JOY Eurovision

2 May 2017

Day Three from the Bubble

The International Exhibition Centre has opened its doors yet again as the first half of Semi 2 gets their chance to rehearse on the expansive Eurovision stage.

It’s going to be quite the day.

This post updates >>

Serbia

There seems to be a barefoot dancer, who would be great at AFL umpiring with his backward moving skills.

Tijana’s in white. There are lights. And it’s all very “magical”.

Deep into the first rehearsal of the day with some magical staging from Serbia! #ESC2017 pic.twitter.com/nhy6KWnVGE

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 2, 2017

If by ‘magic’ they mean that this will disappear from the screen sooner rather than later, I’m in.

Will it qualify? In this line up, possibly not.

Austria

Get me Slavko’s rocket and take me to Nathan’s moon.

The boy has the smile, the looks and the right moves to win the girls (and boys) over with Running On Air. If you don’t want to put him in your pocket and take him home with you after seeing this one, there’s something wrong with you.

.@upTrent has just taken us to the moon and back! 🌙 #ESC2017 pic.twitter.com/IobQhuRXtM

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 2, 2017

The lad’s wearing an all-white ensemble too, fitting right in to the Eurovision trend. If only it was wet…

Will it qualify? Those sparkling eyes say yes.

FYR Macedonia

Jana has taken the whole premise of her song literally, being the only person visible on the stage. And by the way she dances, it’s no surprise that she’s alone in da club.

Let’s be honest here: Jana needs friends. Five preferably. And soon.

Jana 🇲🇰 will definitely not be dancing alone during her performance in Semi-Final 2 next week! #ESC2017 pic.twitter.com/Hf4hR374Rx

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 2, 2017

And no, Jana, your face on the LED screens don’t count as friends.

Will it qualify? If it was the studio version with the official video choreography, yes. Live… borderline.

Malta

This is what Maltese ballad dreams are made of.

Everything you could throw at a belter is in the mix. There’s major eye make up, a bejewelled gown, wind machine, fluttering fabric visuals, sweeping camera movements and mood lighting.

A change of pace in the arena as Claudia from Malta takes to the stage with her song "Breathlessly" #ESC2017 pic.twitter.com/ruXSzYoUhX

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 2, 2017

Claudia Faniello has brought classically retro Eurovision ballads back. And given Melbourne’s drag performers a brand new routine to learn.

Will it qualify? All that ballad only has one answer: Yes.

Romania

Yes.

Huge cannons. Confetti. Bouncy yodels. A wink.

There’s not much more to say.

Will it qualify? Yodel-da.

The Netherlands

These girls have all grown up since last appearing in the Eurovision world in 2007, albeit in the Junior contest.

The Dutch have spared no cost at Spotlight getting their best sparkly fabric for three matching outfits and a bit of modesty fabric for the more endowed sister.

With shades of Wilson Phillips coming through, it’s a sure-fire points winner for the over 30s. And if you don’t like it, they’re very clear in their messaging to stop crying about it.

Beautiful harmonies and glittering outfits from @OG3NE on their first #ESC2017 rehearsal! pic.twitter.com/CstF2QGpCe

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 2, 2017

Will it qualify? Tribute bands get full houses on their RSL and Westfield tours, so it’s highly likely this will too.

Hungary

Joci Pápai from Hungary is on stage rehearsing his #ESC2017 entry and we're loving his ethnic vibes pic.twitter.com/dMvwJB2uU7

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 2, 2017

Denmark

Australia has a second shot on the Eurovision stage with Anja, though she does have very Danish staging behind her.

The girl can sing. And smile. And give good face.

.@anja_nissen lays down her armour on stage during her first #ESC2017 rehearsal 🇩🇰 pic.twitter.com/xIm76J7RB0

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 2, 2017

She does look like she’s trying to make her way through Docklands on a windy winter day. Will the wind machine end up blowing her off the stage? Thankfully she has a golden pyro curtain to hold on to just in case.

Will it qualify? As long as those long notes are held OK, we’ll see two Australians in the Grand Final.

Ireland

The lad smiles the whole way through. It’s pleasing, especially if you like rosy cheeks.

Speaking of being all flushed…

Welcome to the #Eurovision press centre, where the sight of Brendan Murray's snail trail was greeting with oohs and ahhs.

— #JOYEurovision 🇦🇺🏳️‍🌈 (@JOY_Eurovision) May 2, 2017

Brendan spends his three minutes on stage underneath a mutant boiled lolly, trying to remind us that he’s dying to try.

We still don’t actually know what he wants to try though. Perhaps it’s jumping out of a hot air balloon. Granted, that’s awfully niche, even for Eurovision.

A hot air balloon with @brendan_m96 in it has just landed on the #ESC2017 stage! pic.twitter.com/Tk6BTVfR90

— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 2, 2017

It’s pretty. So is he.

Will it qualify? The Swedes are hoping it won’t.