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 Ieva Zasimauskaitė for Lithuania. We have just watched their latest run through of When We’re Old live on screen and here is our initial reaction.
Staging
There are a few subtle changes in this second rehearsal for Ieva. There are a lot more camera close-ups for Ieva throughout the performance. Ieva has a sensational level of camera connection, singing right to those watching at home. The holograms are also much improved, which are mostly transparent and only flash up for a second each.
At the beginning of the performance, the camera begins behind Ieva who sits on stage looking out to the audience. There is initially no lighting except for a spotlight, no doubt the audience will light up the camera shot behind Ieva. The holograms show all types of love, whether it be a couple or a family.
For the final chorus, Ieva moves onto the staircase and belts her song out from the bridge. Once again, Ieva’s husband then joins Ieva for the final lines of the song which are sung in Lithuanian. Yet again, big applause from the press centre.
Camera shots in this performance: 34
Vocals
Ieva’s vocals are spot on, with lots of emotion and a unique quality that no other singer this year possesses.
Costume
Ieva is still wearing a pastel pink costume consisting of a silky long skirt and a boatneck netted t-shirt.
To qualify or not to qualify?
We have taken a flash poll from around the ESCXTRA table here in the press centre (yes, most of us went to watch Ieva live in the arena!) and 4 out of 4 of us say…
YES!
Watch the rehearsal!
Stay tuned for our reaction to Netta as they rehearse TOY next for Israel. 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.
