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Round two of rehearsals complete for the 'Big Five' and Israel

12 May 2019 at 12:48 CEST
The 6 pre-qualified countries for the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final have completed their second rehearsals.

In the last session of rehearsals before the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest Opening Ceremony, the 6 pre-qualified finalists returned to the Expo Tel Aviv stage to complete their second round of rehearsals. Israel, France, Spain, Italy, United Kingdom and Germany wrapped up an incredible total of 82 rehearsal slots this week.

1. Israel - Kobi Marimi with Home.

Kobi Marimi kicked off day 9 in Tel Aviv with the host nation's entry. With plenty of local media in the arena, he completed four run-throughs of Home - the last including pyros. Speaking at the press conference, Kobi said he could finish first, last, or anywhere in between, as long as he does his best he will be happy whatever happens in the voting.

Israel will perform 14th in the Grand Final after a draw at the Heads of Delegation meeting in March. The rest of the pre-qualified finalists drew a first or second half slot in the running order at their post-rehearsal press conference.

READ MORE: Read up on Kobi Marimi's first rehearsal for Israel here.

2. France - Bilal Hassani with Roi.

Three more run-throughs of France's entry took place as Bilal Hassani perfected the staging of Roi with his two backing dancers, Lizzy Howell and Lin Ching-lan. There was some fine-tuning in the rehearsals but Bilal said he was very happy with the finished product. He told the press conference that he doesn't mind where he finishes in the Grand Final as long as he can deliver his message and everything goes well on the big night.

Bilal Hassani drew a starting slot in the second half of the Grand Final for France.

READ MORE: Read up on Bilal Hassani's first rehearsal for France here.

3. Spain - Miki with La Venda.

Miki's second rehearsal of La Venda for Spain was even more energetic second time around. The up-tempo party song is bursting with colour on screen and in the costumes of the backing singers who join Miki in a catwalk bounce into the heart of the audience. Miki told the press that he was really happy with the staging and what the production crew have done.

Miki drew a starting slot in the second half of the Grand Final for Spain.

READ MORE: Read up on Miki's first rehearsal for Spain here.

4. Italy - Mahmood with Soldi.

Italy's second rehearsal went smoothly as Mahmood tried out two different shirts today: one in white with a hood, the other a black, red and white short-sleeved option. We'll find out next week which shirt he'll wear for the live show.

Mahmood drew a starting slot in the second half of the Grand Final for Italy.

READ MORE: Read up on Mahmood's first rehearsal for Italy here.

5. United Kingdom - Michael Rice with Bigger Than Us

It was take two as the United Kingdom's Michael Rice returned to the stage. This time the pyros were bigger and there was some minor changes to the camera angles as the staging now includes overhead shots.

Michael Rice drew a starting slot in the second half of the Grand Final for the United Kingdom.

READ MORE: Read up on Michael Rice's first rehearsal for the United Kingdom here.

6. Germany - S!sters with Sister.

Germany's S!sters completed the final rehearsal of the day, and the last second rehearsal for all 41 delegations at this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Clearly happy with their performance, they shouted a final message of love similar to a line from Spice Girls song Wannabe.

S!sterse drew a starting slot in the first half of the Grand Final for the Germany.

READ MORE: Read up on S!ster's first rehearsal for Germany here.

With the conclusion of the second round of rehearsals for the 41 competing delegations, everyone is getting ready for tonight's Official Opening Ceremony of the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. The Orange Carpet event features a much anticipated meet and greet for the artists, delegations and press. You can follow the event live on our exclusive Live Stream from 6pm CEST.