Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

Tonight's the official red carpet opening ceremony but last night among the many parties was that of Norway together with Finland, Sweden and Iceland. The party was organized to celebrate also Norway's Independence Day. Alexander Rybak was present, too, and performed to the guests. Pernilla was there of course and was kissed by Tooji and had a long chat with Jónsi while her cellist Heikki had a lot to talk with Greta, who has earlier stated Finland is one of her favourite songs this year.  Pernilla and Loreen also met for the first time and managed to change a few words. In Swedish of course!  Surprisingly we learned from Tooji that he is working with Finnish writer and producer Teemu Brunila for his album and one song, Swan song is already out there. He knows well also Jenni Vartiainen and says he's a big fan of hers! But not only Tooji has a Finnish connection.  We know Loreen's choreographer is a Finno-Italian  Ambra Succi and her wardrobe is design...

To conclude the first day's technical rehearsals are Belgium and Finland.  Belgium brings us back about a thirty years and to the good old time singer + backing group routine. She has three ladies swinging from side to side. Oh nostalgia! The stage is lit to blue and purple and there seems to be some sort of balls or bubbles going as well. She sings reasonable well but the song is boring, there's no denying that. And what's with her facial expressions? More here . Finland concludes today's rehearsals and Pernilla is on stage alone with her cellist Heikki Takkula. Under her black jumper there's a green dress with a long tail blowing in the wind - is that her dress for the main event? Her flaming red hair sticks out from the blue and white with a hint of green lit stage with moving somethings and some sort of eruptions. Pretty. She also sings well with a smile on her lips and looks relaxed and confident. Hmmm, are we onto something after all? Especially ...