First Rehearsal Photos from Eurovision Released: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Closed Preparations

Rehearsals Underway for Eurovision's First Semi-Final Contestants

According to Главком: The official Eurovision page has started sharing photos from the initial rehearsals of the first semi-final participants, taking place in Vienna. These 30-minute sessions are closed to the press, with updates emerging from a dedicated Reddit channel linked to the competition's official page. The first images are made public 24 hours after each rehearsal concludes.

Following every rehearsal, delegations can review recordings of their performances, allowing artists to assess their acts and make necessary adjustments. Additionally, a 20-minute makeup consultation is provided, serving as a crucial step in preparing for the stage show.

First Semi-Final Lineup

The artists competing in the first semi-final include:

• Moldova with Satoshi – 'Viva, Moldova!'
• Sweden with Felicia – 'My System'
• Croatia with Lelek – 'Andromeda'
• Greece with Akylas – 'Ferto'
• Portugal with Bandidos do Cante – 'Rosa'
• Georgia with Bzikebi – 'On Replay'
• Finland with Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen – 'Liekinheitin'

It is worth noting that Lelek has already departed for Eurovision in Vienna.

Eurovision's first semi-final draws significant viewer interest each year, as this stage determines which acts advance to compete for the grand prize. Rehearsals are critical for artists, enabling them to tailor their performances to the stage's technical requirements and visual demands. This preparation phase is essential for ensuring high-quality execution and impactful staging, both of which play a key role during the live broadcasts.

As preparations for Eurovision intensify, it's interesting to note how the rehearsal process has evolved over the years. In fact, last year's event showcased similar behind-the-scenes challenges and triumphs for the artists. For an in-depth look at the latest developments from the rehearsals of Eurovision 2026, including who took the stage and what insights have emerged, check out our detailed coverage on the ongoing rehearsals.