(Picture: Andres Putting (EBU))

Despite a number of incidents on the road to the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest, Russia’s second rehearsal put Sergey Lazarev firmly on track for Eurovision victory today.

Everything came together today during the Russia rehearsal with the background scenery, imagery, choreography and vocals working seamlessly.

There was no hint of another fall from the wall that blighted the first rehearsal.

You can watch the incredible rehearsal here:


The performance of You Are The Only One uses some of the most intricate and technologically advanced staging ever seen on a music stage, complete with climbing and reclining in the middle of the screen wall.



This time, the performance, features him growing wings, an image that helped Conchita Wurst to victory with Rise Like A Phoenix in 2014.

It appears that Sergey is struck by lightening at one point.

The interaction between him and his four backing dancers works brilliantly. The interaction between them and the staging is even more incredible.

(Picture: Andres Putting (EBU))

With Sergey dressed in black, there’s an essence of storm-trooper in there, the chemistry that binds all aspects of this three minutes of brilliance is almost impossible to comprehend.

It looks like a futuristic science fiction movie. It’s hard to believe this is a three-minute live performance.

The one thing we’re yet to see is how everything works on camera. That won’t be known until the live shows.

Russia competes in the first Eurovision semi final on Tuesday. They’ve never failed to qualify for the final and this year will be no different.

(Picture: Andres Putting (EBU))

In recent years, the bookies’ favourites have gone on to win Eurovision.

Norway’s victory in 2009, Sweden in 2012, Denmark in 2013 led from the outset and were never caught; Sweden were runaway favourites to win last year and Mans Zelmerlow held off a challenge from Russia.

This time Russia are the favourites and look set to make good on their position at the head of the pack.

Whilst Ukraine, Israel, Netherlands, Australia, Belgium and Armenia have all impressed in rehearsals, we’re yet to see Sweden, Italy, Spain and second favourites, France.

It looks like it will take something truly spectacular from the remaining countries to rehearse to stop the Sergey Lazarev steam train from speeding towards victory.

(Picture: Andres Putting (EBU))

Following today’s rehearsal, Russia re-established a clear lead over France in the betting.

Russia won the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest with a performance from Dima Bilan that featured a world champion ice skater on stage and a six million dollar violin. Dima was already a superstar in Russia and has gone on to become a film star since his Eurovision victory.

Dima travels to Cannes to promote his latest film, Heritage of Love, already a number one box office hit in Russia on Friday 13th May. A day later, Sergey will be closing in on a second Eurovision victory for Russia as he shows why he is now Russia’s biggest music megastar.



Come Sunday, both Dima Bilan and Sergey Lazarev could both be returning to Moscow to a hero’s welcome.

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