#LiveBlog Semi-Final 1 – Dress Rehearsal 2- Join Us from 21:00 CEST 20:00 BST

By bogdansteff9 on May 8, 2023 • ( Leave a comment )

Good evening, Europe, and a warm morning greeting to our friends in Australia! This is Liverpool calling, bringing you the Live Blog of the Eurovision 2023 First Semi Final – Dress Rehearsal 2. Tonight’s spectacular show will showcase the talents of 15 remarkable acts, all vying for a coveted spot in the Grand Final.

Join us as we embark on this thrilling journey, starting from 19:00 CET or 20:00 BST, where we’ll provide live commentary and share our personal thoughts on the electrifying performances taking place on that iconic Eurovision stage. Our very own Eurovision Ireland veteran, Bogdan, is here to entertain you throughout the evening. So, sit back, relax, and immerse yourself in the magic of Eurovision.

We encourage you to be part of the conversation by leaving your thoughts and opinions in the comments section below. Let’s make this a night to remember as we witness the unfolding of extraordinary talent, unforgettable moments, and perhaps even a surprise or two. So, stay tuned, refresh this page for the latest updates, and let the Eurovision excitement begin!

Live Blog Starts Here

21:25

As the curtain falls on tonight’s live blog, we bid you all good night and express our gratitude for joining us on this Eurovision journey. If you haven’t yet, download the Eurovision app as you can vote up to 20 times tomorrow.

Remember to stay tuned to Eurovision Ireland for the latest coverage of the event. If you’ve enjoyed reading this blog, on Wednesday and Friday you can tune again to find our thoughts before the Second Semi Final and the Final.

Thank you for your support, and until next time, take care and keep the Eurovision spirit alive!

21:22

Käärijä – Cha Cha Cha – Finland

And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived. It’s time for Käärijä from Finland to take the stage with their lively song “Cha Cha Cha.”

The audience actually screamed from the first sounds!

The singer starts inside a massive cube constructed from wooden pallets. As the performance unfolds, he ascends to the top of the cube, commanding attention and setting the stage ablaze.

Behind Käärijä, a larger-than-life shadow looms, portraying them as a superhero with an impressively long tongue. The visual spectacle adds an extra layer of intrigue to the performance. As the big cube opens, two pairs of cha-cha dancers in vibrant pink burst forth, their movements perfectly synchronized with the infectious rhythm.

Let’s face it, this is not the best voice of the night but the performance is an absolute delight, captivating the audience who eagerly sing along to the infectious chant of “cha cha cha cha cha cha cha cha.” It’s a fantastic way to conclude the first semi-final in rainbow colours, leaving us all hoping that Europe will embrace this unique and quirky performer from Finland.

21:18

Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper – Burning Daylight – Netherlands

As we near the end of the first semi-final night, it’s time for the penultimate act from the Netherlands: Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper with their song “Burning Daylight.” The singers take center stage on a rotating platform, surrounded by a dark background that is brought to life by striking spotlights illuminating their presence.

Fans of Eurovision may recognize the signature style of Duncan Laurence, one of the composers of this captivating song. “Burning Daylight” delves into the theme of losing oneself and the struggle to find purpose when faith seems to have vanished.

While the song itself holds a special place in my heart, it’s important to note that there seems to be a lack of connection between Mia and Dion during their performance. This disconnect can sometimes make the overall delivery feel less believable, which is unfortunate given the potential impact of the song’s message. I’m really sorry to say but the vocals tonight weren’t as powerful as I expected. Hopefully, tomorrow they will sound better.

21:15

Vesna – My Sister’s Crown – Czechia

Now it’s time for Czechia to take the spotlight with Vesna and their song “My Sister’s Crown.” This all-girl group stands out with their coordinated pink outfits, each wearing a long side ponytail. As they take the stage, their Slavic roots shine through, displaying a beautiful sense of unity and delivering enchanting harmonies.

“My Sister’s Crown” carries a message of strength and solidarity, as they sing, “My sister’s crown, don’t take it down.” The backdrop of the performance features raised hands, symbolizing the fight for freedom. It’s evident that this song holds a deeper meaning, serving as a powerful anthem for unity. There is a lot of ‘hairography’ and I can’t help to think of Slavko 🙂

However, Vesna’s performance is a heartfelt and melodic experience, showcasing their vocal prowess and their ability to convey emotion through their harmonies.

21: 10

TuralTuranX – Tell Me More – Azerbaijan

Up next, we have TuralTuranX, the charming twin duo from Azerbaijan, ready to present their song “Tell Me More.” The performance begins in a striking black and white aesthetic, accompanied by what sounds like a telephone voice message. However, as the song progresses, a burst of vibrant colour takes over the stage, with one singer dressed in a bold mustard colour and the other in a charming shade of purple.

The melody of “Tell Me More” carries a sweet and nostalgic vibe, reminiscent of the iconic sound of The Beatles. While I personally enjoyed the performance, it’s worth noting that it may not stand out as much compared to some of the other captivating acts we’ve witnessed so far.

Eurovision is a stage filled with diverse talents and unique performances, and while TuralTuranX delivers a solid performance, it may face some tough competition in terms of making a lasting impression. Nevertheless, their charisma and charming stage presence make for an enjoyable experience.

21:05

Loreen – Tattoo – Sweden

Like a reunion of old classmates, we are graced with the presence of Loreen, the winner of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest, following Pasha Parfeni’s performance. Loreen takes to the stage on her own mini stage, creating a sense of intimacy as she delivers her captivating song, “Tattoo.”

Drawing parallels to her 2012 Eurovision performance, Loreen once again sings on a mini stage/cube. This clever nod to her past adds a touch of nostalgia to the performance, evoking a sense of familiarity for fans of her previous Eurovision journey.

“Tattoo” is a beautiful song that speaks of a love that may be fading but will forever remain in Loreen’s heart like a tattoo. As she pours her heart and soul into the performance, her vocals are strong and the emotion shines through, captivating the audience with every note.

Loreen’s undeniable talent and the touching nature of her song put her in a strong position once again to secure a place on the Eurovision podium. The question remains: Will the public vote for her once more and grant her the recognition she deserves? The only ‘minus’ I can find is that the song is not as sing along friendly as Euphoria.

21:01

Alesha is introducing the next act, Sweden. I guess they are really pushing for Sweden to be in the final as she states, “Hoping to blow you away and secure their place is the final is Sweden.”

20:58

Pasha Parfeni – Soarele şi Luna – Moldova

Taking the stage as the 10th performer is none other than Pasha Parfeni from Moldova, treating us to his captivating song “Soarele şi Luna” (The Sun and the Moon). You may recognize Pasha from his previous Eurovision participation back in 2012, and he’s back once again to captivate our hearts.

Dressed in a stunning golden kimono-style garment, Pasha commands attention from the moment he steps onto the stage. Accompanying him are two talented backing vocalists, wearing crescent moon headpieces, two skilled drummers, and a masked musician playing what appears to be a medieval clarinet-like instrument.

As the performance unfolds, we are treated to a visual feast. Initially, a gigantic round eye looms in the background, gradually transforming into a blazing sun. This mystical backdrop sets the tone for a truly engaging performance that transports us to another realm.

The chorus of Pasha’s song is so infectious that you can’t help but sing along. It’s the kind of melody that lingers in your mind, leaving you humming its tribal-like rhythm long after the performance ends. The accompanying tribal dance adds an extra layer of mystique and energy to the overall presentation.

Pasha Parfeni’s performance is an enchanting experience that invites us to immerse ourselves in the magic of his song.

20:54

Noa Kirel – Unicorn – Israel

Get ready for a dazzling performance as we welcome Noa Kirel from Israel to the Eurovision stage with her song “Unicorn.” Noa exudes beauty and charisma, making her a strong contender for the coveted title of Miss Eurovision this year. However, her talent extends far beyond her looks, as she possesses a powerful voice that leaves a lasting impression.

With a team of five talented dancers accompanying her, Noa’s performance is nothing short of energetic and flawless. The journey begins in a neon tunnel, setting the stage for a mesmerizing spectacle. As the music intensifies, Noa and her dancers break into a fully choreographed routine, captivating us with their precision and synchronization. Unfortunately, tonight Noa sounds a bit too shouty (but it might be just me).

But it doesn’t stop there. Noa treats us to a remarkable solo dance moment, where she boldly declares, “Europe, do you want to see me dance?” It’s a captivating invitation that showcases her confidence and showcases her multifaceted talents. It appears not only Chanel can dance at Eurovision. And we do have pyro at the end…

20:50

Remo Forrer – Watergun – Switzerland

Next up, we have Switzerland’s Remo Forrer, delivering a powerful message with his song “Watergun.” As the performance begins, Remo takes the stage accompanied by four dancers, all dressed in sleek black attire. What catches the eye is Remo’s unique outfit, particularly his trousers that shimmer like water waves, creating a mesmerizing effect.

With his strong and commanding vocals, Remo effortlessly brings the song to life. His performance is filled with passion and conviction, captivating the audience from start to finish. A standout moment occurs when all the dancers become connected to Remo’s waist through scarves, creating a visually striking tableau.

This particular moment reminds us of a similar staging concept used by Turkey a few years back with their iconic entry “Everyway That I Can.” It’s a clever nod to the past, adding an extra layer of depth to the performance.

Remo Forrer’s performance is not only visually captivating but also emotionally resonant, as he takes a firm stand against war through the power of music. He ends his performance on his knees.

20: 46

Let 3 – Mama ŠČ! – Croatia

And now, brace yourselves for the eccentric and unforgettable performance of Let 3 from Croatia with their song “Mama ŠČ!” As the band takes the stage, they make quite the visual statement, clad in a unique blend of colorful military trech coats and heavy eyeliner. This peculiar ensemble immediately grabs our attention and leaves us wondering what lies ahead.

As the performance unfolds, it becomes evident that Let 3 is delivering more than just a song. Their presentation is filled with not-so-subtle hints, inviting the audience to delve deeper into the layers of meaning within their art. A standout moment arrives when the band members shed their outer layers, revealing themselves in nothing but underwear and vests. It’s an unexpected twist that adds a touch of hilarity to the proceedings. Especially since we keep hearig ‘pshichopat’ over and over again.

While the entire performance may seem outrageously funny on the surface, it’s clear that Let 3 has a message to convey. Through their clever and unconventional approach, they manage to engage the audience in a thought-provoking manner. This is what Eurovision is all about—artists to leave a lasting impression.

20:43

Wild Youth – We Are One – Ireland

Now, get ready to feel the unity and embrace the spirit of togetherness as Wild Youth from Ireland takes the stage with their anthem, “We Are One.” The lead singer commands attention in a striking gold jumpsuit, while the other members of the group, each wear a touch of gold or glitter, create a visually captivating presence. There might be a slight issue with the earpiece but the performance sounds great so far.

While it may not be Ireland’s most mesmerising performance in Eurovision history, there’s no denying the infectious power of the chorus. It’s anthemic, it’s catchy, and it invites you to sing along with all your heart. “Tonight we are one” becomes a rallying cry that resonates within us, reminding us of the true essence of Eurovision: the coming together of nations through the universal language of music.

Wild Youth embodies the uplifting spirit of the contest, and their performance is a testament to the unifying power of music. In a world that often feels divided, Eurovision reminds us that we are stronger when we stand together.

So, let your voices soar, sing along with Wild Youth, and let the harmonies of “We Are One” echo through the Eurovision arena. Tonight, we truly become one, united in our love for music and the celebration of diversity that Eurovision represents.

20:35

Mimicat – Ai Coração – Portugal

We’re ready to be charmed by Mimicat from Portugal, as she takes the stage with her captivating song “Ai Coração.” From the very beginning, it’s clear that Mimicat is here to deliver an authentic and believable performance. She brings a touch of cabaret style to the Eurovision stage, captivating us with her immense confidence.

With a delightful ensemble of entertaining dancers in red surrounding her, Mimicat commands the stage with grace and poise. Her vocals are on point, effortlessly hitting every note with precision. But it’s her infectious smile that truly steals the show, radiating joy and enthusiasm throughout the performance. The audience is clapping and woo-ing along and I live for it!

Mimicat knows exactly how to captivate the camera, flirting effortlessly with its lens. Every moment of her performance is pure magic, leaving us completely enamored. Does it show I love this entry?

In short, Mimicat’s performance is an absolute delight. Portugal should be proud of this mesmerizing talent that has graced the Eurovision stage. We couldn’t help but love every single moment of it.

20:29

Well, folks, prepare yourselves for a surprise treat! Get ready to hear an unexpected rap from Alesha, taking us on a journey through the memorable moments of Eurovision since the UK hosted the contest back in 1998. I say Euro you say Vision 😀

20: 27

Sudden Lights – Aijā – Latvia

Now, let’s shift our focus to Latvia’s offering for Eurovision, Sudden Lights with their song “Aijā.” The performance was rather inoffensive, but unfortunately lacked that memorable factor we often crave. The stage was set against a black background, with big poles adorned with big, yellow lights, reminiscent of a studio setup.

In terms of vocals, Sudden Lights delivered a solid performance, hitting the right notes with finesse. However, it didn’t quite reach that level of excitement or uniqueness that sets a performance apart. As the song progressed, it became clear that it might struggle to stand out among the other entries in this highly competitive Eurovision semi-final. Nevertheless, the audience went wild at the end of the performance. So what do I know?

20: 24

Luke Black – Samo Mi Se Spava – Serbia

Let’s now turn our attention to Serbia’s Luke Black, who took the stage with his captivating song ‘Samo Mi Se Spava.’ It was a performance that left us enthralled from the very start. Luke began by lying on a white ‘flower’ bed. As the music filled the air, dancers connected like puppets to a mysterious blue/red monster lurking in the backdrop, creating visually intriguing moments. The whole experience felt like diving into a thrilling game where Luke had to conquer this formidable adversary. The vocals were effortless. At the end the striking words in green ‘Enemy defeated’ appearing on screen, delivered a powerful conclusion to this enigmatic journey.

20:20

The Busker – Dance (Our Own Party) – Malta

From Malta, we have The Busker with their song “Dance (Our Own Party),” ready to ignite the stage with their unique energy. The performance starts with a captivating media broadcast tower, transmitting the infectious vibe directly to the audience. The crowd went wild hearing the sound of the saxophone. Amidst the stage, stands the lead singer, surrounded by life-sized cutouts of past Maltese Eurovision representatives wearing party hats.

Get ready for an explosion of energy! The Busker brings it all, with an energetic performance that will have you moving to the beat. Keep an ear out for the catchy saxophone tune played by one of the band members. It’s reminiscent of Sunstroke Project from Moldova, delivering that same infectious charm that we all know and love.

But wait for the breakout moment! In a flash of silver and glitter, the lead singer undergoes a wardrobe change, just like a scene from Michael Jackson’s iconic “Billie Jean.” It’s a show-stopping moment that adds an extra touch of dazzle to the performance.

And let’s not forget that saxophone! The sound it produces is so distinct and memorable that it will surely stay in our minds long after the performance is over. Get ready to groove and dance along with The Busker’s contagious energy and unforgettable melodies. Malta is definitely making its mark tonight!

20:16

Alessandra – Queen of Kings – Norway

And here we go! Kicking off the first semi-final of Eurovision 2023 is none other than the mesmerizing Alessandra, hailing all the way from Norway. The stage lights dim, and she appears, donning a majestic crown fit for a queen. Joined by fierce dancers, she sets the scene for a truly captivating performance. The audience is singing and clapping along!

As the music swells, the stage comes alive with an atmospheric darkness, building up the anticipation. But hold on to your seats, folks, because just when you thought you’ve seen it all, a burst of fiery red and gold engulfs the stage, adding a touch of drama and spectacle to the mix.

While some may argue for a more dynamic presence, there’s no denying the power and finesse of Alessandra’s vocals. With every note, she effortlessly commands the stage, leaving no doubt about her artistry. And the energy? Oh, it’s electric! It radiates through the venue, captivating everyone lucky enough to witness this captivating opening act.

Alessandra, the Queen of Kings, has set the bar high for the semi-final tonight. Her performance, a perfect balance of elegance and intensity, has left the audience craving for more. What a way to kick off this thrilling night of Eurovision! Stay tuned, folks, as we dive into the rest of the spectacular performances yet to come!”