Live Blog. 2nd Rehearsals The big 5 & The Netherlands

Today we follow the second rehearsals of the big 5 and the Netherlands in Ahoy Rotterdam. We keep you live updated.

In Cooperation with Eurovision Artists.

Photo & Videocredits: EBU

12.35 – Spain

The last in the league today is Spain. He starts acapella again, which sounds promising. Unfortunately the song ripples on a bit after that, and Blas Cantó is unable to convince. The vocals are not very good either, especially when the singing is  more powerful.The expression last but not least does not apply in this case. Spain rank 37th in the polls, which does not bode well for the final ranking.

 

12.10 – United Kingdom

In the same setting, James Newman puts on a similar rehearsal as in the first. The song is cheerful and dynamic, James is full of enthusiasm, and yet it all comes across as a bit artificial. Vocally, it is often just on, just over the edge. With a 22nd place in the polls, it will be quite a job for James to finish in the left row.

 

11.45 – France

Barbara Pravi also puts on a fantastic rehearsal today, in the same setting as during the 1st rehearsal. A small point of attention is her tank top, which fell off during the first run. It would be a shame if a nipplegate were created around Barbara which will get a lot of attention, instead of focusing on the act and vocals that are powerful and beautiful in all its simplicity. A high quotation and perhaps winning the festival is absolutely possible for Barbara.

 

11.20 – The Netherlands

Today Jeangu Macrooy also puts on a great rehearsal. The act is dynamic and well thought out. The maximum is achieved. Singing and dancing are rock solid. With a 31st place in the polls, it is hoped that professional jury and televoters will be able to show a little more appreciation for the Dutch entry after seeing the live performance.

10.55 – Germany

Jendrik puts on a great rehearsal again. He bounces and runs across the stage, occasionally making him a little breathless. It is a cheerful, fun act, which he ends in Dutch : “Tot Snel”. The question is how the professional jury will rate this. The Televoters will certainly appreciate it. With a 29th place in the polls, it seems almost impossible for Germany to end up in the left row.

 

10.30 – Italy

The setting is the same as during the first rehearsal. The outfits are different. The lady and gentlemen from Måneskin are dressed in dark red today. Singer Damiano David again bare-chested, except for suspenders. Just like during the first rehearsal, they rock their way through the 3 minutes. With a 2nd place in the polls, a big top 10, possibly even 5, is certainly possible.

 

 

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Blast from the past: Ireland 1986

We know a lot about Eurovision and we want to share this knowledge with you! Therefore we’d like to bring you a blast from the past. Today, we go back to 1986, when Luv Bug represented Ireland with the song “You Can Count On Me”. Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest Ireland debuted at Eurovision in 1965 and holds a joint‑record seven victories, remaining the only country to win three in a row (1992–94). The winners are: Dana (1970); Johnny Logan (1980, 1987); Linda Martin (1992); Niamh Kavanagh (1993); Paul Harrington & Charlie McGettigan (1994); and Eimear Quinn (1996). Johnny Logan also wrote Linda Martin’s winner. Recent scores show a mixed picture: in 2024, Bambie Thug’s “Doomsday Blue” placed 6th in the Grand Final with 278 points after finishing 3rd in its semi‑final;  in 2025, Emmy’s “Laika Party” finished 13th in Semi‑Final Two and did not qualify; and in 2023, Wild Youth missed the final. Before that, Ireland last qualified in 2018, when Ryan O’Shaughnessy’s “Together” finished 16th; 2021–23 all ended in the semi‑finals. The 2024 result was Ireland’s best in more than two decades overall for the country. Despite fluctuations, Ireland remains the record‑holder with seven wins, now shared with Sweden. Johnny Logan Irish National Song Contest 1986 The Irish national final in those days was called The Irish National Song Contest. A total of 9 different artists each sang one song. The contest was held on 30 March in the RTVÉ TV Studios in Dublin. Eleven regional juries made the decision. Fran Meen, “Here In The Night“, 12 pts, 5th Luv Bug, “You Can Count On Me“, 35 pts, 1st Theresa Lowe, “Only The Lonely Survive“, 2 pts, 8th The Rockets, “Life In The City“, 3 pts, 6th John Spillane & Mandy Murphy, “Ringo“, 3 pts, 6th Honor Heffernan, “Honey“, 19 pts, 3rd Loudest Whisper, “Johnny, Where Are You Now?“, 22 pts, 2nd Linda Martin, “If I Can Change Your Mind“, 14 pts, 4th Jim Walsh, “I’ll Never Love Again“, 0 pts, 9th   Linda Martin was already a familiar name in 1986, because 2 years earlier she represented Ireland. With a song penned by Johnny Logan, she would win in 1992. Also this year’s song was written by Johnny. Luv Bug Luv Bug is an Irish pop group from Newry, County Down. The group was formed in 1977 by siblings June, Hugh and Max Cunningham with Ricky Meyler and Majella Grant. After early charting singles on the Irish charts, including a cover of “Red Light Spells Danger” (1984) and the homegrown hits “Look at Me I’m Dancing” and “On My Own,” the band won Ireland’s National Song Contest in March 1986. That victory sent Luv Bug to the Eurovision Song Contest in Bergen with “You Can Count On Me” , a career‑defining moment that reached Ireland’s top five. Formed as a teenage band, Luv Bug turned professional in 1982 with manager Michael Magill and built a reputation as a live act across Ireland. Through the late 1980s the group toured widely, released an album, and briefly recorded for Virgin under the alias Heart of Ice. They returned to Ireland’s Eurosong in 1992 with “Close to Your Heart,” placing behind eventual Eurovision winner Linda Martin. Notably, Luv Bug were the first Northern group to represent the Republic at Eurovision. Today they remain an in‑demand live act for events and festivals across Ireland. You Can Count On Me “You Can Count On Me” was Ireland’s 1986 Eurovision entry, performed by Luv Bug and written by Kevin Sheerin. The song placed fourth in Bergen with 96 points after winning Ireland’s National Song Contest earlier that spring on RTÉ television. Musically it’s classic mid‑’80s pop: a bright, radio‑friendly ballad with synth gloss and warm backing vocals, balanced by Noel Kelehan’s live orchestral arrangement. The hook‑driven chorus and polished production helped it stand out on the night, and the single became an Irish hit, reaching No. 2 in Ireland. 

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Blast from the past
Martijn

Blast from the past: Ireland 1986

We know a lot about Eurovision and we want to share this knowledge with you! Therefore we’d like to bring you a blast from the past. Today, we go back to 1986, when Luv Bug represented Ireland with the song “You Can Count On Me”. Ireland in the Eurovision Song Contest Ireland debuted at Eurovision in 1965 and holds a joint‑record seven victories, remaining the only country to win three in a row (1992–94). The winners are: Dana (1970); Johnny Logan (1980, 1987); Linda Martin (1992); Niamh Kavanagh (1993); Paul Harrington & Charlie McGettigan (1994); and Eimear Quinn (1996). Johnny Logan also wrote Linda Martin’s winner. Recent scores show a mixed picture: in 2024, Bambie Thug’s “Doomsday Blue” placed 6th in the Grand Final with 278 points after finishing 3rd in its semi‑final;  in 2025, Emmy’s “Laika Party” finished 13th in Semi‑Final Two and did not qualify; and in 2023, Wild Youth missed the final. Before that, Ireland last qualified in 2018, when Ryan O’Shaughnessy’s “Together” finished 16th; 2021–23 all ended in the semi‑finals. The 2024 result was Ireland’s best in more than two decades overall for the country. Despite fluctuations, Ireland remains the record‑holder with seven wins, now shared with Sweden. Johnny Logan Irish National Song Contest 1986 The Irish national final in those days was called The Irish National Song Contest. A total of 9 different artists each sang one song. The contest was held on 30 March in the RTVÉ TV Studios in Dublin. Eleven regional juries made the decision. Fran Meen, “Here In The Night“, 12 pts, 5th Luv Bug, “You Can Count On Me“, 35 pts, 1st Theresa Lowe, “Only The Lonely Survive“, 2 pts, 8th The Rockets, “Life In The City“, 3 pts, 6th John Spillane & Mandy Murphy, “Ringo“, 3 pts, 6th Honor Heffernan, “Honey“, 19 pts, 3rd Loudest Whisper, “Johnny, Where Are You Now?“, 22 pts, 2nd Linda Martin, “If I Can Change Your Mind“, 14 pts, 4th Jim Walsh, “I’ll Never Love Again“, 0 pts, 9th   Linda Martin was already a familiar name in 1986, because 2 years earlier she represented Ireland. With a song penned by Johnny Logan, she would win in 1992. Also this year’s song was written by Johnny. Luv Bug Luv Bug is an Irish pop group from Newry, County Down. The group was formed in 1977 by siblings June, Hugh and Max Cunningham with Ricky Meyler and Majella Grant. After early charting singles on the Irish charts, including a cover of “Red Light Spells Danger” (1984) and the homegrown hits “Look at Me I’m Dancing” and “On My Own,” the band won Ireland’s National Song Contest in March 1986. That victory sent Luv Bug to the Eurovision Song Contest in Bergen with “You Can Count On Me” , a career‑defining moment that reached Ireland’s top five. Formed as a teenage band, Luv Bug turned professional in 1982 with manager Michael Magill and built a reputation as a live act across Ireland. Through the late 1980s the group toured widely, released an album, and briefly recorded for Virgin under the alias Heart of Ice. They returned to Ireland’s Eurosong in 1992 with “Close to Your Heart,” placing behind eventual Eurovision winner Linda Martin. Notably, Luv Bug were the first Northern group to represent the Republic at Eurovision. Today they remain an in‑demand live act for events and festivals across Ireland. You Can Count On Me “You Can Count On Me” was Ireland’s 1986 Eurovision entry, performed by Luv Bug and written by Kevin Sheerin. The song placed fourth in Bergen with 96 points after winning Ireland’s National Song Contest earlier that spring on RTÉ television. Musically it’s classic mid‑’80s pop: a bright, radio‑friendly ballad with synth gloss and warm backing vocals, balanced by Noel Kelehan’s live orchestral arrangement. The hook‑driven chorus and polished production helped it stand out on the night, and the single became an Irish hit, reaching No. 2 in Ireland. 

Read More »
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