The Netherlands: The calm before the storm

The Common Linnets, made up of Waylon and Ilse DeLange, were in high spirits when they arrived at the B&W Hallerne in Copenhagen this afternoon. They were quite obviously very excited to get on the huge stage for their first rehearsal. 

Big stars at home in the Netherlands, The Common Linnets are seasoned performers but the Eurovision Song Contest is something that even the most experienced artists say is the biggest gig of their life. 

This content is unfortunately no longer available

Before going on stage, the band had a last minute rehearsal in their dressing room. They then were escorted to the In Ear Rehearsal area for their sound check where they were followed by their sizeable entourage made up of camera crew, management, backing artists and delegation. 

Both Waylon and Ilse looked relaxed in their outfits today; Ilse was wearing a light coloured top and her blonde hair was fixed up. Waylon was wearing his trademark hat and a dark top: they were really fitting into their role as bonafide country artists. 

"I don't even know how to spell nervous"

During the lunch break, when all the crew went and took a well-deserved food break, the Dutch delegation took to the stage to record a promo for viewers back in the Netherlands. Here, Eurovision.tv had a chance to talk to the duo. When asking about how they found the whole Eurovision Song Contest experience so far, Ilse DeLange answered, "we have only been here one day, but everyone is just so nice!". We also asked them if they were nervous at all to which Waylon replied, "I don't know how to spell nervous!". 

From rain to shine

The onstage performance very much reflects the lyrics of the song and all the graphics and lighting compliment Calm After The Storm very well. The pair have a specially designed microphone stand, which allows them to face each other for the entire performance. 

This content is unfortunately no longer available

At the beginning of the performance the back of stage twinkles with sombre lighting, spotlights emanating from above and the backdrop to create a very calm atmosphere on stage and in the hall. Then, a backdrop of trees, birds and gently falling rain appears, gradually transforming into a brighter drier scene representing the change from storm to calm with the lyrics of the song. 

The LED screens on the floor are also used very well during The Common Linnets' performance, appearing to show road markings giving the illusion of movement and driving through the dark wilderness. 

The Netherlands will perform in the first Semi-Final of the 2014 Eurovision Song Contest on the 6th of May at the B&W Hallerne on Refshaleøen in Copenhagen.