Grüezi! The Building Bridges Podcast is live on site at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, and once again and we are reporting from the first Dress Rehearsal, live from inside the St. Jakobshalle in Basel.
Press at this first dress rehearsal were banned from sharing pictures and video. The most recent updates are at the top of the page:
👋 Kiss Kiss, Goodbye everyone!
Now the press have been asked to leave the arena, as the interval acts and the new voting sequence are supposed to remain a surprise for the big live show. However, we at Building Bridges will follow tonight’s second Dress Rehearsal and report back from Basel with more updates.
Thank you all for joining today, we’ll be back on Wednesday to give you a sneak peak of Semi Final 2!
📼 RECAP
Now Sandra and Hazel thank all performers of the night. They once again explain how the voting works and then open the voting lines. The first recap of the night is shown.
15 🇨🇾 CYPRUS • Theo Evan – Shh
Without a doubt the most elaborate choreography of the night. Theo and his dancers start in the famous da Vinci pose, as they are hanging on to a metal cage. The entire performance has Theo and his dancers climbing around the metal bars, while he never misses a single note. It is a very clever performance, playing with camera techniques and visuals. Finally, Theo ends with his “Shh” pose.
Automatic Qualifier 🇨🇭 SWITZERLAND • Zoë Më – Voyage
Sandra and Hazel are back now, explaining the Rest Of The World vote to the viewers and then welcoming Zoë Më to her home city, as her postcard starts rolling.
Just like with Lucio, the mic was not turned on immediately. This needs to be fixed by tonight’s jury show!
This performance is clearly made for the television audience, as the arena is completely dark and Zoë can barely be seen by the audience, as camera crew are constantly surrounding her. However, she sounds absolutely gorgeous. Her live vocals are even better live than in the studio. Finally, she gets off her chair and the camera and lights get shaky as she repeatedly sings “faire un voyage” – it all concludes in a beautiful spotlight, as the audience becomes visible and for the first time tonight, is advised to turn on their phone flashlights.
14 🇭🇷 CROATIA • Marko Bošnjak – Poison Cake
Marko is wearing his large fur coat, which makes him look like an evil king. The stage is colored in a bright green, with some fire elements. During the first chorus, the light switches from a poisonous green to a dangerous red. With every second, the camera gets more shaky, giving the viewer a feeling that the poison is slowly working. Marko is joined by four girl dancers who are wearing black and white lumps. Finally, Marko belts out his high notes and loses his coat, revealing an elegant and puffy white shirt. A major upgrade from Dora.
13 🇳🇱 NETHERLANDS • Claude – C’est la vie
This is another performance which creates a very intimate feeling, especially during the beginning of the song. Claude is alone in the dark, only highlighted by one spotlight. At the second chorus his dancers join him and dance in circles around him. A flower backdrop appears during the “La vie en rose” part. This sounds absolutely flawless in the arena and nothing like the rehearsal clip. Maybe Claude is a better concert than television performer?
12 🇦🇱 ALBANIA • Shkodra Elektronike – Zjerm
Another very popular entry with the press, as Kolë and Beatriçe already get loud cheers before setting foot on stage.
Beatriçe is walking down the catwalk like the absolute queen she is. The entire stage, including the frame, is lit in red and black, Albania’s national colors. While Beatriçe is singing, Kolë is shown hitting the drums, triggering a huge vibrating bass sound. As Beatriçe is doing her iconic SHNDRIT SHNDRIT dance, the audience is going crazy. Kolë takes the stage, as his side of the screen is gray. His voice is barely heard in the arena though, as he raps his bit very quietly. Beatriçe is giving even more though and as the song title suggest, we are getting a lot of zjerm (fire) on stage. The final pose shows Beatriçe in the spotlight, highlighting her dress in a majestic pose. This is definitely the most popular in the arena so far!
11 🇸🇲 SAN MARINO • Gabry Ponte – Tutta l’Italia
Gabry’s DJ mixer is positioned right in the center of the stage. This entry lives off the audience’s reaction, so naturally it will feel a lot more impactful in a full stadium, but this performance can definitely be enjoyed through television too. The backdrop mocks Italian stereotypes but unlike Tommy Cash, it does so in a very charming way. Even the anonymous singers have strongly improved their vocals since the national final. While the stage still feels empty at some points, it is probably just due to the low amount of people in the arena. This remains an earworm for sure.
10 🇦🇿 AZERBAIJAN • Mamagama – Run with U
Our trio is starting their performance inside an orange half-circle. The drummer and the guitarist are positioned inside said half-circle prop while the front singer is moving around the stage with three dancers. The entire stage is lit in a dark-orange, red-ish color, obviously representing the land of fire. While this is a well choreographed number, it is the first entry so far with some shaky vocal moments. Hopefully they will be fixed by the live show. All in all, the visuals have a lot of similarity with the Norwegian ones.
BREAK ☕
Another small break, as Hazel and Sandra goof around with some Eurovision themed stuff toys, including Dustin the Turkey or Dihaj’s horse as hand puppets. They go on to show a compilation of some of the most iconic Eurovision props.
Automatic Qualifier 🇮🇹 ITALY • Lucio Corsi – Volevo essere un duro
As they are setting up Italy’s props, Hazel explains once again why the Big 5 are pre-qualified and announces that Italy is next.
Lucio’s mic was not on during the first seconds of the song. A mishap that can and should not happen during the live broadcast. He starts his performance on the piano, in his yellow shoulder padded top with sparkles. The 70s inspirations are very evident in this performance as the props are two huge, 1970s radio speakers in brown. Finally, Lucio gets up to the mic-stand and plays the guitar, joined by his other singer. This song has a lot more energy live compared to the television performances. Clearly a rock song made for concerts. On screen, you will also see the lyrics of the song translated to English, undermining the emotional background of the song. Finally, Lucio plays a third instrument, as he pulls out a harmonica which Lucio seems to be playing live. A breach of rules or a very authentic playback?
09 🇧🇪 BELGIUM • Red Sebastian – Strobe Lights
While the postcard is still running, Red Sebastian and his performers are already clearly visible in the dark arena, with their prominent red looks. This has had a major upgrade since Eurosong. Seppe starts out alone on stage but he fills the entire stage. Once again, the bass is hitting very hard. This performance is also the first one to make proper use of the frame and every single camera shot feels like it’s telling a story. While only the very front part of the stage is used, it feels like a very clever way to bring this song to life, as it gives an intimate and dark feeling until it explodes in the final chorus and Red Sebastian takes us to a rave. His dancers are going absolutely crazy during the finale and it almost feels like a Shum moment. This manages to equally please television viewers, as well as the crowd inside the arena.
08 🇳🇴 NORWAY • Kyle Alessandro – Lighter
This is probably the performance that has changed the least compared to its national final performance. Kyle is still in his knight armour suit and the LED as well as the rock prop from MGP are still there and used exactly the same way. As always, Kyle gives a very slick and professional performance. Every movement and every vocal moment is perfectly timed. One outstanding difference from MGP: there is A LOT MORE FIRE. It’s getting really warm in the arena now.
07 🇵🇹 PORTUGAL • NAPA – Deslocado
Just like with Spain, a lot of Portuguese media is here, getting excited for their entry to take the stage. The front singer of NAPA is walking towards the camera in a golden, sunrise-looking light, with his guitar. He then joins the rest of the band, who are already positioned in front of the stage. Another catwalk moment, as the three guitarists walk front and back. The backdrop has no clear theme for this one, we see a NYC inspired skyline, then an airplane flying in between some clouds, then some planets and finally a sunset by the ocean, as the song slowly fades out.
06 🇸🇪 SWEDEN • KAJ – Bara bada bastu
KAJ start their show by a campfire, grilling a “korv”. While it is similar to Melodifestivalen, the scenery looks a lot more expensive and very high quality. The backdrop shows a Swedish forest and the LED floor is full of autumn leaves. The words “Yksi, kakse, kolme, sauna” go through the arena with an enormous loud beat. This is another entry sure to make the entire arena shake. Unexpectedly, we get a firework moment towards the end, before the crazy lazer show starts during the final chorus. This is definitely the most popular in the hall so far. The whole performance looks like a clip from a Hollywood musical movie, with expensive pyros, props and a lot of show.
05 🇺🇦 UKRAINE • Ziferblat – Bird of Pray
The female vocalist starts in a dark, foggy light as she is doing her iconic, bird-like opening of the song. The band is wearing their iconic, hippie inspired outfits in pink, turquoise and blue. This is the act which is making the most use of the catwalk so far, as the entire band keeps walking up and down in an elegant manner. The entire performance has a late 1960s Woodstock feeling towards it and the foggy vision makes you feel like you inhaled some of the hippie smoke yourself. We end with one more stunning vocal moment, as the stage is colored into neon lights.
Automatic Qualifier 🇪🇸 SPAIN • Melody – Esa diva
Melody is starting her performance in a white spotlight, with only her shadow visible. She is wearing a black hat and a gigantic black dress, which is ripped off her just moments after it becomes visible. Suddenly, a huge curtain is coming up, as she changes into her next outfit: her golden glitter body suit. She is taking the catwalk with her dancers, as the curtain falls off and reveals a gray staircase. The LED looks like she’s on a giant rock. Moments later, she is standing on top of the stairs, as fireworks rain down on her. Just before the song ends, she gets flipped over by one of her male dancers one last time. The crowd, consisting of many Spanish journalists, is going crazy once again.
BREAK ☕
Our first ad break for some of the viewers, as Sandra and Hazel present some of the most iconic Swiss songs. Of course, the iconic DJ Bobo and his Eurovision appearance gets mentioned here, among other, very famous songs who come from Switzerland.
Now the Big 5 rule is explained to the Eurovision noobs, as Melody for Spain is announced to take the stage.
04 🇪🇪 ESTONIA • Tommy Cash – Espresso Macchiato
The big frame in front of the stage reads Tommy Cash in golden letters, while the LED shows the “Winners Café” already shown in the rehearsal clip. As the chorus sets in, Tommy is doing his memorable Futterwacken inspired dance from Eesti Laul. His dancers play a much bigger part in the choreography now though, as they constantly lift him up or form a chair with their bodies for Tommy to sit on. In the second chorus, there is a huge plot twist though, as one of the dancers takes off their security guard form and reveals to be somebody else. Without spoilers, it will seem like a stage invasion, but it is definitely rehearsed. This is still absolutely bonkers, but has the lowest reaction from the press so far.
03 🇸🇮 SLOVENIA • Klemen – How Much Time Do We Have Left
Klemen’s postcard has already finished, but the team is still busy carrying Justyna’s stuff away…
Here we go, the arena is suddenly very dark. Only a few single lights are illuminating Klemen in this very intimate song. The first chorus is supported by some family photos in the backdrop. Klemen always knows where the camera is and looks right into our souls. He is singing the second chorus from upside down and just like Justyna, he is seemingly flying in the air. This is a big stand-out after two very energetic performers. For the final chorus, Klemen’s wife is entering the stage in a white dress. They hold onto each other as Klemen sings his last note.
02 🇵🇱 POLAND • Justyna Steczkowska – Gaja
Justyna starts her performance standing closely together with her dancers. The LED shows a huge planet and universe-themed imagery. There are already fireworks during the first chorus. Justyna bends down as she shouts out GAJA for the first time. The iconic spinning movement in the second chorus is still there and of course Justyna doesn’t miss a single note. Song 2/2 with a surprise violin moment as well. Seemingly out of nowhere, Justyna is hanging onto two ropes from the ceiling and becomes elevated. The dragon from the LED is now spitting fire, as Justyna drops down to the floor and runs across the catwalk to her dancers. The LED shows the final parts of the lyrics, as we end with one last blast of fire! 🔥
01 🇮🇸 ICELAND • Væb – Róa
Our charming Icelandic boys open the show with a lot of energy. The LED shows an ocean with a big lighthouse. They are still wearing their iconic silver suits from the national final but everything has had a massive upgrade. Out of nowhere a boat appears, they hop in, and start rowing. Despite the small amount of people in the arena, the crowd is absolutely eating this up. They end with violins and even more energy. The crowd is chanting “Róa” fanatically, as Væb is written in silver letters on the LED screen.
As the opening act ends in a dramatic finish, the narrator’s voice is welcoming us home and introduces our hosts, Hazel and Sandra, who enter the stage. Sandra is wearing a beautiful neon yellow body suit, while Hazel is wearing a colorful blazer made out of glitter. In an old tradition, they thank Malmö 2024 for the great show and draw similarities between Petra and Malin and themselves. A short clip of Sandra’s Eurovision performance from 1995 is shown, as Hazel congratulates her on a terrific 5th place. There is also a very subtle joke about Sandra’s and Hazel’s age difference. Finally, the 15 acts are shown with their running order numbers and we hear the epic words “Let the Eurovision Song Contest begin!”.
Here we go. The traditional Te Deum Eurovision theme starts playing and the press gets excited. We start with an intense thunder noise and dancers in a gray environment. A lady in a traditional Swiss dirndl dress takes the spotlight, while yodeling. Behind her, we see a lot of people in traditional Swiss costumes on top of a hill, each of them with an Alphorn. The traditional alpine sounds are blended with intense thunder sounds and a strong bass that is shaking up the arena. A man and a woman are playing the traditional “Hackbrett” instrument. Finally, the stage is lighting up and a stunning LED backdrop of a mountain landscape in beautiful dawn is showing. Any person who did not get it up until now: We are in Switzerland this year!
Our first host, Hazel Brugger, is entering the stage to warm up “the most awkward crowd she has ever seen”. She is now testing the audience’s response and is more satisfied with the energy of the press audience, compared to the delegation’s audience. Hazel is encouraging the audience to cheer for the second host, Sandra Studer, who is now entering the stage.
A significant change this year has to do with the Green Room, which is located on the opposite side of the stage, giving the contestants a full frontal view on the stage, while the audience can see both the Green Room on one side and the stage on the other side.
Before the show even begins, we already notice the stunning stage. Purple, turquoise and pink lights are flashing everywhere and millions of little hearts create the illusion of forming mountains in the shape of the Swiss Alps.
Let us know in the comments or on social media what performance you’re most looking forward to, and who you think will qualify! Follow our social media profiles @buildingbridgespod as we’ll be updating you live from Basel all week!
Title photo credit: Alma Bengtsson / EBU
Building Bridges Eurovision Podcast - buildingbridgespod.com 
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