ESC Etc.

Cyprus
I…don’t think this is going to make it. I had my doubts just based on the track alone, but this staging isn’t doing it any favors. It lacks a theme or a story or a narrative, and the dance break looks like Silia is swatting flies with her hands? Why?!

Serbia
The through line with this second round of rehearsal is unnecessary wide shots. I think this is staged in a way that feels atmospheric and meaningful, but she’s so far away from the camera for so long for reasons that completely escape me, especially within the context of a song that feels so intimate and emotional.

Lithuania
This looks exactly like it did at the national final, which is fine because it already looked amazing then. I love the contrast between those two dominant colors, Silvester looks like he’s having a blast, and the wide shots here actually work in service of the choreography.

Ireland
Incredible. Perfect. Iconic. Savage. This is staged like a Eurovision winner. Obsessed with the extra production layers and sound effects in the track. I cannot wait for this one.

Ukraine
Stunning. Ukraine never disappoints. The color schemes feel warm and inviting, and Jerry walking up that ramp is a moment, especially with the LED backdrop of those droplets of light landing on the ground. That said, the camera work is all wrong – again, wide shots showing the prop in its entirety completely negate the illusion that we’re on the edge of a cliff with the artist. Do we need to see the step at the basis of the ramp?! No, we don’t.

Poland
This looks like so much fun. I don’t think we necessarily need the skirt reveal, and it takes Luna just a bit too long to position herself on top of the horse, but I did have to watch the clip twice to understand how they pulled that moment off. Another one I’m really looking forward to.

Croatia
This is an ESC winning staging package, so I really need them to fix this camera work that feels messy and uncoordinated. I absolutely love the colors, the styling, and how full the stage feels, but Marko is accidentally obstructing the two backup dancers in the transition shot before the EDM drop and stuff like this should not happen. Fix it.

Iceland
I don’t know what to say. Hera deserved better. This woman has been completely abandoned by her delegation that basically shipped her out to Sweden with a little platform and a questionable body suit with vaginal fringe. Where are the dancers from Söngvakeppnin? How could this look worse compared to the national final?

Slovenia
Wind machine!!! Honestly, I find this really impactful and appealing, but the lighting is a bit too bright to effectively convey the message of the song and the darkness of the production. Maybe it also needs a fog machine? I really wish Raiven would sing the lyrics in the climax as opposed to the operatic harmonies, but she sounds like a dream and she’s serving nonetheless.

Finland
We’re getting a copy/paste job from their performance at UMK. I can’t really be bothered with this, I’m afraid.

Moldova
This looks pretty and all, but I’m really sad they dropped the original concept of Natalia with her clones after the mixed reception it got in the national final. I thought it was absolutely striking. This is the last minute of the song, and it does look a bit static, even though she is stunning and obviously sounds amazing. Move up those angel wings!

Azerbaijan
I’m not saying these two men should make out (although…) but why do they need to be so far apart from each other? Anyway, staging looks striking even though I’m not sure what the purpose of the giant hands is (yet), and I’m kinda really there for Fahree’s interpretive arm dance. This doesn’t need all those panning shots.

Australia
For whatever reason, the didgeridoo player coming out on stage in traditional clothing got to me and made me emotional. This looks more like a concert performance, and I’m sensing budgeting restrictions are to blame for that, but I do think there is televote appeal to both the song and this staging package. Kill those wide shots!

Portugal
Same staging and styling from the national final. I am not crazy about it and I don’t think it’s doing the track any favors – it’s so blindingly white for no clear reason – but it’s clean and well executed and the lighting choices during the money note are effective.

Luxembourg
Eh. Another one that seems to lack a cohesive theme or story. I’m mainly disappointed with her styling – both the braids and the generic ASOS dress that’s giving off the rack – but I honestly don’t know how I would have brought this to life. It’s qualifying regardless, so it doesn’t really matter!

Best: Ireland
Needs the most improvement: Cyprus

(Featured Image: Alma Bengtsson)