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.

 

Related news

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Road to Vienna: Sweden.  We cannot wait for the Eurovision Song Contest inVienna. Therefore, we take a closer look at one of the contestants each day. Today, we highlight Sweden.  Felicia Eriksson: From Fröken Snusk to Eurovision. Felicia Eriksson first gained attention as the voice behind Fröken Snusk. The act became a viral Swedish music phenomenon. It was known for cheeky lyrics, party anthems, and a signature face mask. She performed in a pink balaclava. The mask became a key part of her identity and branding. It also added mystery to the project created by producer Rasmus Gozzi. Her 2022 hit “Rid mig som en dalahäst” became one of the most-streamed songs in Sweden. By 2023, she ranked among the top Spotify artists in the country. She also performed more than 300 live shows across the Nordic region. In 2024, she entered Melodifestivalen with “Unga & fria.” The song reached #1 on the Swedish charts after the show. That same year, she won Sweden’s Masked Singer. This confirmed her mainstream breakthrough. Solo Career and New Identity In 2025, Felicia Eriksson left the Fröken Snusk persona. She launched her solo career under her own name. However, she kept the face mask as part of her identity. It also helps her manage social anxiety on stage. She introduced a more authentic image and a modern pop sound. Her debut single “Black Widow” reached #3 on Spotify Sweden. She followed this with tracks like “Sugar High” and “Hard.” She also won the Swedish reality show Spelet. This increased her popularity and media exposure. Melodifestivalen 2026 and Eurovision In 2026, Felicia Eriksson returned to Melodifestivalen as herself. She competed with the electro-pop song “My System.” She won the competition with a total of 161 points. This secured her place at Eurovision 2026 for Sweden. My System My System explores the struggle of letting go of a toxic relationship. It focuses on the feeling of being emotionally and physically attached to someone, even when you know the connection is unhealthy. The narrator tries to appear strong and in control, convincing themselves they have moved on—but the feelings never fully fade. A Cycle of Relapse and Dependency As the story unfolds, old emotions return during vulnerable moments, like nights out or weekends. This creates a repeating cycle. The narrator feels independent at times, but keeps falling back into the same patterns. The connection feels like an addiction that is hard to break. Regret and Growing Awareness After giving in, the narrator is left with regret and frustration. There is a clear sense of self-awareness. They begin to understand that the situation is unhealthy and needs to change. This adds emotional depth and realism to the song. The Core Message The song’s message is simple but powerful. You cannot erase deep feelings overnight. Letting go takes time, effort, and honesty with yourself. It shows that moving on is not just a decision, but a process. Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest Sweden has a storied history in the Eurovision Song Contest, having participated since 1958. The country boasts seven victories: ABBA‘s “Waterloo” (1974), Herreys‘ “Diggi-Loo Diggi-Ley” (1984), Carola‘s “Fångad av en stormvind” (1991), Charlotte Nilsson‘s “Take Me to Your Heaven” (1999), Loreen‘s “Euphoria” (2012), Måns Zelmerlöw’s “Heroes” (2015), and Loreen’s “Tattoo” (2023). Known for its strong pop music tradition and high-quality entries, Sweden consistently ranks among the top contenders in the competition. The bookmakers It looks like Sweden is set to deliver once again this year. Currently sitting in 6th place with the bookmakers, the country appears well on track for another strong Eurovision result—and a solid Top 10 finish seems well within reach.            

Read More »
Eurovision 2026
Anja Kroeze

Road to Vienna: Sweden

Road to Vienna: Sweden.  We cannot wait for the Eurovision Song Contest inVienna. Therefore, we take a closer look at one of the contestants each day. Today, we highlight Sweden.  Felicia Eriksson: From Fröken Snusk to Eurovision. Felicia Eriksson first gained attention as the voice behind Fröken Snusk. The act became a viral Swedish music phenomenon. It was known for cheeky lyrics, party anthems, and a signature face mask. She performed in a pink balaclava. The mask became a key part of her identity and branding. It also added mystery to the project created by producer Rasmus Gozzi. Her 2022 hit “Rid mig som en dalahäst” became one of the most-streamed songs in Sweden. By 2023, she ranked among the top Spotify artists in the country. She also performed more than 300 live shows across the Nordic region. In 2024, she entered Melodifestivalen with “Unga & fria.” The song reached #1 on the Swedish charts after the show. That same year, she won Sweden’s Masked Singer. This confirmed her mainstream breakthrough. Solo Career and New Identity In 2025, Felicia Eriksson left the Fröken Snusk persona. She launched her solo career under her own name. However, she kept the face mask as part of her identity. It also helps her manage social anxiety on stage. She introduced a more authentic image and a modern pop sound. Her debut single “Black Widow” reached #3 on Spotify Sweden. She followed this with tracks like “Sugar High” and “Hard.” She also won the Swedish reality show Spelet. This increased her popularity and media exposure. Melodifestivalen 2026 and Eurovision In 2026, Felicia Eriksson returned to Melodifestivalen as herself. She competed with the electro-pop song “My System.” She won the competition with a total of 161 points. This secured her place at Eurovision 2026 for Sweden. My System My System explores the struggle of letting go of a toxic relationship. It focuses on the feeling of being emotionally and physically attached to someone, even when you know the connection is unhealthy. The narrator tries to appear strong and in control, convincing themselves they have moved on—but the feelings never fully fade. A Cycle of Relapse and Dependency As the story unfolds, old emotions return during vulnerable moments, like nights out or weekends. This creates a repeating cycle. The narrator feels independent at times, but keeps falling back into the same patterns. The connection feels like an addiction that is hard to break. Regret and Growing Awareness After giving in, the narrator is left with regret and frustration. There is a clear sense of self-awareness. They begin to understand that the situation is unhealthy and needs to change. This adds emotional depth and realism to the song. The Core Message The song’s message is simple but powerful. You cannot erase deep feelings overnight. Letting go takes time, effort, and honesty with yourself. It shows that moving on is not just a decision, but a process. Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest Sweden has a storied history in the Eurovision Song Contest, having participated since 1958. The country boasts seven victories: ABBA‘s “Waterloo” (1974), Herreys‘ “Diggi-Loo Diggi-Ley” (1984), Carola‘s “Fångad av en stormvind” (1991), Charlotte Nilsson‘s “Take Me to Your Heaven” (1999), Loreen‘s “Euphoria” (2012), Måns Zelmerlöw’s “Heroes” (2015), and Loreen’s “Tattoo” (2023). Known for its strong pop music tradition and high-quality entries, Sweden consistently ranks among the top contenders in the competition. The bookmakers It looks like Sweden is set to deliver once again this year. Currently sitting in 6th place with the bookmakers, the country appears well on track for another strong Eurovision result—and a solid Top 10 finish seems well within reach.            

Read More »
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