đ· Tim Buiting
With the rehearsals after lunch, we can talk about red and black, flowers, capes and….. a secret? Today the second row of countries from the first semifinal have had their rehearsals. We tell you everything we know about the 4 countries you are still missing.
EBU has decided to release photoâs 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.
đŠđ± Albania
Albaniaâs Shkodra Elektronike rehearse Zjerm, performed by KolĂ« Laca and Beatriçe Gjergji. The staging has been fully reimagined since Festival i KĂ«ngĂ«s, though the red and black colour scheme remains. The LED backdrop, floor, and frame display animated geometric patterns in sync with the music. The overhead âLegoâ lights descend in a stepped formation, creating a tunnel-like effect that adds depth and intimacy. At centre stage, KolĂ« performs from within a structure of illuminated black and white boxes, while Beatriçe moves through the space with her signature choreography. She wears a red crepe satin dress with sparkled bodice and draped fabric, while KolĂ« wears a double-breasted military-style coat. Flame jets fire during each chorus, enhancing the trackâs strong rhythmic pulse.
đłđ± The Netherlands
The Netherlandsâ Claude rehearses his entry with a visually focused performance that draws heavily from contemporary dance and stylised movement. There is no national final to reference, but elements from the official video inform the staging. The performance opens quietly with sparse piano notes before building into a bass-driven chorus. Claude is joined on stage by two contemporary dancers who move fluidly around him, weaving in and out of the frame as the song progresses. He wears a purple suit with pearl detailing. The LED wall remains mostly minimal until the final chorus, when pink and blue flowers appear across the wall, floor, and frame, filling the stage. The performance combines movement, colour, and staging to frame Claudeâs vocal delivery.
đđ· Croatia
Croatiaâs Marko BoĆĄnjak rehearses Poison Cake, presenting a completely reworked staging compared to his Dora performance. The stage is transformed into a theatrical, atmospheric setting, with crossed overhead âLegoâ lights creating a confined, dramatic space. The LED wall displays red and green storm clouds and flames. Marko begins the performance at a grey cauldron in the centre of the stage, joined by four dancers in blue and white costumes with frills and ribbons. He wears a long black cape with fur-trimmed shoulders, which he removes near the end to reveal a shirt matching the dancersâ outfits. The bass-heavy arrangement adds to the intensity. Pyro effects include low fog in the opening and flame jets in the final choruses, with smoke jets mirroring visuals on the LED wall.
đšđŸ Cyprus
Cyprus closes the second day of rehearsals with Theo Evan performing Shh, an up-tempo dance track featuring complex staging and choreography. Two scaffolding towers form the central element of the set, with the performance beginning as Theo and two dancers create a silhouetted figure referenced in the lyrics. As the song progresses, the towers shift position, becoming part of the movement and formation changes executed by Theo and his four dancers. Lighting transitions from monochrome to black and red, then returns to black and white for the final section. Costumes consist of black trousers and vests. A moment of stillness before the final drop features a visual effect in which Theo appears to dissolve. Staging details around the central figure remain under wraps.
Unfortunately there is no full video of a live performance of the Cypriot song. We have to wait and see.
This was it for today’s rehearsals. Tomorrow we will start with the rehearsals of the 2nd semifinal. Keep following us for all the details!
