LOOK-A-LAIKA

Emmy's first rehearsal gives glimpse of her stage costume Artists and RTE staff protest over Israel taking part in event

- SANDRA MALLON

RTE has released a first look of Eurovision hopeful Emmy flying the flag for Ireland, as Irish stars call for the station to publicly oppose Israel's involvement in the contest.

The Norwegian singer flew to Basel in Switzerland on Sunday afternoon ahead of her first rehearsal.

The 24-year-old will perform Laika Party in the second semi-final on Thursday, May 15.

Our pictures show Emmy has replaced her silver playsuit with a silver metallic dress with a pleated skirt, silver boots and a helmet-like hood.

Emmy will be joined on stage by her brother Erlend Guttulsrud Kristiansen plus dancers Vilde Skorstad, Karin Aaeng Stuge, Kristiane Lindvik, and Christiane Bergersen.

She starts the performance spotlit on a shiny metal platform in the centre of the stage that looks like a lunar module.

Erlend is on keyboards at stage level in front, wearing a metallic silver shirt and his trademark star-shaped shades.

During the chorus the main LED wall features a constellation that forms the shape of Laika the dog out of stars.

Emmy bids to become just the second Irish act since 2018 to make the grand finale.