The next rehearsal from the 6 countries direct in the final is SPAIN.

According to Eurovision.tv one of the best things about the afternoon’s rehearsals is that every performance is completely unique – there are no two songs from the Big 5/Ukraine this year that sounds remotely similar. A disco chanson from France, a rock anthem from Germany, a power ballad from Italy, orchestral R&B from Ukraine.…and now some traditional flamenco (dance remix) from Spain’s Blanca Paloma.

After Chanel’s all singing, all dancing performance last year, Eurovision.tv reports that fans will probably forgive Blanca Paloma for feeling the pressure. But no – she’s bringing her own unique sound, doing it her way, and it’s three minutes of pure passion and power.

Her staging replicates all the magic we saw at Benidorm Fest in January, with two fringed red semi-circular structures in the centre of the stage which create a circle for Blanca Paloma and her five dancers to perform in, backed by black, red and white lighting. It’s a really clever and dramatic use of the space, making it feel intimate rather than trying to fill the entire stage. Blanca Paloma’s voice has a unique and extraordinary clarity, and we pretty much forgot to breathe for three minutes.

Stephan Herholdt again designed the promo CD single of the Spanish song for ESC Covers and here it is.