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Belarus

Belarus Second Rehearsal: Uzari & Maimuna - Time

Uzari & Maimuna have just finished rehearsing for the second time and there's plenty more interaction between the pair however.... I wish I could say that the added interaction was the only real issue with the performance.

As I said previously, Time ticks all the right Eurovision boxes, yet when it comes to the staging, there's a lot of missed opportunities. The performance could really use the wind machine and pyros but we're not seeing anything of that. And that's an absolute shame, as the song itself is one of my absolute favourites.

Belarus - 2d Rehearsal

I really like Belarus' song of this year, but the performance is not up to standard. There could be more things improved from the first rehearsals and not much has been done. I got a bit disappointed with this. The second thing I really don't like is that Uzari is acting with a serious face and Maimuna is smiling all the time. You either make drama on the stage either comedy.
But I still love you and support!

Jam night at Albertina Passage

Samira and I just returned from the Eurovision jam night – tired and satisfied. The party took place in Albertina Passage in the city centre just next to the Opera. We met a lot of people without accreditation badges, and it’s not a surprise – fans are allowed to these parties the first week.

It’s a very nice place, beautifully decorated with lots of dining tables. On a usual night I would have liked this restaurant but at party with 300 guests….I doubt it. Many tables were empty but in other areas it was fully packed and not enough air-conditioned.

Well, it all started with Maimuna (Belarus) “inviting” Uzari with her violin to come on the stage. They performed their remix very good and today you could see there was a great improvement with their eye contact. Now they look like atrue duo.

Second came Nina (Georgia) singing two songs. Her performance was impressive, full of emotions and pain.
Elhaida Dani was given a turn to perform – it was a big change comparing with the previous singer. She was very open to public, singing her favorite Eurovision song – 2012 Spain’s entry and later, her Eurovision song.
Then we got to hear from Czech Republic – two very cheerful singers who managed to make all people dance. They have a special energy coming out and spreading it to everyone.

The last performers were the two backing vocalists from Slovenia. They sang a couple of songs for us and the dj continued to play the music. When we were leaving, at about 12.30, there were still a lot of people in the club, including boys from Anti Social Media, dancing and enjoying themselves.

Belarus First Rehearsal: Uzari & Maimuna - Time

Uzari and Maimuna had their very first rehearsal for Belarus too, and... Oh it pains me to say this, but I'm not feeling the performance at all.

Now I'm gonna be positive because after all this is just a first rehearsal and a chance to explore the stage.

Backdrop wise, Belarus have a lot going on. Overall it's a red cardiac backdrop with hearts which then transforms into an orange, red spectacle with white wires flowing through the screens. But then when the bridge kicks in we're seeing the backdrop change to a blue sky with several clouds.

Unfortunately the change in the backdrop is mainly what's going on for Belarus and that's a shame because there song is so traditional Eurovision, that it lends itself to a variety of ways in which it can benefit from using some standard props. E.g I'm missing a big bang moment in the bridge, which could easily be done with some pyros. I also think that the use of a windmachine could really enhance the performance. There seems to be a bit more interaction between Uzari & Maimuna in this run through, but I want more!

Vocally I get the feeling Uzari's holding back, and for a first rehearsal I'm more than happy ok with that. Still there's a lot of work to do for Belarus in my opinion. But I'm hopeful and I really hope they consider making some small changes.

Belarus, Six points

Belarus rehearsal

Andy on Tue, 05/12/2015 - 12:44

It's Peter Elfimov again. Such a great song, good vocals but the staging looks a bit too empty. There isn't anything happening on the stage now, not even an interactions we had at the national final. I totally lost also that great national final feeling of the battle between dark and white forces. There is no red line in the whole performance now that will unite it whole, we get some general from your heart to mine movements and suddenly from a great philosophical song it is sort of love and peace anthem.

Otherwise, light effects are great. Can we also have some pyros and wind-machine please.

Belarus - First Rehearsal

Uzari is in the middle of the stage in a casual smart outfit. Maimuna appears in long white dress. Well, I saw everything I was expected to see. They both looked very confident and relaxed while performing.

The background effects are very intensive, bright and lively, red and blue dominating mostly. There is thunder, flashes, heartbeat "cardiogram" effects.

I'm purely satisfied and convinced that Uzari & Maimuna will qualify for the final.

Belarus on the stage for this first time now.....

What a great little song that honestly lacks some sparkle on stage :-((

Uzari is giving is his all to deliver and it all ticks the right boxes but for me it's missing the X-Factor here, but thinking out loud here this is a first run through and thing's should get better with each time they get to run through it.....

Room for improvement here