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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She continued releasing singles, rebranded from “Senit” to “Senhit” in 2014, and built a strong presence in the European club scene, leading to her EP Hey Buddy (2017). Eurovision Comeback and “Adrenalina” Success Selected again for Eurovision 2020, her entry was canceled due to the pandemic. She returned in 2021 with “Adrenalina” featuring Flo Rida, reaching the final and gaining major streaming success, becoming a fan favorite across Europe. Recent Music and Projects In recent years, Senhit has stayed active with new releases, live performances, and hosting San Marino’s national selection show. Her 2024 album Dangerous includes collaborations with top international producers and artists. Eurovision 2026 Return In 2026, Senhit won San Marino’s national selection with “Superstar,” featuring Boy George. This marks her third Eurovision appearance, reinforcing her status as a dynamic and enduring figure in the pop music scene. 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She continued releasing singles, rebranded from “Senit” to “Senhit” in 2014, and built a strong presence in the European club scene, leading to her EP Hey Buddy (2017). Eurovision Comeback and “Adrenalina” Success Selected again for Eurovision 2020, her entry was canceled due to the pandemic. She returned in 2021 with “Adrenalina” featuring Flo Rida, reaching the final and gaining major streaming success, becoming a fan favorite across Europe. Recent Music and Projects In recent years, Senhit has stayed active with new releases, live performances, and hosting San Marino’s national selection show. Her 2024 album Dangerous includes collaborations with top international producers and artists. Eurovision 2026 Return In 2026, Senhit won San Marino’s national selection with “Superstar,” featuring Boy George. This marks her third Eurovision appearance, reinforcing her status as a dynamic and enduring figure in the pop music scene. Boy George: An 80s Icon Boy George, born George Alan O’Dowd in London, grew up in a working-class Irish family. Inspired by glam rock legend David Bowie, he developed a passion for music early on. His bold, androgynous style and love for performance quickly made him stand out in London’s vibrant club scene. Culture Club and Global Fame In 1981, Boy George formed Culture Club, achieving worldwide success with hits like “Do You Really Want to Hurt Me” and “Karma Chameleon.” By the mid-1980s, the band became one of the biggest pop acts globally, winning a Grammy Award and multiple Brit Awards. His unique voice and image made him a defining figure of 80s pop culture. Challenges and Solo Career Facing personal struggles and addiction, Culture Club disbanded in 1986. Boy George later rebuilt his career with solo hits like “Everything I Own” and “The Crying Game.” He also explored DJing and dance music while becoming an influential LGBTQ+ icon. Reinvention and Creative Projects From the late 1990s onward, Boy George reunited with Culture Club and expanded into new ventures. He created the musical Taboo and remained active in music, television, and writing. Despite legal setbacks, he achieved sobriety and continued evolving as an artist. Legacy and Continued Success In the 2010s, Boy George appeared on shows like The Voice UK and toured globally. With over 50 million records sold, he is widely recognized as a trailblazer in music, fashion, and LGBTQ+ representation. Eurovision 2026 Debut In 2026, Boy George joins Senhit to represent San Marino at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with their song “Superstar.” This marks his long-awaited Eurovision debut, adding a new chapter to his legendary career. Superstar: Confidence and Self-Expression Set in a vibrant nightlife atmosphere, “Superstar” explores a world where appearances matter. People try to impress, creating a sense of pressure and expectation. In contrast, one person stands out—not for confidence, but for insecurity and self-doubt. From Insecurity to Empowerment As the song develops, it shifts into a powerful message of growth. The lyrics encourage stepping out of the shadows and embracing who you are. What starts as uncertainty transforms into confidence and self-belief. Strength Through Struggles References to heartbreak and emotional scars add depth to the story. The song highlights that true confidence doesn’t come from perfection, but from overcoming challenges and learning from past experiences. Embracing Individuality The second verse celebrates uniqueness, describing the individual as strong and valuable. Differences are not flaws—they are strengths. The journey through hardship becomes a source of inner power. Be Your Own Superstar At its heart, “Superstar” is about authenticity. It reminds listeners that being a “superstar” isn’t about fame, but about self-acceptance. By embracing imperfections and showing your true self, you turn vulnerability into confidence. San Marino in the Eurovision Song Contest San Marino has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest since 2008. Despite being one of the smallest countries in the competition, it has made notable contributions, with its best result in 2019 when Serhat‘s “Say Na Na Na” finished 19th in the Grand Final. But when we talk about San Marino, we must not forget Valentina Monetta. She participated for her country on no less than four occasions. She was, in 2014, the first one to bring San Marino to the final. The Bookmakers Ranked 27th with the bookmakers, San Marino faces an uphill battle — will they defy the odds and make it to the final?    

Read More »
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