Georgia | Oto Nemsadze brings it all for First Rehearsal

Yesterday we saw the first nine participating countries in semi final one take to the Eurovision stage in Tel Aviv for their first rehearsals! Today, join us as we take a look at the second full day of rehearsals where the eight countries who drew the second half places for Tuesday 14th's first semi final. Here at Eurovoxx we'll be bringing you all the latest rehearsal updates and reviews so keep an eye on our website, YouTube channel & social media!

Image Credit: Giorgi Tsaava (Eurovision.tv)

Second up to rehearse is Georgia. Oto Nemsadze is representing the caucasus nation at this years Eurovision Song Contest with his powerful and patriotic ballad 'Keep on Going'. Last year ethno-jazz band Iriao placed last (18th) in the second semi final, both failing to qualify and causing Georgia to miss the final a second time in a row for the first time in their participating history. This year, Oto will be joined by members of Iriao as his backing singers for the choral elements in the song.

Oto started singing at the age of 3 and music has been a big part of him ever since. He won the fifth season of 'Geostar' in 2010 and then went on to audition for season three of The Voice of Ukraine in 2013. He shared similar success but was pipped at the post as he placed second in the grand final. Ahead of auditioning for Georgian Idol (their new selection process) at the start of the year, he participated in the national final in 2017 - where his song 'Dear God' placed tenth out of twenty-five.

Image Credit: Thomas Hanses (Eurovision.tv)

GEORGIA - FIRST REHEARSAL

Georgia starts similarly to the national final winning performance, with a very dark stage, the Georgian flag and lightning. They've incorporated shadows which walk around in the background, alongside barbed wire which moves around beautiful snow-capped mountains. The tone for the entire staging follows the seriousness of the song, with Oto looking very serious and passionate throughout.

Oto's voice is undeniably fantastic. He has very strong vocals with a passionate growl which works for the patriotic feel this song has. About halfway through, the stage is engulfed within clouds of smoke and fog and the backing singers (Iraio!) make their way towards Oto on stage.

Overall very impressive package for Georgia and despite many ruling them out this must now be a contender to qualify. The contrast between the white snow-top mountains and the red tinted, almost volcanic vibe they have by the end as the song builds and builds. The third run-through saw the addition of LOTS of pyro effects. Georgia did not come to play!