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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Eurovision 2026

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Road to Vienna: Croatia 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 Croatia.    Lelek: Croatia’s Ethno-Pop Sensation Lelek is a Croatian folk-pop group formed in 2024 in Zagreb. The five-member female ensemble blends traditional Croatian and Slavic music with modern pop production. They quickly gained attention online with covers of folk songs, highlighting their rich harmonies and cultural identity. Their debut single “Tanani Nani” introduced their signature ethno-pop sound—combining folklore elements with contemporary style—and established their mission to preserve heritage through modern music. Breakthrough at Dora 2025 Lelek rose to national prominence during Dora 2025, Croatia’s Eurovision selection. Their performance of “The Soul of My Soul” impressed both juries and audiences, earning them a fourth-place finish in the final. Although they didn’t win, the group gained widespread recognition and proved their potential, winning over fans with their emotional delivery and distinctive aesthetic. Expanding Success and Collaborations Following Dora 2025, Lelek continued building momentum with new releases, including “Zašto mi otimaš Dom”. Their music consistently blends historical themes with modern pop influences. A key milestone was their collaboration with Matija Cvek on “Pristajem”, which reached No. 4 on Croatian airplay charts. They also performed at major events like the Red Bull Symphonic concert, showcasing their sound alongside a live orchestra and expanding their artistic reach. Dora 2026 Victory and Eurovision Journey In 2026, Lelek returned stronger than ever to Dora 2026 with their song “Andromeda”. The powerful ethno-pop track, featuring cinematic production and themes of resilience and identity, won the competition with a commanding score. Andromeda: A Powerful Song About War and Identity Andromeda explores the deep impact of war, focusing on generational trauma and how violence affects families and communities over time. The song connects personal stories—mothers, children, and ancestry—to larger themes of conflict, displacement, and survival. It shows how history is not distant, but something people continue to live through. A Message of Resistance and Human Dignity At its core, the track is a statement about resistance and human dignity. It criticizes systems of power that treat individuals as expendable, especially during war or political unrest. By combining emotional storytelling with social commentary, the song highlights the human cost behind conflict. Spiritual and Cosmic Symbolism The song uses cosmic imagery to add depth and contrast. Themes of space and transcendence reflect a desire to escape suffering and find meaning beyond violence. This creates a sense of hope and emotional release within an otherwise heavy narrative. Croatia in the Eurovision Song Contest Croatia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest since 1993, following its independence from Yugoslavia. The country’s best result came in 2024 when Baby Lasagna’s “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” achieved second place in the Grand Final. Over the years, Croatia has showcased a variety of musical styles, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and commitment to the competition. The bookmakers Currently sitting in 18th place with the bookmakers, Croatia’s chances may seem modest, with a spot in the final appearing to be the most realistic goal. But in a contest known for its unpredictability, anything can happen—could Lelek defy expectations and deliver one of the biggest surprises of the year?        

Read More »
Eurovision 2026
Anja Kroeze

Road to Vienna: Croatia

Road to Vienna: Croatia 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 Croatia.    Lelek: Croatia’s Ethno-Pop Sensation Lelek is a Croatian folk-pop group formed in 2024 in Zagreb. The five-member female ensemble blends traditional Croatian and Slavic music with modern pop production. They quickly gained attention online with covers of folk songs, highlighting their rich harmonies and cultural identity. Their debut single “Tanani Nani” introduced their signature ethno-pop sound—combining folklore elements with contemporary style—and established their mission to preserve heritage through modern music. Breakthrough at Dora 2025 Lelek rose to national prominence during Dora 2025, Croatia’s Eurovision selection. Their performance of “The Soul of My Soul” impressed both juries and audiences, earning them a fourth-place finish in the final. Although they didn’t win, the group gained widespread recognition and proved their potential, winning over fans with their emotional delivery and distinctive aesthetic. Expanding Success and Collaborations Following Dora 2025, Lelek continued building momentum with new releases, including “Zašto mi otimaš Dom”. Their music consistently blends historical themes with modern pop influences. A key milestone was their collaboration with Matija Cvek on “Pristajem”, which reached No. 4 on Croatian airplay charts. They also performed at major events like the Red Bull Symphonic concert, showcasing their sound alongside a live orchestra and expanding their artistic reach. Dora 2026 Victory and Eurovision Journey In 2026, Lelek returned stronger than ever to Dora 2026 with their song “Andromeda”. The powerful ethno-pop track, featuring cinematic production and themes of resilience and identity, won the competition with a commanding score. Andromeda: A Powerful Song About War and Identity Andromeda explores the deep impact of war, focusing on generational trauma and how violence affects families and communities over time. The song connects personal stories—mothers, children, and ancestry—to larger themes of conflict, displacement, and survival. It shows how history is not distant, but something people continue to live through. A Message of Resistance and Human Dignity At its core, the track is a statement about resistance and human dignity. It criticizes systems of power that treat individuals as expendable, especially during war or political unrest. By combining emotional storytelling with social commentary, the song highlights the human cost behind conflict. Spiritual and Cosmic Symbolism The song uses cosmic imagery to add depth and contrast. Themes of space and transcendence reflect a desire to escape suffering and find meaning beyond violence. This creates a sense of hope and emotional release within an otherwise heavy narrative. Croatia in the Eurovision Song Contest Croatia has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest since 1993, following its independence from Yugoslavia. The country’s best result came in 2024 when Baby Lasagna’s “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” achieved second place in the Grand Final. Over the years, Croatia has showcased a variety of musical styles, reflecting its rich cultural heritage and commitment to the competition. The bookmakers Currently sitting in 18th place with the bookmakers, Croatia’s chances may seem modest, with a spot in the final appearing to be the most realistic goal. But in a contest known for its unpredictability, anything can happen—could Lelek defy expectations and deliver one of the biggest surprises of the year?        

Read More »
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