THE NETHERLANDS – Live from Rotterdam, this post will come to you online at the end of each day of the Eurovision rehearsal weeks. This post will feature the major information from the delegations aside from their official rehearsals and press conferences.
THE NETHERLANDS
Following Portugal and Poland, host country THE NETHERLANDS will also broadcast the Eurovision 2021 internationally through BVN. BVN is a Dutch language broadcaster funded by NPO.
ITALY
On a surprise move, RAI has on their on-demand pages a EUROVISION PRE-PARTY folder where you can see various performances specially recorded for the Italian broadcaster. Eurostars attending the party are: Albania – Anxhela Peristeri, Australia – Montaigne, Azerbaijan – Efendi, Croatia – Albina, Cyprus – Elena Tsagrinou, Czech Republic – Benny Cristo, France – Barbara Pravi, Germany – Jendrik, Greece – Stefania, Israel – Eden Alene, Latvia – Samanta Tina, Lithuania – The Roop, Norway – TIX, Poland – Rafal, San Marino – Senhit, Serbia – Hurricane, Slovenia – Ana Soklic, Spain – Blas Canto, Sweden – Tusse, Switzerland – Gjon’s Tears, United Kingdom – James Newman/
BULGARIA
BNT informed the fans through social media that Victoria will bring the music video atmosphere on stage. This is how the stage presentation described and we can’t wait to see it implemented. They also confirmed that they will carry the colour palette of browns and gold to the contests stage.
SWITZERLAND
French-speaking broadcaster, RTS1 confirmed Jean-Marc Richard, Nicolas Tanner and Joseph Gorgoni as the Eurovision 2021 commentators.
IRELAND
Although some of us are still confused with her rehearsal, success cannot be stopped. Lesley Roy returned to chart success as she is #7 (having a peak at #3) in the Irish Homegrown Top 20 where only Irish artists appearing. Congrats!
MALTA
Destiny and Ira Losco responded to those who accused DESTINY of wearing an outfit that embarrasses (according to them) Malta.
DESTINY STATEMENT
The dress I wore in the first rehearsal has defined exactly what empowerment is all about. Let me start by saying again, I loved it as it makes me feel comfortable in my own skin. Maybe I am not the size six society is used to, maybe the dress or image is more important than an artist’s performance, but I am here to do my job. This is no gimmick. This is my real-life story
IRA LOSCO STATEMENT
I sincerely do hope that my comment about the matter is not taken out of context nor used as clickbait to stir more hatred. It makes me sad that every single local social media platform has taken something which is meant to have been a joyous moment for our Eurovision entry and decided to turn it into clickbait. It makes me even sadder that in turn people have totally taken the bait and are discussing what should be “appropriate” attire or not on stage, that “We are going to be the embarrassment of Europe” and more of this narrative which quite frankly makes me hyperventilate.
I mentored Destiny during the second season of X-Factor and the one thing which is incredible about her is her work ethic. The girl is 18 years old and already understands the hard work and pressures involved in the music industry. She also understands the importance of looking and acting her age- which- and this is very important- does not take away from her maturity both musically and on a personal level. She is very aware that the industry is tough- that said like many other industries in the world- let’s add to that …….. even more so when you are a black plus sized female. The team and she are also very in tune with whatever is happening in the current music industry and also understand the importance of putting forth such an empowering message to anyone watching that- POPSTARS DO NOT ONLY COME IN SIZE ZERO OR SMALL SIZES THEY ALSO DO NOT NEED TO STICK TO LIMITED COLOUR PALETTES WHILE THEIR SLIMMER COUNTERPARTS GET TO WEAR ANY COLOUR THEY WANT other points to be mentioned…. since when does being black and plus-sized AND in music make you comparable to Lizzo ONLY…. do you ever compare Rita Ora to Ariana Grande or any other artist in their genre? Aren’t they both white? Don’t they both wear skimpy outfits?
You may NOT like what anyone wears. But don’t assume that just because YOU do not like it – that an 18-year-old artist didn’t have a say in what she gets to wear. I for one know very well that Destiny will not get on stage to perform wearing something she doesn’t like or doesn’t feel comfortable in.
People who get on stage choose their outfits. People who go to the office every day choose their outfits too. Does anyone interfere?
Please do not give me the “I am a taxpayer and that is my money” argument. While we are meant to be giving support to Destiny we are instead forgetting the message which the song clearly gives out. That women are in control of their narrative, their image and their lives. Period Empowerment…. is it fiction or fact? Or am I simply going mad?