ESCXTRA are live from Lisbon for day 5 of rehearsals ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest 2018! The countries rehearsing today, in chronological order, are Azerbaijan, Iceland, Albania, Belgium, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Israel, Belarus, Estonia, Bulgaria, F.Y.R. Macedonia, Croatia, Austria, Greece and Finland.

We’re streaming live from the press centre

Furthermore, read our handy guide for a more detailed look at this contest’s rehearsal schedule.
In addition, for our immediate reactions to every single rehearsal, you can follow our live stream from the press centre at the Altice Arena by visiting our YouTube channel.
The latest artist to rehearse for the second time is Saara Aalto for Finland. We have just watched their latest run through of Monsters live on screen and here is our initial reaction.

Staging

The concept is the same as in the first rehearsal. The lightning is better this time and the camera shots are more slick. Unfortunately some of the camera shots were still bit off.

Camera shots in this performance: 61

Vocal

Saara’s vocals were fine, even when she was upside down. The backing vocalists have improved their vocals from the first rehearsal and especially the chorus sounds great.

Costume

Saara is still wearing a black and shiny outfit consisting of thigh-high boots, a miniskirt-style dress. She also wears a silver, very expensive looking diamond necklace that extends to her waist. Her dancers are still wearing grey blazers with black harnesses and grey trousers.

To qualify or not to qualify?

We have taken a flash poll from around the ESCXTRA table here in the press centre and 6 out of 9 of us say…

YES!

Watch the rehearsal!

Press poll results from day 5 are coming soon. Meanwhile, remember to tune in to our live stream from the press centre for instant reactions to each rehearsal.