Basel Bulletin: silver, lava, upside down and coffee

The first rehearsals are about silver, lava, upside down and coffee! Today the first seven countries have had their rehearsals. We tell you everything we know about the first 4, and update on the other three will follow.

EBU has decided to release photo’s of it only tomorrow. 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.

🇮🇸 Iceland 

Iceland is represented by VÆB with the song RÓA. The performance retains much of its national final staging, featuring a two-part white wooden boat on stage and three dancers in silver dungarees, Icelandic sweaters, and matching bucket hats. VÆB themselves wear hooded outfits and silver sunglasses. The choreography is lively and synchronized, set against dynamic LED visuals of stylized landscapes in neon red and blue, with “VÆB” prominently displayed. The LED-clad frame around the stage adds depth through front and back graphics. Smoke jets mimic Icelandic geysers, and the show ends with a mic drop. The arena reaction is immediate and enthusiastic.

🇵🇱 Poland

Justyna Steczkowska represents Poland with the song GAJA, marking her return to Eurovision after her debut in 1995. The performance begins with Justyna descending from above, dressed in a black catsuit. Four dancers accompany her, wearing coordinated costumes with structured elements. The stage visuals depict dramatic natural forces—lightning, lava, and water—culminating in animated dragons during the finale. Deep bass and dynamic choreography add to the intensity. The staging includes smoke effects and flame jets, creating a visually and sonically powerful performance from beginning to end.

🇸🇮 Slovenia

Slovenia’s first rehearsal was delayed due to technical issues, putting the schedule approximately 40 minutes behind. Once resolved, rehearsals resumed with Klemen’s emotional ballad How Much Time Do We Have Left. The performance explores the fragility of life through understated but effective staging. The LED wall and front stage arch shimmer with thousands of stars that slowly transition from red to blue, enhancing the song’s reflective tone. Klemen wears a black suit with a white t-shirt, differing from his EMA appearance. A striking moment comes when he sings part of the song upside down, supported by two dancers. After two high-energy entries, this ballad introduces a stillness to the show, carried by Klemen’s controlled and expressive vocal performance.

🇪🇪 Estonia

Estonia’s Tommy Cash closes the morning rehearsal session with Espresso Macchiato, bringing his distinctive performance style to the Eurovision stage. Dressed in the same blue suit and exaggerated red tie seen at Eesti Laul, Tommy is joined by four performers styled as security guards. The choreography includes his signature loose-limbed dance, adding an intentionally surreal touch. The LED backdrop displays a stylised alpine landscape, visually echoing the mountainous surroundings of the Basel stage and enhancing the performance’s theatrical tone. The staging is faithful to the national final but amplified in scale. With its mix of humour, energy, and a catchy Italian-language hook, this entry is set to leave a memorable impression both in the arena and on screen.

At this moment, there is a rehearsal break. After the break, three more countries will rehearse. We will see and hear more later today. We keep you updated!!

Related news

Eurovision 2026

Song: Switzerland, Armenia, Czechia and Georgia complete the latest reveal wave

The latest Eurovision 2026 entries have sharpened the picture for Vienna. Switzerland has confirmed Veronica Fusaro with Alice. Armenia has completed the artist lineup with SIMĂ“N and Paloma Rumba. Czechia moves forward with Daniel Zizka and CROSSROADS. Georgia closes the release cycle with Bzikebi’s On Replay. Together, these four songs add alternative pop, rebellious energy, emotional sincerity and a strong dose of comeback value to a contest field that is now taking clear shape ahead of May. Switzerland brings a darker message with Alice Switzerland’s new entry may be one of the most serious songs in this latest batch of Eurovision 2026 entries. Eurovision describes Veronica Fusaro’s Alice as an alternative pop track with rock influences. The song tells the story of a woman whose boundaries are crossed under the disguise of affection. In the official article you can read the lyrics explore several forms of violence, including manipulation, control and abuse of power. It is also a new version of a song from Fusaro’s 2025 album Looking for Connection, reworked with British producer Charlie McClean. Armenia completes the lineup with Paloma Rumba Armenia, meanwhile, arrives with one of the day’s most immediate concepts. Paloma Rumba, performed by SIMĂ“N, is framed by Eurovision as a rebellious anthem about breaking out of a suffocating routine and choosing ambition over comfort. The official story explains that the title refers to a joyful dance of freedom, while the lyrics follow a character who walks away from an unrewarding nine-to-five life. The song was composed by LI’LITH, and the lyric team includes Rosa Linn, who represented Armenia at Eurovision 2022. With this announcement on 11 March, Armenia also became the final country to confirm its singer for Vienna 2026. Czechia puts its faith in Daniel Zizka Czechia takes a different route. Rather than leaning into spectacle, broadcaster ÄŚT appears to be backing authenticity with 23-year-old Daniel Zizka. Eurovision describes him as one of the most compelling voices of a new generation in Czech music, while the official participant list confirms CROSSROADS as his song for Vienna. The Eurovision feature also notes that magazine Headliner has named him among the future talents of the Czech scene. In addition, Czech delegation head Kryštof Šámal praised Zizka’s focus and control in early studio sessions, while Zizka himself said he wants to bring music and emotion rather than hide behind flashy tricks. Georgia turns nostalgia into a new Eurovision chapter Finally, Georgia offers one of the most intriguing stories of the season. Bzikebi are no ordinary newcomers: the trio won Junior Eurovision for Georgia in 2008, and Eurovision.com notes that the country has since gone on to collect a record-setting four Junior Eurovision victories. Now reunited as adults, Giorgi Shiolashvili, Mariam Tatulashvili and Mariam Kikuashvili return with On Replay, which Eurovision calls the final song to be released for the 70th contest. Composed by Giga Kukhianidze with lyrics by Lizi Japaridze, the entry sends Georgia into the First Half of the First Semi-Final on 12 May with a familiar name and a fresh mission. What these Eurovision 2026 entries say about this year Taken together, these Eurovision 2026 entries reveal a striking balance. Switzerland brings social weight and a darker lyrical edge. Armenia goes for motion, release and personal freedom. Czechia bets on sincerity and clean emotional delivery. Georgia, by contrast, turns proven Eurovision history into a contemporary comeback story. That variety matters. In a contest where memorability is often just as important as melody, none of these four countries has chosen the same lane, and that should help each entry carve out its own identity as rehearsals draw closer. source: eurovision.com        

Read More »
Eurovision 2026
Martijn

Song: Switzerland, Armenia, Czechia and Georgia complete the latest reveal wave

The latest Eurovision 2026 entries have sharpened the picture for Vienna. Switzerland has confirmed Veronica Fusaro with Alice. Armenia has completed the artist lineup with SIMĂ“N and Paloma Rumba. Czechia moves forward with Daniel Zizka and CROSSROADS. Georgia closes the release cycle with Bzikebi’s On Replay. Together, these four songs add alternative pop, rebellious energy, emotional sincerity and a strong dose of comeback value to a contest field that is now taking clear shape ahead of May. Switzerland brings a darker message with Alice Switzerland’s new entry may be one of the most serious songs in this latest batch of Eurovision 2026 entries. Eurovision describes Veronica Fusaro’s Alice as an alternative pop track with rock influences. The song tells the story of a woman whose boundaries are crossed under the disguise of affection. In the official article you can read the lyrics explore several forms of violence, including manipulation, control and abuse of power. It is also a new version of a song from Fusaro’s 2025 album Looking for Connection, reworked with British producer Charlie McClean. Armenia completes the lineup with Paloma Rumba Armenia, meanwhile, arrives with one of the day’s most immediate concepts. Paloma Rumba, performed by SIMĂ“N, is framed by Eurovision as a rebellious anthem about breaking out of a suffocating routine and choosing ambition over comfort. The official story explains that the title refers to a joyful dance of freedom, while the lyrics follow a character who walks away from an unrewarding nine-to-five life. The song was composed by LI’LITH, and the lyric team includes Rosa Linn, who represented Armenia at Eurovision 2022. With this announcement on 11 March, Armenia also became the final country to confirm its singer for Vienna 2026. Czechia puts its faith in Daniel Zizka Czechia takes a different route. Rather than leaning into spectacle, broadcaster ÄŚT appears to be backing authenticity with 23-year-old Daniel Zizka. Eurovision describes him as one of the most compelling voices of a new generation in Czech music, while the official participant list confirms CROSSROADS as his song for Vienna. The Eurovision feature also notes that magazine Headliner has named him among the future talents of the Czech scene. In addition, Czech delegation head Kryštof Šámal praised Zizka’s focus and control in early studio sessions, while Zizka himself said he wants to bring music and emotion rather than hide behind flashy tricks. Georgia turns nostalgia into a new Eurovision chapter Finally, Georgia offers one of the most intriguing stories of the season. Bzikebi are no ordinary newcomers: the trio won Junior Eurovision for Georgia in 2008, and Eurovision.com notes that the country has since gone on to collect a record-setting four Junior Eurovision victories. Now reunited as adults, Giorgi Shiolashvili, Mariam Tatulashvili and Mariam Kikuashvili return with On Replay, which Eurovision calls the final song to be released for the 70th contest. Composed by Giga Kukhianidze with lyrics by Lizi Japaridze, the entry sends Georgia into the First Half of the First Semi-Final on 12 May with a familiar name and a fresh mission. What these Eurovision 2026 entries say about this year Taken together, these Eurovision 2026 entries reveal a striking balance. Switzerland brings social weight and a darker lyrical edge. Armenia goes for motion, release and personal freedom. Czechia bets on sincerity and clean emotional delivery. Georgia, by contrast, turns proven Eurovision history into a contemporary comeback story. That variety matters. In a contest where memorability is often just as important as melody, none of these four countries has chosen the same lane, and that should help each entry carve out its own identity as rehearsals draw closer. source: eurovision.com        

Read More »
Follow Us: