The Eurovision Song Contest is back, and the first half of semi-final hopefuls took to the Malmö Arena stage, kicking off the week of rehearsals with a bang. Fans around the globe tuned in eagerly, dissecting every detail through snippets on social media and official updates.
Seven countries from the first half of Semi-Final 1 showcased their entries, leaving Eurovision enthusiasts with plenty to discuss. Here’s a deeper dive into each performance:
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Cyprus: Silia Kapsis, the young Cypriot singer with a voice that belies her 17 years, opened the show with “Liar.” Ditching the flashy gold lamé from the music video for a more streamlined look – think sparkly white trousers and crop top – she commanded the stage with her powerful vocals and confident presence. While early reports suggest a more minimalistic approach to staging compared to the music video, swirling green and red graphics on the LED backdrop and floor provided a dynamic visual accompaniment.
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Serbia: Teya Dora, draped in a flowing gown, brought the drama with “Ramonda,” her emotional ballad backed by powerful visuals. Reports hint at a heart-wrenching performance, with lighting and projections that perfectly complement the song’s melancholic tone. Early speculation suggests Teya might be a dark horse contender, with her captivating stage presence and emotional delivery resonating with viewers.
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Lithuania: Silvester Belt offered a unique sound with “Luktelk,” leaving some fans intrigued and others scratching their heads. Described as an avant-garde performance that blends traditional Lithuanian folk with contemporary electronic elements, “Luktelk” promises to be a visually arresting spectacle. The staging reportedly features dancers clad in futuristic costumes and an ever-changing lightshow, leaving viewers eager to see the full performance. No big changes from the national selection, we guess.
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Ireland: Bambie Thug’s “Doomsday Blue” lived up to its name with a darkly captivating performance featuring a ritualistic element. While details remain scarce, early reports suggest a performance heavy on symbolism, with flickering candles and a dancer dressed in black creating an ominous atmosphere. This is certainly a departure from Ireland’s usual Eurovision fare, and fans are curious to see how it translates to the live audience.
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Ukraine: The highly anticipated duo of Jerry Heil & alyona alyona brought their girl-power anthem “Teresa & Maria” to life with vibrant energy. Early reports suggest a performance brimming with energy, featuring colorful costumes and a dynamic choreography that perfectly complements the song. With their established fanbase and catchy tune, Jerry Heil & alyona alyona are already considered frontrunners, and their first rehearsal has only solidified that position.
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Poland: LUNA took things to new heights (literally) with “The Tower.” The song’s title takes on a whole new meaning in the live performance, with reports suggesting LUNA ascends a giant, specially-constructed structure on stage. Details about the rest of the staging remain under wraps, but the sheer spectacle of LUNA’s ascension has already captured the imagination of Eurovision fans.
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Croatia: Baby Lasagna offered a lighthearted contrast with the quirky, chaotic charm of “Rim Tim Tagi Dim.” While some may find the song’s nonsensical lyrics and playful energy an acquired taste, there’s no denying its infectious energy. Early reports suggest a fun and visually playful performance, with bright costumes and unexpected props adding to the song’s whimsical nature. Like in Dora 2024, but more spectacular.
With the competition still young, these first rehearsals have certainly set the stage for an exciting Eurovision 2024. With the remaining semi-final countries yet to showcase their entries, the race to Malmö is officially on! Stay tuned for more updates as the week progresses.
Source images: EBU/Corinne Cumming
