Kristian Kostov channels loneliness in a vast expanse of grey and black. Fusedmarc get crazy with their LED fire. And Imri Ziv serves Top Model potential while dancing to his club banger. That can only mean we’ve reached another set of Eurovision 2017 second rehearsals. Up next are Bulgaria, Lithuania, Estonia and Israel.
Bulgaria: Kristian Kostov with “Beautiful Mess”
Working progressive fashion in all black, Kristian Kostov looks like a mini Dima Bilan as he belts it out centre stage in this dark and atmospheric number. He nailed his vocals yet again. But this time producers seemed to keep pace, doing a much better job with the on-screen effects that shoot out of him and round him. Earlier in the week they looked somewhat random and childish. But they’ve been recast and look less squiggly and are more in keeping with this expensive and polished act. The digital rain sequence has extra force and power, providing
Bulgaria’s Second Rehearsal at Eurovision 2017
Kristian Kostov, “Beautiful Mess”: Performance Preview
Lithuania: Fusedmarc with “Rain of Revolution”
Fusedmarc’s fiery red performance remains fiery and red. But today it seemed less like a high-tech bloodbath owing to Victoria’s improved demeanour — she managed to channel passion without looking so angry. In fact, at times she actually seemed to be having fun — albeit in her kooky, avant-garde kind of way. The LED sees dark red mountains spinning in light red sky, and once again the release of circular fire really slays. A bit of variety comes in through the guitarist and backing vocalists, who wear all all black and clap above their heads to the beat as Victoria shrieks “yeah, yeah, yeah.”
Fusedmarc, “Rain of Revolution” Second Rehearsal at Eurovision 2017
Fusedmarc, “Rain of Revolution”: Performance Preview
Estonia: Koit Toome and Laura with “Verona”
His wife recently gave birth and his mind was definitely somewhere else during his first rehearsal earlier this week. He repeatedly missed his camera cues and seemed somewhat lost on stage. But on Saturday the handsome crooner finally matched Laura, standing on his white starburst and giving face when the cameras were on him — rather than a few seconds after. He went for a dark black jacket — and one with sequin embellishments — providing an even stronger contrast to Laura, who once again looked like a glamorous swan. When Koit walks onto the stage the white runway still unfolds before him on the floor. But this time it also snakes up the LED wall behind him providing, a truly dramatic start to the number. Polished and poised, this act grows with each run-through.
Vocally they were generally on point. But at times Laura had some very obvious stumbles. The pair laughed them off, showing that their on-stage romance isn’t nearly as troubled as the one they sing about.
Estonia’s Second Rehearsal at Eurovision 2017
Estonia “Verona”: Performance Preview
Israel: Imri Ziv with “I Feel Alive”
He sings about being broken to pieces. But during Saturday’s rehearsal IMRI was anything but broken. He looked sturdy and solid as he vogued down the stage and showed off his biceps in a skin-tight black tank top. The choreography was tighter — IMRI pumps and thrusts and raises his arms in perfect unison with his white-clad backing dancers. Vocally there still seemed to be issues — particularly when he sang the word “alive”, which was frequently. But this was likely down to the mixing as he sounded better in the arena itself. Regardless this is a fantastic closer with buckets of energy and telegenic appeal. It’ll be hard to forget this going into the interval.
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Lithuania is A W E S O M E!!! Seriously, why not top 10 for them? 🙂
wiwibloggs, it seems like Kristian’s review is not finished? The ending is cut by mistake?
Something is cut for Bulgaria again as it was missing in the poll last time – when in parallel they experienced technical issues :)) Now is not so visible both here and in the staging, but obviously something is missing for a proper ending. For me it’s a clear sign. I’m no longer so optimistic where this masterpiece in every term is going to end up. Winner concept but is it going to be delivered? Not sure anymore… 🙁
“The digital rain sequence has extra force and power, providing” … what? 🙂
It’s not clear, but I hope Bulgaria’s team could figure it out – in general. Still have time.
I am from Israel and i hate our song and the singer we choose this year.
Its such horrible choice for israel especially when we have such amazing artists with amazing vocals.i hope israel will not be in the final this year so the pre selection will change and we finally send real artists.
Bulgaria’s staging is so average! no wonder’ he’s slipping in the polls!
@M_K: I have watched at least a dozen of his imterviews since he landed in Ukraine, and I disagree about the arrogance. First of all, neither he nor anyone else here in at a talent show audition–he has already proven himself…. and shyness and underplay are totally out of place in Eurovision. Confidence is a must in an artist, or the lions will have you as their prey–just look at sweet Blanche. And looking at the rest of the artists this year, Kris is far less arrogant. I actually remember watching a video where Francesco declared himself the diva of… Read more »
Where is this video of Francesco? I’d like to watch it please.
It is on the official Eurovision channel and entitled “Who Is The Biggest Diva”, published on April 27th. On the front picture is Slavko, who IS the biggest diva:-) Really cute video:-)
but they were kidding… I thought they had said something arrogant.
But it’s a funny video for sure.
Maybe arrogance was the wrong word, but I do think his attitude has changed. The special feeling that the song used to thave is less noticeable (at least that’s my perception). There are songs that need a quite high level of confidence to come across well (i.e. Armenia, Italy, Estonia, Israel, Macedonia etc.). However, according to BNT “The main character is a youngster who is facing a world full of darkness that he is living in and is searching for an oasis of light for him and the people he is willing to fight for.” If you look and sound… Read more »
I think Kristian’s performance and personality is just passionate. I would say that this is the beauty of youth. His song is about a young person looking for answers and dealing with hard questions earlier in life than previous generations. I actually like the forceful way he comes accross on stage in the rehearsals. He can obviously relate to the feelings of a young person who is confused by the mess of a world we live in and fights to maintain his inner world and the circle of people who are worth fighting for protected. This is definitely a multi-dimentional… Read more »
Bulgaria: I really like the concept of the staging! Black and white, everything looks futuristic! It’s like we’re ahead of time! We’re in the future people! Lithuania: They keep it as we know! I like the red colour on screen, but I don’t really like the song! Estonia: Finally! I was so impatient! I wanted to see all 3 min and what’s happening on stage! Many elements of their NF! I like their faces on the background at times, the black and white, the white “road” on the black screen (seems like 2015 here)! I love Laura, she’s stunning! Koit… Read more »
Wiwwiblog where is Estonian Exclusive rehearsal?
Lauras´ hand has its´ own drama I think. It´s telling a wordless story of passion… or the latest meeting with high voltage wires.
Laura, vaata, et käsi kaadrist välja ei lähe jälle!
Kristian’s performance amazing as expected, that kid indeed has something special, star appeal.
Estonia was good also, seems they have more chemistry and Koit is more self-confident on stage as well.
Imri was better this time, with more stage presence and confidency, it will be great closing entry, go Israel <3
2nd semi is so much opened to predict who will qualify
Why so much hate for Lithuania ????
For me Israel was great..
To all israel haters go and get some life please!!!!!!!
I don’t hate Israel, even though Imri has been a bit snooty with fans in Kiev. I’ve loved his video since first hear, but his live voice just isn’t up to it. There are 17 better singers in his semi and 17 more in the other one.
1.Estonia – amazing!
2.Bulgaria- nice voice, good production, but the song is overrated
3.Israel – ok but nothing special
4.Lithuania- no comments
0.0
Bulgaria isn’t now 3rd in odds, after Italy and Portugal!
Ouch, that’s harsh.
Can somebody explain me, why lots of people below Kristian’s rehearsal are saying that he will win? Don’t get me wrong, I think he has a good voice, but the song is nothing special. It’s just another english ballad with no meaning and on the stage is nothing really happening. We have lots of these songs every year in Eurovision so why is this so popular? Italy or Portugal would be better choice for the win, because we can’t see these songs every year – they are just so unique.
Oops, I posted it twice. 😀
I dont see anything special in the italian song either….it is just typical italian song. They can use it for a tv comedy series intro. And I totally desagree with you that Kristian’s song is without meaning. I personaly can relate to the lyrics. Beatifull mess is a potential winner!
Ah. I posted my reply to the other post below.
The chemistry and the bond between Kristian and the song are very very special magical experience. I really would like to SEE the full force of his performance on the big stage. It’s already there – I felt it in the whole records. Gosh, if the concept was shot as a video like those of k-pop group EXO – it would be a total slayer!! They have unbelievably good camera work with this futuristic, anthemic atmosphere – just great. And Kristian is so good with transmitting energy from inside that he deserves this to be seen in the best way.… Read more »
Can somebody explain me, why lots of people below Kristian’s rehearsal are saying that he will win? Don’t get me wrong, I think he has a good voice, but the song is nothing special. It’s just another english ballad with no meaning and on the stage is nothing really happening. We have lots of these songs every year in Eurovision so why is this so popular? Italy or Portugal would be better choice for the win, because we can’t see these songs every year – they are just so unique. If Bulgaria will win, I will be so dissapointed.
A while ago I posted a detailed musical review of why this song is a possible winner on a technical level. The song’s verse/chorus structure has been inverted, meaning that the core key of the song is in the verses, whereas the chorus contains the incomplete harmonic chords (or “mess”). This is highly unusual, and deserves recognition on a songwriting level, even if it might divide opinion. But it’s more than just that: Kristian himself has an astonishingly emotive voice for someone of his young age. The song slightly alludes to the fanbase of Troye Sivan, but is much more… Read more »
Israel’s armpit is hairy very much why??
I beg your pardon?
I have no problem with chest hair, but armpit hair is bad for both genders because makes people think about sweat in a bad, smelly way.
oh, hairy armpits are so sexy for men, mmmm, delicious..
shaved is for pussy men 🙂
i think Helga you need a real hairy man, not a virgin
Chesthair is disgusting
Bulgaria: I’ve liked the Bulgarian entry from the beginning and I think the staging is decent (I expected something a little more specatcular, tbh). However, Kristian has been dancing on the edge of arrogance lately (just compare his London Party interview to the more recent interviews) and to me it seems that it is also visible in his stage presence, he seems to be a little too sure of himself to transport the mixed feelings of hope and vulnerability that are in the song. I don’t really get the feeling that I get when I listen to the studio version… Read more »
They should’ve made Kristian’s facial expressions more like Jamala’s, a hopeless person begging for peace. After all, it’s supposed to be a song about a confused kid living in a world of turmoil and conflicts. It doesn’t work to show off confidence with a song about such a serious matter. I doubt it’s about Kristian being arrogant (he’s been very confident in front of the camera since The Voice Russia Kids), I think it has more to do with not delivering the message and soul behind the song in a way that will make the public pick up their phones… Read more »
– I feel like the money is not being paid off for Bulgaria. It’s seems expensive but somehow a bit underwhelming.
– Lithuania…no comments
– Estonia was ok, but the vocals were a bit off, specially Laura at the end.
– Israel was a mess, seriously. They are focusing on his body too much and his vocals were really bad at the “I feeel aliiiiive” part. If they don’t fix this, the juries will kill this entry (and we know Israel needs the juries).
Bulgaria definitely is making history here, and this song along with the package is going give Kristian stellar opportunities, which he entirely deserves. Italy and the ape on the other hand degrade Eutovision–not only because the whole thing hinges on a “charisma” of the performer, since the only other interesting component, which is the lyrics, will not be understood by 99% of the voters, but also because of it degrades Eastern religion and cultures. I have of course read enough eager but lame reviews by Italian fans, who try to take it into a parody of the westerner… I do… Read more »
I’m not gonna read all this crap and I don’t feel sorry.
Joe :)))
Providing Michael Jackson realness and vibes:-)
Sorry, that was meant to finish the unfinished sentence at the end of the paragraph on Kristian. Yes, he gives me Michael Jackson vibes, looks, stage presence.
I can’t for the life of me understand WHY but I legitimately really liked Lithuania’s performance today, still don’t think it will qualify but I was pleasantly surprised by them, well done Victoria! Bulgaria and Israel disappointed me (especially the latter), would not in the slightest be surprised if IMRI didn’t make it to the finals this year. Estonia delivered, it wasn’t perfect but still should be enough to easily qualify.
Estonian perfomance was AMAZING today! My WINNRERS!!!
I see no lies here. <3
Same.
Absolutely agree!!!
For some reason, I can’t seem to warm to the bulgarian entry. Kristian is talented and he’ll do well, certainly. But to me, it sounds a little… forced? I don’t know. It just leaves me cold.
Me too and the bookies also, he dropped to number 4 now..
He’s this year’s Aram mp3
Basically it’s a tie between Bulgaria and Estonia today, with the Netherlands rounds up my top 3 in SF2! I love those Vol sisters! 🙂
And I don’t know but for a good few seconds, I wanted Koit and Laura make out at the end but glad they didn’t!
Finally, Dima should be very proud of Kristian! Kristian’s simplicity this year is better than Dima’s shirt ripping, Plushenko appearing performance from 2008!
Bulgaria falls on the odds after each rehearsal, and is almost overtaken by Sweden.
Italy also falls, little by little, after the first rehearsal.
The truth of ART and genius always end up winning.
When one of the songs is a prodigy of artistic beauty in this century and the previous, there is not much to do. Just pay tribute and be grateful.
Eurovision will never be the same after these two people who do not even belong to their universe: the magnificent Sobral brothers. What a beautiful future they will have.
You mean Sobral siblings. Luisa is a female, you know?
Correct. Thank you. Siblings is neutral.
I’m not surprised, Bulgaria’s song will do well but it’s way too similar to 1944 – except it has no genuine emotion in it. Portugal, on the other hand, is VERY endearing and will conquer both juries and public.
That’s an interesting opinion. You could be right. It’s funny because I feel the exact opposite about those two songs. I feel every note of “Beautiful Mess,” but I can’t connect with “Amar Pelos Dois” for some reason.
I like Amar Pelos Dois, but it’s not the type of music that attracts the majority of people that watch Eurovision (young people and teenagers). That’s why Dami Im scored so well with the jury and Sergey Lazarev with the televoters. Personally, I am young, but I also have a weird taste when it comes to music in general and most people my age don’t listen to music like Amar Pelos Dois. I feel more connected to 1944 and Beautiful Mess, despite my love for Amar Pelos Dois. It puts most people my age to sleep.
It’s weird that now I have no idea who I want to win! I love Portugal, Bulgaria, and now adding Estonia, Netherlands, and U.K. to the mix, I’ll be so happy if any of them slay the dragon known as Francesco and his dancing gorilla!
Woo thank God you can’t vote from America
Translation: I hope any of the 5 beat Italy. Not saying Italy isn’t great but I wanna see any of the upstarts get the victory!
And I’m glad I’m not voting because I don’t know who I would vote for. 🙁
Ironically, they’re playing the song here in the US! I’m shocked!
Yes, keep bashing other countries. Remember: Portugal can’t vote for itself.
@Joe. A childish comment. I only notice that someone is betting heavily in Portugal and they are not Portuguese because it is technically impossible and prohibited by Law.
By the way, I am Portuguese of Jewish origin and I will arrive in Paris on the night of May9 precisely. I can vote perfectly.
I’m not talking about odds, odds don’t make your country a Eurovision winner.
I don’t care whether you are Portuguese or not, if you say something bad about other countries using Portugal as an argument, then people from those countries will start to dislike the Portuguese entry. This is not “childish”, it’s logical.
Your comment was very rude towards all the other participants. Even Salvador and his sister would be ashamed of reading such thing.
@Joe
The truth of ART and genius always end up winning.
That’s an opinion and a fact.
Regardless of the competition, the best song will be one that will be remembered within 100 years, like any timeless classic. Portugal may not win, but it has that dimension. Eurovision has a huge record of mediocre winners … So nothing surprises me.
I consider Italy and Bulgaria good songs, but do not have that dimension. Respect my opinion. Do not be childish.
ok
Anna: I really like your comment about the truth in ART and genious always winning… But my observation is that the timing of this winning is usually off. Do not get me wrong, I love the Portugese song, but I was not able to appreciate its timeless beauty until I read the translated lyrics. While I think Salvador would be a worthy winner, I very much doubt that we will see his song/message appreciated this year to the point of winning. As somebody who now for a long time has observed human behavior, I would offer a more simple explanation… Read more »
Totally agree.
Bulgaria has one of the best songs but the staging is not quite working for them. You can see what they are trying to do but I am underwhelmed because I had such high expectations.
I also expected better from Estonia, it comes across a bit dull. No point discussing Lithuania becuase they haven’t got a chance and while Israel looks good, it does not sound great. Israel does have the advantage of going last but I am not sure they will qualify
Bulgaria: Should win SF2.
Lithuania: Sorry, I can’t stand this song.
Estonia: The balance has flipped towards Koit. The 1st minute is now a snooze-fest; more rehearsals are required. I’m love this song, but I’m worried.
Israel: The choreography made me wet. 😛 Vocals are improving nicely too. 🙂
I don’t think the SF2 winner is that predictable. It could be anyone, Hungary seems very jury-baity.
Yes, I like Hungary too.
Actually I like 17 out of 18 entries in SF2, hence the nightmare. On Thursday, we’re going to lose 7 entries that I like! 🙁
I saw the second and third run throughs for both Bulgaria and Estonia. It was better, especially Estonia’s final run! (Wiwi used the first run throughs for both performances)
Ahhh. Okay. Thanks for that!
My apologies to Estonia. I’m really looking forward to seeing them on Thursday. The song is really good. 🙂
Here’s the final run through. They were singing to each other instead of away.
https://youtu.be/WUe-_XureCM
Thank you. Indeed, that was a massive improvement on the first take! Laura’s vocals and the acting was better all round. Yeyy!
And that was the moment when it went from being my 3rd for SF2 to my co-favorite (Bulgaria is the other) and my 3rd overall.
Estonia incinerated my wig. I’ll be voting for them as much as I can, what kind of other worldly perfection omg. #MafiaDiVerona??
Lithuania won the competition with this rehearsal bottom line cut and dry. They will easily reach top 10 dont worry. Willam and his nasty attitude towards the song lost again
Said no one ever.
I like Lithuania too. It has grown a lot
It grew a bit but that’s because I counted how many yeahs throughout the song.
Anyone wanna guess? About 45 times?
Hit or miss for Israel for me. And I know his styling to show off his muscley sleeveless assets are intended to have him ooze some sex appeal for some viewers, I find it rather distracting.
And Imri needs to hit that one important note in the chorus. Perhaps it’s due to technical issues or whatnot, but this is a potential problem he need to fix before it’s too late.
I mean, the intent is clear… they want to distract the viewers from the lackluster song I Feel Alive is by showing off his looks.
Heheheh. I get that, but it’s distracting in a not so good way if the intent was them ignoring the actual song. lol
Perhaps going for a muscle hugging undershirt coupled with a short-sleeved unbuttoned shirt would probably help sell him to the audience better than what he’s wearing now. 😀
And yet he didn’t want to discus his musculature or gym routine with his fans. “It’s all about the singing,” he insisted – then came out dressed like that.
He should sing “I feeling hot” instead of “I feel alive”.
Perhaps, but dancing makes many people feel “alive,” so it works choreographically in theory. Perhaps in practice it comes across too sexy for some of us audience to handle! (I know that men in my city don’t look THAT hot, for example! I’m not used to it!)
Going ala Dima Bilan 2008 would have been fine haha.
It looks like the review on Kristian is cut and the sentence and paragraph not finish. “The digital rain sequence has extra force and power providing”… what?
…realness ?
… slayage ?
😀
Yeah, I also noticed that. And it’s for second time something is cut for Bulgaria (in the last poll it was missing at all as an option for voting in the beginning).
They obviously need to rethink what is subconsciously “cut” in the staging and to bring it back alive. It’s crucial if they want to meet the potential of the song and the performer. Something definitely is missing.