Live in Paris: Day Three of Junior Eurovision 2021 rehearsals (December 16)

Junior Eurovision 2021 first rehearsals continue today in Paris, France. Today, we’ll see nine countries take to La Seine Musicale stage again for their second run-throughs ahead of the grand final this weekend. Who will improve the most from Tuesday? 

As always, we’ll be giving our first thoughts and reactions right here and livestreaming on Instagram direct from La Seine Musicale. 

December 16: Second rehearsals at Junior Eurovision 2021

Here’s who will be taking to the stage for rehearsals today. All times are listed in CET (GMT + 1).

• 10:00 – 10:20 Portugal: Simão Oliveira – “O Rapaz”
• 10:30 – 10:50 Ireland: Maiú Levi Lawlor – “Saor”
• 11:00 – 11:20 Malta: Ike & Kaya – “My Home”
• 11:30 – 11:50 Netherlands: Ayana – “Mata Sugu Aō Ne”
• 13:00 – 13:20 Germany: Pauline – “Imagine Us”
• 13:30 – 13:50 Italy: Elisabetta Lizza – “Specchio”
• 14:00 – 14:20 Georgia: Niko Kajaia – “Let’s Count The Smiles”
• 14:30 – 14:50 Spain: Levi Díaz – “Reír”
• 15:00 – 15:20 Poland: Sara James – “Somebody”

Portugal: Simão Oliveira – “O Rapaz” second rehearsal

Good morning, Paris! Today, we’re seeing the full rehearsal in all it’s glory with graphics, camerawork, and all the whistles and bells. First up today is Portugal’s Simão Oliveira. No major changes to report from day one — he’s in his mustard blazer, giving a classy and elegant performance. His backdrop features archive footage of Portuguese streets. It’s authentically Portugal, and we’re loving it. 

Ireland: Maiú Levi Lawlor – “Saor” second rehearsal

Ireland’s Maiú Levi Lawlor is up next. The staging is initially grey and somewhat, but that only emphasises the burst of colour during the final chorus and the message of his song even more powerful. Maiú has great stage presence and he fills the performance space without any props or backup dancers. Ireland should be proud.

Malta: Ike & Kaya – “My Home” second rehearsal

No costume changes to report from Malta, but Ike and Kaya have worked on their on-stage chemistry and it shows. Like true professionals, they sing directly to the camera, maintaining full eye contact and making a real connection with the audience. The backdrop is dynamic, moving through a cityscape and a jungle, with graphics of hearts, unicorns and even a strawberry. The power couple of Junior Eurovision 2021 came to slay. 

Netherlands: Ayana – “Mata Sugu Aō Ne” second rehearsal

Japan is calling and Ayana is answering! The Netherlands brought cherry blossoms and a traditional Japanese inspired dress. It’s all electric blue, light pink and magenta, while Ayana is wearing red and silver. She’s joined by two dancers whose silhouettes are projected onto a paper door at the back of the stage. They use fans during the performance, and at the end, they create a crown behind Ayana à la Kateryna from Go_A.

Germany: Pauline – “Imagine Us” second rehearsal

The artists are back after a quick lunch break and Pauline is going all out in her second rehearsal. The only noticeable change is she’s now wearing her hair down rather than the slick back ponytail we saw on Tuesday. The performance is energetic and colourful, and a closer look at the backdrop reveals graphics of the globe and a rainbow. The cartoon protestors also look very effective on camera, creating the illusion of hundreds of performers on La Seine Musicale stage.

Italy: Elisabetta Lizza – “Specchio (Mirror On The Wall)” second rehearsal

Hard. Rock. Hallelujah! After a couple of technical issues, Elisabetta Lizza brought us goth glamour with an electrifying performance of “Specchio”. On closer look, her graphics are very similar to Måneskin’s “Zitti E Buoni” backdrop — jagged silhouettes and bright white lights. But that’s not a bad thing. It’s a very good formula to follow. Could Italy make it a double this year?

Georgia: Niko Kajaia – “Let’s Count The Smiles” second rehearsal

Georgia’s Niko Kajaia is bringing pure joy to La Seine Musicale. His vocals are clean, he is full of life and his movement is confident — it’s clear he loves being on stage. The background cycles through the full colour spectrum, with splashes of bright orange, pink, blue, yellow and red, complimenting Niko and his dancers’ outfits perfectly. A rapturous applause for Niko here in the press centre.

Spain: Levi Díaz – “Reír” second rehearsal

Spanish act Levi Díaz returns for his second rehearsal. The camera work is complicated, but the crew have made the transitions look effortlessly slick. Levi is on cue for every change and he fills the stage with charisma. He’s opting for the full denim look, rather than the blue jeans and white leather jacket we saw on Tuesday. Another huge round of applause here in La Seine Musicale. 

Poland: Sara James – “Somebody” second rehearsal

Closing us out today is Poland’s Sara James with a stunning performance of “Somebody”. Some very impressive technical work from the Polish team here — the pink tree in the backdrop is crystal clear and we see overlay graphics of doves and flowers fly across the screen. The colour story is fantastic, shifting from blue and pink in the opening to a warm orange in the final chorus. This has all the ingredients to soak up points from the juries and public alike. 

What do you think? Which act had the best second rehearsal? Let us know in the comments below.