Today, we’ll see the last eight acts from the second semi-final rehearse on the Eurovision stage in Ahoy, Rotterdam, the Netherlands for the first time. In the morning session, we first saw Tornike Kipiani followed by Anxhela Peristeri, The Black Mamba and VICTORIA.

Saturday and Sunday, we saw rehearsals from the acts competing in the first semi-final. Yesterday, we started on the second semi-finalists, and today, we finish with those. The last eight will rehearse today. The first four in the morning session, and after a lunch break we continue with the remaining four in the afternoon slot.

Let’s check out the rehearsals from these four countries. The article is being updated during each rehearsal so remember to come back or refresh to catch the latest news.

Contrary to other years, this time, the first run through of each rehearsal was closed. This is the one where they test vocals. After that, each country had two rounds which were available for the press to watch.

Georgia: Tornike Kipiani – You

Like Austria, Georgia have gone for very simple staging to match Tornike’s very calm song. In the beginning Tornike walks to the front on the stage, as a door of light closes behind him. He simply stands and sings the first verse under very dark staging. You see two stage hands roll a big rectangular box on stage, but obviously this will not be seen on the T.V. broadcast.

The sky opens up behind Tornike and he takes a seat on the box, which lights up pale blue. Natures fury is transmitted behind the singer. This staging really works, for what is a relaxing moment during the second semi final.  Something was not right about the vocal sound in the second run through so that will need fixed, but for now we wait and see how his second rehearsals will be later in the week.

You can see photos of Georgia’s rehearsal at eurovision.tv You can watch part of Tornike’s rehearsal below.

Albania: Anxhela Peristeri – Karma

Red smoke bellows from behind Anxhela as she starts her song. She is dressed in a glittery, very short body suit and high heels. Anxhela is singing very well indeed at the front of the stage.

And the staging? well it’s just a lot of coloured clouds changing colour and the spotlights flashing on and off. That’s it, nothing else. If Anxhela has brought backing singers they are very good, also if they are pre recorded, they too are great.

But if you were looking for boombastic and dancers here you’ve had it. The star here is Anxhela herself. A great performance of the song.

On the second run through there was more smoke effects with Anxhela’s hand movements creating shapes and the stage was filled with more colour, but she still had her excellent vocals. This could be one to watch heading to the finals.

You can see photos of Albania’s rehearsal at eurovision.tv and watch Anxhela’s rehearsal video below

Portugal: The Black Mamba – Love Is On My Side

The performance starts out in black and white, but it is very appropriate for this song, and really suits the feel of it. When the colour comes in, the stage is blue with hints of red in places. The performance is very low-key with this band being another victim, that they can’t play their instruments and are therefore restricted to just mime playing.

A very nice moment happens in the background, where the stage opens up to a gold setting and an imaginary orchestra is seen playing. This gives the performance an extra touch of class. Images of gold lampposts with a lady walking down, supposedly the old lady that the song is about, also adds a nice touch to the visuals.

 You can see photo’s of Portugal’s rehearsal at eurovision.tv You can watch Black Mamba’s rehersal clip below.

Bulgaria: VICTORIA – Growing Up Is Getting Old

There’s some very clever staging going on here, as VICTORIA appears to be sitting on a platform very high above the stage, while water flows below her. She has a picture beside her, let’s presume its herself and her dad.

VICTORIA sings this really well, taking her songs in small doses giving time to appreciate them, she really knows how to carry a song, and as a result has just, with this performance, out herself into the front runners again.

She stands and walks about the raised platform for part of the song, and the vocals never falter one bit.

 You can see the photos of Bulgaria’s rehearsal at eurvision.tv. You can watch the video of VICTORIA’s rehearsal below.