This afternoon’s colours were red, purple, green and black.All the participants of the first semifinal have their second rehearsal. We have no liveblog from EBU, however we are expecting 30 seconds videos later today. We also have pictures.
🇦🇱 Albania
Shkodra Elektronike (Kolë Laca & Beatriçe Gjergji) performed “Zjerm” on May 4. Their staging was noted for a dramatic red-and-black geometric LED backdrop. It’s also descending “lego” lighting that created a stair-like effect. Beatriçe wore a new red satin dress (with a single red glove) and Kolë a dark military-style jacket. No new public quotes from the duo were reported after rehearsal. On social media, Albanian Eurovision outlets merely shared standard updates about the performance. Betting markets give Albania only a slim chance of winning. Eurovisionworld currently lists Albania at about a 1% chance to win (around 10th in the betting).
📷 Alma Bengtsson
🇳🇱 The Netherlands
Singer-songwriter Claude rehearsed “C’est La Vie” before on May 4. In press comments he explained that his song is “a tribute to a parent” (his mother). She taught him to “focus on the bright side” even when life “goes down and around and around”. The Dutch delegation posted photos of Claude’s look – a vibrant purple suit – on social media. Bookmakers rate the Netherlands among the top contenders: Claude is currently the 4th–5th favorite to win, with roughly a 5–6% chance. For example, Eurovisionworld shows the Netherlands at about 6% (5th place) in recent odds. source: eurovisionworld.com
📷 Sarah Louise Bennett
🇭🇷 Croatia
After Marko Bošnjak’s first rehearsal of “Poison Cake” on May 4, he confirmed that his staging was completely overhauled. As he noted in interviews, the entire concept has been “reworked and revamped” since the national selection. source: escxtra.com Media coverage highlighted Marko’s new Tudor-inspired costume (a fur-collared cape) and stage props (a grey cauldron) seen during rehearsal. On social media, Croatian Eurovision channels shared rehearsal clips but no new statements from Marko were reported. Betting odds for Croatia remain very long: he is currently listed around <1% chance to win (well outside the top ten).
📷 Corinne Cumming
🇨🇾 Cyprus
Theo Evan rehearsed “Shh” in Basel on May 4 with a striking, high-energy routine. The performance used two tall scaffold towers with dynamic lighting – Theo and his dancers repeatedly formed shapes around the structures, creating a tense, dramatic effect. No new press-interview quotes from Theo were released after the rehearsal. RIK (Cyprus’s broadcaster) posted on social media that the first rehearsal was “visually stunning,” but no specifics were given in the press. In the betting markets, Cyprus is currently around 12th–13th favorite. Eurovisionworld lists Cyprus at about a 1% winning chance (roughly 12th place).
📷 Alma Bengtsson
