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 Elina Nechayeva for Estonia. We have just watched their latest run through of La Forza live on screen and here is our initial reaction.
Staging
There are subtle camerawork changes for Estonia’s second rehearsal. The beginning of Elina’s performance begins using a wide shot of the stage but with only her upper body lit. The camera then switches to a close up of Elina’s face, which moves sideways to give the effect of Elina gliding across the screen. The dress is then revealed with its projections during the first chorus.
Throughout the performance, camera shots are cropped closer to Elina’s dress on stage which maximises the impression that the dress is filling the entirety of the stage rather than just the centre – a big improvement on the first rehearsal. Another key change is that the camera now focuses on Elina’s face longer as she sings the final note, before going to the above shot of the entire dress. As Elina performs the line before the final chorus, there are fast camera switches to match the vocal melody.
Camera shots in this performance: 45
Vocals
Elina’s vocals can’t be faulted, she pulls off this operatic piece with utmost precision.
Costume
As we expected, Elina is here with her magnificent projection dress. You all know what it looks like but, for those who do not, the dress extends all over the stage from Elina´s waist. The upper half of the dress is crystallised and purple in colour.
To qualify or not to qualify?
We have taken a flash poll from around the ESCXTRA table here in the press centre and 4 out of 6 of us say…
YES!
Watch the rehearsal!
Stay tuned for our reaction to EQUINOX as they rehearse Bones next for Bulgaria. 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.