EUROVISION 2023 - REACTING TO THE SEMI FINAL 1 REHEARSAL CLIPS

[@perin2000]

I do kind of agree with you about Czechia, but don’t think it would have been better to try and recreate the music video - as incredible as it is, it’s just so high concept and it likely wouldn’t translate well to a eurovision stage show. In terms of the staging, it’s unexpected but I think they made the perfect choice. And the vocal isn’t quite the same, but again it’s just such a well produced studio track that it’s so difficult to recreate that incredibly full sound. I feel like I need to see the whole thing to make a proper judgment, but hopefully it should be enough to qualify🤞 (hoping and praying, as it’s my first place haha)

[@Toniiii_]

Käärijä said in an interview that his ear monitors weren't working at all during the performance. You can even see a dude climbing up and attaching something to him in the first rehearsal photos. Hopefully they get it fixed!

[@jasonburmeister4746]

I think we all have to take a deep breath with Czechia. 180 million people watch Eurovision. The Eurofandom who have watched their music video is probably less than a percent of those who turn in to watch on the night. So they won't feel the same disappointment others in the fandom feel. Whether they are disappointed by the impact of the vocals or the styling from the mv not being translated directly on stage. That feeling of disappointment wont register with the vast majority of viewers. I am not personally disappointed with the rehearsal. Considering their first live performance at their national final. I am completely pleased with what we are getting now. I also think the storytelling in the mv is too complex to be fully realized in a live setting. The mv took hours to film and edit together. Vesna only has three minutes on stage to share that same deep story to 180 million people. It's damn near impossible. I also feel like people, who haven't watched the mv, would be incredibly confused if they saw singers dressed up as dolls singing the verses "we are not your dolls." I just don't think the styling and story from the music video would translate well to the average viewer on the night who hasn't seen the mv. I think we just have to wait and see the whole performance. The LEDs feel expensive and I think they really aid the rap section of the song. Again I think its just a wait and see kind of moment.

[@EmoBearRights]

I'm also geuninely interested in how many people watch the music videos for the competing songs prior to the contest out of the percentage who watch and vote in the semis. It's probably higher than the finals but yeah it might not be that significant.

[@spyretto]

I didn't think there was anything wrong with their performance.

[@PIRILAU2009]

Apparently, Portugal did not like the result of the leds in the stand in tests and decided not to use them. Mimicat is not happy, but motivated to do the best on stage with the little they have

[@lilianamoreira1326]

Maravilha. Já não tínhamos o sofá agora passamos também a não ter os LEDs!! Estamos a apostar bem estamos 😢

[@belosevickris3379]

They can still buy a couch and do the NF choreo

[@Luzitanium]

@@lilianamoreira1326 apostar? nós só apostamos em futebol

[@littlejohnuk]

I think it's ok for artists to be unhappy with rehearsals. It's better to be unhappy at rehearsals than at the semis! Latvia did the right thing and Portugal should have kept the couch and done the same.

[@palavrasdeamoreesperanca]

According to Mimicat, the one that failed was the Eurovision production because they couldn't make the leds as RTP asked so they had to make the presentation from scratch. she deserves to pass it's not that bad and the music is one of the best in the semi final.

[@cultfiction3865]

I was very disappointed with how dark and empty minicat’s Staging looked but I still love the song. The problem is that it’s now gone from been a sure qualifier to a potential NQ. And if it does manage to get over the line, it may not do as well in the final as it could have done with better staging

[@jacksonreed4742]

It’s worth noting Käärijä had issues with his in ears during his second rehearsal

[@alecgault5016]

i’ve been soooo excited for your opinions!!! your analysis is always the best

[@lilypad7851]

I had the same reaction for Israel as you. Not a fan of the solo dance part, but the moment that followed was epic!

[@ofek72]

I think it's the camera angles

[@beandrag9019]

It’s a bit too much for my taste. But the people will live

[@OPeter-dh7ee]

It looked like she wanted to follow on Chanel footsteps

[@antonysantiago2874]

As usual, You made all the comments I was thinking and can't organize so well. Hope for Czequia and Portugal in the final. A bit surprised in a good way for Azerbaijan. Finland has to win!!! Greetings from Brazil.

[@g-ps]

I hope too: Mimicat in the final. Mimi😻 deserves it. 👍❤ 💞🇵🇹

[@antonysantiago2874]

@@g-ps Deus te ouça!

[@spyretto]

Finland or France to win, as long as Loreen loses. Nothing wrong with her song I just think that Sweden at ESC is almost always overrated. Spain is better.

[@antonysantiago2874]

@@spyretto , Swenden is always very good to produce radio friendly songs in english. Almost nobody hates then. And unfortunally the juries drop down the most different songs, like Konstrakta last year.

[@bazzi3473]

Switzerland looks and sounds amazing! 🤩

[@neconeconeco]

I agree with you pretty much everywhere! czechia sounds like they're singing the song with a " :) " emoji at the end of each phrase, maybe for the song to feel uplifting but I really miss that solemn strength that we had from their studio version. also wow, yeah, azerbaijan is really bringing something here - that twin power seems to be working its magic. there's a real, authentic vulnerable charm with the performance that actually really works for me.

[@ReeceChambers99]

My opinions are very similar to yours. As much as I think Sweden could still win comfortably, I really do think the momentum for Loreen is fading at just the wrong time. A few more tweaks for Finland and they really could emerge as the big contender next week.

[@Maidaseu]

Yup but in the final jury won't vote for Finland

[@eoinon]

My top 15 from Ireland: 1. Serbia 🇷🇸 2. Finland 🇫🇮 3. Israel 🇮🇱 4. Latvia 🇱🇻 5. Norway 🇳🇴 6. Moldova 🇲🇩 7. Portugal 🇵🇹 8. Czechia 🇨🇿 9. Switzerland 🇨🇭 10. Croatia 🇭🇷 11. Sweden 🇸🇪 12. Malta 🇲🇹 13. Netherlands 🇳🇱 14. Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 15. Ireland 🇮🇪

[@g-ps]

Mimicat: Ai coração 👍🇵🇹

[@katarinaradovic159]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FROM SERBIA

[@cjnge6828]

então não vai ser a Suécia que vai ganhar?

[@Wavy77]

With Czechia what I'm seeing is that have been quite eager on making the transition from a studio sound to a live sound, trying out different concepts. Now the way I see it studio, live and a TV setting are three different types of settings soundwise. The sound they're trying to recreate from the studio version is quite complex with all the harmonies, and it will take a while to get it just right. The development from their first live performance to their last was also quite remarkable. Now they've grown accustomed to a more heavy live sound where you typically need to scream and use your voice in a heavier way to a softer TV sound, where the use of microphone is more intimate and delicate. In this clip they've using a little too much energy from what I can hear. They might also be slightly nervous about the setting since they've worked quite a lot to get the blend of voices. Now if they can tone it down a notch in their next rehearsal maybe they can get more of that delicate dynamics back. I'm not sure, but I'm hoping. Also I don't think this take was too bad. They were pretty much spot on, just a little too eager.

[@connorjohnnn]

Re Czechia there is soooooo much reverb and so many layers in the studio version I don’t even know if it’s physically possible for the girls to recreate it live. I was actually expecting worse vocally 🙈 so I think they sounded good. The lead singer also has a nice voice but quite a light, pretty voice, definitely not powerful, so I just don’t think it’s ever going to sound like the studio track but I do still think they will qualify. Sweden what are you doing. Darker, more smoke, more reverb on the mic. Easy.

[@turtellok4964]

also the people voting won't know how the studio version sounds

[@jutjubow]

@@turtellok4964 A lot of them would know though.

[@turtellok4964]

@@jutjubow no they wouldn't, casual viewers see the performances and hear the songs for the first time

[@theincomparablemess]

Israel Sweden Finland my faves. Gosh this is probbably the strongest semifinal we could have imagined😅

[@sarahenchanted]

what i WANT to qualify: Finland, Moldova, Norway, Malta, Serbia, Croatia, Israel, Sweden, Portugal, Czechia (Latvia honorable mention) what i THINK will qualify: Finland, Sweden, Moldova, Norway, Croatia, Israel, Switzerland, Serbia, Czechia, Malta Portugal's broadcaster did Mimicat dirty with not providing literally anything prop or LED wise so sadly I think they might NQ :////

[@Luzitanium]

time to remove the broadcaster from eurovision.

[@beandrag9019]

I really hope Latvia qualifies💖🇱🇻

[@silviahannak3213]

Ehm no, sorry. Can't see that. Boring.

[@beandrag9019]

@@silviahannak3213 okay

[@kamilak.1248]

Me too. This is pure art.

[@ESCSenoir]

Too boring and basic

[@madreviolo]

@@ESCSenoir how exactly is it basic? it's literally one of the most experimental songs this year.

[@alionele]

Agree they need to fix Käärijä’s mic/sound issues other wise everything looks perfect!

[@hippopotamusbosch]

🇳🇱 Mia and Dion sound clearly in their chest voices to me. I’d save judgement for what they sound like during the climax of the track. 🤞

[@dk240996]

Poor poor Mimicat. RTP seriously couldn't spring her the budget for the couch? Come on now.

[@arvinroidoatienza7082]

She already said before. The couch belongs to RTP. She's not bringing it.

[@dk240996]

@@arvinroidoatienza7082 ... unless I'm getting something lost in translation, please tell me you're not trying to imply that they couldn't have simply, you know, GOTTEN A DIFFERENT COUCH?

[@arvinroidoatienza7082]

@@dk240996 Or perhaps she doesn't want to include one in her Liverpool performance?

[@dk240996]

@@arvinroidoatienza7082 yeah that, while not a choice I'd personally make, is at least something I can understand as a choice. But if it really was a case of a couch being too much of a budget strain, that'd be just ridiculous.

[@arvinroidoatienza7082]

@@dk240996 Or she doesn't want to include one?

[@hippopotamusbosch]

Sweden needs to tighten their camera angles and light the snow less. Correction *smoke not snow

[@GEMINICT]

Sweden's show did not work for me and I think her voice was a bit brittle and off in places.

[@nathanhubball]

Moldova and Croatia, I'm praying!!🥳🥳

[@GEMINICT]

Excellent comments - I basically agree with everything and find them to be very constructive. I thought Azerbaijan really improved (to the point it might get through). From the clips it seems Finland was well ahead of the other entries (personal choice). Please get properly better and thank you for the video and look forward to more.

[@Doivid297]

I have to say, everyone's bringing their A-game, which is awesome. Yeah, there are some duds, but I still think all the delegations deserve a round of applause. My thoughts, as they come back to me: - Portugal just seems... flat. I was expecting a big burst of energy and flavour, but got disappointed. Not sure whether the clip they chose just doesn't do it justice or they decided to go very simple, but I'm also less convinced about its chances (even if it does qualify, it wouldn't be troubling anyone I don't think). - Israel has gone up my estimations A LOT. It's a shame she didn't sing that bit, but I do think it's because the bit of choreo that they chose to highlight is very complex (that's a snippet done right). This could get top 5 in the final, it's the dance-song entry that doesn't overly impress alone, but is elevated tenfold by staging (like Spain last year or "Fuego"). Have to give her fans credit where it's due for this, they've been saying it all along. - Malta's boys have glammed up their NF staging. I think we should qualify, they've convinced me enough, but I shan't hold my breath. Either way - I'm happy pappy 😀 - The Scandinavians are all fine, although I see people are disappointed with Sweden. Seems less impressive than it did at Melfest, but I can't say much more about it. Best to wait for Tuesday for this one. Finland looks and sounds great to me, agreed that they're probably the winner of the semi. Norway is ok, but as RAJC pointed out in his review, I think she's a touch too serious here. The outfit is outrageous, but that's kind of the idea I think. - Switzerland REALLY impressed me - they managed to keep it simple and effective, he's this semi's dark horse for sure. - Azerbaijan did a very good job of presenting their song in a way that is charmingly vintage and effective. I still don't think they're qualifying, but it might be more borderline than we'd imagined. - Can't see a way out for Ireland or the Netherlands. Neither were god-awful, but I cannot honestly say I liked them either, sadly. The harmonies in the latter especially just don't mix. The first thing I thought of when I saw Ireland was Spandau Ballet's song "Gold", and immediately wanted to switch songs. - Latvia... I mean, as a song it needs nothing really, and vocals were on point, but is it perhaps a touch too simple? I hope they qualify, but I'm a little worried, ngl 😞 - Ex-Yugo (Serbia and Croatia) have brought the quirkiness. I think both are fine, although Croatia's momentum has a very weird tendency to switch with every passing day. And yeah, slight timing issue. - Moldova looks great. I'm quite sure he'll Q, and I'm glad, was beginning to worry. - Czechia is probably a Q, but still very much on the fence for me. Vocals and the rap are perfectly fine, but I dunno, I was expecting something else, maybe something even more eccentric. Only one I don't really know if I enjoyed it or not. So to sum up, based purely on what I saw today, the five going out are Latvia (sob), Portugal, Ireland, Azerbaijan and Netherlands. Czechia also potentially NQ, with either Latvia or Portugal being its most likely substitute. We'll have to wait and see... Enjoy semi 1 live from the arena, you 🥳

[@progger9010]

Lord of the Lost have uploaded a full (metal) cover now of Finland's Cha Cha Cha. It's cool, TPA maybe you want to check it out? 🙂

[@CorinMusic2012]

Love your analysis!!!

[@beandrag9019]

Amazing video as always

[@coolbrad1066]

Hi Rachel, will you do a live reaction of the qualifying countries of Semi 1 from the arena?

[@ThePeaceAround]

I will! Hopefully the sound will be okay :)

[@Ixistant]

Amazing insight as always! I know you said about Croatia's lead singer being out of time with the backing track but that isn't their backing track, it's their second live vocalist who is carrying the missiles. I'm hoping that makes it an easier fix because I've wortried about their lead singer's vocals previously while their second vocalist has always sounded good, and the lead sounded fantastic in the clip!

[@stonesderek6047]

The point of releasing these clips is not just for audience but to gain valuable advice like you. I hope the teams would check out your video to change the staging a little bit

[@Milvusmilvus-jo8vq]

Thank you for your comment. Greetings from Croatia! Good luck Let 3! We love you! 💗

[@colinafobe2152]

huge nq alarm for Portugal, q signs for Malta. sure to q in my opinion: Nor, Ser, Cro, Isr, Mda, Swe (only for past glory nothing absolutely nothing else), Cze and Fin. secure nq Ire and Aze

[@n_mcg]

azerbaijan's clip made it jump up like 15 spots in my ranking like it looks so cute

[@neilonaniet]

That clip made it go backwards for me. Definitely not qualifying.

[@ESPirits87]

Loreen's original roof weighed 1.5 tonnes, something the british couldn't handle, so obviously it's gonna look cheaper.

[@BrianMadden2306]

These are tech rehearsals, the vocals aren't supposed to be amazing. They'll want to save their voices

[@archienoyce2453]

i quite like portugals, but i agree the monochromaticness of the outfits and stage is such a fumble. if she doesnt get in tho ill cry shes amazing

[@hippopotamusbosch]

🤞 If the WIX SEO advert worked on its topography and color palette, it just might make it to the ESC finals.

[@achnix3167]

The camera movements feel very slow somehow? Makes most of these performances look a bit low energy

[@mariakaplanelli4506]

Hello Rachel ! love your videos as always and i agree with most of what you said.Czechia is my favourite this and i am very worried about it. the staging is quite creative with the hair and the choreography but i would have prefered to do something more colorful. in the video clip each member of the band had a different persona( i don't know if this the right word, maybe character) and a different color pallet but now it is monotonous and flat when it comes to the led .I believe it looses part of its uniqueness. i think the vocals are quite good but i also worry about how the choreography will affect their vocals.

[@SaveOurChildren7]

Mimcat is my favorite, Portugals budget can't afford the LEDS. Poor mimi, she's so talented.

[@achnix3167]

I think with Malta, they just straight up didnt show the camera from the side when they enter the car, for some reason, maybe technical error ...why use that clip then though? But thats why it looked very static

[@keldeori3059]

Also by the look of the comments I think Serbia is getting momentum. 🎉 Or is just my perception.

[@ayumisanyuki7116]

most of them were serbians, it is still possible shock nq

[@EmoBearRights]

​@@ayumisanyuki7116 Possible but I'd say unlikely - with televoters being memorable is important and love it or hate it it's definately that.

[@ayumisanyuki7116]

@@EmoBearRights which is why there's still a possibility of shock nq, unlike konstrakta entry it is alienating but it makes you curious, this one ain't it.

[@johnny11415]

I agree with nearly everything you said, of course they are just rehearsals for sure they will make adjustments if needed.

[@neilonaniet]

Am I the only one who thinks that Loreen is struggling hitting some of her notes in the chorus? The first iPhone rehearsal clips sounded bad enough, but I feel that she has nowhere to hide now, and she's going to be required to belt this song out several more times next week before the final. I'm still not convinced that she's going to run away with it this year, especially based on what I've seen so far. I worry about Portugal now too. I have no idea why they ditched the sofa idea - without it, it's just some women walking around a huge stage with not much else to catch your attention. Azerbaijan - I didn't think it would qualify before this, and now I'm sure it won't. It's just DULL, and they're on between Loreen and Vesna. Good luck with that, lads ... Talking of Vesna, I just hope that they're saving a lot of their attack for the actual competition. I think a lot of acts are doing it (I've seen people saying that Loreen is deliberately singing below par in the rehearsals, but why would she do that?). If they can't up their game, it may not do as well as a lot of people are hoping. Finland - the overall winner as it stands (in my humble opinion🙂)

[@Dds123-l3z]

Loreen never sings ”good” at rehearsel cause her songs usually needs much power, so she is smart enough to save it. What do you mean about ”hiding”, are you assuming she cant sing there are 1000 osv videos proving she can lol. She is a big artist in Sweden, she has singing live at the Polarpriset for people like Simon Garfunkel so dont worry about her greatness

[@neilonaniet]

@@Dds123-l3z And yet most of the others seem to be able to sing perfectly at the rehearsals from what I've seen. That's the funniest thing I've read all day 🙂

[@Dds123-l3z]

@@neilonaniet you mean theyre easy sing along songs? 😂 No one has a belting song like Loreens

[@neilonaniet]

@@Dds123-l3z Estonia, Lithuania, Iceland, Portugal. Have you heard their vocals? Of course you have. Perfect belting, without any struggles. Loreen isn’t better than any of those four, I feel (as it stands).

[@Dds123-l3z]

@@neilonaniet we can agree ro disagree, you are not familiar with Loreens work outside Eurovision so does not matter what I say 😃 i just dont like people speaking down on artists like you did in your comment. But it has been the same with all Kärijä fans , have a nice evening!

[@chootanf]

i agree so much with your opinion on portugal. It was such a big let down, like where's the backing vocals? the staging is basically no where and the lights aren't doing much. The NF is definitely a lot better, like, miles better!

[@intensemint7800]

I liked her NF's red and black outfit more than this. Could've maybe tweaked the ruffles a bit but the black pants were great! This red on red drowns them in the background too much.

[@Ita.Paperwhite]

Portugal had nothing (they claim it's because of funding) and my own country Norway looks quite corny. I'm a color nerd and the colors on stage are a mismatch with her green outfit. To me it's a mess. We always, without fail, bring the blue lights and it's not always a good choice. The costume is ill fitting and I agree about the crown. For some reason Norway is always hesitant about using the led screens (I saw an interview with the head of delegation and the answer is always that "simple is best"). I do not agree. This song had so much potential with creative, mystic led screens. Malta looked more expensive than Norway to me and Switzerland especially was amazing! I'm starting to love Remo & the song and interpret the lyrics in a broader (good) way. Israel is not my kind of song but looked incredible! Latvia is classy, my number 3, but I think it'll fade away in people's memories. I'm sad already as it's one of the best compositions this year. I'm starting to like Azerbaijan. So cute! Sweden will fix many of their problems as they're perfectionists. But the "box" does not look good and no matter how good Loreen sings I have to say there are songs just as good or better. I loved Moldova's staging. Worried for my early favorite Czechia. I love the styling but something, like you said, is lacking. Armenia has replaced them as one of my favorites but I can't get the Czech music video out of my head. They were my number 1 at one point.

[@SLOWMONUTKICK]

Stop repeating this thing about the funding. Portugal had LED's that were created by the BBC and the team didnt like the resulting LEDs after the stand in rehearsals and without much time left, Mimicat had to make the best out of lighting and ensure that her performance has enough energy and charisma to get them through.

[@Ita.Paperwhite]

@@SLOWMONUTKICK I was repeating what I was told. I never said Mimicat isn't going through. I said they had close to nothing on stage. That's all. I think I was criticising my own country much, much more?

[@markojovanovic5901]

Nahh serbias font is perfect as representijg old videogame. Serbi, isreal and finland best of semi 1

[@TheDersertAir]

Have Ikea done Loreen's staging?

[@worsttaste.3464]

It's in their Fall 2023 collection, actually. In IKEA stores across Europe in August.

[@LAVIV007]

Tuesday is still far away. Many things can and will change. No easy bets. Coronation anyone?

[@elaineread15]

Rizatriptan for migraine I find helpful. I do find flashing lights on Eurovision a bit of a trigger.

[@CarlosalbertoLx]

Great Portugal... goo MImicat

[@Raffimac]

My only concern about huge staging production is : if the song is successful e you start to touring then how you can replicate that stage production every time at your gig? I mean ,it would be very expensive. I think that a song to be successful at 100% must be a great song also on a empty stage with too much "garnish" stuff.

[@phillippalee1966]

i think that Israel looks amazing - but it leaves me cold. Moldova looks home made but I really connect with the music.

[@EmoBearRights]

Moldova prove that you don't need shedloads of money to do effective staging although apparently Pasha did sell his car to help fund it. Moldova always does this or usually they just have good ideas and execute them well.

[@Luzitanium]

we portuguese are fed up with the constant low budget we get for eurovision by RTP, is time to get eurovision out of it and give it to a private broadcasting, at least private ones invest to win.

[@SLOWMONUTKICK]

Can you please stop, this has nothing to do with budget, mimicat has already explained what happened.

[@worsttaste.3464]

Oh wow, your captives were very quiet during filming this video

[@Maidaseu]

She's wearing a crown because she's the queen of the kings

[@keldeori3059]

Talking about Sweden, the majority of people probably didn't see the melodifestivalen performance, there are USUALLY more than 3M people that watch the show on KZbin, I don't know how many people on TV in each country, so yeah the fact that they shrink it won't affect her as much as some would assume. Still think Loreen will qualify just by the fact that she is Loreen. =)) also Portugal is such a let down, I hope they will be able somehow to qualify, I will vote Mimicat for sure, as my country is in the second semi. Let's hope for the best. PS I love your vids. ❤

[@perjus]

But if Loreen won't improve vocally, they are in trouble.

[@evipevi1973]

Don't worry. Loreens vocals are steady as a rock when it matters. It was the same at melfest. She saved her voice during rehearsals and BAM in every final she delivered 100 percent.

[@evipevi1973]

No Loreen will qualify because her entry is out of this world.

[@perjus]

@@evipevi1973 And boring AF

[@keldeori3059]

@@evipevi1973 Ah I was talking about the big screen in melodifestivalen and now, people won't compare it to anything. The vocal are not a problem.

[@UsernameUsername0000]

8:39 I don’t see the lead singer as the faulted party here. The backup singer shouting like that is.

[@ja1207]

I'm most impressed by Croatia (the dynamism of the LED and screen effects), Switzerland (the cinematics of this performance), Israel (nuff said) Most disappointed by Czechia (the way they're lazily moving those braids feels like a lack of energy to me)

[@androsdiamond]

The only solid performances from these clips in my opinion are Finland (I think it's gonna win the whole thing, even if i don't like the song) Switzerland (I don't like the song either but the staging is so well done, it's impactful) and Serbia (it looks great and I do like the song, I want it in the final and the camera angles seem great as well, better than the national final). Israel seems fine in general but the camera work needs to be done differently, emphasize the choreography especially the floorwork. Sweden is a huge downfall, with a package like this I can't see Loreen winning. They need to fix everything honestly, the magic from the melodifestivalen is long gone and it's a shame really. Moldova also looked better on the pictures they uploaded, here I feel like something is missing. Czechia's power is nowhere to be found at this point, that was underwhelming.

[@Hydrosfer]

For me, it is gonna be like that: Sure qualifiers: 1. Finland 2. Sweden 3. Israel 4. Serbia 5. Norway 6. Croatia 7. Czechia Borderline, but the first three are most likely to qualify: 8. Moldova 9. Malta 10. Portugal 11. The Netherlands 12. Ireland 13. Switzerland Not gonna make it: 14. Azerbaijan 15. Latvia

[@toallin5146]

I'm still on the Sweden boat. Kaarija is charismatic and I like the song but his voice is not winner worth it

[@albertor8303]

As usual spot on with your analisis Rachel!! 👌🏻 The 5 that I would leave out of the final judging by the rehearsals clips are: - Malta - Latvia - Ireland - Croatia - The Netherlands

[@jasminkagligorijevic113]

Top 3. Serbia Finland Szeshia

[@XivSara]

All the songs give me ??? Anwers in the future ... A place where anwers are Eurovision story goes

[@achnix3167]

Israel looks like a mess to me... The way its filmed amd lit... Actually all the action has doesnt make a great impact... And with the Netherlands i felt like the backing singer actually seemed louder than Mia and Dion

[@marsukarhu9477]

Go Nordics!!

[@dodola9955]

Everything is more or less the same as always. Except for Croatia and Serbia. 1. Croatia 2. Serbia, 3. Finland

[@dromeas89]

Sweden is the same food as Euphoria.I dont think the jury will support her. Mimicat has nice vocals but the cloth she is wearing is too 'heavy' i like to see another one.

[@turtellok4964]

I feel like Latvia should've changed their staging, I fear they won't stand out enough against the Netherlands who also went for a very intimate staging, but come so much later in the running order. I agree with you on Israel though, it looks epic, I just think they could use more lighting during her solo coreography. Also Czechia is pretty much my favorite, I especially love the rap part, I love the darkness of it. I also wouldn't be worried for their qualification, they have one of the strongest songs and a good staging and the people at home never saw the music video

[@ayumisanyuki7116]

the heck you talking about? only Latvia has the intimate camera shot in these snippets. they're a band, if they follow slovenia's staging they'll be considered the most boring in semi 1, if they follow czechia/san marino staging they lose their "indie rock" vibe, what they did in their staging is a perfect indie band set up.

[@turtellok4964]

@@ayumisanyuki7116 I just think the Netherlands are more likely to attract enough televoting points with this running order and I'm entitled to my opinion

[@ayumisanyuki7116]

@@turtellok4964 that's a different point though. the point I'm pointing out is there's nothing wrong with their staging.

[@turtellok4964]

@@ayumisanyuki7116 I disagree and I said why

[@ayumisanyuki7116]

@@turtellok4964 they went into intimate staging because it's an intimate song so you're insinuating to go for a staging similar to malta just to stand-out? is that your logic goes? the only advantage of the netherlands is going 2nd-last but that itself also is a disadvantage being sandwiched with 2 strong songs. if you want to comment on something make it make sense, so what are you trying to change in latvia's staging then?

[@carlarg9123]

Serbia is "artistic", would have been called weird AF in the past, I see a little of an "evil" "dark" "demoniac" vibe

[@triadafillos1]

Rachel, thanx a lot for another thorough and also music analysis! for me sure non Qualifiers are Latvia, Ireland, Netherlands. Possible non qualifiers: Croatia, Azerbaijan. Wish non Qualifiers: Sweden, Finnland(but i know, this is just wishful thinking)

[@nian60]

Semi 1 rehearsals. It is very difficult to judge the performances from such a short clip. Norway - I am relieved that they went with something similar to their NF, and not their music video. Malta - Looks OK to me. I'm slightly disappointed that they didn't pull out all the stops to try and qualify, but I seem to be the only one. Maybe they feel confident that they will qualify by giving 90% instead of giving 100%? Or they don't care about qualifying? Who knows. Serbia - Looks OK. I think it will qualify. Latvia - Doesn't stand out. Will struggle to qualify. Portugal - I like the new outfit. But it looks a bit basic. I miss the sofa. Surely they could have rented a sofa in Liverpool? They could have gone to a second hand shop and bought a cheap sofa. Or asked fans to donate a sofa. Ireland - A sure NQ. If they're not last, they'll be second to last. Croatia - I have had them as a Q, but now I'm not sure. They don't seem to have elevated and improved their staging. Unless they are hiding all the improvements. Switzerland - I dislike Sasha's habit of giving singers who are uncomfortable with dancing more elaborate dancing. It just looks unpleasant. Israel - I heard no singing, only the backing track, so I have no opinion here. Moldova - They have improved the staging. It now looks more interesting. His shoes in the NF were very distracting because they didn't fit with the rest of the style. Sweden - The thick brown edges on the panini press are very distracting. I think this is the only act that got worse from the NF's. Azerbaijan - Nice outfits. I'm still expecting an NQ. Czechia - I like the outfits. Vocals still not working for me. Borderline Q. Netherlands - Looks much better and less awkward than before. I still don't think the vocals are there. I expect an NQ. Finland - Very ambitious and risky staging. I am very nervous about it, but I hope it works. Fingers crossed.

[@SLOWMONUTKICK]

The sofa was an artistic choice it was not because they couldnt get the sofa.

[@nian60]

@@SLOWMONUTKICK Aha, OK. Thanks for the info. I think that was a mistake, they should have kept the sofa. But it is what it is.

[@lovisalindstrom7920]

War is a last resort, so it should be. So I don't find Switzerland to be an anti war song, it is just realistic. Staging can do a lot and cover up for a bad written song. Sexy dance moves in string is terribly pornograpic to me so the ones that do that will lose my vote. if you can dance and sing, why show every corner of your body? I sound like an old grandma, but for the love of god don't try to sell me a message of power to us ladies while at the same time selling sex, FALSE!! But hey, most of the songs that are now popular are just wow, it is nothing else and its boring. I do agree with you on Sweden, my country and i also think that she should not be the one to represent us this year. So yeah ill be watching with one eye closed and hope for a better ESC in 2024.

[@silviahannak3213]

Israel...wears Underwear or something from a Sex Shop IMO but everybody complains about Romania. Ugh. Others do it as well...but only a few get the Critics for it.

[@isabelandrade4839]

Mimicat doesn't need much more.😉 Ai 🫱❤🫲