How is it so late already? Only two more rehearsals to go today!

Austria
One of the things I look forward the most every year is a song that I didn’t really notice in studio bringing a few minutes of unexpected magic on stage, and this year it’s Austria. I always say about those mellow, atmospheric songs that they can be amazing if the staging gets it right – but that it’s also hard to get the staging right for that kind of song.

Well, everyone, take a page out of Austria’s book. It’s mostly dark, but they create this look of floating lights, and the camera transitions really help to draw you in. Pænda brings honesty and vulnerability as well as stunning vocals – I knew she was good, but didn’t realize she was THAT good! Bonus points for her interacting with the triangles on the ceiling, too. It’s just mesmerizing. I still can’t actually say how this will do results-wise, because this semi has a lot of options for both the juries and the televoters, but I’m not complaining.

Sweden
In a shocking development, Sweden is essentially exactly the same as it was in Melodifestivalen, just with a higher quality backdrop and better camerawork. But it is what it always was and once again: whatever you thought about this before, just go right ahead and keep thinking here. Nothing new to add.

All images from eurovision.tv