EUROVISION: FIRST ROUND OF REHEARSALS COMPLETE
Update from Dan, Eurovision Correspondent
Guest Contributor
The first round of rehearsals for the semi finalists in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest have taken place
For the very first time, organisers have chosen to keep these performances entirely closed to press. Instead, small refrains are being posted exclusively to Eurovision’s TikTok channel, as part of a new deal reached this year by the EBU and the social media giant.
But this change hasn’t stopped deep analysis from Eurovision fans and media experts far and wide. The Greek entry, performed by Amanda Tenfjord, has seen a surge of attraction since the 25 year old took to the stage yesterday, with bookmaker odds rapidly shortening from 40/1 to as low as 20/1. Other countries that have risen in the odds following their first rehearsal are Cyprus & San Marino.
From tomorrow, artists competing in the first semi final will return to the stage in Turin for their second rehearsal. From this point onwards, their rehearsal(s) will be fully accessible to members of the press and national media. The EBU will also release extended previews of these performances, direct from the TV feed, via the contest’s official YouTube channel
On Thursday, The UK’s Sam Ryder will take to the stage for the first time with his entry ‘Spaceman’. TV Zone will report on Sam’s preparations over the course of the next week.
The first semi final of the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest takes place on Tuesday 10th May at 20:00 BST. BBC Three’s coverage of the event will be hosted by Rylan Clark Neal and Scott Mills. Graham Norton will return for commentary duty on on Saturday 14th May as BBC One broadcast the Grand Final live at 20:00.