Romania, Russia and Greece take to the fantastic Belgrade stage for the third session of Eurovision Song Contest first semi final rehearsals day two in Serbia.
17. Romania – Nico & Vlad – Pe-o Margine De Lume
Perfect vocal harmonisation from the Romanian coupleallows fora powerful and emotional rendition of Pe-o Margine De Lume. Vlad opens the songand demonstrates his classically trained voice to great effect. He is joined by Nico on stage, however, the two keep theirdistance from each other until the bridge leading to the final verse. At this point the couple hold hands as they singthe highest notes of the song. Very powerful. The couple are joined on stage by one pianist and three female backing singers. The singer have a very beautiful background filled with stars which provided a perfect backdrop to this love song. There is very little contact between the couple and the camera, which leaves a very strong performance with a touch of impersonality for the viewer.
Technical problems with the Russian team means a change in the running order at this point. Russia were not able to perform as their props had not arrived in time. Their place in the running order in the dress rehearsal was taken by Greece.
19. Greece – Kalomira – Secret Combination
On first impressions, Greece appear to have brought their own stage with them to the Belgrade Arena. This stage is in fact a book which is opened half way through then song when Kalomira sing 'open book', to reveal large shaped heart covered in velvet flowers. Before this Kalomira is carried on to the stage by her three male backing dancers on a diamond sequined bench . The four dance together in probably the energetic routine of today's rehearsals. A brake in the singing allows Kalomira, to perform some provocative dance moves which allows her to shake every part of her body. At the end of the song a wind machine is used and she is lifted on the back on to one of her dancer to conclude Secret Combination.
18 – Russia – Dima Bilan – Believe
Dima Bilan is joint on stage by Evgeni Plushenko the current Olympic and former world champion ice skating champion for his performance of Believe. Evgeni performs a series of spins, loops and twirls on specially crated ice rink located in the middle of the stage. For the presentation of the song Dima is sitting on a ladder on the stage whilst looking up at nigh time stars which are provided by the back screens. He is joined on the stage with Evgeni, a violinist and a male dancer. The arrangement of the song has changed to give stronger emphasis on the string section, however the main heavy back beat of the song remains present.
