The Dutch song is already a fan favourite in some quarters and they took to the stage for the first time today. They intended to set Europe afire with a memorable performance.
The Dutch rehearsal didn’t start as wellas expected due to some technical problems. But more of that later. The stage hands also had their work cut out, bringing a large number of metal dishes on legs onto the stage. As we found out during the final run through, these would contain fire.
None of the Dutch were in costume apart from the head-dress Joan was wearing. She has the guitar that we saw her with at the Dutch national final. Joining her on stage is, firstly, one female backing singer with a tambourine. There is also a band of five men playing a violin, banjo, guitar and accordian. They start the song at the edge of the stage and join Joan at the end.
The backdrop at the start of the song was flames underneath fluttering blue streamers. During the song this changed to a kaleidoscope effect of patterns that looked native American. It could be that they are trying both to see which is best.
The technical problems revolved around Joan’s ear piece. Some attempts at a run through were halted because the backing track she heard was the wrong volume. These were sorted out eventually and she sounded pretty good as a result. Some journalists were however saying that it didn’t come across well on the screen in the press centre. They still have time to resolve these little issues.
Below you can see a a 3D video of Joan’s first rehearsal, and of course stay tuned for a report of her second rehearsal in a few days’ time.
