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.

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett


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.

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett


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.

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett


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.

EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Related news

Eurovision 2026

Vienna 12 points: Eurovision 2026 Turquoise Carpet opens contest week

The Eurovision 2026 Turquoise Carpet officially opened contest week in Vienna on Sunday evening. All 35 delegations walked from the Burgtheater towards Vienna City Hall, where fans, press and Eurovision guests welcomed this year’s participants. The event also marked the opening of the Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz. Artists arrive at the Eurovision 2026 Turquoise Carpet Last year’s winner JJ was among the first familiar faces on the carpet. Speaking during the event, he called the moment special: “Being allowed to walk over the carpet first is really a privilege.” Later in the evening, JJ was also set to perform his winning song “Wasted Love” with the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna. The opening ceremony combined glamour with live music. The ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna gave the event a ceremonial feel, while the Woodstock Allstar Band welcomed each delegation with music connected to their country. According to the official Eurovision website, the Turquoise Carpet was designed as a celebration of music, culture and togetherness in the heart of Vienna. Australia’s Delta Goodrem made an elegant appearance in a golden gown. She described Eurovision as an institution and said it was special to take part in the contest’s anniversary year. “It is an honour to be here,” she said, adding: “It is an incredible experience, I am very proud to be allowed to be here.” Belgium’s Essyla was also clearly moved by the atmosphere. “So many people, everyone is smiling and happy. That is incredible,” she said. The Belgian artist, whose real name is Alice, also used the moment to send greetings to her mother. Fashion, fans and first Eurovision emotions Fashion played a major role on the carpet. Malta’s Aidan appeared in a floral rose look combined with white cowboy styling. Sweden’s Felicia stood out with a lace mask and sculptural skirt. San Marino’s Senhit arrived with Boy George, bringing another major name to the ceremony. And also the Greek Akylas has a special style. For Switzerland’s Veronica Fusaro, the event made Eurovision feel truly alive. After days of rehearsals without the full fan atmosphere, she summed up the evening simply: “Today it is so real.” Host-country representative Cosmó closed the parade for Austria. He described representing Austria as a great honour and drew extra energy from the crowd at Rathausplatz. With the artists now officially welcomed inside Vienna City Hall, Eurovision week in Vienna has begun in style. All pictures: 📷 Kal Engels, Eurovision Universe

Read More »
Eurovision 2026
Martijn

Vienna 12 points: Eurovision 2026 Turquoise Carpet opens contest week

The Eurovision 2026 Turquoise Carpet officially opened contest week in Vienna on Sunday evening. All 35 delegations walked from the Burgtheater towards Vienna City Hall, where fans, press and Eurovision guests welcomed this year’s participants. The event also marked the opening of the Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz. Artists arrive at the Eurovision 2026 Turquoise Carpet Last year’s winner JJ was among the first familiar faces on the carpet. Speaking during the event, he called the moment special: “Being allowed to walk over the carpet first is really a privilege.” Later in the evening, JJ was also set to perform his winning song “Wasted Love” with the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna. The opening ceremony combined glamour with live music. The ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna gave the event a ceremonial feel, while the Woodstock Allstar Band welcomed each delegation with music connected to their country. According to the official Eurovision website, the Turquoise Carpet was designed as a celebration of music, culture and togetherness in the heart of Vienna. Australia’s Delta Goodrem made an elegant appearance in a golden gown. She described Eurovision as an institution and said it was special to take part in the contest’s anniversary year. “It is an honour to be here,” she said, adding: “It is an incredible experience, I am very proud to be allowed to be here.” Belgium’s Essyla was also clearly moved by the atmosphere. “So many people, everyone is smiling and happy. That is incredible,” she said. The Belgian artist, whose real name is Alice, also used the moment to send greetings to her mother. Fashion, fans and first Eurovision emotions Fashion played a major role on the carpet. Malta’s Aidan appeared in a floral rose look combined with white cowboy styling. Sweden’s Felicia stood out with a lace mask and sculptural skirt. San Marino’s Senhit arrived with Boy George, bringing another major name to the ceremony. And also the Greek Akylas has a special style. For Switzerland’s Veronica Fusaro, the event made Eurovision feel truly alive. After days of rehearsals without the full fan atmosphere, she summed up the evening simply: “Today it is so real.” Host-country representative Cosmó closed the parade for Austria. He described representing Austria as a great honour and drew extra energy from the crowd at Rathausplatz. With the artists now officially welcomed inside Vienna City Hall, Eurovision week in Vienna has begun in style. All pictures: 📷 Kal Engels, Eurovision Universe

Read More »
Follow Us: