ESCXTRA are live from Lisbon for day 2 of rehearsals ahead of the Eurovision Song Contest 2018! The countries rehearsing today, in chronological order, are F.Y.R. Macedonia, Croatia, Austria, Greece, Finland, Armenia, Switzerland, Ireland and Cyprus.
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 is Saara Aalto. We have just watched his first run through of Monsters live on screen and here is our initial reaction.
Staging
Saara has a substantially sized on-stage prop in the centre of the stage, consisting of two staircases and lots of LED lights. It has the effect of a spider’s web. She begins the performance on a platform connected to her on-stage contraption which spins around as in the Domino prop from UMK.
For the second verse, she moves onto the stage. Saara performs choreography with her four dancers which continues into the second chorus. In an unusual move for a first run through, there are pyro fountains for the beginning of the final chorus. Saara goes back onto her platform prop for the climax before falling off it to be caught by dancers for the finale.
Vocals
The X Factor Finland judge has consistently strong vocals as we’ve come to expect with Saara. However, she did seem to be holding back in this first run through. Saara’s female backing vocalists seem to be pitched higher to attempt to recreate the children’s choir sound.
Costumes
Saara is wearing a black and glittery outfit consisting of thigh-high boots, a miniskirt-style dress with flares. Saara also wears a silver, diamond necklace that extends to her waist. Her dancers, both male and female, are wearing grey blazers with black harnesses and grey trousers, but no shirts underneath their suits.
Watch the rehearsal!
Stay tuned for our reaction to Sevak Khanagyan as they rehearse Qami next for Armenia. If you want to know what to expect for the rest of the day, check out our rehearsal schedule here. Meanwhile, remember to tune in to our live stream from the press centre for instant reactions to each rehearsal.
