Photo: EBU / Thomas Hanses

Wednesday 12 May saw 94% of the acts competing in semi-final one of Eurovision 2021 take to the Ahoy arena stage once again for their second rehearsal (i.e. every country in semi-final one except Malta). Manizha showcased a costume change, we got our first proper look at Montaigne’s performance, Go_A’s Kateryna was replaced by a stand-in singer, and that’s just a sample.

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 second rehearsal out of these 15 countries.

Russia’s Manizha and Ukraine’s Go_A topped their respective first rehearsal polls, but neither managed to claim victory again this time. After counting 6,049 votes, we can reveal the new winner is…

Elena Tsagrinou delivered your favourite second rehearsal on 12 May

Taking the top spot is Elena Tsagrinou, who is representing Cyprus with “El Diablo”. The star had a resounding victory, being awarded 17.99% of the total number of votes cast – that’s 1,088 votes specifically.

There were minimal changes to the performance, but that just shows the Cypriot team came to Eurovision with a strong package. Wiwiblogger Padraig made the following comments about Elena’s second rehearsal:

“Elena came to today’s rehearsal with little that needed to be fixed. Once again, she looked every part the pop star. She’s at ease with all her choreography and doesn’t miss a beat. Her vocals are strong and she carries off the performance with a plan. “El Diablo” will likely be etched on people’s minds long after the smoke from the pyro clears.”

Russia’s Manizha picked up second place in the poll, receiving 594 votes (9.82% of the total). The singer wore a slightly different head scarf this time around, while her backing singers were laden with baggy gold outfits. Overall though, the power of the performance still shone through and Manizha certainly brings something special to the contest with “Russian Woman”.

Third place goes to Albina from Croatia. The “Tick Tock” singer picked up 573 votes (9.47%). Serving shiny intergalactic costumes under retro pink and blue lighting, Albina brings a certain spark to her performance. Although it’s another routine featuring a singer backed by four dancers, Croatia’s use of the catwalk and satellite stage helps give their performance a slightly unique feel to it.

In fourth place we find Romania’s Roxen, whose smoke-filled staging created a certain atmosphere in the arena. Roxen received 533 votes (8.81%).

Rounding out the top five are The Roop from Lithuania with 521 votes (8.61%). They didn’t need many changes for their second rehearsal and the group continue to deliver a standout start to the first semi-final.

The only other act to receive over 500 votes was Go_A. The Ukrainian band went without lead singer Kateryna owing to illness. Despite this, they still delivered an eye catching performance and picked up 518 votes (8.56%), finishing sixth in the poll.

Poll results: Who had the best second rehearsal on 12 May?

  1. Cyprus: Elena Tsagrinou – “El Diablo” – 17.99%  (1,088 votes)
  2. Russia: Manizha – “Russian Woman” – 9.82%  (594 votes)
  3. Croatia: Albina – “Tick-Tock” – 9.47%  (573 votes)
  4. Romania: Roxen – “Amnesia” – 8.81%  (533 votes)
  5. Lithuania: The Roop – “Discoteque” – 8.61%  (521 votes)
  6. Ukraine: Go_A – “SHUM” – 8.56%  (518 votes)
  7. Ireland: Lesley Roy – “Maps” – 8.17%  (494 votes)
  8. Israel: Eden Alene – “Set Me Free” – 5.9%  (357 votes)
  9. Belgium: Hooverphonic – “The Wrong Place” – 5.47%  (331 votes)
  10. Australia: Montaigne – “Technicolour” – 4.53%  (274 votes)
  11. Azerbaijan: Efendi – “Mata Hari” – 4.02%  (243 votes)
  12. Norway: TIX – “Fallen Angel” – 3.07%  (186 votes)
  13. Slovenia: Ana Soklic – “Amen” – 2.31%  (140 votes)
  14. North Macedonia: Vasil – “Here I Stand” – 1.74%  (105 votes)
  15. Sweden: Tusse – “Voices” – 1.52%  (92 votes)

Total Votes: 6,049

Do you agree that Elena Tsagrinou had the best second rehearsal amongst these acts? Who do you think will improve ahead of the live shows? Let us know in the comments below!

Read more Eurovision 2021 rehearsal news here

24 Comments
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Rory
3 years ago

World come Saturday night Elena from cyprus Is going blow here minds she be the biggest artist Europe will give to the world

WestMids
3 years ago

I like the Cypriot entry. Preferred Lady Gaga’s version though (when it was called “Bad Romance.”)

Petros
Petros
3 years ago

Elena is such a talented girl …we love her. ???? She is amazing on stage …lets all whisper…”el diablo”
Thank you wiwibloggs for your fantastic coverage all the years
Is it possible a press kit of El Diablo? Thanks

Rory
3 years ago
Reply to  Petros

Yes I agree Elena is going To be the next mega pop star ever

Luc
Luc
3 years ago

Gotta be honest, didn’t expect Sweden to be last lmao

Sot
Sot
3 years ago

Happy to see Sweden last

sTommie
sTommie
3 years ago
Reply to  Sot

A bit sad to be happy that someone is last.

Poppa
Poppa
3 years ago

She has the most polished and stylish performance of anyone at the moment. The choreo is slick

Escfan
Escfan
3 years ago

I think people should stop judging acts and saying who will qualify based on the rehearsals. Just wait for the semifinal! Until then, everyone has a chance!

Azimuth
Azimuth
3 years ago
Reply to  Escfan

No

Alex
Alex
3 years ago

Not Sweden being last lmao.

Stephanie
Stephanie
3 years ago

How seriously should we take this? After all, polls don’t say anything. There’s sometimes a big difference between what we want or think and what the result will be next Tuesday.

Darren
Darren
3 years ago

Belgium and Ireland being slept on, but hopefully things are starting to change.

Sweden last in the poll, while it’s an average song, I think there is worse than “Voices”. I probably wouldn’t put it last

Disco_33
Disco_33
3 years ago

Is anyone else really happy for ROXEN, her vocals really improved yesterday

Ulla Rajala
Ulla Rajala
3 years ago

Sweden song is so generic! Belgium gives solid gigs.

Matt
Matt
3 years ago

Finally Sweden is last in something.. Wishful hopes for this to actually happen tho.. lol 😀

Leo
Leo
3 years ago

UNPOPULAR OPINION:
I think the mass coverage of the rehearsals every year, the betting odds, numerous polls, etc. really puts artists and delegations under the pressure and makes us forget that what a rehearsal actually is. It’s not the final product

Chris
Chris
3 years ago
Reply to  Leo

I agree with you, but on the other hand especially this year that we missed 2020, the fans need this. And it prolongs the eurovision from 1 week to 2.

Leo
Leo
3 years ago
Reply to  Chris

Yeah but the fans need to realize that sometimes their passion and obsession with the contest can hurt the artists.
But of course, not all the fans think alike.

Darren
Darren
3 years ago
Reply to  Leo

Being professional artists, I’m sure they’re used to the spotlight, otherwise they probably wouldn’t even take part at all.
It’s a tough business, they’re aware of that.
Someone has to win, in order for that to happen someone also has to come last.

sTommie
sTommie
3 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Rehearsals are called rehearsals for a reason. Things can go wrong. But what we see now is the Eurovision press and some eager fans immediately judging the package, even if that is not a finished product.

sTommie
sTommie
3 years ago
Reply to  Leo

Not only that, especially the semi 2 artists barely get any rest. Apart from the regular rehearsals they have on Wednesday the jury rehearsal and jury semi, Thursday the family show and live show, Friday the final rehearsal and jury show, Saturday the family show and Grand Final. And then this year they are lucky there are less obligations because of Covid.

Leo
Leo
3 years ago
Reply to  sTommie

At least they’re mostly safe from awkward, nonsense interviews with their stupid questions 🙂

Last edited 3 years ago by Leo
WestMids
3 years ago
Reply to  Leo

Ots all part of the fun stop being all holier than thou