After several weeks since the National Final season ended , the big fortnight is here and it’s time to get on with the serious business of Eurovision 2026, taking place, as we all know by now , in Vienna, Austria . While some of us are already out in Vienna, taking in all things Austrian , there are those of us,like myself who will still be providing coverage from the comforts of our own homes and we are looking forward to taking you through the next couple of weeks .

But there’s no Ireland this year? I hear you shout ! Don’t worry, they might not be in Vienna but as it’s the 70th anniversary show this year, we will be featuring them in some way when we have a look back at the last 70 years as they do have a significant part in the contest’s history!

As with previous years, we don’t have access to the press centre in Vienna as yet so until then, we are reliant on the EBU live blog of rehearsals that has been set up on REDDIT ,

You can find the link for the EBU live blog of the second day of rehearsals, which was yesterday HERE

Over the next few days, I’ll be giving my views on the rehearsals as reported and seen in the pictures on REDDIT . Note that the first rehearsals are only technical rehearsals, which gives the artists the opportunity to make any adjustments or change anything they think needs improvement , so all we will get at the moment is pictures courtesy of the EBU.

Day Two saw the first rehearsals of those performing in the second half half of Semi Final one .

So here’s my view on what’s been said so far about Day 2 rehearsals and today, we have some pictures for you too, courtesy of the EBU!

Montenegro-Tamara Živković – Nova Zora

Montenegro have gone for the dark look with Tamara in a black corset and ruffled collar. She seems to have taken inspiration for her make up from the character of Cruella de Vil in the novel 101 Dalmations ! Her four backing dancers are also in skin tight black but white colours. There’s apparently a variety of choreography themes . This will be worth a watch when we get to see some rehearsal footage .

Estonia: Vanilla Ninja – Too Epic To Be True

The girls from Vanilla Ninja are no stranger to Eurovision, it was 21 years ago they were in Kyiv representing Switzerland with Cool Vibes . They’re back representing their home country . They have gone for a slight revamp from the Eesti Laul final with an outfit upgrade and according to the reports coming in from those lucky enough to be in the Wiener Stadthalle, they have gone for the rock performance and there will apparently be some interaction with the audience.We have yet to see live footage but I reckon this might do better than some people think.

Israel: Noam Bettan – Michelle

Black is the colour theme for Noam Betten from Israel with him wearing a black leather jacket over a black silk short. The description of the rehearsal says he starts off the song in a diamond like stage prop with a mirror exterior which gives the impression of being inside a crystal chamber .He’s then coaxed out of the chamber by a sole dancer and then they are joined by four more dancers in all in one suits.

Belgium: ESSYLA – Dancing on the Ice

Reports coming from the Wiener Stadthalle say that ESSYLA has opted very much for the ice queen look, which seems appropriate given the title of the song. Think of the film Chronicles of Narnia and you probably get the picture! There’s a wind machine , snowstorms , fire and yes…ice !! ESSYLA is joined by four backing male dancers.This is definitely one I am looking forward to seeing the performance of !

Lithuania: Lion Ceccah – Sólo Quiero Más

We get two outfits for the price of one with Lion Ceccah starting with a large cloak then revealing a gothic like suit, much as in the Lithuanian National Final .There’s an atmosphere of drama intertwined with some comedy elements with ” High camp theatrics” .There’s also English subtitles which I think will help to convey the message of the song and black and white staging towards the end of the song.

San Marino: SENHIT – Superstar

Now we have seen SENHIT at Eurovision before, in 2021 and from our experience of that, we know that everything but the kitchen sink will be thrown at her staging . The official EBU Reddit reports have confirmed that she’s not only brought four dancers with her but there is an extra special guest too, which from all the media reports in the last months, you can guess who that is! Not much is being given away about the staging apart from it’s very camp and there’s a couple of props but SENHIT’S outfit may not be the one she wears on the actual Semi Final 1 night !

Poland: ALICJA – Pray

According to the REDDIT reports , Alicja has gone for a complete revamp , staging wise, the only thing that hasn’t changed is her clothing.There is a prop which they haven’t given too much away about at the moment.The backing dancers are apparently dressed in exquisite clothing.Having missed out on appearing at Eurovision in 2020 due to the contest being cancelled due to the Covid -19 pandemic , I am sure that Alicja will be making sure she has a performance to remember , having been given a second chance .

Serbia: LAVINA – Kraj Mene

The Official REDDT blog tells us that Luka has upgraded from a fur trimmed coat to a warrior like metal outfit . It looks really heavy! Swords feature as part of the performance . There’s even been an enhancement to the claw effect on Luka’s hand ! There’s also lots of pyro. I reckon this will look great in the arena and on TV ,can’t wait to see actual rehearsal footage of this !

So that’s Day 2 . I’ll be back tomorrow and will give my thoughts on Day 3, which has happened today , where we have those performing in the first half of Semi Final 2.

Let us know what you think of Eurovision 2026 by leaving us a comment below and you can find us on our Facebook, X , Instagram and Bluesky feeds .

Author : Sarah Rudman

Source: EBU /REDDIT

Visual Sources : EBU /Corinne Cummings/Sarah Louise Bennet/Alma Bengtsson