Sweden | John Lundvik gets off to a strong start at First Rehearsal

Over the past two days we've seen all the countries participating in the first semi final rehearse, but now we're on day three it means that it is time for the countries in semi final to take to the Eurovision stage. Today the first half of the semi final will have their first rehearsals so make sure to stay with us as we update you on all the performances and staging as the Eurovision Song Contest gets even more real!

Image Credit: Sotarn (Eurovision.tv)

Today's final rehearsal is from one of the favourites to win - Sweden! Eurovision powerhouse Sweden have only ever failed to qualify once (2010) but has only been outside of the Top 10 once in the past 8 years (2013). Their incredible results this decade also include two wins, two bronze medals and two fifth places! This year, the pressure of keeping that streak goes to John Lundvik who will be singing the gospel pop track 'Too Late For Love'.

John shot to fame in 2010 when he composed the song 'When You Tell The World You're Mine' for the Swedish royal wedding of Princess Victoria. Since then he has had produced and written many songs for some of Scandinavia's biggest names. He debuted at Melodifestivalen last year, where he defied the odds a a newcomer and qualified from the dreaded second position in the heat with 'My Turn', going on to place third. This year he was back with a vengeance and despite qualifying 2nd in his heat (behind Bishara), he then stormed to victory, winning both the jury vote and the televote.

Image Credit: Andres Putting (Eurovision.tv)

SWEDEN - FIRST REHEARSAL

For years we have gotten used to Sweden - like Denmark - converting a carbon copy of their Melodifestivalen winner staging to the Eurovision stage however this time they've worked on revamping it. The concept is the same - quite dark staging, with intense lighting above and joined by the amazing backing vocalists.

John is still wearing a black t-shirt and trousers however the backing singers are all now wearing black outfits but covered in floral silver sequins. They look incredible and the lighting effects being used illuminates their costumes.

All in all very impressive and competent from John! This could potentially be coming as a winner.