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BuzzJack Music Forum _ Eurovision Song Contest _ Eurovision Song Contest 2015 · Rehearsals
Posted by: Ryan. 1st May 2015, 12:14 AM
We are now in May, which means we are just 10 days away from the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest officially beginning with the rehearsals getting underway next Monday, the 11th May!
I love the rehearsals, especially with the live stream from the Press Centre that ESC Xtra usually provide and it's the point in the Eurovision season where I decide who to put my bets on. It was once I heard about The Netherlands' unique staging last year that I decide to have a small bet on them - and that definitely paid off with the 100/1 odds I got! As has been the case for the last few years now, the first rehearsal will be closed and can only be viewed from the Press Centre and the only videos taken will be uploaded on Eurovision.tv. The second rehearsals will then be open to all press.
The full schedule is below (print screened from Eurovision.tv) with the first rehearsal and "meet and greet" timings on the left, the second rehearsal and press conference timings in the middle, and the timings of the dress rehearsals and shows themselves on the right hand side. Remember all the timings are in Central European Time, so everything will be happening an hour earlier in the UK. We hope ESC Xtra will provide a live stream from the Press Centre so we can listen to all rehearsals live as they happen as they have done for several years now, but of course this isn't confirmed yet.
Posted by: Ryan. 10th May 2015, 03:52 PM
Time for a game... whose props are they? 
Romania, Germany and Poland maybe, or Austria?
Posted by: Ryan. 10th May 2015, 11:54 PM
ESC Xtra's live stream will be taking place here! http://escxtra.com/live/
I believe our very own Peter30 (who isn't really ours anymore 
) is on the ESC Xtra team now if I'm not mistaken!
Posted by: ScottyEm 11th May 2015, 08:59 AM
I reckon all those props are UK? The suitcases at least.
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 09:52 AM
You can always rely on Moldova for something different costume-wise! 
Posted by: AdamAloud 11th May 2015, 10:00 AM
Not even hot backing dancers, NEXT
Posted by: LexC 11th May 2015, 10:06 AM
Dear god I can sense the impending hot mess all the way from the Sussex countryside.
Posted by: AdamAloud 11th May 2015, 10:24 AM
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 10:25 AM
What is that strange thing in the middle of the stage! It all looks and sounds good from that though!
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 10:35 AM
They apparently rip off Eduard's shirt 
*waits for Joseph to appear*
Posted by: AdamAloud 11th May 2015, 10:39 AM
*waits for Joseph to appear*Surely that's gonna turn votes away from them?
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 10:40 AM
It's a good job Joseph can't vote in the semi-final 
(Unless he goes abroad especially)
Posted by: AdamAloud 11th May 2015, 11:00 AM
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 11:00 AM
Armenia have a world map on the LED floor at one stage!! *.*
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 11:01 AM
That sounds and looks amazing, I still believe that's qualifying!
Posted by: AdamAloud 11th May 2015, 11:39 AM
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 11:39 AM
It looks like The Voice performance which is good, but with toned down choreography which is understandable as the "dancers" are also singing this time.
Posted by: AdamAloud 11th May 2015, 11:41 AM
Surely they could have sacrificed a couple of backing singers for a few dancers.
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 11:42 AM
The thing is I think all 3 of these first 3 could qualify, but I'm sure there was a statistic going around last year that the first 3 in a semi-final have never qualified. I guess Moldova is the most likely to fail out of these 3 thanks to the juries.
Posted by: AdamAloud 11th May 2015, 11:44 AM
I can't see Armenia qualifying, who is going to vote for that song?
Posted by: AdamAloud 11th May 2015, 11:45 AM
Also Iceland, Sweden, Turkey and Ukraine all qualified from the first 4 slots of semi 2 in 2008.
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 11:47 AM
Ah I think that issue with 2008 is that Sweden shouldn't have actually qualified so it doesn't really count.
The Armenian diaspora will surely lap it up considering it's basically made for them and considering the strength of the vocals, surely juries won't punish it harshly. I still see it around 8th/9th place.
Posted by: AdamAloud 11th May 2015, 11:52 AM
You BITCH!
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 11:53 AM
'Hero' is overrated anyway~
Posted by: AdamAloud 11th May 2015, 11:54 AM
You're gonna end up in the boot of Tirren and Johnkms cars and NO ONE WILL EVER FIND YOU
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 11:55 AM
'This Is My Life' is so much better than 'Hero' 
Posted by: Conderella 11th May 2015, 11:56 AM
this is my life dnq'd thooooo
Posted by: Sword of Justice 11th May 2015, 11:58 AM
Indeed.
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 12:05 PM
ESC Xtra are horrified by Trijntje's dress!
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 12:08 PM
Well!
Posted by: AdamAloud 11th May 2015, 12:08 PM
Posted by: AdamAloud 11th May 2015, 12:18 PM
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 12:19 PM
You can see it is the same director as The Common Linnets last year with the camera using lots of on-stage shots. It looks quite good although I agree that the dress seems very out of place. I love the backdrop, they've all been fabulous so far.
Posted by: *Tim 11th May 2015, 12:40 PM
she looks a damn mess let's admit it
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 12:54 PM
Posted by: *Tim 11th May 2015, 01:01 PM
New :frankie: tbh
:trijntje:
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 01:02 PM
YES!! 
Posted by: LexC 11th May 2015, 01:38 PM
My oh my Moldova is every bit the hot mess I needed it to be. I think Eduard could have just knocked out Trijntje!
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 01:42 PM
I don't think Trijntje was ever in!
Posted by: AdamAloud 11th May 2015, 01:57 PM
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 02:01 PM
The video says they are from Estonia, as if my lovely Estonia would enter a song as bad as that!
Anyway fun fact from the Meet & Greets, Loic is a huge Lady Gaga fan and is a fan of her meat dress. Also it was funny to see the Genealogy members trying to avoid talking about the true meaning of their song when asked on a couple of occasions!
Posted by: J▲hq 11th May 2015, 02:21 PM
She has one of the more up-beat songs in the competition yet she's dressed like she's going to a funeral?!
And he continues to cement himself as my favourite *.*
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 03:01 PM
Greece are getting the most praise of everyone so far! Yay Maria Elena 
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 03:11 PM
Estonia have gone surprisingly high-tech with some sort of shadow effect, but things weren't timed very well. A lot of tightening up needed apparently, but vocals were solid.
Posted by: JosephO'Meara 11th May 2015, 03:33 PM
*waits for Joseph to appear*THERE IS A GOD!!
Posted by: J▲hq 11th May 2015, 04:05 PM
Most praise or the most yawns
Posted by: 'Dan 11th May 2015, 04:09 PM
I would get behind that emoticon happening except her name looks impossible to spell/pronounce
Posted by: AdamAloud 11th May 2015, 04:18 PM
Posted by: AdamAloud 11th May 2015, 04:35 PM
Posted by: Umi 11th May 2015, 04:38 PM
Terrible.
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 04:46 PM
Interesting idea from Macedonia and I think it works, it at least makes it stand out more than I did - stunning backdrop too.
Estonia seems fine to me, nothing wrong with it - interested to see how these "shadows" look which are supposedly more prominent earlier in the song. Nothing terrible at all though, vocals are fine.
Posted by: Kl▲mzee 11th May 2015, 04:48 PM
Moldova still as terrible as ever.
Think Armenia, Belgium, Estonia and Finland (
) will qualify out of that lot.
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 04:53 PM
I'd agree with you there, plus Greece who were are yet to see a video of! I'd say Moldova as well, but I doubt we'll get 6 first half qualifiers out of 8 so I guess they are most likely to fail.
Posted by: AdamAloud 11th May 2015, 05:10 PM
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 05:11 PM
Fantastic! I'm starting to see this, with a very good draw in the final, a top 5 contender. Admittedly it'll get a bit lost if it's in the first half, but this could do very well with the right draw.
Maria Elena just had her meet & greet too, she is so nice and absolutely stunning. Definitely one of my favourite personalities this year!
Posted by: LexC 11th May 2015, 05:15 PM
She also appears to have the Big Brother eye behind her.
Posted by: Conderella 11th May 2015, 07:22 PM
No way Greece will be such a surefire contender for Top 5. Gonna do a Pastora at best really.
Posted by: J▲hq 11th May 2015, 07:24 PM
I'm hoping for a 'Start a Fire'. It's SO boring.
Posted by: AdamAloud 11th May 2015, 07:25 PM
A good vocal and a good draw I can see it getting top 15, but top 5? I'd be VERY surprised if that happened.
Posted by: J▲hq 11th May 2015, 07:30 PM
Why would we listen to Ryan anyway, remember how Sanna was going to underperform last year
Posted by: Umi 11th May 2015, 07:37 PM
You forget what country she's representing. Representing Greece completely negates poor draws unless it's the most atrocious of entries (hello 2012). To me a good vocal + draw is what will get her top 5 - top 15 is essentially already booked.
Posted by: Conderella 11th May 2015, 09:22 PM
henni even greece cannot negate the draw next to the eventual winner (see 2012 and 2014)
Posted by: Ryan. 11th May 2015, 09:33 PM
But remember who had an each way bet on The Netherlands!
Posted by: AdamAloud 12th May 2015, 10:03 AM
The hair. THE HAIR
Posted by: Ryan. 12th May 2015, 10:09 AM
*.* Indeed
Posted by: Ryan. 12th May 2015, 10:35 AM
Posted by: AdamAloud 12th May 2015, 10:36 AM
Carola AGOG
Posted by: AdamAloud 12th May 2015, 10:49 AM
Hot mess of the year??
Posted by: Ryan. 12th May 2015, 10:52 AM
So many strange costume and stage decisions this year so far, but I think this one works considering the type of song!
Posted by: LexC 12th May 2015, 10:53 AM
Sweet Jesus, it's like the Gay Ku Klux Klan.
There are no words!
Posted by: Conderella 12th May 2015, 10:55 AM
those lights are giving me epilepsy
Posted by: Ryan. 12th May 2015, 11:11 AM
ESC Xtra are saying this has turned into a probable qualifier!
Posted by: AdamAloud 12th May 2015, 11:22 AM
Well I've always liked Hungary so I hope it does qualify!
Posted by: Ryan. 12th May 2015, 11:26 AM
If Hungary does become a qualifier, who does that push out of the top 10 - a surprise DNQ for Georgia?
While I'd like them to, I just can't find any space for them in the top 10.
Posted by: Ryan. 12th May 2015, 11:30 AM
Apparently Belarus have gone minimalist!
Posted by: AdamAloud 12th May 2015, 11:51 AM
Quite basic staging from Belarus actually.
Posted by: Ryan. 12th May 2015, 12:04 PM
I think the next rehearsal will be the first one where the press start shouting WINNER!
Posted by: AdamAloud 12th May 2015, 12:08 PM
Posted by: Ryan. 12th May 2015, 12:21 PM
I was nearly right, no cries of "WINNER!" just yet but all of the key blogs are reporting "very strong performance", "walks all over the competition so far". 
Posted by: Ryan. 12th May 2015, 12:25 PM
Posted by: AdamAloud 12th May 2015, 12:27 PM
Looks very powerful, top 5 is certain for them I'd say.
Posted by: LexC 12th May 2015, 12:59 PM
I'm thinking top 5 but no more for Russia. It's musically superior to a lot of what's coming before it but I think audiences will be more cynical than people are giving them credit for.
Posted by: Sword of Justice 12th May 2015, 01:00 PM
Yes, please.
Posted by: Ryan. 12th May 2015, 01:02 PM
It's probably going to do a Dina Garipova or a little bit better, I can't quite see Polina winning (can't see past Sweden/Australia/Italy) but top 3 is manageable I think as one of those three at least will fail and Polina seems best placed to take advantage.
Posted by: Conderella 12th May 2015, 01:07 PM
All the ex-USSR countries will still vote for Russia regardless of the whole anti-gay thing. So any boycott is going to be AT LEAST cancelled out with Polina still most likely getting a boost to finish Top 10 overall.
Posted by: LexC 12th May 2015, 01:12 PM
I was thinking less about the anti-Gay thing, more the whole invading another country thing but still, I take your point.
Posted by: Conderella 12th May 2015, 01:28 PM
Oh, I kinda forgot about that oops
Posted by: Ryan. 12th May 2015, 02:05 PM
No surprises there, it'll sneak through I should think.
Posted by: Ryan. 12th May 2015, 02:31 PM
Elhaida hit the money note on her first attempt perfectly, even with earpiece issues! 
Posted by: AdamAloud 12th May 2015, 02:46 PM
Posted by: Ryan. 12th May 2015, 02:48 PM
She got a very good reaction in the press centre, I still believe this screams the fan favourite failure from this semi final due to the fact its a grower for most people but I still hope I'm wrong.
Very similar to Despina in 2013 for Cyprus in many ways, although this is more accessible than 'An Me Thimasé' was.
Posted by: AdamAloud 12th May 2015, 02:50 PM
Very similar to Despina in 2013 for Cyprus in many ways, although this is more accessible than 'An Me Thimasé' was.
Cyprus 2013 was NOT a fan favourite!
Posted by: Ryan. 12th May 2015, 02:50 PM
As pointed out by ESC Xtra, Elhaida seems to have the same backdrop as Pastora had in this video (skip to 1:12):
Posted by: Ryan. 12th May 2015, 02:51 PM
No I know that, I meant it's a song with big ballad type vocals performed near the end of its semi with very simple staging that has been deemed a grower for many people.
Posted by: AdamAloud 12th May 2015, 03:35 PM
Having the text from the video in Romanian on the screen seems a strange move.
Posted by: LexC 12th May 2015, 04:00 PM
Georgia have apparently just nailed the first runthrough. Goddammit Eurovision stop distracting me!
Posted by: Sword of Justice 12th May 2015, 04:04 PM
When Lithuanian rehearsal ?
Posted by: AdamAloud 12th May 2015, 04:16 PM
*.*
Posted by: Ryan. 12th May 2015, 05:10 PM
Tomorrow at 12.00 CET
Posted by: Conderella 12th May 2015, 07:32 PM
*.*
Queen
Posted by: AdamAloud 13th May 2015, 10:24 AM
Posted by: Ryan. 13th May 2015, 10:45 AM
Ireland in non Irish-staging shocker! Apparently they have good staging and it got a great reaction in the press centre!
Posted by: AdamAloud 13th May 2015, 10:49 AM
Apparently they have good staging and it got a great reaction in the press centre!Nu Common Linnets perhaps??
Posted by: Ryan. 13th May 2015, 10:53 AM
Hmm maybe if they keep working on it (but still not to that extent of course), but apparently there are still some iffy camera angles that mean its difficult to make a connection to Molly. Of course there are still plenty of run throughs to come, but if it qualifies I still can't see it finishing higher than 8th or so.
Posted by: AdamAloud 13th May 2015, 11:10 AM
Posted by: gooddelta 13th May 2015, 11:24 AM
I really want Ireland to qualify, this is a beautiful song and the staging looks great!
Posted by: AdamAloud 13th May 2015, 11:38 AM
The competition for NUL POINTS is on for them!
Posted by: Iz~ 13th May 2015, 11:41 AM
That looks good for Ireland! I wasn't holding out much hope for the staging but that's going to really help them in the struggle to qualify, really hope it does as they do deserve something good for sending a lovely song for once.
Posted by: Ryan. 13th May 2015, 11:42 AM
Strange choice to use those head microphone things, plenty of potential for awkward arm movements!
I do think this could actually do better than expected, but only like in terms of finishing 13th/14th instead of 16th/17th.
Posted by: AdamAloud 13th May 2015, 11:54 AM
Måns has lost or forgotten his passport 
http://www.expressen.se/noje/zelmerlow-glomde-sitt-pass-infor-eurovision/
Posted by: Ryan. 13th May 2015, 11:57 AM
Tamar told us a story on Monday, she said she was at the airport and while waiting for her plane to Vienna she was texting the other members of Genealogy - she text Vahe for example that she was about to board. A few minutes later she realised she'd got the time wrong and missed the plane so Vahe was confused when she text a few minutes later that she missed the plane! So she had to wait 5 hours for the next one!
Posted by: LexC 13th May 2015, 12:19 PM
Also as somebody pointed out, San Marino's globe is actually rotating in the wrong direction.
Posted by: AdamAloud 13th May 2015, 12:21 PM
Valentina Monetta obviously trying to turn back time so she can compete again
Posted by: AdamAloud 13th May 2015, 12:36 PM
Would love this to qualify but without the rest of the Balkans voting in this semi it's gonna be quite tough. The Scandinavians might save it.
Posted by: Conderella 13th May 2015, 12:39 PM
If this flops it will be the first time ever Zeljko's song finishes lower than 6th in Eurovision.
Posted by: Ryan. 13th May 2015, 01:29 PM
Vaidas and Monika are about to arrive on the ESC Xtra live stream, Alex will be jealous!
Posted by: Ryan. 13th May 2015, 02:34 PM
Vocals are great!
Posted by: Ryan. 13th May 2015, 02:41 PM
Massive applause for Norway in the Press Centre, probably the biggest applause I've heard for anyone so far while I've been watching. They are both wearing white and look fantastic in my opinion!
Posted by: AdamAloud 13th May 2015, 02:52 PM
Looks to be quite boring staging from Norway.
Posted by: Ryan. 13th May 2015, 02:54 PM
I suspect that there will be some pyrotechnics and dry ice in later rehearsals as it does look quite plain, it got such a good reaction that I assume the whole performance in full is more than what we see there anyway.
Posted by: AdamAloud 13th May 2015, 03:00 PM
I'd like to think so because that is not a memorable performance from the clip. And in the ballad heavy first half of semi 2 a memorable performance could make the difference between qualifying or not.
That said I still think Norway's song is strong enough for them to qualify but a forgettable perf could see them closer to 10th than 1st.
Posted by: AdamAloud 13th May 2015, 03:30 PM
Posted by: Ryan. 13th May 2015, 03:37 PM
The live stream is playing 'Narodnozabavni Rock', help us all!
Posted by: Iz~ 13th May 2015, 04:28 PM
*.*
That doesn't look great from Norway, I hope there is something more in the performance to counteract that because I don't want to consider the thought of it being anywhere near the cutoff zone, it should be one of those in this semi that is straight through no questions asked.
Posted by: AdamAloud 13th May 2015, 04:30 PM
Another day OVER.
Posted by: Vülker 13th May 2015, 04:36 PM
Portugal yet again schooling us on how not to win. FFS
Posted by: LexC 13th May 2015, 04:36 PM
Holy shit the Czechs sound incredible (poossibly because they come after Portugal but still). I think they're qualifying!
Posted by: Ryan. 13th May 2015, 04:41 PM
I think Lithuania, Norway, Montenegro and Czech Republic will qualify from today. Molly is going to be so close and probably 11th, but considering the strength of the second half I think she'll be forgotten. Azerbaijan, Iceland, Sweden, Cyprus, Slovenia and Poland are my predicted qualifiers from the second half at the moment so we'll see if that changes after tomorrow!
Posted by: Ryan. 13th May 2015, 04:44 PM
Ooh Malta are taking things seriously (as always ) and have had pyrotechnics in their first rehearsal!
Posted by: Iz~ 13th May 2015, 04:48 PM
Already preparing the celebrations
Getting 'better Never Forget' vibes from that, that, a similarly themed song, had the potential to have this sort of staging and wasted it on looking quite boring, this looks alive!
Posted by: ScottyEm 13th May 2015, 07:03 PM
I genuinely hope Czech Republic don't qualify - sounds like an Eastern European Nickleback - YUCK! I don't think we'll be seeing them on Saturday... In actual fact, the entire first half of this semi is predominantly a heap of painful dross.
Thank god the second half is a COMPLETE U-Turn!
Posted by: ssiKiss 13th May 2015, 10:11 PM
Last couple of years including Joan etc #flop
Anouk #9
The Common Linnets #2
The next couple of years including Trijntje #flop
Shame, such a shame..
Posted by: AdamAloud 14th May 2015, 10:22 AM
Potential HOT DANCERS ALERT
Posted by: Ryan. 14th May 2015, 10:43 AM
Looks good, the final would really benefit from having this song in it but I just can't see it happening.
Posted by: Gage 14th May 2015, 10:55 AM
I think this will easily qualify in 5th or 6th in the semi.
Posted by: AdamAloud 14th May 2015, 10:57 AM
Gone off this a bit since Supernova, wouldn't mind it DNQ'ing.
Posted by: Vülker 14th May 2015, 10:58 AM
Yup! https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11059595_10152813547180950_1099043049983074382_n.jpg?oh=6b2fcb5d36f914c6c2733a07be786b39&oe=55D2F8D9
Posted by: Ryan. 14th May 2015, 11:26 AM
Azerbaijan are gimmick-less it seems!
Posted by: AdamAloud 14th May 2015, 11:36 AM
Gimmick-less perhaps but looking like a good solid perf.
Posted by: Ryan. 14th May 2015, 12:08 PM
Iceland apparently probable non-qualifiers as things stand, big improvements needed! Come on Maria!
Posted by: LexC 14th May 2015, 12:15 PM
That Azerbaijan clip sounds dreadful. Definitely think the live performance won't live up to the studio version.
Posted by: Ryan. 14th May 2015, 12:19 PM
This really is going to be Sweden vs. Italy at the moment with Australia and Russia the only potential party ruiners, none of the others in contention seems to have wowed with their rehearsals.
Posted by: AdamAloud 14th May 2015, 12:25 PM
Posted by: ScottyEm 14th May 2015, 12:31 PM
Aminata looking and sounding amazing... but those backing singers are not easy on the ear.
Posted by: AdamAloud 14th May 2015, 01:35 PM
The new stick man for Måns
Posted by: Ryan. 14th May 2015, 02:00 PM
This seems to be the first rehearsal that is running late, it's always Sweden's fault!!111
Posted by: AdamAloud 14th May 2015, 02:05 PM
They've started just not had a run through yet. Go back to your happy place of watching 2011 Macedonian NF perfs.
Posted by: Ryan. 14th May 2015, 02:07 PM
They've stopped the rehearsal clock due to technical issues as the projector isn't working according to ESC Xtra.
Posted by: Ryan. 14th May 2015, 02:08 PM
According to one of the ESC Xtra guys:
"The clock is still off. "Very impatient we're getting," says Christer Björkman himself. There is a fault in the projector that is causing it. The image on the screen that is supposed to be projected is showing upside down and it's a fault of the technicians and not the Swedes. Therefore they have chosen to stop the clock."
Posted by: Ryan. 14th May 2015, 02:12 PM
They are finally underway again after a 20 minute stoppage.
Posted by: LexC 14th May 2015, 02:14 PM
Trust the Swedish rehearsals to be having malfunctions. Eric Saade's glass (not) breaking, Loreen choking on snow, Sanna's lights shining in the wrong direction and now this.
Posted by: AdamAloud 14th May 2015, 02:17 PM
And they've all been top 3, good omen perhaps?
Posted by: AdamAloud 14th May 2015, 02:36 PM
Posted by: Jonjo 14th May 2015, 02:48 PM
No sound for me (as I'm at work) but SMASH IT MANS! *.*
Posted by: ScottyEm 14th May 2015, 02:56 PM
Interesting Sweden comes off lacking but we have seen this for real on MF so these rehearsal clips really don't give these performances any justice.
Posted by: AdamAloud 14th May 2015, 03:02 PM
Those backing vocalists! :/
Posted by: Conderella 14th May 2015, 03:25 PM
Back vocalists need to CALM THEIR TITS.
Posted by: Ryan. 14th May 2015, 03:52 PM
Switzerland looks fantastic and they have amazing pyrotechnics too as seen in https://instagram.com/p/2qvQ7gjW1l/. ESC Xtra didn't mention the backing vocals so I assume its just a sound level issue in the video we got, they also sound fine in that video I've linked to too.
Posted by: Ryan. 14th May 2015, 04:04 PM
Stunning backdrop!
Posted by: AdamAloud 14th May 2015, 04:04 PM
zzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzz
Posted by: Ryan. 14th May 2015, 04:32 PM
They aren't using the LED screens, I'm not sure if this is a 100% definite qualifier no questions asked. It surely still should, but I'm not thinking top 3 or top 5 maybe.
Posted by: AdamAloud 14th May 2015, 05:26 PM
Still don't understand the logic in this being a semi closer.
Posted by: Sword of Justice 14th May 2015, 06:00 PM
Based on short parts from rehearsals Poland seems as # 1, even better than Ireland.
Posted by: AdamAloud 15th May 2015, 09:47 AM
The Barbara Dex award gets thrown wide open, Trijntje's changed her dress!
Posted by: Vülker 15th May 2015, 10:12 AM
More footage from Portugal's rehearsal, including final broadcasting shots.
She looks good, sounds good, but ultimately it's just not enough. This is not 2005.
Posted by: AdamAloud 15th May 2015, 10:19 AM
Maybe not :/
Posted by: AdamAloud 15th May 2015, 12:39 PM
2nd rehearsals so far:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7t1hHg_9lhU
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqcZt4qalRQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JuE9j7gt_Yg
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zi3grGjw2h8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F_LPOsH74eY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=42cwu-cPnU8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN1qrXF8Ru8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6BjMlEJeT0
Posted by: *Tim 15th May 2015, 12:48 PM
The jacket is black tho no?
(A goddamn mess at the girls in the back spelling a word (I assume Love) but them not standing in the right order
Posted by: Ryan. 15th May 2015, 02:39 PM
Just catching up with everything now, Estonia looks much better in full - love the shadow effects at the start. The stand-out stage show for me is by far Belgium, very quirky and just amazing. I hope it isn't too quirky to get the success it deserves, Loic reminds me a little of Aiden Grimshaw.
Posted by: Umi 15th May 2015, 05:20 PM
I really don't think I like the 'Rhythm Inside' performance. Like yes it's quirky but I didn't want such a robotic performance. The music video had a lot more heart/emotion in it.
Posted by: AdamAloud 16th May 2015, 09:29 AM
The final 8 rehearsals from yesterday
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DYKZRwWA4U
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb-rNVfa5Xw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=smjbF4bnrI4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MYQf5_j9DIE
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr6J5RklKh4
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD0qSGuNuwA
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TrM0H_nS-7A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eOhLLFYMMUA
Semi 2 will rehearse today, looking forward to the full perfs from Nadav and Måns
Posted by: Gage 16th May 2015, 09:35 AM
The Metro newspaper seems to think Czech Republic are going to do VERY well and finish top 10.
Posted by: AdamAloud 16th May 2015, 09:43 AM
Hmmm, it would have to be a BIG jury fave for that to happen because I can't see the televotes come pouring in for it.
Posted by: Gage 16th May 2015, 09:53 AM
I agree, I can see it qualifying in like 9th or 10th but not doing anything in the final. This is what they said...
The powerful combination of rock voices and creative staging works well, as does a random moment where Marta decides to take off her shoes and throw them across the stage. Don’t knock it. Sandie Shaw landed our first win barefoot. The powerful vocals could fire the Czechs straight into the top 10 and set a new benchmark this time around.
Posted by: Gage 16th May 2015, 11:48 AM
Just seen Montenegro's full rehearsal and I love the twirling before the final chorus!
Posted by: Ryan. 16th May 2015, 03:15 PM
Sweden are causing delays again!
Posted by: AdamAloud 16th May 2015, 03:18 PM
You can't perfect the winning performance in just 20 minutes though.
Posted by: AdamAloud 17th May 2015, 08:12 AM
Posted by: Ryan. 17th May 2015, 10:23 AM
The moment is upon us, will Electro Velvet deliver a winning rehearsal?
Posted by: Ryan. 17th May 2015, 10:39 AM
They seem to have neon lights on their costumes that presumably light up like they do in the music video. It hasn't had a good reaction overall from the ESC Xtra guys.
Posted by: Iz~ 17th May 2015, 10:44 AM
Oh I really like that backdrop for Italy - their creative team is definitely on point with them. They sound awesome as ever too.
Posted by: Ryan. 17th May 2015, 11:43 AM
Amazing backdrop alert for France!
Posted by: Conderella 17th May 2015, 11:47 AM
GOOSEBUMPS after that France rehearsal. Fantastic!
Posted by: AdamAloud 17th May 2015, 01:14 PM
Looks about what everyone expected.
Posted by: Conderella 17th May 2015, 01:26 PM
Oh dear. Those backing vocalists look campy as fuck.
I think I will love the whole thing.
Posted by: Joshnat192 17th May 2015, 01:28 PM
INCREDIBLE EDURNE!
She's amazing and her performance looks like one of the strongest!
GO SPAIN!!!
http://www.rtve.es/television/20150517/edurne-capa-roja-vestido-transparencias-primer-ensayo-eurovision-2015/1146280.shtml
Posted by: Robot 17th May 2015, 01:34 PM
The stage layout of our performance actually looks really good and the use of the stairs etc make the stage look a lot fuller than I thought it would, I felt like there was going to be a lot of space needing to be filled.
Posted by: Umi 17th May 2015, 02:12 PM
Why the hell do Il Volo look so awkward? They look like they've been given no instructions for what to do other than "stand on the spot and sing". The backdrop is fantastic but that needs fixing.
Posted by: LexC 17th May 2015, 02:18 PM
Electro Velvet doesn't look like it'll be a Gemini style disaster. Hurrah!
Posted by: Ryan. 18th May 2015, 12:04 PM
First dress rehearsal underway in an hour, we'll finally get reports of how the show fits together - and maybe how this kinetic bubble technology will be incorporated into the show.
Posted by: Ryan. 18th May 2015, 01:08 PM
Sounds like Conchita is introducing all the participants at the beginning of the show, so the "parade" that happened in the last couple of finals has been extended to the semis too it seems!
Posted by: Ryan. 18th May 2015, 01:10 PM
Valentina just popped onto the live stream! *.*
Posted by: Ryan. 18th May 2015, 02:06 PM
The Georgian delegation has confirmed that Nina has lost her voice and reportedly won't be singing in this first dress rehearsal! Poor Nina, hope she's ok for tonight 
Posted by: Conderella 18th May 2015, 02:11 PM
OH FUCKKKKKKK
:'''''''''''''''''''''''(((((((((((((((((((((((((
Posted by: Conderella 18th May 2015, 02:11 PM
tomoz*
Posted by: Ryan. 18th May 2015, 02:12 PM
ESC Xtra say "the crowd goes wild after Polina performs. No sign of any negativity in the arena. #russia"
I just hope this continues tomorrow but I have my doubts.
Posted by: Conderella 18th May 2015, 02:15 PM
Polina has always been extremely likeable as a person so I am not that surprised.
Although no one really booed the twins at the dress rehearsals in the arena last year ooooooops~
Posted by: ___∆___ 18th May 2015, 02:21 PM
Looks about what everyone expected.
Staging is better than I expected - They just seem very amateur compared to others and he REALLY needs to start moving rather than just standing there and leering at her like a pervert when she sings
Posted by: Ryan. 18th May 2015, 02:23 PM
Massive credit to Nina as she has attempted singing but some notes are wildly off key and she's had to completely lower the key when she sings the chorus and hold back loads. I really hope she can recover for tonight but I can't see how she can recover so quickly
Posted by: AdamAloud 18th May 2015, 02:24 PM
I bet that Maltese bitch slipped her something this morning.
Posted by: Conderella 18th May 2015, 02:28 PM
tomoz*
pfffft. as if she was going to be in the final anyway.
Posted by: Ryan. 18th May 2015, 02:30 PM
I meant tonight as in the jury rehearsal which is arguably more important vocal-wise than tomorrow's televoters performance.
Posted by: Conderella 18th May 2015, 02:46 PM
I completely forgot about the juries. Oh shit.
Let's hope she can scrape through and S L A Y the house down in the final and win the whole thing and stuff. *.*
Posted by: AdamAloud 18th May 2015, 03:01 PM
Less powerful on the vocals from her but it's not a total disaster like some have made it out to be.
Posted by: Ryan. 18th May 2015, 03:07 PM
The choruses are fine, I like the new lower key actually. But you can definitely hear her struggles in the verses, and on the "violence" lyric in particular which is the wild off key moments I heard form the press centre. That said I don't think anyone said it was a disaster but it is going to pale in comparison to many other perfect vocals in this semi-final, and that's a worry when there isn't really any certain DNQs.
Posted by: AdamAloud 18th May 2015, 03:12 PM
When has a perfect vocal mattered that much at the Eurovision though, especially for the televoters.
Posted by: Ryan. 18th May 2015, 03:19 PM
Well I'm more bothered about the juries tonight than televoters and I know people will shout Ell & Nikki, but more often that not bad vocals are penalised by juries. You don't want to give them a reason to vote you down, and unfortunately Nina is offering them that through no fault of her own. Televoters will probably save her anyway but she's possibly looking at 8th/9th rather than 4th/5th and it'll be a bit closer for comfort than it was a few days ago.
Posted by: Iz~ 18th May 2015, 05:19 PM
I just got this too listening to it today and with the backdrop in my mind, finally and firmly making the connection with the WW1 centenary remembrance anthem it's always been trying to be but couldn't quite achieve as a song on its own. I think that staging may have gotten it a top half placing.
Posted by: Ryan. 18th May 2015, 08:00 PM
Tuning in for the remainder of the jury semi-final now, hoping that Elhaida gets her big note and Nina's voice holds together. Everyone seems to be doing well so far, Maria Elena apparently gave her best vocal ever and Daniel was a little under par but still fine.
Posted by: AdamAloud 18th May 2015, 08:01 PM
You missed queen of the gays SANNA NIELSEN before the semi started Ryan *.*
Posted by: Ryan. 18th May 2015, 08:02 PM
Was she on the live stream 
Posted by: Ryan. 18th May 2015, 08:07 PM
Screenshot of the TV screen, we have a hashtag in the bottom corner now...
Posted by: AdamAloud 18th May 2015, 08:10 PM
That hashtag looks fucking awful.
Posted by: Ryan. 18th May 2015, 08:12 PM
Here's the start of Trijntje's performance:
http://fs2.directupload.net/images/150518/dkndkxm3.jpg
Posted by: Ryan. 18th May 2015, 08:17 PM
Screencap of Estonia: http://i.imgur.com/EoBJEXx.jpg
Screencap of Loic getting interviewed by Conchita: http://i.imgur.com/EV1PHij.jpg
Posted by: AdamAloud 18th May 2015, 08:21 PM
If they MUST have hashtags can they not be in the opposite corner of the screen, it looks so messy.
Posted by: Ryan. 18th May 2015, 08:24 PM
Tamar from Armenia is live streaming from the green room on Periscope!
Posted by: Gage 18th May 2015, 08:25 PM
That was my first thought Adam, at least then it would be a bit more symmetrical.
Posted by: J▲hq 18th May 2015, 08:26 PM
Agreed. But FFS just hashtag the full name of the country!!!
Posted by: Ryan. 18th May 2015, 08:32 PM
Thank you very much for that Tamar, got to see nearly the full TV recap! Bojana got massive cheers, Belgium's staging looked stunning.
Posted by: Ryan. 18th May 2015, 09:20 PM
Semi-final scoreboard screencap: https://pp.vk.me/c621620/v621620269/245ed/DiOLHIhAx3w.jpg
Looks good!
Posted by: Ryan. 19th May 2015, 03:14 PM
Here's a video of most of Albania's jury performance, people are saying it's really bad but it sounds good to me and she absolutely got that big note. Maybe I'm just used to her live voice after watching so many performances.
The applause she gets after those series of big notes though before the song even finishes, a mini 'Suus'!
Posted by: Ryan. 20th May 2015, 07:40 PM
So the jury final for semi final two is underway and Lithuania have gone all out with their kisses!
Posted by: AdamAloud 20th May 2015, 07:42 PM
Oh well done Lithuania! Always great to see support for gay rights on an international stage
Posted by: *Tim 20th May 2015, 07:58 PM
Russia preapring to invade Lithuania as we speak
Posted by: Conderella 20th May 2015, 08:02 PM
spoke with putin just now it's true
Posted by: Gage 20th May 2015, 08:03 PM
That's going to REALLY piss Alex off considering that was one of his favourites!
Posted by: Conderella 20th May 2015, 08:05 PM
he still had krista as his favourite in 2013 so you never really know.
Posted by: AdamAloud 20th May 2015, 08:18 PM
Portugal are getting another chance at the end of the jury rehearsal, apparently due to sound issues in the original performance.
Posted by: Ryan. 20th May 2015, 08:19 PM
Could give them small advantage but still won't be enough to qualify.
Posted by: Vülker 20th May 2015, 09:33 PM
Really hoping Portugal scrapes through somehow against all odds.
I've been critical of it and it's not the best song ever but it's a nice little number by a very competent vocalist. Would love if this little technical issue would give her enough pity points to push her through to Saturday.
A 27th place in the final would be such a victory!
Posted by: LexC 20th May 2015, 09:40 PM
Actually he suddenly seemed to think there were only 38 songs in that contest after the lesbian kiss
Internalised homophobia is bad.
Posted by: Jerick 20th May 2015, 09:48 PM
Lithuania <3 hope they qualify now
Posted by: Ryan. 22nd May 2015, 06:31 PM
The jury final will be beginning in 30 minutes, you can listen live or follow the live blog on ESC Xtra!
Posted by: AdamAloud 22nd May 2015, 07:18 PM
The 1st song hasn't even started yet. Going to be the longest opening ever no?
Posted by: Ryan. 22nd May 2015, 07:30 PM
At least they are a bit more efficient this time, this afternoon the first song didn't get going till about 35 minutes past!
Tamar won't be providing us any exclusive action this time! 
Posted by: Ryan. 22nd May 2015, 07:43 PM
The big question is will anyone do too many "woos" to send Digital Spy into meltdown?
Posted by: Ryan. 22nd May 2015, 08:15 PM
Just heard Loic during the Big Brother adverts, sounded flawless and I adore the thumping bass that comes through on the live stream!
Posted by: Ryan. 22nd May 2015, 08:43 PM
Bojana and Marija Serifovic have just wandered into the press centre and are therefore in the background of the live stream!
Posted by: Ryan. 22nd May 2015, 09:05 PM
I think Polina has got this, it ticks every box - fantastic vocals, fantastic song, fantastic jury performance, fantastic running order position (if a little late)!
Posted by: Ryan. 22nd May 2015, 09:08 PM
Elhaida just pulled out a stunner of a vocal, everyone on ESC Xtra thinks it is by far her best performance of the fortnight!
Posted by: Ryan. 22nd May 2015, 10:02 PM
Scoreboard screencaps from ESC Forum:
Main scoreboard: http://fs2.directupload.net/images/150522/k59xqa5w.jpg
1 to 7 points reveal: http://fs1.directupload.net/images/150522/fy8onh64.jpg
Posted by: M¤th 22nd May 2015, 10:06 PM
Are those Albania's actual points? I don't think that's right.
Posted by: Ryan. 22nd May 2015, 10:08 PM
No, they are just using fake points to rehearse the voting process for tomorrow night!
Posted by: Umi 22nd May 2015, 10:13 PM
I don't think that's right.The points generally get decided during the final rather than before.
Posted by: J▲hq 22nd May 2015, 10:20 PM
Albania will be giving points to Electro Velvet though!! 
Love the scoreboard, and the daylight in Australia
Posted by: Ryan. 22nd May 2015, 10:26 PM
Amazing scoreboard graphic when we go to every country! We board a virtual "flight" and also see Vienna written in the country's own language and a top 3 recap!
http://fs2.directupload.net/images/150523/9bs9e93c.jpg
Posted by: Ryan. 22nd May 2015, 10:39 PM
Valentina was hilarious in her delivery of San Marino's fake votes!
Posted by: Ryan. 23rd May 2015, 02:53 PM
The subject of a scandal from last night, there is one every year in the jury final, was unfortunately Belgium. Australia's smoke machine went into overdrive and they couldn't get rid of it before Belgium's performance leading to this:
Apparently they requested to perform again, but instead the juries were just asked to disregard the smoke.
Posted by: Gage 23rd May 2015, 04:56 PM
It's not Spain levels of "hinderence" is it?
Posted by: *Tim 23rd May 2015, 05:01 PM
Oh no, Loic
Posted by: 'Dan 23rd May 2015, 05:06 PM
???
Posted by: Gage 23rd May 2015, 05:08 PM
Sorry Dan, that should have said "Spain's 2010".
Posted by: Gage 23rd May 2015, 05:11 PM
All I'll say is that, to anyone who hasn't seen the semi finals, there doesn't look anything wrong with that picture and you'd assume that there was meant to be smoke surrounding him. I know the Jury's don't but if there giving more of their "vote" to the staging then it's not really a "song" contest is it?
Posted by: 'Dan 23rd May 2015, 05:41 PM
What happened then? I didn't watch ESC in 2010
Posted by: Gage 23rd May 2015, 05:47 PM
A guy ran onto the stage whilst they were halfway through their song. They then sang again at the end after the rest and finished. The song was shit so I'm assuming the sympathy of "oh someone ruined their performance" was riding sky high that year because they finished well.
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