On 13 May, it was finally time for the six automatic qualifiers of Eurovision 2021 to undertake their first rehearsals. Måneskin went all out with their pyro, Blas Cantó sang under the moon, James Newman brought us two gigantic trumpets, and that’s just half the acts.
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 out of these six countries.
There were two very clear standout favourites. But after a total of 3,576 votes, one just snuck ahead into first place…
Barbara Pravi delivered your favourite first rehearsal on 13 May
First place goes to Barbara Pravi of France. The star received 1,222 votes – that’s 34.17% of the total number cast.
Barbara kept things much the same from her national final performance earlier this year, but if it ain’t broke then why fix it. Our Oliver was full of praise after seeing her first rehearsal:
“Astonishing. Barbara Pravi did something special on the Rotterdam Ahoy stage today. Her performance of “Voilà” here was mostly the same as that at C’est vous qui décidez but executed immaculately. Barbara is alone on stage, lit by various spotlights shining through smoke. She’s wearing a black bustier and high waisted trousers — a simple look cohesive to the simple staging. The moment where Barbara’s shadow explodes into a flock of birds remains, though now it’s perfectly smooth. And despite all these similarities, the French chanteuse is bringing something unique to the stage every time she performs. As the tempo shifts, Barbara swings her arms in dynamic upwards motions and delivers an impeccable display of emotions. Put simply, it’s captivating. Magnifique!”
Just slightly behind in second place are Italy’s Måneskin. The band brought a dynamic performance to the stage with all their glam rock appeal. Damiano, Victoria, Thomas and Ethan have buckets of charisma and it shines through while they perform “Zitti E Buoni”. Måneskin picked up 1,173 votes in the poll (32.8%).
The drop down to third place is where we find James Newman from the United Kingdom. There’s trumpets aplenty during his performance of “Embers”, with four brass players accompanying James onstage. In addition, two massive trumpet props are lowered from the ceiling – it’s hard for the stage design not to standout. James earned 338 votes (9.45%).
Spain’s Blas Cantó finishes in fourth place.
Fifth place goes to Jeangu Macrooy from the Netherlands.
And Jendrik of Germany finishes sixth in the poll.
Poll results: Which automatic qualifier had the best first rehearsal on 13 May?
- France: Barbara Pravi – “Voilà” – 34.17% (1,222 votes)
- Italy: Måneskin – “Zitti E Buoni” – 32.8% (1,173 votes)
- United Kingdom: James Newman – “Embers” – 9.45% (338 votes)
- Spain: Blas Cantó – “Voy a quedarme” – 8.86% (317 votes)
- The Netherlands: Jeangu Macrooy – “Birth of a New Age” – 8.03% (287 votes)
- Germany: Jendrik – “I Don’t Feel Hate” – 6.68% (239 votes)
Total Votes: 3,576
Do you agree that Barbara Pravi 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!
I think we should hear a bit clearer Spain. He is charismatic and gives you soft touches throughout his voice.
Måneskin still the hottest 2021 act
The hatred follows the odds leaders, classical, after Malta it’s France turn, guys, some childish wiwi readers, some professional haters you are so predictable, how does it feel to be so frustrated? Breathe and open up lol.
The arguments against Barbara are becoming totally ridiculous and so laughable.
#Frustration
Oh really eurofans, the Edith Piaf copycat? She copied the hair, she copied the Padam-Padam to Voila-Voila…
Some of my favourite winners in Eurovision are songs in french like L’ Oiseau et L’ Enfa and Poupe de cire poupe de son. I say this because I don’t have problem with the country or the language but with the non-originality of this act.
It’s your problem…… and most of what you said is wrong, she has copied nobody if you are not able to understand that yeah it’s your problem, people like it and it’s the main thing, deal with it.
Yes with all these haters everyone is copying everyone else – France – Edith Piaf; Malta – Netta; Switzerland – Duncan Laurence. Now maybe we’ll have Italy -Hatari?!
Exactly my point of view!
At least Barbara wrote her own song unlike Malta
How many singers wrote their own song? Why single out Malta?
They are jealous and worried that tiny Malta will win the Eurovision
France is the overhype of the year (on par with the Swiss Djon’s mustard)
What is your aim coming here and to say that?
Just to state the obvious: this dull and unimaginative song will flop no matter how many stans like yourself will hype it before the competition.
Traduction of “overhype” in the real world: a song people like a lot but I’m jealous because it’s not my favorite or my country.
Typical….
Completely agree with you on that. This song just won’t connect with the mass audience for sure. Too bleak, too many words in French, the staging is ultra minimalistic. Plus, chanson is like the least popular genre these days.
It’s so cute, an hater supporting an hater, lol
plus chanson is timeless so by definition it’s always on trend, chill.
Too many words in French???
Why is everyone so impressed by Italy and France after the rehearsals? To me, those clips looked pretty much like what was expected from them but suddenly, the odds went down like crazy. I don’t get this hype at all.
This is not a parody of Edith Piaf, it’s a waltz, a style of music that dates back to the 19th century. I remind you that Barbara co-wrote this song with Igit. Igit had himself participated in “Destination Eurovision” with a waltz, “Lisboa Jerusalem”, which he had already co-written with Barbara. If he had qualified, what would you have said? France sends a pastiche of Maurice Chevalier? A lot of things happened in France before Piaf, and especially since Edith Piaf, there were other great ladies with great texts: Barbara (Brodi), Françoise Hardy, Maurane (even though she was Belgian, we… Read more »