Eurovision 2013 Grand Final First Rehearsal – Photograph Eurovision Ireland

Follow the Eurovision Ireland Rolling Blog of the First Dress Rehearsal of the Eurovision 2013 Grand Final. In the driving seat will be Andrew and Stephen. Garrett is taking a well earned afternoon off but will cover the Jury Final later tonight. Elaine is on her way home to watch the Final in the UK.The blog will begin at 14:30 (CET) Friday May 17th. Just refresh the blog for the live update.

A delay to the start but we are in to the link now just after 2.45pm

We now have a film following the journey of a caterpillar from Azerbaijan through Europe all the way to Malmo. Where he is cocooned beside the bridge

and turns into a, yes you have guessed it, a butterfly!!

Now we have the choir on stage singing ‘ We Write The Story’ penned by Benny and Bjorn from ABBA.

All the artists are led along the raised catwalk in order like an Olympic ceremony with their flags in front. This is a good touch.

Then they are all gathered on the stage. Waving the flags while the Hymn finishes off, Great start to the show.

Petra is resplendent in a outrageous wide pink dress. She thanks Bjorn and Benny who are introduced then goes on to explain the voting.

We now have a technical hitch. Nothing happening at the moment.

France

Andrew’s view

France start off the Final with a moody little number. Amandine is weather her black tassly dress again and looks very sultry and vampish, vocally good today and she is getting stronger through the song. A surprisingly good opener to the final.

Stephen’s view

A sexy seductive performance to start of this years final from France. I didn’t rate this song originally but Wow a stunning vocal from a competent performer. Stand up and pay attention to France. Great opener.

Lithuania

Andrew’s view

I am so pleased to see this in the final. Andruis is looking a lot more composed now and is following his camera angles fine. Good vocally and this is a pleasant song to listen to.  Not sure it will do that well in the voting though as might be forgotten.

Stephen’s view

You can certainly see why this qualified the singer just oozes great charm and this comes across well on screen. Its just a pity hes performing at No.2 & we all know what that means. Good Song.

Moldova

Andrew’s view

This is a very accomplished performance by Aliona, really strong and effective staging and the rising dress is amazing visually on camera.Vocally excellent today. It’s early start may hinder its chance of a real top finish though but still potentially Top 10 is possible.

Stephen’s view

For me there is just to much screeching in this song from Moldova. I know Im in a minority here but I don’t get it. And the whole dress thing was done last year from Azerbaijan. For me this is a toilet break song.

Finland

Andrew’s view

Finland really stands out now as the first upbeat and fun song in the contest. Lots of good movement with the dancers and vocally good too, so contemporary and catchy this will harvest votes from the younger audience. Possible top 10.

Stephen’s view

Ding Dong indeed. This just gets better with each performance and the entire team just look like they are enjoying the whole experience & embracing the wild ride that is Eurovision. Good Luck Finland. Id Marry Yeah.

Spain

Andrew’s view

Spain is sound really bad today, Raquel’s vocals are very shaky at the start and are not getting any better. She looks lovely though in her canary yellow dress. It does get better though as the tempo rises. Not good enough I am afraid for Spain, potential bottom 5 if not last.

Stephen’s view

Someone said to me last night in Euroclub that the Spanish song was there version of My Lovely Horse from Father Ted….I’ll let ye decide that. But the melody is good. Back over to the right hand side of the scoreboard I think for Spain which is a pity because its not as bad as it is.

Belgium

Andrew’s view

This is sounding a lot better now after a confidant performance in the Semi to qualify. Not a great position in the draw but it stands out especially after Spain. Vocally good and the dancers are a distraction but that does not seem to detract the voters for this. Mid table at best.

Stephen’s view

Dam it! This is growing on me and he gave a really good and strong performance today. He seems to have his eye on the trophy in his performance. It sounded great today. I could be eating a lot of humble pie by the time all the votes are in.

Estonia

Andrew’s view

Another polished performance from Estonia, lovely and simple. The running order is enhancing a lot of the songs next to different genres, it helps everyone all round. Estonia should be happy with this anyway.

Stephen’s view

A good performance here its a pleasant song once again from Estonia but its not as good as last year. Shes still wearing that sheet as a dress I’m afraid. But great vocal maybe just reach the top ten.

Belarus

Andrew’s view

So we move from classy to trashy with Belarus up next. It’s the style of song that should finish top 10 but Belarus throw so much at this performance that it takes away From concentrating on the song itself. Vocally its fine and could end up doing reasonably well but its not a top contender.

Stephen’s view

Eurovision by numbers from Belarus. Europe what were ye thinking. I don’t know how this qualified. This is just annoying & cheap. Go stick the kettle on for this one or order a pizza just do something else but watch it.

Malta

Andrew’s view

Gianluca is so cute and luckily so is his song. Its well staged and performed again today and is helped again by the draw after Belarus.  It is a dark horse for me as it could go either way. A lot depends on if it gets many eastern votes.

Stephen’s view

This is just a lovely simple cute song from a great singer. Again like Finland the whole team from Malta just look like they are really embracing the whole competition and they are really enjoying themselves. A great performance again, my only critic is that the singer is a lot more relaxed then the semi for this rehearsal and I hope he can keep that “relaxation” going for the final because it really works and comes across a lot better on screen.

Russia

Andrew’s view

A great draw for Russia in position 10 a position they won from before. Dina is putting on a very composed performance and it sounds good vocally. Apparently Russia have a backing vocalist hiding behind the big balls who is shadowing the main vocal in order to enhance it, not in itself bad , but why hide her away? Of all the eastern countries Russia could win again with this, Top 5 ?

Stephen’s view

Performing at No.10 is this an omen for Russia. Look its a good song sung very well even if its lyrics are a bit hypocritical coming from a country like Russia. But yes this is a defo contender.

Germany

Andrew’s view

A great song here and a huge contrast to Russia. Natalie is in jeans today and is sounding great, very composed and assured. A very polished performance today from Germany and should do very well even being on so early.

Stephen’s view

I see your “What If” Russia and I raise you “Glorious”! This just explodes onto the screen and you soon forget about Russia. Cascada one of the most widely known performers in the competition gives a simply stunning and confident performance. This could do it again for Germany.

Armenia

Andrew’s view

I still cannot fathom how this got to the Final save for some Diaspora voting. It is not a bad song per se but it’s still very underwhelming for its rock genre. Plodding along they make the best of a bad job. Polished enough vocally but I sure would be lonely on a planet if I played this all the time.

Stephen’s view

Rock Band with a rock band performance. My planet does seem that lonely this week, but the song defo is.

We have  break here along with the final instalment from Lynda Woodruff in Stockholm, hilarious.

The Netherlands

Andrew’s view

After the dullness of Armenia and a funny break we have Anouk with her song and it has class written all over it. A fantastic performance and given what comes on after it stands out a mile now. Potential Top 5 for Netherlands now.

Stephen’s view

The first “goosebump” feel of this rehearsal. A great performance here from a very confident performer. This is surely a jury favourite but whether televoters relate to it, well we’ll have to see. But its great from Anouk and great to see The Netherlands back in a final. Lets wish them luck.

Romania

Andrew’s view

I totally get it , why it qualified why it is something completely different and a style of singing few of could consider trying ourselves. But its still mad as a box of frogs but that is why this is Eurovision.

Stephen’s view

Ok it was always going to qualify but you’ve had your “15mins” Romania its time to head off back into your castle. Maybe some garlic might help…….

United Kingdom

Andrew’s view

A very strong start by Bonnie , the vocals are excellent today, this is leaps and bounds ahead of Romania , a real song sung really well. The UK are in with a good chance of a top 12 finish with this.

Stephen’s view

Good start from the sweetheart that is Bonnie Tyler she has been a true lady here all week. She’ll need a strong start to make people pay attention to her after that Romanian mess. Its an overall very good performance with great staging and lighting with a good finish on the walkway. My only issue is her outfit – surely with the amount of talented designers in the UK they could have come up with something better then what looks like a bin liner with glitter stuck on to it.

Sweden

Andrew’s view

Still find this a bit messy with the dancers. The clothes look silly too. Vocally though Robin is belting it out and looks relaxed and confident. Not sure this will give Sweden a great result this year, perhaps mid table.

Stephen’s view

For the first time this actually sounds a bit decent. Its an average song but it sounds great in the arena surprisingly. But! however the outfits are all wrong, the staging is all wrong and that red platform thing what ever it is – is all wrong.

Hungary

Andrew’s view

Loving this song from ByeAlex. One of my guilty pleasures to be honest. Great visual graphics on the backdrop, very colourful. Vocals are assured but also laid back which works for this type of song, could do better than a lot of folk think.

Stephen’s view

Great that this qualified, its just a nice simple song. No gimmicks just a good performance. This could do well and maybe upset a few of the favourites.

Denmark

Andrew’s view

A very stand out performance from Denmark, polished and assured. It has everything going for it including an excellent draw. I may just rebook the same apartment I am currently staying in Copenhagen for 2 weeks in May 2014 before Saturday. A serious contender and understandable favourite.

Stephen’s view

This is wining accept it & move on with your lives. Ok some are saying the song itself is a bit dated and it wouldn’t be a commercial hit after the contest. But for some reason its won every pole going, its a hot favourite with the bookings. And its been reported that its eve a hotter favourite then Rybak was in 2009. Why ? – because its a good song with a good performace. Ps the singer has gone back to the hippy hair look for this performance – head & shoulders anyone.

Iceland

Andrew’s view

A lovely song from Iceland , dark and moody and assured. Love the fact it’s in Icelandic. Great atmospheric song enhanced by magnificent vocals , great lighting. Could threaten the middle of the scoreboard if not better.

Stephen’s view

Anther strong performance from Iceland. This again is understated and again could be a surprise to do better then expected. Its a good strong ballad & again with the same backdrop it works really with the overall staging. Well done Iceland.

Azerbaijan

Andrew’s view

Two ballads in a row in the running order, although are totally different in style and different ends of Europe(use the term loosely) I think neither helps the other but suspect Azerbaijan will finish a bit higher but its not going to win.

Stephen’s view

As performances go this has certainly been we’ll rehearsed & taught out. Again sitting on top of that glass box Farid gives a strong vocal. Can they win it again so soon – properly not, but they will challenge for the top 5 as usual.

Greece

Andrew’s view

After 2 ballads Greece stand an excellent chance of doing well now, this stood out in the Semi Final and more than a few are putting bets on Greece victory on Saturday and I am starting to see why, lots of fun on stage here and will have the audience dancing and clapping all around the arena as well as Europe.

Stephen’s view

Bang just as you were starting to fade Greece explodes on the stage, and your paying attention. Look the song is complete rubbish, but Eurovision has its tradition of an act / song like this always challenging for that top spot. The performance that Greece has will have the audience in the Malmo Arena standing on their feet clapping a long and this will relate well on screen. This will cause an upset. And just to add the alcohol is not free.

Ukraine

Andrew’s view

Igor the giant was eating biscuits beside us just before he went on, he obviously needs his strength to lift up Zlata, apart from a silly start this is a polished and assured vocal performance and can see this hitting the top 10 .

Stephen’s view

Get rid of that Giant Ukraine. Ps he likes Biscuits. Another good vocal here everything works except for the giant.

Italy

Andrew’s view

Looking clean shaven and in a lovely deep blue suit, Marco looks dapper and assured. This is a classy song that deserves to do well but surrounded by the trashy gimmicks in other parts of the Final I hope the viewers can see this for what it is, a great song. I am sure the juries will lap this up tonight. Possible top 10 too.

Stephen’s view

To explain we take it in turns here to right our note on each performance, and Andrew just asked had I done Italy yet and I went No Id forgotten it……do I need to say anymore, there’s better ballads but for me it was a forgettable performance and after 26 songs I don’t think id remember Italy straight away when it comes to voting.

Norway

Andrew’s view

Margaret is casual today in her attire but still pumping out a great vocal performance. This has a decent chance for Norway near the end of the draw but there is a lot of strong entries around it too.

Stephen’s view

Amazing here once again from Norway. Great contemporary modern song here from Norway. In my opinion if there’s any justice this should win tomorrow night.

Georgia

Andrew’s view

On 2^nd from the end Georgia could not have picked a better position in the final. A Eurovision by number duet which builds and builds and delivers on every slushy angle. It stands an excellent chance to win the crown now and expect it to be there or thereabouts.

Stephen’s view

Big key change / pyro’s / wind machine / a big ballad / hand waving and pointing – what more do you want. Georgia give you everything you’d want from a Eurovision song, that is a Eurovision song in the 1990’s. However great vocal and performance here and this will do very well.

Ireland

Andrew’s view

Another stand out performance from Ireland and Ryan Dolan. A great finish to the contest and it has a few people jigging around the press centre(and they aint Irish). Great vocals today and the staging is impressive. Its gives Ireland their best chance of winning for many years but more likely a top 10 position is certainly achievable

Stephen’s view

Isn’t it great to have an entry to be really proud off. Another great performance from Team Ireland. And a great position and song to be finishing off this years final. Everything is kept the same as the semi final on Tuesday and Ryan looks relaxed and confident in his performance. Its great to see people in the press centre copying all the moves and singing along at the same time. Go Ireland.

So that is all 26 songs seen and heard in the Final , overall a varied running order and a good show.

After a recap and starting the voting we have Lorraine(Loreen) doing a medley of her songs.

Another recap then the voting closes. Then another film about Swedish people.

Petra then does a turn as part of the interval act. It’s highlighting Swedes in a light hearted vein.

Carolla then comes on to start Stormvind then promptly falls off the stage(No Kidding Keith Mills dream comes true)

We then have another film of the history that suggest Johnny Logan is the biggest superstar of Eurovision ahead of ABBA and Celine Dion.

He won on the third time in Malmo in 1992 dressed as a woman!!! That raised at titter here.

We then cut over to the Green Room where Eric Saade is doing the links there.

After a gap for technical reasons Sarah Dawn Finer takes to stage as herself singing ‘The Winner Takes It All’

Well that’s all folks for today, thanks for refreshing and keep your comments coming. Thanks to my co author Stephen

and watch out for Garrett rolling the Jury Final tonight at 9pm CET.

Co Authors Andrew Main and Stephen Hardiman

Source Eurovision Ireland