Eurovision 2025 rehearsals Day 2: Eight semi-final one countries take the stage for 1st rehearsal

• The Eurovision 2025 rehearsals moved onto Day 2 with the second set of eight countries from Semi-Final One taking the stage.

  Following the first six semi-final 1 countries completing their first run of rehearsals , the second set of eight nations took over for their own first rehearsal in Day 2. 

  Like the past few years, no media representative is permitted to view or access any individual artist rehearsals: Media representatives will not be able to view or access any individual artist rehearsals taking place between Saturday 3 May and Saturday 10 May either at the arena or in the Online Media Centre. This is to allow all artists to rehearse in private and the production to perfect each performance before it is seen in full when dress rehearsals begin on Monday 12 May.

  Unlike previous years, there will be no video footage uploaded from the first rehearsals. Excerpts from each country second rehearsals are expected to be shared on Eurovision's YouTube or other digital channels.

  The eight semi-final #1 countries to make their first rehearsal on May 4 were: 

   

  Norway: Kyle Alessandro – Lighter 

  

  photo credit: EBU/Sarah-Louise Bennett

   19-year-old Kyle Alessandro from Norway, who is rehearsing his song Lighter opened rehearsal Day 2 in Basel. He’s a singer, songwriter and producer from Steinkjer in Trøndelag.

  Kyle's stage set up includes the the prop with the two stone pillars and the steps that we saw in Melodi Grand Prix national final. However we have the addition the big LED screen in Basel and an extensive use of lightings. His costume seem like the one he was wearing in the national final performance. 

   

  Belgium: Red Sebastian – Strobe Light

  

  photo credit: EBU/Sarah-Louise Bennett

  Time for some rave vibes as Red Sebastian from Belgium appeared next ofr his first rehearsal of Strobe Lights. He rouse to fame as a finalist   on Belgium’s Got Talent way back in 2014 and made it to Basel after winning the Eurosong national final. 

  He appears on stage wearing a costume is very similar to the red PVC suit with triangular shoulders he wore in the offcial video and his performance features a combination of spectacular  lighting and graphics. He;s accompanied on stage by three backing dancers which wear matching outfits with black accents. 

   

  Azerbaijan: Mamagama - Run With U

  

  photo credit: EBU/Sarah-Louise Bennett

   Azerbaijan’s Mamagama, with Asef, Hasan and Arif singing Run With You was the third act to rehearse. They came in Basel as a result of an internal selection held by ITV. Ramrkable is the bands cultural background as it consists of one Azerbaijani a Jewis and an Arabic act. 

  The apperar in stage  in  black leather suits with red accents, with Asef and Hasan wearing different styles of jacket, and Arif’s top is sleeveless and he need to perform on the drums. They are joined on stage by  three dancers in sparkly black and red catsuits. 

  The LED behind displays  animated shadow dancers that go along with the motion of the backing dancers while the performance unfold in the center of the stage. The interpretation of the song reflects a strong dose of Azerbaijan tradition in the sections after the chorus when lead singer Asef plays the saz, which is a traditional long-necked lute.

   

  San Marino: Gabry Ponte – Tutta L’Italia

  

  photo credit: EBU/Corinne Cumming

   

  Next up came San Marino, and the internationally accliamed DJ Gabry Ponte with Tutta L’Italia. Ponte is no stranger to the audience as he was the act behind the massive international hit of Blue (Da Ba Dee) by Eiffel 6 back in 1999. Also he was one of the songwriters of the Austrian entry Halo by LUM!X feat. Pia Maria in 2022. 

  Gabry himself is wearing a silver jacket, while the backdrop features pulsing lights and  and graffiti on the LED wall. Two instrumentalists who play the accordion and the tambourine accompany him on stage. 

   

  Albania: Shkodra Elektronike – Zjerm

  

  photo credit: EBU/Corinne Cumming

  Albania’s Shkodra Elektronike rehearsed next. Songwriter and producer Kolë Laca and singer and songwriter Beatriçe Gjergji  are the ones to form this duo which  won Festival ii Këngës last December with Zjerm.

  Beatriçe is still in red, but not in the same dress she was wearing in the national final of Festival ii Këngës . Now she’s wearing a dress of red crepe satin with sparkle on the bodice.  Kolë is wearing a double breasted military jack.

  The song itsfel has gone through a  complete revamp. Red and black  re still the dominating colour combined with with geometric shapes on the LED backdrop.

   

  Netherlands: Claude – C’est La Vie

  

  photo credit: EBU/Sarah-Louise Bennett

  Next up for first rehearsal is the Dutch delegate, singer-songwriter Claude singing  C’est La Vie. He has scored high streaming numbers both in The Netherlands and Belgium and he secured his spot in the ESC class of 2025 selected internally by the Dutch broadcaster. 

  His song is in French - along with other 5 songs in this year's contest. Claude appears in a purple suit with pearl detail while his accompanied on stage by two contemporary dancers in motion around him. 

   

   

  Croatia: Marko Bošnjak – Poison Cake

  

  photo credit: EBU/Corinne Cumming

  Croatia’s Marko Bošnjak first rehearsal of his song Poison Cake is the next on schedule. The 20 years old artist is a stone throw away from releasing his debut album. He made his was to Basel after winning the Croatian national final with his genre- defying song 'Poison Cake'. 

  Marko’s black outfit with the pointy shoulders has been replaced with a full-length cape with fur around the shoulders. He is joined by four backing dancers dress in  matching blue and white outfits with frills and ribbon. As the song progresses to the end sheds his cape to reveal a matching blue and white shirt.

  The staging in dominated by dramatic lighting along with red and green storm clouds and flames which make the whole scenery dramatic. 

   

   

  Cyprus: Theo Evan – Shh

  

   

  Closing rehearsal of the day was that of Cyprus' representative, Theo Evans who his brining in Basel 'Shh'. Theo was born in Nicosia, and he’s been a singer and dancer since he was 7. He was interanally selected by CyBC to represent the mediterranean state island with 'Shh'.

  Cyprus delegation describes Theo’s performance as follows: “Two scaffolding towers are placed on stage, and the performance opens with Theo Evan and the two dancers forming the shape of a mysterious figure referenced in the lyrics - a silhouette that will be immediately recognisable.

  As the performance unfolds, the towers shift positions to create different formations. Theo and his four dancers incorporate them seamlessly into the choreography. Stunning visuals and dynamic lighting enhance each movement, adding depth and intensity to the staging.”

  The scenery featute black and white colors which turn to red and then switch again to black and white. The Choreograhy at some points forms the Vitruvian Man of Leonardo Da Vinci, possibly one of the most strong and impressive images released so far in the reaharsals. We can 't wait to see more of Theo's talent unfolding on stage. 

   

   

  The rehearsals continue tomorow at Basel's St Jakobshalle Arena with the first reeharsals for the semi-final 2 countries. 

   

  News Source: reddit.com/eurovision

   

   

AUTHORS

Angelos D.
Loyal follower of the Eurovision Song Contest since 1987, I've made the competition one of the stories of my life. After attending as accredited press the event for 13 consecutive years along with the 2017-2024 JESC editions, I also enjoy the last three years sharing more Eurovision music through the Eurofans radio's project.