Today.Az - Eurovision 2012 rehearsals run smoothly in Baku - UPDATE

A rehearsal of Eurovision-2012 Lithuanian representative Donny Montell has been held on the Baku Crystal Hall stage in Baku today, Trend reported. The singer will perform in the second semi-final with "Love Is Blind" song in English.

Donatas Montvidas was born in Vilnius. His music career began at "Song-Song" contest in which he won. He graduated from Balys Dvarionas music school. He is the winner of the TV projects "Dozen Lithuanian songs" and "Call for Stars". He won the Grand Prix at the festival "Slavic Bazaar" in Belarus in 2008. The contest was held among 22 representatives of different countries.

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A rehearsal of Eurovision-2012 Bosnia and Herzegovina participant Maya Sar has been held on Baku Crystal Hall stage in Baku today. The singer will perform in the second semi-final with the song entitled KorakeTiZnam (I know your steps) in the Bosnian language.

Maya said that she has fallen in love with Baku's beauty and in particular Baku at night.
A rehearsal of Eurovision-2012 Norwegian participant Tooji has been also held. The singer will perform in the second semi-final with the song Stay which will be sung in English.

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09:05

Hard rock is what Slovakia will present on the Eurovision Song Contest stage this year. Max Jason Mai, the young singer representing the Central European country, rehearsed his entry Don't Close Your Eyes for the first time today, showing an expressive performance full of energy.

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Estonia are this year represented by Ott Lepland, with the song Kuula. The Estonian team arrived at the Crystal Hall today for their first rehearsal.

Speaking backstage, Ott told eurovision.tv about a holiday he recently went on in order to prepare for the Eurovision Song Contest. He said "It was good timing actually, at the beginning of April I went to Egypt with some of my friends after a very busy period directly after winning the Estonian national selection. We did lots of swimming and relaxing. It was a lot of fun, but also the total rest was good preparation for Eurovision."

Ott has also made some sacrifices in preparation for Baku, he told us "When I got back to Estonia from Egypt, I quit drinking and smoking in order to keep my voice in top shape." His first impressions of Baku were also positive with Ott saying "It's a pretty amazing city, there is a real mix of historic and modern buildings. It's a really beautiful city, and the venue is amazing too."

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16.05.12
16:30

The second country to rehearse today were Croatia. Nina Badri? is one of Croatia's most experienced artists with a career spanning over two decades. Croatian broadcaster HRT were so confident in Nina's capability, they gave her complete control over the choice of their entry this year.

Backstage, prior to the rehearsal we spoke to Nina and asked her how it felt to finally be at the Eurovision Song Contest after a number of attempts in the past. She replied "It feels great to be at Eurovision for the first time, it's like a dream came true. I just finished the in ear and microphone rehearsal. We have great people here, they are true professionals we are working with."

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A rehearsal of Eurovision 2012 Ukrainian representative exotic singer Gaitana was held on the stage of Baku Crystal Hall in Baku.

The singer will perform in the second semi-final with the 'Be my guest' song in English.
Gaitana gave a colourful performance on stage. Besides real dancers, there are also virtual ones. The specialists from the singer's team brought big LED screens in Baku to create a 3D effect. The video was created within two months.

'Be my guest' is a song about the good things, happiness and the brightest invitation to visit somebody, Gaitana told Trend. "While singing this song, I want to bring joy, smile and happiness to each viewer and listener. To represent my country at the Eurovision song contest is a very important mission. I will fulfil this mission very seriously."

Gaitana Essami (Gaite-Lourdes, translated from the Lingala language as 'strong and great' is the Ukrainian singer, connecting into her art such genres as soul, as well as elements of jazz, blues, funk and folk music. She is also the author of most of the lyrics of her songs.
Gaitana was born in Kiev on March 24, 1979, but up to five years old she lived in the Republic of the Congo, in Brazzaville. Her father was Congolese. Then, with her mother Gaitana returned to Ukraine in 1985.

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Slovenian representative at Eurovision 2012 Eva Boto, had her rehearsal at Baku Crystal Hall stage, Trend reports on Wednesday.

The singer will perform in the second semi-final with a song in Slovenian 'Verjamem' (I believe). At 16, Eva Boto is the youngest participant of the Eurovision 2012 Song Contest.
"The fact that I am the youngest contestant is in my favour. I know that the audience seeing me will say 'she's only 16 years old'. I think it is easier for the young to cope with difficulties as they are full of energy, initiative and excitement. Perhaps this will be my advantage," Eva said.

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The fourth day of rehearsals for the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 has started in Baku on Wednesday.

Slovenia's representative Eva Boto began the rehearsals, which involve 10 countries, with the song "Verjamem."

Following the rehearsals, performers will hold a press conference, during which they will share their impressions of Baku and hold rehearsals with local and foreign journalists.
The rehearsals, which will continue all day long, will involve Croatia, Sweden, Georgia, Turkey, Estonia, Slovakia, Norway, Bosnia and Herzegovina, as well as Lithuania's representatives.

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The group Litesound have been determined to make it to the Eurovision Song Contest, having participated several times in the Belarusian national final. This year the time has finally come for them with their entry We Are The Heroes.

Just before Litesound prepared for their sound checks in the Crystal Hall, we took the opportunity to have a quick chat with two of the group members, Jacopo Massa and Dmitry Kariakin.

"It's awesome to finally be here" said Jacopo "to take part in this competition. I live 2,000 km from Minsk, but there are a lot of fans that know me, and they support us." Asked about how he was feeling prior to going onstage, lead singer Dmitry said "I feel a really nice sound in my earphones, and I'm feeling comfortable at the moment."

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15.05.12
17:04

A rehearsal of participants from Macedonia at Eurovision 2012 - Kaliopi was held in Baku on the stage of Baku Crystal Hall. The singer will perform in the second semi-final of the contest with the song in the national language Tsrno and white.

"I did not know English well so I will sing a song in my native language. Do not worry that you do not understand. I'll give you my heart and you to me, your voices," the singer said.

Kaliopi (Kaliopi Boucle) is a Romanian by nationality. She has started singing at 10 years, taking part in the 1976 festival Golden Slave?che, performing her first song Mo?ata uchitelka. Two years later the young singer has performed on tour in Czechoslovakia, Austria and Yugoslavia. Her debut single Tomi was released in 1984. She founded her own record label, Kaliopi Music Production In 2000.

Now Kaliopi is one of Macedonia's most popular singers. To date, she has 11 albums and 47 singles, as well as more than 20 music awards, some of which are at state level.

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10:27

The twins - Group "Jedward" - representing Ireland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 consider all the participants as their competitors.

At a press conference held after their rehearsals on Monday, the brothers said they will wage intense struggle for the first place.

The twins said they are very pleased with their stay in Baku and Azerbaijan, and they are fascinated to see historical and modern buildings here.

"Jedward" particularly stressed the beauty and lighting effects of "Flame Towers", Maiden Tower and of course, "Baku Crystal Hall", which will host the Eurovision Song Contest 2012. The brothers also said that they attach great importance to the contest.

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Baku hosted a press conference of the most unusual participants of Eurovision 2012, Buranovskiye babushki from Russia, Trend Life reported. The band will perform in the first semi-final of the contest with the song "Party for Everybody" in English and Udmurt.

For two days of press conferences this was the longest and caused a huge interest of the media. Questions rained down, and the 'Grannies' and the leaders of the band responded to them with characteristic humor and songs in English and Udmurt.

"Performing at the stage, we are changing and opening new possibilities in ourselves and see how the people around us are changing for the better. Youth sings, and we can not or what? And how! Although the Party for Everybody didn't come easily to us. First it was translated from English into Russian and then in Udmurt, by letters, of course. The main thing for us is taking part in the contest, not a victory," 'Grannies' said.

Babushki said they chose a hotel on the shores of the Caspian Sea to be away from the hustle and bustle, quietly preparing for the contest, and they saw the sea for the first time in their life. And, of course, they promised in the near future to learn one of the Azerbaijani songs.

"We looked at a map and realized that's what .... Volga flows into the Caspian Sea, on the shore of which Baku is situated, and Kama flows into the Volga River, and our own River Buron flows into Kama. So, Azerbaijan is our home," 'Grannies' said.

Buranovskiye Babushki is a folk band from Malopurginsk region of Udmurtia, from the village of Buranovo, performing a variety of hits in the Udmurt language, rehashing well-known Russian and foreign performers.

The ensemble was founded over 40 years ago. For the first time the band began to perform rehashing in the Udmurt language in 2008. On the Day of the mother tongue in the Udmurt Philharmonic the Babushki sang popular songs by Boris Grebenshchikov and Viktor Tsoi in the Udmurt language. Since then they have repeatedly been in the spotlight of press and television.

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14:05.12
18:43

Denmark's representative at Eurovision 2012 Soluna Samay took to the Baku Crystal Hall stage for the first time with her song Should've Known Better.

"I think that a good song at Eurovision should be somehow different from other songs. And, of course, it should have a catchy melody. My song is a pop song with a modern sound, but with a deep text that will be close to everyone. It carries a powerful message, and I hope it will reach every heart," Soluna Samay said about her song.

Soluna Samay was born in Guatemala in the family of a German father and a Swiss mother. In the 2000s she moved to Denmark. Musical career of Samay began with the release of debut album "Sing Out Loud", which was released in September 2011.

Danish national final Dansk Melodi Grand Prix 2012 was held in Aalborg in "Gigantium Arena". To select a representative, this country didn't confine to local jury, but also attracted the international jury, which included representatives of Azerbaijan - the winners of Eurovision 2011 Eldar Gasimov and Nigar Jamal, producer and composer Isa Melikov and finalist of national selection of Eurovision 2010 Dilara Kazimova.

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The most unusual participants of Eurovision 2012, Buranovskiye Babushki, from Russia, had their rehearsal in Baku at Baku Crystal Hall. The band will perform in the first semi-final of contest with the song, "Party for Everybody."

Buranovskiye Babushki is a folk band from Malopurginsk region of Udmurtia, from the village of Buranovo, performing a variety of hits in the Udmurt language, rehashing well-known Russian and foreign performers.

The ensemble was founded over 40 years ago. For the first time the band began to perform rehashing in the Udmurt language in 2008. On the Day of the mother tongue in the Udmurt Philharmonic the Babushki sang popular songs by Boris Grebenshchikov and Viktor Tsoi in the Udmurt language. Since then they have repeatedly been in the spotlight of press and television.

Members: Granya Baysarova (62 years), Alevtina Begisheva (54 years), Zoya Dorodova (72 years), Galina Koneva (73 years), Natalya Pugachyova (76 years), Valentina Pyatchenko (74 years), Olga Tuktaryova (43 years) - artistic director, Yekaterina Shklyaeva (74 years).

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The beauty of Baku and Azerbaijan impressed me, Eurovision-2012 San Marino participant Valentina Monetta said at a press conference on Monday after the first rehearsal.

San Marino representative reported that participation in this contest was the result of hard work. She stressed that all conditions were created for the participants.

Valentina Monetta said that she performed at many stages within the contest. Speaking about Baku, she stressed that the city combines ancient and modern sides. This gives it unusual beauty.

She reported that she expects much from the contest in Baku. She also stressed the reason of her singing about social networks. They hold an important place in people's lives.

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16:57

The rehearsal of the Cyprus representative at Eurovision 2012 was held in Azerbaijan at the Baku Crystal Hall. Ivi Adamou will perform in the first semi-finals with the song, "La La Love."

A wonderful dance number was shown together with the stirring song on stage. Vocalist Bjorn Djupstrom (one of the lyrics writers), dancers Tatiana Dimetriadou and Olga Pilaki, as well as vocalists and dancers Victoria Taylor and Wiveca Hartmann Knudsen appeared on the stage together with the singer. Stage number was directed by Apollo Papatheocharis, choreographer - Chali Jennings, vocal coach - Helena Patroclou.

Ivi considers her idols Beyonce, Christina Aguilera and Whitney Houston.

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A rehearsal of the Eurovision-2012 San Marino participant Valentina Monette was held at hte Baku Crystal Hall in Baku. The singer will perform in the first semi-finals contest with her song, "The Social Network Song".

Valentine Monette will perform with her computer at the stage in Baku.

"Facebook plays an important role in people's lives," the singer said. I really like the contest song about the power of virtual communication. The 57th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Baku Crystal Hall, which is under construction near the State Flag Square. The Baku Crystal Hall is the arena with a capacity of up to 23,000 spectators.

Approximately 16,000 people will be able to attend each of the three Eurovision Song Contest live shows in May.

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14:56

A rehearsal of participants from Israel at Eurovision 2012 - the Izabo rock band was held in Baku on the stage of Baku Crystal Hall. The band will perform in the first semi-final of the contest with the song 'Time'.

Izabo (Ultralight) is an indie team, performing alternative rock music in English. The band plays various styles - psychedelic rock, folk rock and funk and composes songs in the Jamaican reggae genre, but it is clearly in a Middle Eastern style. It released several English language albums in France and the UK. The group emerged 20 years ago in Petah Tikva. It consists of three men and a girl.

The lead singer of the group Ran Shem Tov with his characteristic high-pitched voice and aggressive submission is the composer of most of the songs. Musicians of the band are Jonathan Levi, Nir Mantzur, Shiri Hadar. Despite a solid, albeit intermittent stage experience, Izabo released its first album with the characteristic title 'Fun Makers' only in 2006 in France. Next year however, Izabo took part in the prestigious French music festival 'Tra-ta-ta'. Izabo's collaboration with Shotei Hanevuah produced the hit single 'Hu' which won the Music 24's song of the year award.

Ran Shem Tov was awarded the prize for the 'Fund of culture's high achiever' in Israel. In 2008 he created the music for an Israeli film on the novel by David Grossman's 'Associates'. The latest album is called 'Super Light', with songs that are bright, diverse, with a strong emotional intensity.

The 57th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Baku Crystal Hall near State Flag Square. The semi-finals will be held in Baku on May 22 and May 24 and the final on May 26. The logo for the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest is 'Fire Flower', while the motto is Light your fire.

Azerbaijan won the right to host the prestigious European song contest after the victory of Eldar Gasimov and Nigar Jamal (Ell / Nikki) at Eurovision 2011 in Dusseldorf, Germany last May.