Third day of rehearsals for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 took place yesterday, and today we got the first look photos.
The countries set for the Second Semi-Final in Eurovision 2026, had their first rehearsals yesterday in the Wiener Stadthalle, in Vienna.
In this article we bring you excerpts from Eurovision’s official Reddit account’s live blog and the first looks:
Czechia
Daniel Zizka – CROSSROADS
Why start CROSSROADS with one Daniel Zizka when you can do it with many? If you’ve seen the music video for Daniel’s song for Czechia, then you’ll know that this artist loves a mirror effect. Well, he’s brought that same enthusiasm for reflective surfaces to Vienna. He’s brought ALL the mirror effects to the Wiener Stadthalle today.
There’s a whole four-piece prop being moved into (and out of) place by four ‘dancers’ as the performance progresses. The multiple-mirror staging ensures that viewers are treated to lots of visual effects within the three-minute masterpiece that Czechia has put together for us. They just keep coming at you; it’s like a lesson in light and camera trickery.
But regardless of the volume of visual treats on offer, nothing you see will upstage what you hear. The standout of the CROSSROADS performance today has been Daniel Zizka’s vocals. His delivery sounds exactly as it does on record. And it’s the performer that gets to be the star of the show.
For today’s rehearsal (and tomorrow’s rehearsal pics) Daniel is dressed in a light, baby-blue colour (both shirt and trousers). But we’ve been informed that there are alternative fashion choices to trial, and this may not be the outfit you’ll see on Thursday 14 May. Whatever you end up watching him in though, you’re in for a very special performance from Czechia this year. The closing ten seconds in particular are awe inspiring.
Armenia
SIMÓN – Paloma Rumba
If SIMÓN’s song for Armenia is all about the desire to quit his job for a more fulfilling life, then its performance is the moment he absolutely trashes the office after handing his letter of resignation to the boss*. We counted 16 boxes of paper piled high. And they don’t stay stacked for long!
To say he’s elated to be leaving his old career behind is an understatement. Literal backflips are being done here. He starts the performance being hung upside down by his colleagues and ends it in a victory pose on top of them. Quite the metaphor!
The Armenian singer is full of energy for these three minutes, giving every bpm of Paloma Rumba the movement it deserves. Our hyperactive hero at one point even takes the camera into his own hands; this is how enthusiastic he is to share his message with audiences watching at home.
Generous SIMÓN also treats viewers to an outfit reveal. Well, we say outfit reveal. The flimsy fabric that’s subsequently on display would draw debate on whether it could be called an outfit or not. But one thing everyone will agree on – there’s plenty to see! Throughout the performance up until that point, SIMÓN can be found in yassified office attire.
Switzerland
Veronica Fusaro – Alice
Veronica Fusaro has joined us in Vienna and she’s brought along an extra-special guest with her – Alice!
Just like the song for Switzerland might be tugging on the heart strings of the listener, Veronica Fusaro is playing tug of war with the viewer – her microphone takes the form of a rope and it’s the singer at one end and the cameraman on the other.
The rope theme continues with the arrival of four female dancers, draped in blood-red rope and leading Veronica to a giant prop that has been rolled onto the stage. It’s a cube-shaped climbing frame, with more red rope, this time acting acting as prison bars. The staging is of course connected to the message of Veronica’s song; the red-rope netting symbolising the hold that domestic violence victims are kept in by their abusers.
In her final escape attempt Veronica breaks out her guitar, falling to her knees and spelling out Alice’s name in red rope – our closing shot.
Veronica is rocking the rhinestones on stage at the Wiener Stadthalle. They’re encrusted all over the cropped military jacket of her black trouser suit and run down the side of her legs too. Feather-trimmed shoulders add an extra touch of glam to her outfit.
