đź“· Miika Varila
This afternoon we saw Basel Bulletin: a doll, fog, flames and a microphone. Today we continue with the next 4 rehearsals. We tell you everything about the last part of the second semifinal.
EBU has decided to release photo’s of it only the day after. But still we can show you (if available) the national final performance or any other live performance so you got an idea what the artists are capable of. Disclaimer: for the description of the performance, we have to do it with what the EBU tells us.
🇱🇺 Luxembourg
Luxembourg’s Laura Thorn rehearses La Poupée Monte Le Son, a French-language entry referencing and updating the imagery of Luxembourg’s 1965 Eurovision-winning song. The performance begins with Laura positioned inside a large pink-and-red 1960s-style dollhouse, while animated hands on the LED screen reposition her as part of the opening sequence. She is joined by five male dancers in red velvet suits, whose choreography blends 1960s pop movement with puppet-like gestures. Laura begins the routine with doll-like stiffness, which gradually softens as the song progresses. During the second verse, she and the dancers move to the frame stage, leaving the dollhouse behind. Her costume transitions from a structured pale pink dress to a silver outfit revealed during the middle eight, reinforcing the visual storyline of transformation.
🇮🇱 Israel
Israel’s Yuval Raphael rehearses New Day Will Rise. The staging centres on a large two-tier circular structure positioned mid-stage, draped in silver crystal strands. Yuval begins the performance on the frame stage, standing in a wash of blue light, wearing a black tailored trouser suit with structured shoulders and wide, draped sleeves. During the second verse, she walks down the central walkway and circles the base of the structure during the French section. She then climbs the stairs and finishes the song from inside the upper tier. The LED backdrop features flowing water over dark rock, which builds in movement before fading to white in the final bars. A firework shower accompanies the key change.
There is no live version of the Israeli song available.
🇷🇸 Serbia
Serbia’s Princ rehearses Mila, bringing a reworked staging concept distinct from his national final performance. The LED moon and original costume have been removed in favour of a minimal opening, with Princ standing centre stage, singing in shadow beneath a halo of light. He wears a red tailored suit, accompanied by three male dancers in black, who draw him into a contemporary routine. In a striking moment during the second half, two dancers drag him down the walkway by his legs as red lighting and fiery graphics fill the LED screen. The choreography is tightly timed, with Princ maintaining full vocal control throughout. The performance begins with low fog and concludes with a burst of flame effects during the final verse.
🇫🇮 Finland
Finland’s Erika Vikman rehearses Ich Komme, closing the day with a high-energy performance. She begins on a circular gold plinth at centre stage, wearing a new black outfit that combines structured leather with metallic studs, long gloves, and thigh-high boots. During the first chorus, she moves with a gold microphone down the walkway to the frame stage. The staging features no dancers; Erika performs solo with precise choreography and direct camera engagement. In the final section, she returns to the main stage and climbs onto a giant gold microphone prop for the closing sequence. The LED wall mirrors visuals from UMK, displaying bold ICH KOMME graphics and ending with ERIKA in large letters. Smoke jets fire from the walkway during the mid-section.
With a doll, fog, flames and a microphone we close the first rehearsals for now, knowing we will see the Big Five and Switzerland Friday. Tomorrow we will have the second rehearsals of most of the participants. We will keep you updated!
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