And the exciting performance rehearsals has begun for Eurovision 2026, as yesterday we got the first glimpse of the few First Semi-Finalists.
The Eurovision Song Contest’s official Reddit account is running a live blog daily from the rehearsals with the latest developments. The rehearsals began with Moldova, and ending the day with Finland, with each performance being more exciting than the other.
In this article we bring you from Eurovision’s official Reddit account’s live blog:
Moldova
Satoshi – Viva, Moldova!
Eurovision’s official reddit account reports:
If you’ve seen the Selecția Națională performance which won in Moldova, you’ll be well aware of the BIG energy that Satoshi exudes by bouncing enthusiastically around the stage. Well, at the Wiener Stadthalle he’s got even more space to cover, and you can tell he’s absolutely in his element exploring every inch of it. He’s as happy to be in Vienna as we are delighted to have him – and Moldova – right here with us. At the start of the performance we even get to see the Moldovan flag beaming out in big lights from behind the screen. And it’s a beautiful sight!
Call us Athena Manoukian in 2020 because we’re currently thinking one thing: CHAINS ON YOU! Satoshi is adorned with rows of chain mail on his shoulders, draped over a blinged-out sports top in royal blue. Royal blue – fitting for our Moldovan king The choice of accessories has caused what you could call a chain reaction… those chains have extended to his band and his co-performers (oh HEEEEY, Aliona Moon, it’s been a minute!), with every outfit accented with a touch of shiny metal. Not that the heavy material is weighing anyone down… So! Much! Bouncing!
If you’ve been getting to know Satoshi since his national final win, then you’ll be familiar with his deep appreciation for Japanese culture. He’s ensured that this is on full display here, with a cute n’ colourful backdrop that viewers will no doubt find adorable. Cos it is adorable. And features even more bouncing.
Sweden
FELICIA – My System
FELICIA is dressed in black and sparkling red, the colours of a Black Widow – which is incidentally the name of her debut single, if you’re on the hunt for more FELICIA bops. It ain’t the black and red number you saw at Melodifestivalen, however; her outfit’s had a system upgrade!
The performance opens with FELICIA getting the wind-machine treatment, parting a cloud of smoke and revealing the Swedish singer standing on stage. Well, revealing her as much as one can behind that mask. And yes, Tuesday night viewers are going to get to enjoy that thrilling switch-out of masks near the end of the song. Accompanied by GIANT FELICIA climbing out of the screens and into the audience. It’s still a total gag, no matter how many times you’ve seen it.
As with the Melodifestivalen-winning performance from March, FELICIA is engulfed in lasers throughout. Lots of ’em. But new for Vienna is some interaction! During the second verse we get to see FIGHTER FELICIA literally battling away lasers with her bare hands, before she tames them into doing her bidding. Before long those lasers are framing her poses so that she can look extra stun for audiences at home. This diva knows her lighting.
Croatia
LELEK – Andromeda
Not long into their performance of Andromeda, we get a stunning shot that really makes use of the catwalk leading from the Green Room up to the stage (and it’s the first time viewers will get to see the catwalk element properly pop). It serves as a dramatic presentation of the Croatian group, giving their arrival to the Eurovision stage the majesty it deserves.
LELEK fans will know from their Dora-winning performance that the band LOVE a robe ensemble. The striking fashion choice returns for Vienna, but this time they’ve woven a deep blood-red colour into their scheme. It’s a chilling visual and therefore a superb stylistic choice for a song teeming with this much drama.
The ladies aren’t doing all the legwork, however. The screen behind them plays a big role in the telling of their story. It takes the viewer from a mystical cave to an enchanting forest, closing the performance by pulling us through a wormhole at such high speed, it feels like a time warp we have no choice but to travel through. Can that time warp take us back 30 minutes please?… We wanna watch those three run-throughs again!
Greece
Akylas – Ferto
Akylas is taking the Eurovision Song Contest from Arcade to arcade games! This game creates multiple illusions for the viewer and, in it, Akylas wants to introduce you to some new characters. But we’ll let him tell you more about them on Tuesday 12 May…
Our Greek hero Akylas turns into a tiger on that Wiener Stadthalle stage. Not least because he’s dressed stylishly in an orange and black palette. The furry boots are out in force, as is the cutie kitty-kat hat with the lil’ ears. No Eurovision fancy-dress party is ever gonna be without one. And Ferto is certain to be a dance floor staple at those parties for at least another 70 years.
Just when the audience thinks they are getting to know Akylas, everything changes. He stops, removes his funky shades, steps out of character and addresses his mother in an emotional display. Mommies everywhere are gonna love this. Daddies, too.
