Another day, another set of Eurovision 2022 second rehearsals. From Australia’s Sheldon Riley through to the Czech Republic’s We Are Domi, 11 acts from semi-final two took to the PalaOlimpico stage for another run-through ahead of next week’s live shows.
We saw Andromache sing under light projections, wrs have a costume reveal, and Ochman battle the storm. But who impressed you the most?
You can scroll through our homepage to read our reviews and watch our reactions to each act. You can also view the official 45-second teases released by the EBU in the posts.
Scroll down to vote in our poll
Eurovision 2022 6 May second rehearsals
Australia: Sheldon Riley – “Not The Same”
Ireland: Brooke – “That’s Rich”
North Macedonia: Andrea – “Circles”
Montenegro: Vladana – “Breathe”
Belgium: Jérémie Makiese – “Miss You”
Sweden: Cornelia Jakobs – “Hold Me Closer”
Czech Republic: We Are Domi – “Lights Off”
Poll: Who had the best second rehearsal at Eurovision 2022 on 6 May?
You can vote for as many countries as you would like. But you can only vote once – so make it count!
I had a thought the other day, can someone help me out? If someone from another country votes in torino does that mean they vote on behalf of italy? Like, doesn’t mean they can vote for their own country?
And for the record, I’m not in Torino lol
I believe so. Does that mean that delegations members and fans vote for their own countries? I believe it offen does. However, everyone is on the equal footing there, and 50-ish votes usually don’t bring points when tens or hundreds of thousands vote.
Spare a thought for all jury members and text voters it will be the proverbial head versus heart vote with regards Ukraine may god guide them
Polonesco viva grande! Ochmannn <3 en Cornelia su Sveria
italy eurovision is a total disater
Why? It hasn’t even started!
il buon giorno si vede all mattino
Polonia the Best
Amazing
Poland and Czech Republic are amazing. I really liked Australia and Ireland as well, and in general this was a nice day for most participants. Estonia and Cyprus were the only disappointments for me. This second semi has become much more interesting than I expected.
Czech Republic, Estonia, San Marino, and Ireland were the ones rising in the odds after the second rehearsal. I know it’s not to be taken for granted, but it is a good sign, no?
On the other hand, Cyprus continues falling. It’s still projected to qualify, but it’s three spots down. I hope that they fix the lighting.
And yes, Poland needs to dial down the post effects. The staging looks fantastic, but please don’t overdo with the effects! Sincerely, biggest fan!
Poland, hosted both junior eurovision amazingly, in 2019 it was a better stage and show then the adult eurovision. Also hosted junior eurovision in 2020 during a pandemic, they did very good.
Do I would like them to win
Guys question here
Wich country can host a good Eurovision
And can handle the challenge?
wich one’s got a lot of budget for the contest?
Guys question here
Wich country can host a good Eurovision that can handle the challenge ?
And wich one have a big budget for itt?
Semi Final 2 thoughts: I tend to agree with the betting odds on top 7 atm. I honestly expect these seven to make it: Sweden, Poland, Australia, Estonia, Finland, Serbia, Czech Republic. Sweden and Poland are leading the pack for a reason, staging-wise. I’d cut down on some post-production effect on Poland, but other than that, it’s just perfect. Sweden is copy-pasting their MF staging, which is a good thing. Stefan is a charmer, and his song is so uplifting that not even ”the circle” will distract from it. Anyway, seppia tones and blue/yellow lights from inside the circle still… Read more »
I am afraid two of our common favourites might be in trouble Colin. Estonia is hurt by the sun malfunction a lot since their LEDs are almost completely covered. This can really deduct from the cinematic feel of the performance. Of course Stefan makes it up with his ability as a performer. And Poland overdid it with the effects. It becomes too distracting and tiring for the viewer. A ballad like that doesn’t need so much going on to shine. I like the color patterns used but the effects are too much.
Both of these issues are legit, but I feel like they won’t matter in a bigger scale of things, as most entries have more issues. The effects from Poland will likely look better on the big screen (as with Switzerland last year, camera angles always improve in the actual competition, and make every effect look better). It’s also a possibility that they dial down with the effects (hope so). As for Estonia, yeah, the circle in noticeable, but it is in several other entries too, and people will likely, by the 12th song, realize that ”the sun” is here to… Read more »
Part 2: Fence – Entries I feel like will likely go through, but not 100%: Cyprus – The staging in a shell is a great idea, and yesterday I’d put them as an 8th ”locked qualifier”. The color pallette is too pink in close-ups, and sometimes the positioning of the dancers directly next to Andromache doesn’t look coordinated. However, the setting, the calming tone, and the good song will likely still make it qualify. Fingers crossed. 🙂 San Marino – Is this song better than the most? Likely not. Is this staging more *out there* than the most? Oh, yeah!… Read more »
I love your analysis. So detailed and imo, quite well argumented ! I agree on a majority of things (:
If I may, i would just Say that Finland is more on the “Fence” group, which would leave place for Israël/Azerbaïdjan whom staging + vocals seem very very effective even though the songs are not stellar.
Also, I see Estonia being “the song everyone likes a lot but put at 11th”, missing the GF as in 2014 or 2017.
Other than that great analysis imo 😀 even though we know there will be 1 or 2 surprises !
My prediction is as follows
Surely Q Sweden,Poland, Serbia
Likely Q Australia, Estonia, Belgium
Maybe Q Cyprus, San Marino, Finland, Czech Republic
Maybe NQ Georgia, Romania
Likely NQ Montenegro, Israel
Surely NQ North Macedonia, Ireland
Maybe NQ Malta
I think there will be some major twists and turns in this Semi Final. Besides Australia, Sweden, Serbia and Estonia I don’t think anyone else is sure. Yes, even Poland. I personally find the performance too confusing and too distracting, like one big mess. Not sure which way it will go. Ireland, Malta and San Marino have probably one of the worst songs (no offense, just personal opinion) in this Semi Final, but definitely elevated it with staging. Especially San Marino, I mean that performance was fire! But meanwhile I think Finland just gets lost, especially being first to perform,… Read more »
I also fear for a Latvia 2017 phenomenon..
But the rehearsals seemed soooo impacteful !! And the song is way more accessible than “Draw the Line” which i listened the live this week and is oddly constructed and a bit more niche than CZ2022 (i looooved it though back then).
I deeply Hope we are not seeing another Latvia2017
I am worried about Cyprus’ qualification. This may actually be the first time since 2013 that my homeland will not make the final 🙁
… and you should have made it in 2013, IMHO. I currently have Cyprus on the fence, but still as a ”likely qualifier”. The color pallette isn’t working in all times, but the shell is a great idea.
Poland are just going so over the top, it’s borderline ridiculous. They weren’t going to win anyway, but this is all a bit too much…
Thanks. Well put. Happy that I don’t have to write how tasteless this entry is.
I rarely comment here but what the heck? Today was a huge mess!! I can’t even vote for the best of anything, the entire essay was…so bad!! Poor Estonia and Sweden and Montenegro and Poland… yeah I’ll not vote today…
I thought Romania might qualify, but after watching all rehearsals, there’s no chance. But I think Malta and San Marino might surprise and go through and push someone out. Im thinking Finland or Czech Republic might suffer
I would rather see Malta and San Marino instead of Finland. Czech Republic I am still not sure if I want in or out.
Romania, Estonia, Czechia, are my picks here, honourable mentions, Vladana and her dress, Sheldon and his big stairs. I’m a big fan of River but not a fan at all of these effects added so I’m kind of disappointed.
However tomorrow we will know dirinf the press conferences in which half will perform Malik, Alvan & Ahez, Sam and Chanel in the GF, it’s exciting. I think there are 2 spots in the 1st half and 2 in the 2nd half to take. Fingers crossed for France and Uk to take the 2nd half spots.
I hope I’m not untactful but I felt disappointed with most rehearsals today. Ireland and CZ did it for me though
Okay, so it’s time for me to admit something personal. I am not well. Yes, it appears that I am having trouble breathing again. So, for once, I can feel Vladana’s song within me when I’m gasping for air. But leaving this sad coincidence aside, I am reasonably confident that Sweden and Poland will do well. Czech Republic also looked good, even if they did blow up my favourite statue for no reason I know of (how dare they). Ireland did well, and Romania is growing on me a lot. All of the others might be in trouble, as qualification… Read more »
Hope you get better as soon as possible, Purple! Hugs
Take care, Purple. Sending you many hugs and best wishes. Wish I could do more. 🙂
Be good Purple!
Some thoughts: Australia: I like that we can now see his face. I’m not a fan of the gown though. In any case, it’s not much different from Australia Decides, some will buy the drama, some won’t. Cyprus: Unfortunately, the staging looks better on pictures than on video. One of many entries that are being harmed by lazy camera work (Turin 2022 reminds me of Tel Aviv 2019 in this aspect, but backa then there was a big improvement from rehearsals to the actual shows. Ireland: Never underestimate a confident young girl singing a bop in an Eurovision semifinal. Ask… Read more »
Thank you Sabrina. Insightful as always. I agree with pretty much all of it. Belgium is really odd as to why it’s not working. It looks like they went for slick moves street dancing but either couldn’t do it or are saving it for the semi.
And about Czech Republic: Could they blow up their own statue, or borrow one of the many awful ones in the UK? They just had to choose my favourite statue.
Which UK statue would you suggest?
I believe it’s time for the Belgium delegation to admit they have a straging problem. They did a fine job for Blanche and I actually liked what they had prepared for Hooverphonic (the live on tape with the camera leaving their stage and showing a huge empty venue was amazing), but the experience of the band and Geike’s charisma carried most of it. Other than that, Sennek, Eliot and now Jérémie weren’t graced with good efforts. I know they like dark and clean aesthetics (I do too!), but the last time they have staging that lifted a song was with… Read more »
Great review. Agree with all points.
Thank you Andrew. 🙂 Do you have a favorite rehearsal so far?
Estonia needs to change the lighting of the “sun” and blend it in as other countries have done. Some yellowish lights would make it much better.
I completely agree. They’re leaving the black whole there and it’s impossible to ignore it. Maybe they could try giving it a desert sun vibe, play with Stefan’s shadow like Latvia is doing with the sax guy. But the delegation need to do something to help him,
I hope
I am so happy that Romania is very close on making it again to the final, ljiamame is my guilty pleasure
Why is Ireland so high? It’s the same story with Ireland every year here on Wiwi, you’ll be disappointed when she’ll get the last place in the semi, let’s be honest…
It’s a fan voted poll
She had an amazing rehearsal. Big improvement on vocals and choreography, she brought the sass and wasn’t out of breath. You can barely notice the sun on stage. We’ve all noticed her glow up.
We have several pleasant surprises, but I would say Poland.
Thoughts and preliminary predictions for today’s acts: AUSTRALIA: The staging retains (and perhaps further elevates) the theatrical and dramatic aspects of the song. It is quite similar with the national final performance but at the same time it seems that they have been able to adjust it well to the big stage. Of course Sheldon is an amazing performer. The song is not as good as to could be but this is certainly a jury pleaser. Prediction: it will qualify. CYPRUS: The staging is not to my liking (and neither is the song). I think that the sea shell theme… Read more »
And my thoughts and preliminary predictions for yesterday’s acts which I didn’t have time to write yesterday: ICELAND: I love the calm atmosphere of the song that’s also well-translated in the staging. Everything here works for me and this song has grown on me a lot. The part where the screen shows all three of them during the bridge is really magical. Really hope they make it! Prediction: may qualify. NORWAY: They also kept their NF performance and why not since it works. I think the camera angles should be tighter though since in the clip they seemed to wide… Read more »
Really?? Poland is winning by a landslide??? those camera affects are awful and distracting -_-
brooke slayed she deserves to qualify, it was everything i could have hoped for but ireland is usually underrated so i’m scared
The technical difficulties with the sound have made it hard to judge anybody, but the stagings this year are more than impressive! Semifinal 2 seems to be really strong.
Ireland. Brooke looks great, confident, and is obviously exceeding expectations after the Late Show performances, where everything always seems a bit off.
Romania. So glad they fixed things and now they look like more relaxed and ready to have fun. The outfit is fabulous.
Finland. Wouldn’t be surprised if Finland rock another Top 10 result on Saturday.
Sweden. Because that’s what rehearsals are for. Cornelia looks really tired though, I hope she can get some rest and recharge. Her delegation need to book a few massages for her!
It would definitely be a surprise for me if Finland gets another top 10
Their third in thirty years…
I hope Brooke’s personality still comes through – it wouldn’t be worth trading that for slickness.
With all of that now said, here’s yet ANOTHER seed of my unproffesionalism, lol. My complete top-18 of the 2nd semi-final of “Eurovision Song Contest 2022” (final, before live show): *MY QUALIFIERS:* *1. Serbia* – “In Corpore Sano” (SONG: 10/10) – (STAGING/VISUAL EFFECTS, OUTFITS: 10/10) – (2ND REHEARSAL: 10/10) *–(OVERALL: 30/30)* *2. Sweden* – “Hold Me Closer” (SONG: 10/10) – (STAGING/VISUAL EFFECTS, OUTFITS: 10/10) – (2ND REHEARSAL: 10/10) *–(OVERALL: 30/30)* *3. Estonia* – “Hope” (SONG: 10/10) – (STAGING/VISUAL EFFECTS, OUTFITS: 6.5/10) – (2ND REHEARSAL: 10/10) *–(OVERALL: 26.5/30)* *4. Ireland* – “That’s Rich” (SONG: 7.5/10) – (STAGING/VISUAL EFFECTS, OUTFITS: 9.5/10)… Read more »
By the way, don’t ask me why is Georgia up there, I know they won’t qualify, you don’t have to remind me, thanks. :’)
Stefan 2nd to last in this poll???!!! you wish
Well staging is crap
well, current #1 is Poland, which has a far worse staging imo
The staging wasn’t great. I can see him not qualifying which is a shame
Call me a paranoid but I was left with a HUGE dissapointment after about 70% of today’s rehearsals. I only have poaitive things to notice from Sweden (same staging which worked in Melodifestivalen and was already excellent), Czech Republic (tremendous lighting work and effects), Australia (theatrical and it works, once again thanks to Sheldon’s performance) and Ireland (Brooke served us a marvellous overall package of sass and class through an extremely well-thought and polished staging that now fits the theme of her song perfectly). Aside from that, comes the chaos. Poland was great until those cheap camera effects showed up… Read more »
I absolutely agree with everything you’ve said
Most acts were pretty good. Estonia and Sweden seem to be the strongest ones from today’s group. Cyprus and Belgium were the two biggest disappointments.
I TOTALLY AGREE WITH YOU, although Estonia’s staging is absolutely empty outside the filters. At least, Stefan has enough charisma to push them right into the final. And I REALLY NEED HIM IN THE GRAND FINAL!
the audience is part of the performance and at the moment we only have an empty arena. I’m very confident he’ll qualify.
Ireland was my favourite, then Poland a close second.
Well, I’m Irish, so I have to say Ireland. Her vocals have definitely improved and so has her choreography. However, I also really liked Czech Republic, especially with the lights off effect. Poland was quite cool too. I’m not sure about Cyprus, its a nice song but the staging is missing something. They’ll probably fix it for the actual semi-final lol 🙂
Poland!;)
Cyprus had technical problems but I like the staging
I fear it’s not impactful enough on first viewing compared to Ireland after Cyprus. I like both tho
I’ll be honest, wasn’t super crazy about any of the rehearsals today. But If I had to choose, I would go with Sweden and Czech Republic. Ireland and Romania were also nice surprises.
IRELAND’S Brooke was amazing today . The most underatted act of 2022.
I was most disappointed by Sweden and most impressed by Ireland
Sweden?
Yeah it’s not that her vocals were bad, it was that the staging was very simple and i think people might find it boring
I was expecting something more exciting
Like what?
I’ve heard that they’ve added and adjust some things in her performance, it wasn’t shown on this snippet.
Her rehearsal was a mess because of all the problems. Can’t judge anything really..
There will be pyro and laser in the last chorus!
After all 2nd rehearsals of 2nd SF, my opinion on who will qualify:
For sure – Sweden, Poland, Australia, Serbia
Probably – Finland, Estonia, Czech Republic
Borderline – Cyprus, Azerbaijan, Israel or San Marino
Could suprise – Ireland, Romania, Belgium
Sure nq – North Macedonia, Montenegro, Georgia, Malta
Id move Australia to borderline, and Estonia. I’d move Ireland up to borderline…I’m really starting to doubt Cyprus weirdly I feel Ireland kinda of hurts Cyprus.
Australia is not borderline, juries will place it in top 3 of the semi
I think Romania has a better shot than Israel tbh.
Honestly, it’s either Romania, Israel or San Marino, we won’t get all of them or two of them
Borderline – Malta. Probably in jury top 10.
Ireland had the best rehearsal of the day – in terms of improvement. From a sure NQ to a possible Q. Well done Ireland.
Czech Republic and Romania for me!
Fingers crossed fow Wrs to qualify! He really deserves it. His performance is so fun and catchy, I love it!
Sweden was not my favorite song this year, but based on rehearsals they’re by far the best so far. She’s the only to nail the vocals while delivering a classy performance, with nice-looking staging.
No, I don’t think she was the only one nailing vocals. Not sure what you were watching but plenty of artists were nailing their vocals.
I am so impressed with Czech Republic and Romania.
Loving this semi final! It’s widen open for shocks!!
Cornelia had the best. Problems were discovered, problems were sorted. Exactly what rehearsals are for.
Yes, it’s all so efficient in its inefficiency. Like it was planned by a higher power. Or perhaps just anticipated and dealt with. Odd to see Cornelia a little affected by it, but no worries, because her pre-performance stars are aligning for her. It went wrong in the rehearsal, so it will be alright on the night.