Welcome back to ESCBubble’s coverage for Eurovision 2021! Rehearsals at the Ahoy Arena in Rotterdam kicked off this morning with the seven countries performing in the first half of Semi Final One set to have their 30 minute first rehearsals today. We’ve just had lunch and the remaining three countries will take to the stage this afternoon.

As always, you can check out our ongoing coverage through both our Live Rehearsal Blog and also rolling  daily updates on our Twitter Account.

If you are avoiding potential rehearsal spoilers then don’t read any further! Semi Final One will take place at 21.00 CET on Tuesday 18th May 2021 with sixteen countries competing for ten qualifying spots for the final.

With a bit of a different situation to the rest of the countries competing, Australia is the next country to rehearse. Unfortunately they were not able to attend the contest in person due to the pandemic and ongoing travel restrictions and the closure of Australian borders for international travel.

First Rehearsal

Due to Australia sadly not being able to travel to the Netherlands to perform within the Ahoy Arena, however Montaigne and the team at SBS Australia haven’t disappointed. We unfortunately don’t get much of an insight in to the full recorded performance that will be used, however we did get to see some brief snippets of the routine and the outfit.

Perhaps a surprise to those expecting Montaigne to be decked from top to bottom in rainbow colouring, instead they have opted for a black leather outfit which wouldn’t be out of place as the costume for a superhero. (Wonderwoman, down under style!) She’s joined by several female dancers who appear to be in very close quarters with her and the glimpses of the choreography that we have appear to be as punchy as in her performance at Mardi Gras earlier this year. We may not get much more from Australia until next week, sadly!

Before Eurovision

Montaigne took victory at the 2020 Australian national selection show (‘Eurovision – Australia Decides‘), narrowly beating out big belter Casey Donovan. Montaigne was set to perform the delicious indie pop track “Don’t Break Me” with an artistic jester-inspired routine. Unfortunately, with the cancellation of last years contest Montaigne was unable to perform her track last year.

This year she was invited back, instead as an internal selection, with her experimental hyper pop track “Technicolour” being debuted at Mardi Gras.  It’s a totally unique song and a completely new style of performance to be seen on the Eurovision stage. Sadly, a few weeks ago the Australian broadcaster SBS confirmed that Montaigne and her entourage will sadly not be able to travel to Rotterdam to perform. Instead, we will get to see her pre-recorded performance during the live semi final. You can check out her Mardi Gras performance here: