{"id":31355,"date":"2026-05-05T01:19:37","date_gmt":"2026-05-05T01:19:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/europe\/31355\/"},"modified":"2026-05-05T01:19:37","modified_gmt":"2026-05-05T01:19:37","slug":"%f0%9f%87%ad%f0%9f%87%b7-eurovision-2026-rehearsal-one-croatia-creates-a-cinematic-moment-as-lelek-bring-andromeda-to-life","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/europe\/31355\/","title":{"rendered":"\ud83c\udded\ud83c\uddf7 Eurovision 2026 Rehearsal One: Croatia creates a cinematic moment as LELEK bring \u201cAndromeda\u201d to life"},"content":{"rendered":"

Today, the rehearsals for Eurovision 2026 continue in Vienna. Countries rehearsing on Day 1 include Moldova<\/a>, Sweden<\/a>, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Georgia, and Finland. The second to rehearse today is Sweden\u2019s Felicia. Rehearsal\u2019s pictures will be out in approximately 24 hours.<\/p>\n

What did we learn about LELEK\u2019s staging?<\/p>\n

From the moment LELEK appear, there\u2019s a sense of unity that defines the entire act. Their harmonies create an atmosphere that feels almost ritualistic, drawing the audience into their world rather than simply presenting it.<\/p>\n

One of the first standout moments comes early, with a striking wide shot that fully utilises the catwalk stretching from the Green Room to the main stage. The group\u2019s arrival feels deliberate, almost ceremonial, giving weight to their presence from the very beginning.<\/p>\n

\"LELEK's<\/p>\n

\"LELEK'sLELEK performing Andromeda for Croatia during the First Rehearsal at Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna<\/p>\n

Visually, LELEK stay true to their identity. Flowing robe-inspired outfits return, but with a darker twist. This time, deep red tones are woven into the look, adding intensity and reinforcing the dramatic mood of the performance. <\/p>\n

The storytelling extends beyond the performers. The LED screens take on a central role, guiding the audience through a sequence of surreal landscapes. The journey begins in a shadowy, cave-like setting before shifting into something more ethereal and forest-like.<\/p>\n

Who is LELEK<\/p>\n

LELEK is a six-piece vocal group, formed of Inka Ve\u010derina Peru\u0161i\u0107, Judita \u0160torga, Korina Olivia Rogi\u0107, Lara Brtan and Marina Ramljak. The ethno-group first formed in 2024, with their first song being released in November of that year. Their first big break came at Dora 2025, where they finished in fourth place. Since then, the band have released several other songs, including with well-known Croatian singer Matija Cvek.<\/p>\n

Croatia\u2019s Eurovision Journey<\/p>\n

Croatia has been a part of the Eurovision family since 1961, as part of Yugoslavia. Ten Croatian artists went on to represent Yugoslavia in the Contest \u2013 the most famous of which being Riva, who gave Yugoslavia its only win in 1989. The 1990 Contest was held in Zagreb as a tribute to their Croatian heritage. Croatia debuted in the Contest as an independent nation in 1993 with the band Put and their song \u201cDon\u2019t Ever Cry\u201d. Since then, Croatia has gone on to score as high as 2nd place in 2024.<\/p>\n

In 2025, Croatia chose Marko Bo\u0161njak to represent the nation in Basel with his song \u201cPoison Cake\u201d. Performing in the first semi-final, Croatia failed to qualify for the final, placing twelfth with a televote score of 28 points.<\/p>\n

What do you think of \u201cAndromeda\u201d? Does LELEK stand a chance of winning? Let us know your thoughts! Also, be sure to follow \u201cThat Eurovision Site\u201d on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, Twitter<\/a>, and TikTok<\/a> as we prepare for Eurovision 2026!<\/p>\n

News Source: EBU<\/a><\/p>\n

Photo Credit: Sarah Louise Bennett \/ EBU<\/p>\n

\t\tPost navigation<\/p>\n

\t