The Eurovision festivities are officially underway, as the first of the 40 Eurovision delegations from around the globe began arriving in Tel Aviv on Friday ahead of the competition which kicks off Tuesday, May 14.
The competitors will be joining Israel’s Kobi Marimi in a week of rehearsals, planning, prepping and getting used to the stage.Say hello (4 times) also to Poland's Tulia!Can't miss them with those amazing jackets! #KAN_Arrivals pic.twitter.com/ayvbH2vmnK
— KAN Eurovision Israel (@kaneurovision) May 3, 2019
The first to arrive was also the one with the furthest to travel: Australia’s Kate Miller-Heidke, who flew 22 hours to arrive in Tel Aviv. She was joined throughout Friday by Hungary’s Joci Papai, Cyprus’s Tamta, Serhat from San Marino, Zena from Belarus and Tulia from Poland.The remaining delegations will trickle in over the weekend.Contestants began rehearsing on Saturday at the Expo Tel Aviv. The rehearsals will be held on all week long, except for Wednesday, when they will halt for Remembrance Day.Also @_Tamta_ is here guys! Welcome to Israel! #KAN_Arrivals @ESCCYPRUS pic.twitter.com/gdcArj10wS
— KAN Eurovision Israel (@kaneurovision) May 3, 2019
Marimi and the big five countries – France, Spain, Italy, the UK and Germany – won’t be rehearsing until Friday because they automatically qualify for the grand finale on Saturday, May 18.The remaining contestants will take part in one of the two semi-finals, which will be held on Tuesday, May 14 and Thursday, May 16.The first artist is already here! We would like to give a warm welcome to @kmillerheidke and her team, who flew 22 hours to represent Australia in this year's #Eurovision!#KAN_Arrivals pic.twitter.com/9Xz3kcKRbv
— KAN Eurovision Israel (@kaneurovision) May 3, 2019