Belarus | You're going to 'Like It' after Zena's First Rehearsal

This morning kicked off an exciting two week lead up to the final with the start of first rehearsals! Join us over the next four days as we take a look at the first rehearsals of all competing semi finalists. For the first day of rehearsals, the nine countries drawn to the first half of the first semi final will take to the stage.

Image Credit: BTRC (Eurovision.tv)

The penultimate rehearsal for the first day has taken place and it's the wonderful Zena for Belarus! Zena is the youngest participant at this years Eurovision Song Contest at the age of sixteen however that doesn't stop her commanding the stage for her fun up-tempo number 'Like It'. Belarus have only qualified once in the past four years - in 2017 - so they will be hoping that Europe (and Australia!) will get behind young Zena.

Fans of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest will definitely recognise Zena as one of the hosts in last years contest hosted in Minsk, Belarus. Having also voiced the Russian dub's of Moana in Moana and Ralph Breaks The Internet and has also placed third in the Russian equivalent of Operacion Triunfo. Back in March, Zena won the national selection show 'Nationalny Otbor' with almost a perfect score - totaling 69 out of 70.

Image Credit: Andres Putting (Eurovision.tv)

BELARUS - FIRST REHEARSAL

Zena starts her performance joined by two dancers on stage and is wearing a very colourful outfit and delivers a very high activity routine. The stage is packed out with boxes which the three of them are between for the performance. The song itself is very vocally & physically demanding but Zena manages to keep herself composed.

The whole vibe the performance gives off is young, hip and somewhat urban. There's grafitti-like backing with lots of movement, lots of bright colours and lots of in your face graphics. The amount of movement really works with the song which is undeniably a great bop. We just saw somebody describe the theme as 'skater-chic' and it's probably hit the nail on the head!

For the final chorus, Zena and the two male backing dancers are joined by two female dancers and the routine for the final 30 seconds is brilliant and full of energy. The staging really fits the youthful party nature of the song and on the second run she also successfully pulls off the note.