JOY Eurovision

1 May 2017

Day Two in Eurovision Central

Day Two in Kyiv’s International Exhibition Centre (IEC) has begun with gusto as the second half of Semi 1 gets their first rehearsal.

Greece

Greece have brought their gods to join Demy on stage.

https://twitter.com/dreurovision/status/858929852124147712

She looked pretty pleased with herself after her rehearsal, replete with water, visuals and a podium.

A bit of rain never looked so good!@Demy_Official on stage! Follow along with us today, for more exclusive updates #ESC2017 pic.twitter.com/MgMWbWrV4h

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 1, 2017

Sadly, she couldn’t quite get those important notes in the chorus. In a word: flat. Thankfully Demy’s got a week to practice and keep smiling.

Will it qualify? If Demy can sing it somewhat OK, the stage performance will sail it through to the Grand Final.

Poland

Kasia Moś has decided to hang her flashlight from the ceiling of the IEC to add some atmosphere to her power ballad.

Great to see Kasia Moś on stage now, Poland's representative. Rehearsals are coming along really well! #ESC2017 pic.twitter.com/JFgeoHiVPP

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 1, 2017

It’s a perfect act for any quality Eurovision drinking game:

White dress
Long note
Wind machine
European freedom

You’ll have to pick yourself up off the floor in time for Moldova.

Will it qualify? Between the Polish diaspora and the mega power ballad: Yes.

Moldova

Mama has lost her funeral hats to Sunstroke Project‘s backing singers, who all seem to be jilted brides.

Sunstroke Project are bringing some sunshine to Kyiv with their rehearsal this morning! #ESC2017 pic.twitter.com/i5czH8j7wC

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 1, 2017

The Epic Sax Guy is back, perfectly replicating his gyrating movements from Eurovision 2010. It’s like he’s never left.

The rest of the Project is back too. And if you’re a fan of older, Easter European men, you’ll love just how well Sergei has aged.

It’s a pity about the trashy wedding though. Mama isn’t pleased.

Will it qualify? Mama says ne.

Iceland

It’s been drama with Iceland’s suitcases not arriving, but thankfully it seems Svala likes to carry her costume in her hand luggage.

As much as we were hoping that Iceland would bring their best origami folders to the stage, there’s no sign of paper, but there is a heap of laser action. Explosions in fact. Laser beats paper.

The delegation has raided the hotel’s breakfast bar for hair ideas, placing two perfectly baked Ukrainian buns on Svala’s head.

She sounds great on 'Paper' and even better on stage! @svalakali is rehearsing #ESC2017 pic.twitter.com/tMp3t6x04f

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 1, 2017

Again, get your drinking games ready. It seems this year is the year of white and capes. You should probably start stockpiling the vodka now.

Will it qualify? It should. Please. Or I will be ripped apart like paper.

Czech Republic

Martina has been digging through Vinnies’ latest ’80s collection to bring Gold Logie fabulousness to the Eurovision stage.

Apparently the use of purple and gold staging is new and innovative. We’re not sure that innovative was the right word in the translated dictionary.

It's 'My Turn' for @martina_barta right now on stage! #ESC2017 pic.twitter.com/XCtHqH7wRK

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 1, 2017

We’re already playing Press Centre drinking games, thanks to the beer company that is the Contest’s official sponsor. Thankfully Martina hits the notes she needs to at the right times. Sadly Supre will be run out of gold jumpsuits come next week.

Will it qualify? She has as much chance as Richard Wilkins winning Gold in 2018.

Cyprus

The island nation has shipped Hovig over in his studded leather jacket (which, to be honest, looks great on him). His hair looks great as well. And his backup dancers are pretty fit, though should be shirtless.

They’ve also bought Belgium’s 2015 staging when it was 50% off at Eurovision Myer.

We're loving the look of @hovigmusic rehearsal, defying 'Gravity' and all! #ESC2017 pic.twitter.com/4cWt4VWwsT

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 1, 2017

Yes, recycling and reusing is important these days, but this goes just that little bit too far.

Will it qualify? Most likely. Thanks Greece.

Armenia

The Bond contenders continue in this Semi with Armenia’s Artsvik taking the stage in all black. It’s a welcome change from the white ensembles so far in this Semi, but the welcome mat stops about there.

Kicking off the final three rehearsals of day two here in Kyiv, here is @artsvikofficial with 'Fly With Me' #ESC2017 pic.twitter.com/BV9QvK48sx

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 1, 2017

If you like rubbery women, this is the performance for you. They bend right back. It really is a surprise that they don’t snap in half on the way down.

Will it qualify? It’s another Bond theme. Most likely.

Slovenia

Sparkle! Leather! Lights! Slovenia!

The song is a little strange without visuals, but with the current staging, this actually might do well for the little European country.

Time has worked in Omar Naber‘s favour, rocking a very sparkly jacket, the likes of which have not been seen since the heydays of the Greyhound. His leather pants are a nice touch, allowing for an extra shot in the drinking game.

'On My Way' by @OmarNaber, Slovenia's representative, is looking pretty out of this world! #ESC2017 pic.twitter.com/ASBWweeAxu

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 1, 2017

It’s all very musical theatre. And we can’t complain. Plus he gives good face. Very good face.

Will it qualify? A big belty theatrical ballad with pretty lights might win the viewers over, but only just.

Latvia

YASSSS. Triana Park have brought a proper ending to the show with a multitude of colours, camera angles and fun for the crowd.

It’s a bright colourful number, which includes singer Agnese’s hair. It’s pink. And it’s beautiful.

.@trianapark is wrapping up day 2 of rehearsals & leaving us on a fantastically colourful note with 'Line' #ESC2017 pic.twitter.com/252PpR0szk

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 1, 2017

In a Semi full of ballads, it’s a nice change of look and tempo to wrap things up.

Will it qualify? Hell yes.