Rehearsals for the first semi-final are underway today as the 18 participants return to the arena for a second time! We here at ESCToday are ready to bring you the latest news live from the arena itself.

Dutch star Douwe Bob is the sixth artist onstage today with his 5 backing musicians, Douwe himself appearing centre-stage throughout.

At the start of the performance, a spotlight shines onto Douwe who his playing his guitar before light fills the stage, bringing the backing musicians out of the darkness. Towards the latter part of the performance, Douwe runs down the catwalk before there’s a brief pause in the song before the song comes to an end.

Check out the Netherlands’ second rehearsal below!

Rehearsals continue today at 12:30 CEST where a further 6 countries will take to the stage for their second rehearsals; Armenia, San Marino, Russia, the Czech Republic, Cyprus and Austria. The remaining semi-final 1 participants will perform later this afternoon.

Photo: Thomas Hanses ©