Malmö Messages: outfit changes and odds changes

We are once again following the rehearsals. The countries performing in the second semi-final are now rehearsing again, but not all of them. Because at the end of the afternoon and the beginning of the evening, we will see and hear the big 5 and Sweden.

Malta: We talked about a swimsuit in Sarah Bonnici’s previous rehearsal. She still sings her song ‘Loop’ in a swimsuit, but now she has covered her arms and upper legs with silver. She hardly touches the ground, as she is continually lifted. There is hardly any betting on Malta: the island ranks last in the odds.

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Albania: Besa is wearing a very different outfit than in the previous rehearsal: a dark suit adorned with gemstones. They seem to reflect the colors of the rainbow. Three dancers flank her, along with two backing vocalists! Albania still presents some live music, apart from the singer. It does little to help Albania. Titan is given a 31st place in the odds.

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Greece: Marina Satti is one of the bigger names in Greece. Dance also predominates here, as far as we can assess. We can trust in it that Marina Satti can put on a dazzling show. Greece seems to be becoming a sub-top contender with an 8th place from the bookmakers, but maybe there’s even more in store for Marina & co.

EBU/Alma Bengtsson

Switzerland: Nemo has lost their first place in the bookmakers’ rankings today. Their singing talent could not be the reason, as was evident during Eurovision in Concert in April, when we heard ‘The Code’ live. In the new photos, Nemo is still wearing the feather suit and performing their balancing acts on the revolving platform. There are also new photos where Nemo is wearing exactly the same suit that Céline Dion wore when she won Eurovision.

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Czech Republic: The Czech song deals with a pedestal, but here in Malmö she is not standing on one. However, we see a lot of flames around Aiko. That’s a good thing, because both she and her dancers are dressed entirely in black. And this while the act is about the very last stage of grief: acceptance. Currently, the Czech Republic shares a 31st place with Albania among the bookmakers.

EBU/Alma Bengtsson

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Eurovision 2026
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Vienna, 12 points: Animals and a groom on stage

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It’s set among lemon trees and lights, with fireworks depicted on the LED graphics.  Sal Da Vinci, born Salvatore Michael Sorrentino in 1969, is one of the most recognised voices of the Neapolitan pop scene, with a career spanning theatre, television and chart music. He secured his place in Vienna by winning the Festival di Sanremo 2026 with “Per Sempre Sì”, a victory that marked a full-circle moment in his long relationship with the festival. Italy’s second rehearsal takes place on Saturday, 9 May. Sources: EBU official live blog / RAI / Instagram @saldavinciofficial 🇩🇪 Germany — Sarah Engels, “Fire” Running order: Grand Final position TBC | First rehearsal: 7 May, 15:00–15:25 CEST | Second rehearsal: 9 May The centrepiece of the staging is a cube-shaped prop that gives Engels her own elevated performance platform. According to the official Eurovision subreddit live blog, she opens the performance lying on top of it, delivering a piano-ballad version of “Fire” directly to the camera positioned above her. It is a moment of stillness and control. However, it does not last long. The track ignites, the banger takes over, and Sarah Engels is off. The outfit is gold, head to toe. A bodysuit with a corset section designed to resemble roaring flames, with sparkling rhinestones scattered across it like golden embers. Four dancers join her on stage, also dressed in gold. The Reddit live blog notes that some staging surprises have been kept under wraps at the delegation’s request. What it can confirm is that the performance closes with a pyrotechnic finale. Given the song is called “Fire”, it could hardly end any other way. Sarah Engels first rose to national recognition in 2011 through Deutschland Sucht Den Superstar. 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The central phrase, “look at me”, reaches beyond the song’s lyrical meaning and functions as a directive for the entire visual concept. The French delegation has deliberately withheld staging details ahead of rehearsals, reinforcing the idea that this performance will only fully reveal itself in the moment. Five performers join Monroe on stage. For her first ever live performance of “Regarde !”, she brought over a dozen dancers. Eurovision’s stage rules cap the total to six, Monroe included. Monroe Vata Rigby, born 19 November 2008, grew up between France and the United States, discovered her love of classical music singing in a church choir, and won the eleventh season of Prodiges on France Télévisions in early 2025. France Télévisions selected her internally on 6 March 2026. France’s second rehearsal takes place on Saturday, 9 May. 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