Eden is growing in confidence, although she’s taking it easier with her vocals. She didn’t hit the whistle note during the first run-through, but presumably, that’s because she’s minding herself. After all, nothing counts until the jury and live shows next week.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by wiwibloggs (@wiwibloggs)

Romania’s Roxen “Amnesia” — Eurovision 2021 second rehearsal

Oliver: A small wardrobe change from Roxen, who is now wearing her hair in a fringe. Other than that there isn’t much else to report. This is still just as shaky as the first rehearsal, and the interpretive dance is more distracting than anything. The Romanian singer is putting a lot of energy into getting the choreography right and it often leaves her breathless, causing her vocal to tremble. On the final “you’re not alone” line, the dancers lift Roxen and it’s very wobbly, her vocal even more so. It’s all too ambitious. Breath control will be vital if Roxen wants to improve her chances.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by wiwibloggs (@wiwibloggs)

Padraig: Roxen has had a trip to the hair salon, but otherwise no significant change. Roxen appears more at ease on stage, and is better able to tackle the choreography. However, the delegation may be regretting the decision to include so much movement. Roxen’s vocals are more strained than before, and it sounds like the improved dance is coming about at the detriment of her voice. Still, the overall package is an improvement on before.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by wiwibloggs (@wiwibloggs)

Read more Eurovision 2021 rehearsal news here

Photos: EBU / ANDRES PUTTING / THOMAS HANSES

53 Comments
Newest
Oldest Most Voted
Inline Feedbacks
View all comments
Dan
Dan
2 years ago

I hope that outfit Roxen has wore twice now isn’t the final outfit, it’s very standart and looks like she was grabbed to the stage from her couch in her everyday clothes! The black pantsuit/dress she wore on the music video would have been more than fine!

Steven
Steven
2 years ago

I like Belgium song but they look like they died on thier lifetime. Belgium didn’t take a lesson from Sennek’s performance.
Israel grown so so much. I love it ?
Roxen sounds better but it’s not as good as I expected:(

Sabrina
Sabrina
2 years ago

Belgium: Every year has an entry that bookies and fandom dismiss for not being “Eurovision-friendly enough” but ends up doing reasonably well. The more I watch the contrast between Belgium and the rest of the semi, the more I think they can benefit from it. Romania’s struggle probably also helps them, since they’re both indie. Israel: I love Eden and I think the juries will giver her a push, but the staging seems a little random to me. Both music videos were more interesting. Romania: I’m very worried this will be my favorite that will get axed in the semis.… Read more »

Lola
Lola
2 years ago

Continuation of my previous comment:
Israel: I think the performance looks more polished and Eden can SING! However the competition is hard in this semi between the female dance songs and I don’t know if it’s a certain qualifier. I do think this will get both jury and televoters support.
Romania: even though I like the studio version, I’m afraid this might not make it. The concept is great, but the execution needs to be better if they want to make it through. Would love to see it qualify, but for that to happen, they need some more practice

Viggz
Viggz
2 years ago

I think Roxen’s vocals are better than last time but not perfect yet. She still has 5-6 days to practice. The staging is cool tho. I really want Romania to qualify.

Popeye Spinach
Popeye Spinach
2 years ago
Reply to  Viggz

Didn`t she had more then 12 months to prepare 3 min long performance? 6 more days will not make a big difference.
P.s. I liked her pr-erecorded audio and video thought

Last edited 2 years ago by Popeye Spinach
SeNhiT
SeNhiT
2 years ago
Reply to  Popeye Spinach

I really liked her spain pre-party performance, I wish she could have met that expectation though.

SeNhiT
SeNhiT
2 years ago

Belgium just keeps growing on me!

Israel has come a long way, from 23rd to my 8th.

On the other hand, Roxen has dropped from my 6th to my 30th after these 2 rehearsals. Very worried.

Ted
Ted
2 years ago

out of these 3, Israel was my fave. However this 2nd rehearsal preview clip, I felt she was too shouty in the verses. That high note though is just amazing. Will it be enough to get her through the semi’s? Slipping down towards borderline for me now.

Candy
Candy
2 years ago

I love Belgium’s song but the cameras didn’t do a good work and now I’m worried this might not get through.

Eden’s voice is wow and those whistle notes too. Her second dress is a real contender for the Barbara Dex award. I don’t really like the song but in this rehearsal it really improved. I prefer Belgium over this tho.

Thank you Romania! I’m so so happy Roxen improved this time. Her song is meaningful and she is such a great singer. I’m putting this in safe qualifiers now.

BadWoolfGirl
BadWoolfGirl
2 years ago

Let’s face it, Romania might be out for the third time this year. Roxen’s voice sounds even worse than yesterday, and she may have taken on more than she can chew with the staging. I think she needs to rein in the excessive movement in order to make her voice sound better. I respect this is an ambitious staging, but sometimes you need to pull back.

ROXELANA
ROXELANA
2 years ago

I have a feeling that Romania won’t qualify. I love Roxen but both the vocals and the whole staging are disappointing. Wish her the best of luck nevertheless.

Eyal
Eyal
2 years ago

I just watched the Israeli sneak-pick rehearsal video and I was pleasantly surprised. I’m coming with law and realistic expectations regarding Israel’s entry this year. It’s my home country but I’ll totally understand if it doesn’t make it to the final, yet what I just saw really uplifted my spirits: Eden looks amazing, and I mean really stunning. Her voice was on point and she gave good, fun vibes. The dancing was street-like, free, not too produced.

Nati
Nati
2 years ago
Reply to  Eyal

I think Eden is a fantastic singer and a beautiful person.

Alo
Alo
2 years ago

Honestly I’m quite surprised by Israel rehearsal. It’s better then I expected! Maybe it will get better result than I have thought.

Nati
Nati
2 years ago

1.Israel – what a nightingale, what an amazing vocal capabilities, I am so surprised she is not hyped about as much.

2. Belgium – Beautiful creation.

3. Romania – wow, vocals so bad and the entire view isn’t just great with that outfit.. Yet Roxen is hyped about more than Eden.. I think she should just stand still as her preparty attempts were better..

Last edited 2 years ago by Nati
Lin
Lin
2 years ago

Thanks from Israel:)

James
James
2 years ago

Omg Eden is sooooooo underrated. Just saw the ESC video of 2nd rehaesel. That was amazing. And she hit that whisle not… I mean, WOW!

Sot
Sot
2 years ago
  1. Belgium (respect for those live backing vocals)
  2. Israel (a bit awkward and I’m not sure about the hairstyle)
  3. Romania (so sad to see that she may actually struggle going through)
Escfan
Escfan
2 years ago

Roxen was perfect in the last run-through!
She’s back in the game!

Dawid
Dawid
2 years ago

Hope Roxen wont end up as Sennek 2.0. Amazing video and joke on stage

Darren
Darren
2 years ago

Concerned for Roxen.
I’m getting shock NQ vibes.

IPA
IPA
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

So many other great voices/performances/entries to choose from. There are sympathy votes for Roxen, I suppose (?), but a great performance it isn’t!

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

It could come across as vulnerability and work together with the song.
But I dunno she’s looking shaky.
She’ll either qualify ala Blanche in 2017 or not qualify ala Agnete in 2016.

Yannis
Yannis
2 years ago

People who love Belgium should must vote for it only because it is borderline qualifying. Everybody loves and respect the entry but I don’t want to happen something similar to other entry that people surprised that didn’t go through! Please please send an sms to Belgium

IPA
IPA
2 years ago
Reply to  Yannis

I’ll hand belgium my vote. Quality!

EProduc
EProduc
2 years ago

Romania’s staging actually looks very promising. The visuals and the interpretive dancing are my taste but the “Oh I lost myself trying to have it all” in Roxen’s song ironically counts for her performance today too. The dancing, moving and singing all together may be a bit too much for her to handle and looks a little messy.. She should focus on the song more, which is absolutely stunning, and maybe drop some (dance) moves. I’m still keeping the faith though.

Last edited 2 years ago by EProduc
Alex
Alex
2 years ago

belgium is the dark horse, i think they can do very well with juries and be like 15th with the public. they are qualifing to the final. Israel? I am 100% that they”re out of the final. I love Eden and the song is nice but not memorable enough. It’s the type of song that will make people vote for it especially in a semifinal full of strong bangers.It will have to compete against Croatia and i think Croatia is on lock at least with televoting. I am sad for Eden and i hope she does make it to the… Read more »

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

I loveeeeeeee Belgium!! Unfortunately I can’t vote for them because I resident in the UK but people should vote for them because I worry that they are going to be one of the entries that everybody respects but didn’t go through to the final because they did not vote

Harry review's
Harry review's
2 years ago

Roxen was alot more vocally stronger than the first rehearsal

Lola
Lola
2 years ago

Belgium: still LOVE this one! It’s in my top 5 and I really want to see it qualify. Geike is just amazing! On the one hand, I’m confident they could go to the final judging all the other entries, but I’m not sure if voting patterns are gonna be the thing that pushes Belgium out of the top 10.
Israel & Romania coming when the clips are out

Yeah yeah fire
Yeah yeah fire
2 years ago

Belgium is awesome! I wouldn’t write them off. Second, I just don’t like Israels staging this year and in terms of “bops” I would prefer to see Croatia qualifying over Israel. Also, I really like Romania and hopefully she can manage the vocals and the choreography at the same time by the semis.

Last edited 2 years ago by Yeah yeah fire
Giolo
Giolo
2 years ago

Hooveprhonic really nailed the staging and the performance. If Croatia, Cyprus, Israel and Azerbaijan are all going to qualify over Belgium, I will be more than disappointed and ESC may consider to change its name into Eurovision Dance Song Contest

Giolo
Giolo
2 years ago
Reply to  Giolo

Indeed. It would be really ironic after Duncan’s speech “Music first. Always”

EProduc
EProduc
2 years ago
Reply to  Giolo

I agree about Israel, Croatia and Azerbaijan because the songs are a little average but Cyprus actually has a great pop song with kick-ass staging, plus Elena’s vocals are on point and she brings so much energy! Belgium lacks that extra spark to be a lock qualifier but both Hooverphonic and Elena should qualify.

Giolo
Giolo
2 years ago
Reply to  EProduc

I wouldn’t mind Elena to advance, but I am like not wanting all the upbeat songs qualify, leaving Hooveprhonic behind, like betting odds suggest. It would be a travesty of a song contest.

Thomas Sturley
2 years ago

Gosh I am worried for Romania. I feel its too ambitious for Roxen and her nerves are getting the best of her.

Zeb
Zeb
2 years ago

Very worried about Roxen. I’m still rooting for her to kill this, since Amnesia is my fave song this year and I believe she has great potential, but this isn’t looking too good for Romania.

Last edited 2 years ago by Zeb
Kristian
Kristian
2 years ago

Ana was in the wrong place . And Gieke didn’t even tell her. I’m cross

hrl
hrl
2 years ago

I think that the whistle note isn’t a risk rather a needed gimmick to qualify. I don’t think it will be distinctive enough with a bad note or without a note at all. If the note succeeds, Israel will have a chance, but they are going home either way without it.

just an esc fan
just an esc fan
2 years ago

why do i feel u did this on purpose?? XD

just an esc fan
just an esc fan
2 years ago

i just can’t wait to see geike’s eyes and her expressions captivating me! in stage, she totally transforms into the protagonist no matter how many surrounding her.

Chris
Chris
2 years ago

I am just here to see if people are going to be as angry with Israel as they were with Belarus or they are only angry with what certain western media are calling bad….

nycforever
nycforever
2 years ago
Reply to  Chris

Has Israel sent a politically disturbing song for someone to be angry?

Chris
Chris
2 years ago
Reply to  nycforever

People were blaming Belarus delegation even before they announced which song they are going to send.
People are also angry with Russia every year due to their anti-gay legislations.
The lyrics of Belarusian song were not more provocative than 1944 lyrics.

WannaEatMySpaghetti
WannaEatMySpaghetti
2 years ago
Reply to  Chris

This is not the place to talk about that. Get out.

Chris
Chris
2 years ago

Sorry for pointing out the double standards of the eurofans…

Sot
Sot
2 years ago
Reply to  Chris

I still don’t understand the whole ‘Israel’ thing, or you just typed a random country just to whine about Belarus

Chris
Chris
2 years ago
Reply to  Sot

I mean i don’t know if you are watching what is happening there right now?

Sot
Sot
2 years ago
Reply to  Chris

Yes I watched it, she slayed the high note

EscIL
EscIL
2 years ago
Reply to  Chris

Yes. people in Israel are dying because of a terror organization!! what do you know? stop spreading false hate among people here!

Richy
Richy
2 years ago
Reply to  Chris

Stop promoting all this hate here. This is a song contest, you have MANY OTHER PLATFORMS for your political propganda.

Chris
Chris
2 years ago
Reply to  Richy

What of the things I said was exactly “propaganda” ? Which part?