Spain and United Kingom surge following Big 5 rehearsals…
It’s officially Eurovision week, and UK and Spanish fans are both dealing with a rather unfamiliar feeling – genuine optimism!
Following the second round of Big 5 rehearsals on Saturday morning, both Sam Ryder and Chanel have seen a significant boost in the odds. The United Kingdom currently sit in second place behind Ukraine, while Spain are up to fifth. Italy and Sweden complete the top five in third and fourth positions respectively.
Ryder presented a vibrant stage performance of Spaceman, showcasing some seriously impressive vocals which should be amply rewarded by the juries if he can deliver to the same standard during the lives. Meanwhile Chanel and her team have given Slo Mo a highly effective revamp, including a new intro, bigger vocals and some of the most show-stopping choreography of the year.
Both countries received the dreaded nul points from televoters in 2021, but a repeat performance this year seems mercifully unlikely at this stage…
Running Order: France, Germany, Spain and United Kingdom draw their halves
In addition to rehearsing, four of the five auto-qualified countries also drew their running order positions for the Grand Final. Host nation Italy had already randomly drawn the 9th position during an earlier ceremony.
France, Germany and Spain drew positions in the first half of the final, while United Kingdom will be the only Big 5 nation to perform in the second half, much to the relief of the British fans in the Press Centre!
The actual performance slots for each song will be confirmed following the two semi finals.
Returning Champions Måneskin confirmed for Grand Final Performance
Since winning the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam last year, it’s fair to say that Måneskin have made the most of their victory. With the band currently touring America, there was some speculation that they might not be present to hand over the trophy to this year’s victor.
Happily, it has now been confirmed that the group will be present and correct at Saturday Night’s Grand Final, where they will perform their latest single Supermodel for the first time.
The group recently charted across Europe and reached #13 on the US Billboard Hot 100 with their cover of Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons’ Beggin‘. Their Eurovision winner Zitti e buoni and their original track I Wanna Be Your Slave also saw significant chart success around the world.
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