May 3, 2024

Malmö Messages: From Norwegian mystique to Joosts mystery

The Norwegian group Gåte also had their second rehearsal this afternoon. The posted photos underline again what we have already seen from this band. In an environment that would not be out of place in a book by Stephen King or Thomas Olde Heuvelt (read his Hex, it fits perfectly), singer Gunnhild Sundli is performing the song Ulveham. The band members are a short distance away. Currently, the Norwegians are 11th with the bookmakers. And finally, for the Netherlands, Joost Klein. Even at the previous rehearsal, the rumor mill was churning: this would not be it. Influencer Appie Mussa is still in his bird suit, but those who look closely at today’s photos cannot miss it: they emit none of the energy we know from Joost, and certainly not what fits with “Europapa.” There should not be much deviation from the final act anymore. But that Joost is not showing his true intentions to the public will surprise no one. Currently, Joost is 5th with the bookmakers.

Malmö Messages: microphones, fire and circles

San Marino is represented by Megara. This morning, a discussion arose around the rehearsals: it was a missed opportunity not to have the group rehearse at 11:11, since that was the title of the song. Little has changed since the first rehearsal. Pink and black are still the colors, including of the graphics. Expectations are low: a 35th place in the odds. Georgian Nutsa Buzaladze is surrounded by a lot of fire. What else can you expect with a song called “Firefighter”. She is mostly standing in a circle with, of course, a red background. The circle seems to depict the sun. Here too, few changes compared to the previous rehearsal. Georgia is currently 18th at the bookmakers and seems set to break the curse of not reaching the finals. Belgium rehearsed third today. We already know the act: Mustii stands in a circle of microphones, dressed in a white, gem-studded outfit. At one point, he steps out of the circle and removes his blouse. It now seems as if he continues singing with a bare torso, but his torso is also adorned with gemstones. The criticism of Mustii’s singing has by now subsided, and we are curious to hear how it will sound today when the video comes out on Youtube. Belgium is currently 12th with the bookmakers. Some things only become apparent when more photos are released. 5miinust x Puuluup make clever use of the available cubes. There is a lot of attention to the instruments used during Estonia’s act. Estonia is currently 21st with the bookmakers. It will be close whether the Estonians make it to the final with (of these) narcotics we (certainly) know nothing. EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett Also, little news to report from Israel, although now we see different colors of lighting in the photos: blue and yellow. The clothing is still white and Eden Golan stands in a glowing circle singing her song Hurricane. The song is one of the few ballads in this year’s festival. The bookmakers expect an 8th place.