Welcome back to ESCBubble’s coverage for Eurovision 2021! After a marathon day yesterday and this morning of second rehearsals, we’re back with some more first rehearsals! Join us this evening as we check out the first rehearsals of the six automatic qualifiers.

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! The final will take place at 21.00 CET on Saturday 22nd May 2021 where we’ll find out the winner of the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest.

First up today of the big six… Italy!

First Rehearsal

Italy has sometimes struggled with staging so there were probably concerns from fans ahead of this rehearsal, but fortunately we are happy to report that Italy have smashed the staging! Måneskin were using different outfits every night at Sanremo, so potentially this may change for the final but for now lead singer Damiano is shirtless with only trousers and a bleck neck-tie on. The rest of the band are slightly more dressed but in black outfits.

As for the staging, colour scheme is mostly black and red however there are sections of blue. The LED backscreen has the shadow silhouettes of the band and flashes of black/white which look really effective. Meanwhile, the drummer is on a platform with a staircase & flashing lights that they have brought to Rotterdam with them. The two guitarists are on the stage floor alongside Damiano. He very much performs this with them – after sexily strutting on stage he performs equally to them as he does the cameras. We’re trying not to get too excited as its a personal favourite but Damiano gives Freddie Mercury vibes with his showmanship and vocal is undeniable.

The whole 20 last seconds of the final run through was nothing of a volcanic eruption of pyro and fireworks. Starts with a pyro curtain at the back but quickly engulfs the entire stage with fireworks, pyro effects and flames. Italy have well and truly blew their budget out with this one!

Before Eurovision

Despite last years participant Diodato being one of the favourites to win the 2020 contest with “Fai Rumore”, following the cancellation, Italian broadcaster RAI announced that he would not be automatically confirmed as their participant for 2021. Instead, long-running prestigious music festival Sanremo would be used once again to select their participant for Rotterdam.

Flash forward to March 2021 and despite some concerns with Coronavirus and further lockdowns, we were able to have the full week-long show! Rock band Måneskin came to fame after participating on X Factor Italy, with the name originating from bassist Victoria’s Danish ancestry. They impressed the Italian viewers and then ultimately the juries as well with their performances of “Zitti E Buoni” which eventually netted them the prestigious Sanremo win! Check out the official music video below: