Today was the day of milkshakes and a diva not down. Many participants of the second semifinal have their second rehearsal. We have no liveblog from EBU, however we are expecting 30 seconds videos later today. Hopefully they will be faster than yesterday, when they seem to have forgotten about Croatia at all. We also have pictures.
🇦🇺 Australia
Social Media: Australian entrant Go-Jo has been actively sharing his Eurovision journey on social media. This week he highlighted a feature in The West Australian about his path “from Down Under” to Basel, tagging the newspaper in an Instagram post. He’s thanked fans for the support and posted behind-the-scenes snippets, expressing excitement as he gears up to open Semi-Final 2 with “Milkshake Man.”
First Rehearsal: Go-Jo’s first rehearsal delivered pure pop fun. He embraces a retro 70s/80s infomercial theme, beginning as an over-the-top salesman amid neon graphics. The staging features a giant milkshake prop and even a keytar solo, with Go-Jo in a white suit and red cravat joined by dancers in candy-striped dresses. Mid-performance, he rips off his shirt in true showman style. The press called the rehearsal “an absolute blast and a visual feast” (eurovisionfun.com)– a high-energy, tongue-in-cheek number that had observers grinning.
Betting Odds: Australia is currently around 17th in the winner odds, a slight uptick from 18th before rehearsals. The entertaining first rehearsal has modestly boosted Go-Jo’s standing, though he remains a dark horse in a competitive field.
📷 EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett
🇲🇪 Montenegro
Social Media: After a two-year Eurovision absence, Montenegro’s Nina Žižić has voiced her gratitude for a second chance on the big stage. On her official pages she shared photos en route to Basel and nostalgic reflections on her 2013 Eurovision appearance, telling fans she’s “ready to write a new chapter” and thanking them for the support. The Montenegrin delegation also posted a send-off update as they departed for Switzerland, building anticipation for Nina’s comeback performance.
First Rehearsal: Nina’s first rehearsal introduced a striking, theatrical staging for her power ballad “Dobrodošli.” She begins veiled in a structured white dress with an eye mask, dramatically unveiling a giant circular white headpiece attached to her gown as the song builds. Cool blue-white lighting and swirling particle graphics on the LED screens create an ethereal atmosphere around her big vocals. For added effect, low fog rolls across the stage during the climax. The press noted the performance’s elegance and drama, with Montenegrin media optimistic it “exceeded expectations” in its first outing.
Betting Odds: Montenegro is still a long shot – currently 35th in the odds – but there’s been a slight improvement (up from last place). Nina’s well-received rehearsal and passionate delivery have sparked hope that she could break Montenegro’s non-qualification streak dating back to 2015. It remains an uphill battle, but Montenegrins are rallying behind this heartfelt comeback.
📷 EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett
🇮🇪 Ireland
Social Media: Irish representative Emmy has kept fans updated with candid travel tales. Over the weekend she nearly missed her flight to Basel due to storms, but posted relief on social media once aboard: “I wasn’t sure I was going to make the flight… but now I’m on the plane with the others and we are so, so excited for Basel! The singer – who is actually Norwegian-born – shared joyful airport snapshots with her team and even led a mid-flight singalong on Instagram Stories. Team Ireland’s spirits are high, as evidenced by a viral clip of Emmy and her crew dancing to “My Number One” on their Basel-bound tour bus in tribute to Helena Paparizou.
First Rehearsal: Emmy’s first rehearsal for “Laika Party” unveiled a cosmic makeover. She emerged in a striking metallic silver dress with a pleated skirt, matching boots and a helmet-like hood. Emmy opened the number on a platform resembling a lunar module, with neon planets and stars projected behind her. Her brother Erlend accompanies on keyboards. Four dancers in futuristic silver outfits execute tightly synced choreography. During the chorus the LED wall forms a constellation of Laika. By the final chorus, firework jets erupt – a “party in the sky” finale to honor Laika’s journey. Irish media called the revamped staging “far more precise and polished,” feeling it captures both whimsy and emotion.
Betting Odds: Ireland currently sits about 18th in the betting odds, having dipped slightly from around 17th before rehearsals. Emmy’s strong rehearsal has kept Ireland in the conversation for qualification, though bookmakers see her on the borderline. With a dynamic performance upgrade, Team Ireland will aim to defy the odds and reach the final, chasing Ireland’s first qualification since 2018.
📷 EBU/Corinne Cumming
🇱🇻 Latvia
Social Media: The six-member folk-pop group Tautumeitas have been sharing their Basel adventure with infectious enthusiasm. “Pirmā diena Šveicē pagāja galvu reibinoši!” they wrote on arrival – “The first day in Switzerland was dizzyingly amazing! Eurovision’s wind has swept us away – it already feels like the start of a life-changing journey.” (jauns.lv ). The band posted photos in their new stage costumes, gold headdresses gleaming, and expressed gratitude to fans back home. They also joked on Facebook about packing extra traditional skirts and modern gear, illustrating the blend of folk and futuristic in their style.
First Rehearsal: Tautumeitas traded their folk dresses for form-fitting golden catsuits adorned with branch-like and fin-like accents. Their trademark folk headdresses now light up in different colors throughout the song. On stage, the group kept much of the folkloric choreography from February’s Supernova final, but with a grander scale. They harmonize around a maypole-like microphone stand at times, and at one point all six perform a synchronized dance break that had the press clapping along. The delegation noted that the technical team in Basel “precisely realized the Latvian creative vision”, with only minor tweaks needed. Tautumeitas themselves were delighted, calling the run “krāšņi, skaisti un profesionāli” – “vibrant, beautiful, and professional!” The only thing missing, they quipped, was an arena full of people, as they “felt the lack of audience” in rehearsal. source: sejas.tvnet.lv
Betting Odds: Latvia remains an underdog, but their odds have improved slightly. They are now around 31st in the odds chart, up from the mid-30s prior to rehearsals. The confident first rehearsal and positive media buzz have given this feel-good folk entry some upward momentum as the semi-final approaches.
📷 EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett
🇦🇲 Armenia
Social Media: Armenian artist Parg (Pargev) has kept a relatively low profile online in recent days, but he did share a lighthearted moment before rehearsals: “Sauna sesh with the boys before the big Basel adventure” he posted on April 27, showing him and his team relaxing and joking as they prepared to depart. Since arriving in Switzerland, Parg’s Instagram has featured a few behind-the-scenes snaps – including a shot of him on the treadmill at rehearsals with the caption, “Survivor mode: ON.” He’s hinted at an intense staging, and thanked fans for the encouragement, promising to “keep running until we reach the light.”
First Rehearsal: Armenia’s first rehearsal revealed a bold reimagining of Parg’s staging. Parg performs most of “Survivor” on a treadmill. Dressed in a black vest and studded leather pants, he literally runs in place as an artistic metaphor for perseverance, accelerating during each chorus’s chanting section. Two massive automated light rigs descend around him, creating a tunnel of lights. The dynamic staging underscored the song’s urgency – media were struck by Parg’s stamina and the visual of him “running toward the light” amidst flashing strobes and smoke. Armenian media reported that the rehearsal “breathed new life” into the song and showed Parg’s dedication to an immersive performance.
Betting Odds: Armenia is still near the lower end of the odds, currently about 33rd overall (a slight slip from 32nd pre-rehearsal). While bookmakers remain cautious, the ambitious treadmill staging has intrigued some observers. Parg will be hoping that this impactful performance can defy the odds and push Armenia into the finals for the first time since 2021.
📷 EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett
🇦🇹 Austria
Social Media: Austria’s singer-songwriter JJ (Johannes Pietsch) has generated huge buzz online. Over the past few days he posted a travel update showing the Austrian delegation arriving in Basel by train – “Klimafreundlich to Eurovision,” he joked, sharing a photo from their ÖBB railway journey. JJ also teased elements of his staging on Instagram, dropping anchor emojis and cryptic messages like “setting sail for the crown”. One post featured him at Basel’s St. Jakobshalle beside a makeshift boat prop, with the caption: “All aboard! Let’s set sail on this Wasted Love voyage”.
First Rehearsal: Dressed in a long black coat with metallic accents, JJ performs entirely from within a small boat. The entire performance is broadcast in stylish black-and-white on screen. As the song builds, a wind machine kicks in and LED visuals of a stormy sea surround him. JJ clings to the mast as the stage simulates a growing tempest. By the second chorus, cameras and lighting make it appear as if he’s being tossed on wild waves. In the final moments, an overhead shot shows the little boat seemingly pulled into a swirling vortex on the LED floor while a giant lighthouse beam sweeps across the arena. The press were highly impressed. Eurovision bloggers noted the performance is “inventive and immersive, a perfect match to the song’s emotional journey”.
Betting Odds: Austria has seen its odds shorten significantly. JJ is now the solid second favorite to win Eurovision, closing the gap on long-time leader Sweden. His successful first rehearsal – which “significantly boosted Austria’s chances” according to bookmakers– has convinced many that this ship-themed performance could sail all the way to victory. Austria’s odds of winning are now around 21%, and rising.
📷 EBU/Alma Bengtsson
🇬🇷 Greece
Social Media: Greek entrant Klavdia shared Instagram stories from rehearsals, including a selfie in costume captioned “η δύναμή μου” (“my strength”), hinting at the empowering theme of her song “Asteromata.” On her official Facebook, she thanked fans for their messages and promised to “shine bright for Greece.” The mood in the Greek camp is upbeat, even as Klavdia acknowledged some pressure: “In less than ten days I’ll step on that stage… I’m giving it my all!” she wrote in one post.
First rehearsal: Klavdia starts the song standing on a platform. She reaches toward a large rock structure a few meters away. She then moves onto the rock. A female dancer joins, enacting a push-and-pull choreography with Klavdia before drifting apart down the pier. Klavdia herself is dressed in a long, dark gown embellished with tiny sparkling jewels; it shifts from black to deep navy blue, mirroring a starry night sky. Overhead camera shots turn the platform into the illusion of open water. The LED screens evolve from watery reflections to images of burning trees and volcanic eruptions. Blue lights sweep across like waves at the final chorus, and falling strip-lightning create an effect of stars raining down. It’s a presentation that Greek media described as “poignant and cinematic”. Some on-site observers noted the staging felt a bit empty in parts, but others praised Klavdia’s vocal delivery and the visual metaphors.
📷 EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett
Betting Odds: Greece’s odds have unfortunately drifted after the first rehearsal. Once around 18th, Klavdia has slipped to about 20th-21st in the odds. Bookmakers appear less confident after seeing the abstract staging. Still, the Greek team hopes that the full performance will resonate more strongly on the televised show.
🇱🇹 Lithuania
Social Media: Lithuanian indie band Katarsis have kept fans in the loop with a mix of humor and gratitude. Just before heading to Basel, Katarsis shared a cheeky Facebook post: “Grupė Katarsis išvyko į Euroviziją – don’t wait up, we’re off to find ‘akys’ in the sky!” (a play on their song “Tavo akys,” meaning “Your Eyes”). In Basel, frontman Lukas posted Instagram stories of the band’s soundcheck and stage tech, marveling at the massive arena and joking “we won’t have to imagine an audience this time.” The band also uploaded a short TikTok showing their daily routine in Basel, warming up vocals in a park, grabbing coffee, and heading to rehearsal.
First Rehearsal: Katarsis’s first rehearsal went smoothly. The band performs “Tavo akys” with their signature moody minimalism. The stage is bathed in deep blue and purple hues as Lukas, dressed in a black ensemble with glowing blue accents, delivers the alt-pop track’s intense moments. While there are no major props or gimmicks, subtle enhancements have been made – additional LED lighting strips on the floor pulse to the beat, and the backdrop features new abstract patterns (flashes of an eye motif) in sync with the chorus. Lithuanian media noted the tweaks are effective: “Katarsis have amped up their visuals… kept the moodiness that endeared them to so many.”. The consensus among the press was that while Lithuania’s rehearsal didn’t wow with spectacle, it was authentic and atmospheric, staying true to the band’s style.
Betting Odds: Lithuania is currently ranked around 24th in the odds – essentially unchanged. The first rehearsal’s no-surprises approach neither helped nor hurt their standing. Katarsis are seen as an outside shot to qualify, but their consistency and artistic integrity could win favor with juries and alternative music fans.
📷 EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett
🇲🇹 Malta
Social Media: Maltese pop diva Miriana Conte has been serving attitude on her socials. Over the last few days she hyped up her Semi-Final spot: “SERVING is performing 9th in the Second Semi-Final… I’m ready – are you?” she wrote on Instagram, pairing it with a photo of herself in full glam. Upon arriving in Basel, Miriana posted a video captioned “Do-Re-Mi-Mi-Miriana’s arrived in Basel!” showing her belting out a scale in an airport terminal for amused onlookers. She’s also shared backstage clips of her elaborate costuming process – including dyeing her hair bright red – with the hashtag #DivaNotDown, a mantra from her song.
First Rehearsal: Malta’s first rehearsal was a technicolor spectacle. Fans and journalists were buzzing. At the center of the stage stood a giant pair of glittering red lips. Inside them was a spinning disco ball. The number begins with the ball turning to reveal Miriana. She wears a canary-yellow gown with tiered netting and black sleeves. As the chorus hits, she is lifted out of the lips. She sheds the skirt and reveals a sparkly black-and-red catsuit. Her hair is now fiery red. After that, Miriana struts across the stage. Four dancers join her. They perform with red gym balls. The act ends with a bouncing sequence during the final chorus. The LED screens burst with pop-art graphics. Eurovisionfun called the performance “bold, unapologetic, and a lot of fun.” Malta made sure no one looked away.
Betting Odds: Malta’s odds have improved following that strong rehearsal. Miriana is hovering around 10th–11th in the winner betting ranks now, re-entering the top ten contenders in several bookies’ lists. This is a jump up from just outside the top 15 a week ago. The vibrant staging and fan reaction seem to have reinforced Malta’s status as a potential surprise package. If Miriana can maintain this momentum, Malta may well “serve” up its best result in years.
📷 EBU/Alma Bengtsson
We were talking of milkshakes and a diva not down, but now we look forward to the big 5 and Switzerland. Let’s see what they will bring.
