Day 5. Live Blog 2nd Rehearsals

Today we will follow the 2nd rehearsals in Ahoy, and will keep you informed live.                                                 In Cooperation with: Eurovision Artists. Photo & Video Credits: EBU

17.15 – Ukraine

Last of the day Go_A, performs with a stand-in (Emmy) for singer Kateryna Pavlenko. Kateryna did not feel quite fit this morning, and in accordance with the security measures, she remains in quarantine pending a Covid-19 test. Whether the stand-in Emmy sings live, or whether the tape recording from the first rehearsal was used, is not entirely clear. Fact is, whether you like this genre or not … the act is rock solid. With a 9th place in the polls, Ukraine will undoubtedly easily qualify for the final.

16.50 – Azerbaijan

Also today, Efendi puts down a solid rehearsal. Here and there some minor flaws in song and dance, and a little more conviction than last Sunday. 21st place in the poll. A place in the final is certainly not excluded.

 

16.25 – Romania

Roxen performs in the same comfortable as last Sunday. Although vocally a little bit stronger than during the 1st rehearsal, Roxen comes across as nervous and anxious, which does not help her voice and the strong message of her song. 16th in the polls … Final perhaps , if she manages to recover.

16.00 – Israel

During the first rehearsal it became clear that it is sometimes difficult for Eden to combine singing and dancing. The whole act looks energic and modern, but also today, Eden has trouble with the combination of singing and dancing. 17th in the polls, but will Israel make it to the final?

 

15.35 – Belgium.

Hooverphonic still impresses today with their modest, sober and well-thought-out act. A welcome change from all the visual violence. Only a 20th place in the polls, but hopefully thanks to the professional jury we will see Belgium back in the final.

14.45 – Croatia

Vocally, this rehearsal sounds a lot better than the first. The act is well put together, Albina herself still seems a bit insecure and nervous. Hopefully she will get over that before Tuesday. Own the stage girl!! With a 19th place in the polls, a final place should certainly be possible.

14.20 – Norway

Today TIX puts on a much better rehearsal than last saturday, when the nerves seemed to be playing tricks on him. TIX has a high favor- and sympathy factor, and with a 15th place in the polls, we would like to see him back in the final.

13:55 – Cyprus

Elena once again puts on an okay rehearsal, occasionally she sounds a bit out of breath. With seventh place in the polls, Cyprus will reach the final without too much trouble.

1.30 pm – Ireland

Hard work has been done in the Irish camp in recent days. The whole thing seemed very messy last Saturday, during the 2nd rehearsal all the graphics come into their own much better, and it seems as if Lesley is running barefoot through a book, turning the pages. Vocally, there is still some gains to be made. With a 24th place in the polls, the question is whether it is all good enough for a final place.

 

13.05 – North Macedonia

While there were some minor flaws in his vocals last Saturday, today Vasil puts down a solid rehearsal, although it seems that, especially at the end during the last blow, he is holding back to spare his voice. North Macedonia ranks 32 in the polls. It is very doubtful whether Vasil will be able to qualify for the final.

 

11.40 – Australia

Just like last Saturday, no rehearsal in Ahoy , since Montaigne is not present in Rotterdam, but an exclusive preview

11.15 – Sweden

Tusse had still some problems with his voice last Saturday, this now seems to have recovered completely. On stage there was an apparently self-assured, radiant Tusse, with a well-thought-out, slick act as we are used to from Sweden. Sweden ranks 10th in the polls. We will certainly see Tusse in the final

 

10.50 – Russia

No changes in the act here either. Solid and stable act and vocals. The powerful message / ode to the Russian woman is very clear! Russia is ranked 14th in the polls. Finals should not be a problem. We would not be surprised if Russia managed to get a top ten, perhaps even a 5 position  in the final

10.25 – Slovenia.

In the second rehearsal for Slovenia, Ana comes out better than last Saturday. More confident in her singing and movement across the stage, although it seems her shoes are killing her. Slovenia is in 35th place in the polls. A final place will be a challenge.

10.00 am – Lithuania. The Roop shows  a solid,  dynamic act again in the 2nd rehearsal, with little or no changes. The Roop is ranked 8th in the polls. A top ten listing should certainly be possible for the Roop.

 

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Basel Bulletin
Martijn

Basel Bulletin: Austria wins Eurovision

Austria wins Eurovision Austria has secured its third Eurovision victory, following previous wins in 1966 and 2014, with JJ’s captivating performance of “Wasted Love” at the 2025 contest in Basel. This triumph marks a significant milestone for the 24-year-old Austrian-Filipino countertenor, whose unique blend of pop and opera resonated deeply with both juries and audiences across Europe. The voice UK Born Johannes Pietsch in Vienna, JJ spent his formative years in Dubai before returning to Austria in 2016. His musical journey includes notable appearances on The Voice UK in 2020 and Austria’s Starmania in 2021. Currently performing at the Vienna State Opera and studying classical music at the Music and Arts University of the City of Vienna, JJ brings a rich tapestry of cultural and artistic influences to his work.  Wasted Love “Wasted Love,” co-written by JJ, Teodora Špirić (also known as Teya), and Thomas Thurner, delves into the depths of unrequited love. The song’s poignant lyrics, such as “I’m an ocean of love and you’re scared of water,” encapsulate the anguish of emotional abandonment. Musically, the track weaves together elements of pop, opera, and electronic music, showcasing JJ’s impressive vocal range and emotive delivery.  The staging of “Wasted Love” was a masterclass in minimalism and emotional intensity. JJ stood alone on stage, his performance enhanced by a monochromatic lighting scheme and subtle visual effects that mirrored the song’s themes of isolation and longing. This understated approach allowed the raw emotion of the piece to take center stage, leaving a lasting impression on viewers. JJ’s victory not only adds to Austria’s Eurovision legacy but also underscores the contest’s celebration of diverse musical expressions and personal narratives. His success serves as an inspiration to artists who dare to blend genres and share their authentic stories on an international platform. Here are the full results: Austria, 445 Israel, 357 Estonia, 356 Sweden, 321 Italy, 256 Greece, 231 France, 230 Albania, 218 Ukraine, 218 Switzerland, 214 Finland, 196 The Netherlands, 175 Latvia, 158 Poland, 156 Germany, 151 Lithuania, 96 Malta, 91 Norway, 89 United Kingdom, 88 Armenia, 72 Portugal, 50 Luxembourg, 47 Denmark, 47 Spain, 37 Iceland, 33 San Marino, 27 Share

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