The Armenian rehearsal today saw some changes compared to the first one. Shining bubble chains were hanging above the stage, and more pyrotechnical effects were used to enhance the performance.

The Armenian delegation had made some changes in the choreography to Apricot Stone: During the song, the three backing vocalists approached the artificial waterfall on stage and took water from it with their hands. There were also some notable changes in the staging. This time, shining white bubbles were hanging from the ceiling, and only when the large apricot stone in the back opened and the tree started growing out of it, the bubbles were lifted up. During the last chorus, all artists moved close to each other and raised their hands, according to Eurovision song contest official website.

The pyrotechnical effects, orange flames in the background, were used every time the chorus started. Before the last chorus, single shots in different colours were added. All artists were wearing their Semi-Final costumes today. While Eva Rivas wore an long apricot-coloured dress and white trousers underneath, the backing artists were dressed in black and dark shades of brown.

Looking onto the TV screens, the Armenian entry started with a close-up on the duduk player, who was again replaced by an extra as the famous 83-year-old Jivan Gasparyan had still not arrived in Oslo. Then the camera moved to another close-up on Eva Rivas, showing a pendant in the shape of an apricot stone which she held on her palm. The warm and elaborate stage act really told a whole story in itself!

Remind that Eurovision 2010 is due May 25-29, featuring representatives from 39 countries. Eva Rivas will perform May 27.

www.panorama.am