Winner "Not The Best Singer"

Alexander Ryback's Fairytale came true when Norway won the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest with the highest number of points in the contest's history. Shortly after winning Alexander admitted he was not the greatest singer in the contest listen but that he had had a story to tell. He also talked about the formula for success in the Eurovision listen.

The 2010 Eurovision will be held in Oslo, Norway, and we will be there. Have a great year from the EurovisionMinute.com team.

Spot The Song Gamecard for Grand Final

Our famous "Spot The Song" Gamecards are now also available for the Eurovision Grand Final.

The object of the game is to identify ten countries by solving the clues during the broadcast. You score ten points if you solve the clue and identify the country during their performance, or the maximum twelve points if you can solve a clue before that country's song has begun.

The Gamecards for the two Semi-Finals are also still available:

- First Semi-Final (Friday 7.30pm)
- Second Semi-Final (Saturday 7.30pm)
- Grand Final (Sunday 7.30pm)

Please let us know how you got on by emailing Alistair.Birch@gmail.com . The best and worst scores will be listed on this site.

They Came, They Sang, They Conquered

After two thrilling Semi-Finals on Friday and Saturday, the list of participants in Sunday's Eurovision Grand Final is now known.

Australian TV Viewers voted Belgium's entry Patrick Ouchène as favourite, however Europeans disagreed and he was eliminated. Other high-profile eliminations included Switzerland's Lovebugs and Ireland's Sinead Mulvey with Black Daisy.

The full list of participants in Sunday's final is shown below:

Number	Country	Performer(s)	Song
1	Lithuania	Sasha Son	Love
2	Israel	Noa & Mira Awad	There Must Be Another Way
3	France	Patricia Kaas	Et S'il Fallait Le Faire
4	Sweden	Malena Ernman	La Voix
5	Croatia	Igor Cukrov feat. Andrea	Lijepa Tena
6	Portugal	Flor-de-lis	Todas As Ruas Do Amor
7	Iceland	Yohanna	Is It True?
8	Greece	Sakis Rouvas	This Is Our Night
9	Armenia	Inga & Anush	Jan Jan
10	Russia	Anastasia Prikhodko	Mamo
11	Azerbaijan	AySel & Arash	Always
12	Bosnia & Herzegovina	Regina	Bistra Voda
13	Moldova	Nelly Ciobanu	Hora Din Moldova
14	Malta	Chiara	What If We
15	Estonia	Urban Symphony	Rändajad
16	Denmark	Brinck	Believe Again
17	Germany	Alex Swings Oscar Sings!	Miss Kiss Kiss Bang
18	Turkey	Hadise	Düm Tek Tek
19	Albania	Kejsi Tola	Carry Me In Your Dreams
20	Norway	Alexander Rybak	Fairytale
21	Ukraine	Svetlana Loboda	Be my Valentine! (Anti-crisis Girl)
22	Romania	Elena	The Balkan Girls
23	United Kingdom	Jade Ewen	It's My Time
24	Finland	Waldo's People	Lose Control
25	Spain	Soraya	La Noche Es Para Mí (The Night Is For Me)

Graham Norton speaks out on Australian Commentators

Following Terry Wogan's retirement from the sequined satin chair, it's all change in the Eurovision Commentary boxes.

The UK's new commentator Graham Norton met up with Australia's new commentary team Julia Zemiro and Sam Peng, and this is what Graham had to say afterwards listen.

Graham's comment about the relative size of the two commentary teams is meant purely ironically. In fact the BBC has sent a team of four commentators, two for the Semi-Finals, Graham for the Finals only, and another commentator for Radio commentary. This commentary team is supported by a team of press people, engineers and other minions who do all the preparatory work for them.

The Australian team consists of the two Commentators plus a producer and cameraman. Julia and Sam had to carry her own equipment up the many steps to the top of the Olympic stadium and have spent the last few days dashing round Moscow getting interviews at the artists' hotels.

Julia was last seen cadging a Metro ticket from the Australian Radio correspondant in order to get back to the Eurovision venue (Julia, if you're reading this, I would like my Metrocard back please, it's still got some trips left on it!)

Spot The Song Gamecards

Our famous "Spot The Song" Gamecards are now available for Friday's First Semi-Final and Saturday's Second Semi-Final.

The object of the game is to identify ten countries by solving the clues during the broadcast. You score ten points if you solve the clue and identify the country during their performance, or the maximum twelve points if you can solve a clue before that country's song has begun.

Gamecards are available here:

- First Semi-Final (Friday 7.30pm)
- Second Semi-Final (Saturday 7.30pm)

A Gamecard for Sunday's Grand Final will appear online by Sunday Morning.

Please let us know how you got on by emailing Alistair.Birch@gmail.com . The best scores will be listed on this site.

Ireland slams Moscow Camera Work

In an extraordinary outburst at the second Irish press conference, Head of Delegation Julian Vignoles criticized the camera coverage of the Irish entry, claiming the production had gone backwards since their first rehearsal listen.

Mr Vignoles claimed there were some very basic televisual rules which were not being observed in the cutting listen.

He acknowledge that all of the production team were working very hard and asked the production team to get their act together listen.

There was no public response from the Eurovision host broadcaster, Channel One.

An Audience Of One

Jade Ewen, the UK contestant, thinks her first rehearsal was fantastic and the stage setting and size amazed her: “You go on stage, and you see 50 thousand seats before you! This gives you a great feeling!” Jade liked it in Moscow: she says it is her favourite place of those she has ever been to.

The singer said she was keen to achieve the same level of success that Celine Dione had, and she also cited Mariah Carey, Whitney Houston, Amanda Jackson and Aretha Franklin among her influences.

Jade has appeared in episodes of popular British soap The Bill, but also mentioned an Australian TV series she had appeared in listen. When asked to compare TV work with singing she replied thus listen.

When asked who, in her opinion, her main competitors were, Jade replied that it was Malta, Norway and Spain listen. However, she spoke very warmly about all the participants.

Jade also said that discussed Eurovision with her predecessor and shared the piece of advice that she was given: “Treat the audience as one person, and talk to this person.”

Speaking about her plans, Jade said she is going to finish recording her album and make a music video.

The United Kingdom delegation was represented by: Phil PARSONS (Head of Delegation), Jade EWEN (lead artist), Julia D'ROZARIO (Head of Press), Pamela ANDERSON (Entertainment Publicity).

Family Entertainment from Germany?

Oscar Loya, one of the singers representing Germany, said at his band's press conference that his dream is to wake up in the morning after the final and see his own face smiling from the first pages under the headlines “Oscar brings the Eurovision back to Berlin!” listen. The singer admits that the competition is tough and it’s difficult to single out any performer since all are equally good.

Oscar paid tribute to Australian Jane Comerford who fronted the German entry in 2006 but has been coaching Alex and Oscar this year listen.

The second lead artist Alex Christense has already visited Moscow on many occasions and is well known on the nigh scene as a DJ. He even recorded an album in Moscow. “Moscow is one of my favorite cities. Vodka is great, night life is booming and it’s generally a real swell”.

Oskar Loya said that his mother is a native-born American and his father is from Mexico. In America, the song of the German duo is quite popular, he said. Oscar agreed to sing the Spanish version of ‘Miss Kiss Kiss Bang’ listen.

When asked about the difference between the Russian and the German girls, Oskar replied that hot girls are the same in every country. “It doesn’t matter where a girl is from, it who she is that counts. There must be a spark inside her”, he explained.

The German delegation said that the viewers should be ready for surprise: the duo’s show at the finals will differ from what we saw during the rehearsal. They explained the involvement of the famous burlesque star Dita von Teese listen but did not disclose any details of her performance.

The artists also addressed how this performance by Ms von Teese matched the image of Eurovision as a family show. Any show should have an element of sex and Dita’s performance will bring an integral element to their performance. They promised, however, that everything in their show will be ‘within the bounds’ listen.

The Russian delegation was represented by: Alex CHRISTENSE(lead artist); Oscar LOYA (lead artist); Ralf QUIBELDEY (Head of Delegation).

French Songbird returns to the Eurovision

The French press conference started with a tribute from Bruno Berberes of French TV to singer Patricia Kaas: “Sometimes when I wake up in the morning I cannot believe that you are actually here with us and you are taking part in this contest”.

Patricia explained her particular success in Eastern European countries thus: “I have toured in many countries throughout my career. At home they sometimes call me an Ambassador for the French song. I bring to my songs just the romanticism, tenderness and strength that are usually associated with French music. This might be an explanation.”

In a rare comment in English Patricia explained why she stopped watching the Eurovision Song Contest – but started watching it again in the last few years listen.

When asked to compare her music with Edith Piaf, the singer replied “It’s a beautiful song that continues the French musical tradition. Edith Piaf would be a great performer for the song of this genre”.

Patricia Kaas also said that her song was dedicated to her mother’s memory. The day of the recording of the Grand Final, May 16, is the date when her mother died and for many years Patricia stayed true to her promise never perform on this day. Her performance at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest will be the first time when she will break this promise.

The French delegation was represented by: Bruno Berberes (Head of Delegation); Patricia KAAS (lead artist); Cyril PRIEUR, (manager); Tanguy DAIRAINE, (lyricist).

Frozen Screams

At the press-conference of Petr Elfimov all the attendees received ice-cream, and the journalists with the best questions got special gifts.

Executive producer Anastasiya Tikhonovich explained that they had brought 36 thousand cones listen. The singer Petr was concerned that someone might get ill from eating so much ice-cream, but the audience seemd to be coping with the situation.

Petr told the journalists of his promo-tour of the European countries: Turkey, Greece, Macedonia, Bulgaria, Moldova, Ukraine and shared impressions of the Turkish cuisine and eastern hospitality. “It was unforgettable”, said the artist. In one of the Turkish restaurants he even sang together with a local band.

Petr is widely popular in his homeland: according to the representative of the Belarusian Television. Young people buy up white leather trousers, the fashion for which was started by Petr.

• Preview the Belarussian Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Belarus in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Belarus, 4th song in the First Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Belarus delegation was represented by: Aleksandr MARTYNENKO (Head of Delegation), Petr ELFIMOV (lead artist), Elena GOMALINSKAYA (Assistant to the Head of Delegation), Tatiana KOSMACHEVA (producer), Anastasiya TIKHONOVICH (executive producer), Ekaterina MATSKEVICH, Philip MAZUROV, Dzmitry MIKULICH, Anton TOIMENTSAU, Ivan ZHANCHAK (backing artists).

Moldova draws on Tradition

Hora is a traditional Moldavian dance which was performed by people wanting to make peace and the main message of the composition performed by Moldovan singer Nelly Cuobany is unity.

Nelly said she could not even imagine that “the stage would be so beautiful”. Nelly admired the scale of the contest: “We have a unique possibility to get to know the whole world in just two days and bring our idea s to everyone”.

She has previously successfully participated in many song contests, such as the New Wave and Slavyansky Bazar. She was dreaming of victory at Eurovision 2009 listen but she would be happy with the second or the third place as well.

In the past Nelly already sang on the same stage with Patricia Kaas, but this time it is to compete with the French diva. “It is a great honor to compete with the artist of such level”, says Cuobany. “Patricia is world-famous, but we work in different music styles”.

• Preview the Moldovan Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Moldova in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Moldova, 15th song in the Second Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Moldova delegation was represented by: Vitalie COJOCARU (HOD); Nelly CUOBANY (lead artist); Inga MILOSAVLJEVIC (PR-manager).

Why the UK doesn’t need to take Eurovision seriously

Sascha Son is a Lithuanian singer who has lived in London and in Lithuania. He explained the higher prominence of the Eurovision Song Contest outside the UK by comparing the size of the music industry in London to Lithuania listen.

Sasha Son was the only contestant to have visited Ireland during his Eurovision promotional tour. “I gave three solo concerts in Ireland. That’s where a lot of my fellow-countrymen live. The tour was quite a success. I also toured other countries like Latvia and Ukraine. I’ve also been to London and Amsterdam. The promo tour was great luck for me, “ he said.

He released his first song at the age of 12 and is very grateful to his father who helped him out with the project. Later on, the young artist attended music classes and went as far as to take part a talent show. Although he started his singing career at an early age, the lyrics of his songs was fairly serious, he confessed.

• Preview the Lithuanian Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Lithuania in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Lithuania, 14th song in the Second Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Luthiania delegation was represented by: Jonas VILIMAS (Head of Delegation), Sasha SON (lead artist), back vocalists Baiba SKURSTENE, Nora STROLYTE.

All Rise for the Australian Entry to the Eurovision

Sakis Rouvas is no stranger to the Eurovision, having sung at the contest for Greece in 2004 and even co-hosted the event in Athens back in 2006. This year he is back as the singer and he contrasted his roles thus listen.

When the journalists wondered if he felt nervous, he replied that for him it is no longer relevant, since all the experience he had gained in the course of his 19-year-long singing career and of the Eurovision contest had made him immune to any kind of anxiety. Now he can afford to do it just for the fun of it.

Composer Dimitris Kontopoulos paid tribute to the two Australian lyricists Cameron Giles-Webb and Craig Porteils who wrote the words for the song listen.

Viewed by many as a favorite of the competition, Anastasios Rouvas admitted that it is the audience that can grade a singer in the best way. “One person can be wrong, but many people never,” he added.

• Preview the Greek Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Greece in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Greece, 13th song in the Second Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Greece delegation was represented by: Mariza Fakli (Head of Delegation), Agis Menoutis (assistant Head of Delegation), Ioannis Kalimeris (advisor), lead artist Anastasios Rouvas (performer), backing artists Anna Maria Margretha Nilsson, Anna Maria Andersson and Alexandros Panayi, dancers Gergios Papadopoulos and Nikolaos Marianos, Dimitris Kontopoulos (composer), Irina Mansourova (choreographer).

Azerbaijani Coupling

Aysel and Arash count as the most improved live act compared to their original live act. What was before two lead singers on stage has now become a harmonious duet, which Aysel explained thus listen.

It is not the first time that Arash has sung at the Olympiyskiy stadium. “In the past it was just as exciting to sing on this stage, but everything’ s so different here now that we still feel nervous during rehearsals,” Arash confessed.

Aysel was also impressed with the sophistication of the show. “Back in Azerbaijan we use a different type of equipment at our rehearsals, but today I’ve seen that everything here is so new. All the time I was afraid to fall all the time, but finally it all came together.”

Aysel emphasized that she was very happy to have this opportunity to perform with Arash. “At our national qualifying contest they first select a singer. I won and later on, when it was time to pick a song for the contest, Arash won with his composition. That’s why we are singing a duo.”

• Preview the Azerbaijani Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Azerbaijan in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Azerbaijan, 12th song in the Second Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Azerbaijan delegation was represented by: Adil KERIMLI (Head of Delegation), AYSEL, ARASH (lead artist), Tahir MAMMADOV (Head of Press).

Third Choice First

Hungarian singer Zoli Adok who ranked third in the national competition got to represent Hungary at the 2009 Eurovision in Moscow due to the fact that the winner of the qualifying round had been disqualified and the second finalist had withdrawn her nomination.

According to one of the journalists, Zoltan, in fact, was the best choice. “As for me, the third song was the best option,” the journalist said. “I believe this was fate and I am grateful to God for this chance to represent Hungary,” Zoli replied.

Zoli will both sing and dance during the show. “I’m a dancer in the first place, that’s why dancing and singing will be equally important for me at the contest,” he confessed. Although he started out as a ballet dancer, Zoli likes all types of dance, including modern and jazz.

The contestant had leading parts in a number of musicals. “The most famous musical of them was the Cats. I was really happy to work with Andrew Lloyd Webber,” he said. He then proceeded to sing an extract from a “Close Every Door To Me” from Joseph – in Hungarian! listen.

“It’s an early morning, but you look so fresh and energetic. What’s your secret? Is it drugs?” one of the journalists wondered, facetiously. “Of course, not,” Zoli retorted. “I think I look quite healthy because I make sure to eat healthy food and have enough sleep. It’s enough to give you a lot of energy.”

At this year’s contest Adok presents the song ‘Dance with me’ in English. Although his song has a Hungarian version, the creative team decided to choose the English version since they think it sounds better.

• Preview the Hungarian Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Hungary in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Hungary, 11th song in the Second Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Hungary delegation was represented by: Szilvia PUSPOK (Head of Delegation), Zoli ADOK (singer), vocalists Vivian JNOFINN and Gabor HEINCZ, Zita KARSAI, Titanilla BELI (dancers), Times PAPP (dancer, choreographer), Gina PRONAY-ZAKAR (Head of Press).

Slovenian Classic

Slovenia opened their press conference with an improvised concert ‘for violin and cello’. The Slovenians presented a fragment from their song that features classical and pop tunes while Martina Maerle sang a few of 20 words that make up the lyrics.

Martina is a real Eurovision cosmopolitan: this is her fourth contest, and although in previous years she was back singer and now she will take center stage. Martina said: “Now I have new opportunities for my solo career. It is not difficult to be a back singer, but a lead singer is always in the spotlight and carries great responsibility. At the same time lead singers have more creative freedom in what they do” listen.

The press wondered about how the musicians managed to use violin and cello to play difficult tunes while moving on stage so fast. “It’s all about practice, it’s something we got used to”, was the answer.

When asked whether they think that violin could help them win the contest, the way Edwin Marton helped Dima Bilan to win last year’s competition, the violinist said: “We are sure that it will also work this time”.

• Preview the Slovenian Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Slovenia in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Slovenia, 10th song in the Second Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Slovenia delegation was he by: Martina MAJERLE (singer), Matjaz BOGATAJ, Ziga CERAR, Samo DERVISIC and Luka DUKARIC (musicians), Sandra FEKETIJA (backing artist), Andrej HOFER (Head of Press).

On the Brinck

Denmark is represented by solo artist Niels Kristensen whose stage name is Brinck. This composition was written for the Danish team by Ronan Keating – a well-known Irish musician and a former member of the Boyzone band listen. To the question, how cooperation with Ronan started, the lead artist Niels Kristensen said: “Probably he listened to our music and thought that we were the best”.

Niels hopes that “from this huge and beautiful stage” he will see “no empty seats”. He really likes this song and it makes him feel absolutely at home to perform in Moscow.

His mother is a saxophone player and Niels had tried many musical instruments before he understood that liked vocal the best. “I like to express myself through the song… Music is like food. You could never survive just on carrots, and the same with music – you need diversity to feel good”, confessed the artist.

Niels talked about a theme which affects many Australians - the need to move from the country to the city to further his career listen.

• Preview the Danish Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Denmark in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Denmark, 9th song in the Second Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Denmark delegation was represented by: Anders KIERULFF (Head of Delegation), Niels KRISTENSEN (lead artist), Christian RASKN (Head of Press), Jarmo SIIM (communications & PR Officer), Soren ANDERSEN (backing artist), Oliver McEWAN (backing artist), Tim McEWAN (backing artist), Anders OHRSTROM (backing artist), Claus PETERSEN (backing artist).

Lucky Eleven

After eleven-year break the Slovakian team is back to the Eurovision song contest. The competition for the right to represent Slovakia at the Eurovision was fierce and exciting, and the duo of Nela and Kamil was selected from great pool of talent. With their song “Fly through the darkness” they hope to show the beauty of Slovakian music to the European audience.

Nela is one of the youngest contestants and is famous for her unforgettable deep voice. The singer has already gained popularity in Slovakia: by the age of 18 she has become famous for her leading performances in several musicals and roles in TV shows.

Kamil said that his life is full of many happy coincidences. He has always dreamt of playing musical instruments but his parents wanted him to become an economist. Finally Kamil decided to listen to his heart and chose what was really important for him listen. “Music has always lived and continues to live in my heart”, the artist admits. Being a talented person, Kamil plays the piano, drums, contrabass and flute without any special musical education.

Participants of the press-conference mentioned that in the past Slovakia never managed to get higher than the nineteenth place in the Eurovision Song Contest, and the Head of Delegation Denisa Dzhinkova jokingly responded: “Eighteenth! You have stolen one position from us!” According to the artists, participation in this contest is very important for all of Slovakians: “We have a wonderful country with gorgeous women and talented singers”. Let us hope that the guests of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest will have a chance to experience the beauty of Slovakia first hand.

• Preview the Slovakian Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Slovakia in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Slovakia, 8th song in the Second Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Slovakia delegation was represented by: Denisa DZUNKOVA, representative of STV; Nela POCISKOVA, Kamil MIKULCIK, lead artists; Rastislav DUBOVSKY, composer; Jan DUROVCIK, cellist.

Cypriot Confidence

“We hope that after our performance the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest will take place at Cyprus”, was the confident opening statement of Evi Papamichael, the Head of Press of the Cypriot team at their first press conference.

The lead singer Christina Metaxa was overwhelmed by the Eurovision listen – she added that she was impressed with the stage and the team so much that she wanted to rehearse more and more in order to enjoy this amazing atmosphere.

Seventeen-year-old Christina is one of the youngest participants of the contest. Her brother is a major influence on her career. Her brother composed the song which Christina is singing.

For the past five years she has been singing in musicals, and one of her latest roles is Sofi in “MAMMA MIA”.

The journalists asked whether Nicolas Metaxas was planning to record an album for his sister. The composer said that it was already underway and they hoped to release the disk by winter.

Apart from singing, Christina is fond of painting and writing fairy tales for children. She has not decided yet which of the activities she likes best and is happy to be able to combine all of them.

To the question how easy it will be for Christine to come on stage after the favoured Norwegian entry, she answered that she liked Alexander’s song very much, but all songs are different and that makes the order of performance absolutely unimportant. Christina wished success to Alexander Rybak and in the end of press-conference sang a capella a piece of the song “Firefly”.

• Preview the Cypriot Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Cyprus in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Cyprus, 7th song in the Second Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Cyprus delegation was represented by: Evi PAPAMICHAEL (Head of Delegation), Nicolas METAXAS, Christina METAXA (lead artist), Amanda PELENTRIDOU (Producer/Director) (Head of Process), Riana ATHANASIOU, Richard HALL, Gun Anna-Karin ELIADOU (backing artists).

Countryside Music

Talking about the inspiration for his song, Norwegian artist Alexander Ryback said that the tune came to him spontaneously when he was travelling in the countryside and enjoying the beautiful scenery of Norwegian nature listen. He had a violin with him and that has done it – the composition “Fairy Tale” came into existence.

Alexander started singing at a very early age. His earliest recollection of signing is performing Belarusian “Kupalinka” to his mother when he was a child. Representatives of Belarus in their turn reminded Alexander that he has a lot of fans among Belarusians.
When asked whom does he support among other contestants, Alexander immediately said: “Svetlana Loboda”.

Alexander’s command of Russian was a pleasant surprise to the Russian and Belarusian journalists at the press conference. Still, some complexly worded questions turned out to be beyond the artist’s understanding and he simply asked the audience “to speak with him like with a child”.

Alexander’s birthday is next Wednesday and to the question about presents he said that he would be really happy to get a cake or to hear a performance of his song by another artist.

• Preview the Norwegian Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Norway in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Norway, 6th song in the Second Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Norway delegation was represented by: Stian MALME (executive producer), Alexander RYBAK (lead artist), Karianne KJRNES, Jorunn HAUGE (backing vocals), Sigbjorn RUA, Torkjell BORSHEIM, Hallgrim HANSEGARD (dancers), Mette SKJONG (Head of Press).

Miss International

Polish singer Lidia Kopania started her press-conference by sharing her impressions of the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest in Moscow. She enjoys a lovely atmosphere and the friendly people around her. Lidia is an experienced contestant– in 2001 she participated as a backing singer.

This time she represents her country on her own; her song ‘I don’t want to leave’ written by as many as four authors is truly an international undertaking. Lidia will sing with a dancer in the backdrop. Lidia herself used to be a dancer, she also plays piano. Her versatile talent brought her to the ‘Miss Teen’ contest that prompted her then to pursue professional training in signing listen birch391.

The moderator wondered if it was true that Lidia’s voice really has a huge range. “Yes, it spans four octaves. But I have to do a lot of work to keep it in good shape,” she replied modestly.

One of the journalists wondered what Lidia would be doing if she was not involved in show business. She said that once she thought of becoming a doctor. In the long run, however, she went for the history of arts as something that was more in tune with her scenic career. “I believe my songs can heal people’s souls. They have special a healing power I try to share with my audience”, disclosed Lidia motivation behind her performance.

• Preview the Polish Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Poland in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Poland, 5th song in the Second Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Poland delegation was represented by: Maria MAKOWSKA (Head of Delegation), Lidia KOPANIA (lead artist), backing artists Patrycja GOLA, Jan RADWAN, Krzysztof PIETZAK, dancers Daria AKATOWA and Maciej PRUSZYNSKI.

Serbian delegation: Love, Live and Leave!

The Serbian band started what became a lively press conference by singing their song to an accordion and went on to sing it again in Russian listen. The Serbs have recorded their song in as many as six languages but they weren’t planning to stop there - they would like to translate it into Belorussian provided that they find someone who might help them out with the text of the lyrics.

One of the members of the duo, the author of the song, participated in last year’s contest on behalf of Montenegro. Back then he did not have to sing and that was much less straining.

The Serbian delegation took this chance to remind that it was Belgrade that hosted the last year’s contest. In Serbia it was an absolute success, they remarked, and kindly wished the Moscow hosts to outdo them.

This year’s motto for Serbia delegation is: “Love, live and leave!” They believe this reflects the principles that everyone should follow: love, live to the fullest and then leave the things you have already experiences for something new and exiting.

The contestants have put this motto into action: the duo and the back vocals staged a show right in the press-centre.

• Preview the Serbian Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Serbia in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Serbia, 4th song in the Second Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Serbia delegation was represented by: Jelena ILIC (Head of Delegation); Marko KON (lead artist); Milan NIKOLIC (lead artist); Dusanka VUCINIC LUCIC (Head of Press/Commentator); Jovan SEJNJANOVIC (Back vocal); Katarina CANKOVIC (Ballet dancer); Ljubisa DINCIC (Back vocal); Igor KNEZEVIC (Back vocal).

Biting Lyrics

Only at the Eurovision would you find a song about traffic jams, and Latvia is singing it, as their lead singer Intars Busulis explained listen.

Intars decided to sing his song in Russian. “I like Russian a lot. And I think it is appropriate to sing in Russian here.” Not all of his fellow-countrymen agreed with it, though some liked the idea, he confessed.

When asked why there was no decent promotional campaign in other Eastern European capitals where Russian is spoken he said that he did not think it was necessary: “We want our song to come across as something brand-new, and not as something already known.”

According to Busulis, it is sincerity, not publicity, that really counts. “If you sing, you should know what you sing about. You ought to have a feel for it. You should cry and laugh. You ought to strip yourself and your audience bare – you should strip everybody”, said the singer and promised to really do it.

Several years ago, Latvia hosted Eurovision. However, according to the singer, he did not use the advice of his predecessors. “Be yourself, don’t try to pretend something you are not”, this is his recipe for success.

Intars Busulis’ way to the contest was not an easy one due to the severe crisis in Latvia’s economy. That is why his participation is a great responsibility. “I hope, I will be able to make the best of this contest, to make our country proud of us”, he added.

• Preview the Latvian Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Latvia in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Latvia, 3rd song in the Second Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Latvia delegation was represented by: Iveta LEPESKO (HOD), Intars BUSULIS (lead artist), artists Kaspars ZEMITIS, Gints PABERZS, Vineta ELKSNE, Кarlis LACIS, Jolanta STRIKAITE, Una TAAL (HOP).

Ireland goes crazy

“It’s crazy!” said the lead artist of the Irish band Sinead Mulvey, amazed by the size of the Russian stage. “Back in Ireland we normally sing in a small setting, but here the stage is so huge” listen. The Irish band said that in spite of some minor sound and light problems their first rehearsal had been quite a success.

Since Malvi and her ‘Black Daisy’ partners are fairly young, the group was asked to explain about the beginning of their singing career. Sinead said that she made her first debut at the age of ten and then was singing in the children’s band Spice Kids styled after the Spice Girls listen.

A journalist from Russia continued the theme by asking the singers if when kids they ever had to sing standing on a chair in front of their relatives. “When I was young, my granny used to give me some money for singing”, one of the band members confessed.

Today girls are happy to represent their country at the contest that they used to follow as fans for many years listen. “We even used to bet on the winner back then, and now they are betting on us”, they said.

• Preview the Irish Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Ireland in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Ireland, 2nd song in the Second Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Irish delegation was represented by: Julian VIGNOLES (Head of Delegation), Sinead MULVEY (lead artist), Nicole BILLINGS (Electric guitar & Backing vocals), Asta MILERIENE (Drums), Lesley-Ann HALVEY (Bass-player + Backing vocals), Jenny NEWMAN, (backing artist).

Holy Roller

Igor Cukrov, one of the two Croatian lead singers, surprised the press today by revealing he had studied theology and was even thinking of becoming a priest. When asked how his degree in theology had shaped his show biz career, he said that it gives him a psychological balance that helps him share positive energy with the audience listen . When asked to sing something out of the church repertoire, he sang a song in an old Croatian dialect listen.

Igor went to this year’s Eurovision after participating in a popular Croatian TV show similar to Australian Idol crossed with Big Brother, something which exposed him to 20 million people across five countries and which he feels really helped him with his career listen .

The band’s other lead singer Andrea Susnjara who also has an excellent music background, sings a powerful vocals in Igors song. “We are really happy to have the opportunity to present our song in Moscow. It’s a dream come true. I believe it’s an excellent start for our career,” she said.

Croatia is the first song in the second semifinal. Although the Croatian band is well aware of the difficulty of the task, they are resolute to stay on the course.

• Preview the Croatian Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Croatia in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Croatia, 1st song in the Second Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Croatia delegation was represented by:
Aleksandar KOSTADINOV (HOD), Igor CUKROV, Andrea SUSNJARA (lead artists), Sanja JUKIC, Karmen MATKOVIC, Jelena MAJIC, Ivana CABRAJA (backing artist); Tonci HULJIC (composer); Vjehoslava HULJIC (author).

Yugostalgia Denied

Inspired by their first rehearsal, the performers from Bosnia and Herzegovina opened their press-conference by recounting the history of their song. Their band’s creative director Boris Milkovich has staged a story about a love revolution.

When asked a question whether the red flags they use on stage are symbolic of their nostalgia for the socialist Yugoslav era, they said that even though socialism is somewhat romantic, their song is about something else listen. “We use our song to draw a parallel between Moscow and Europe, between the present and the past,” he added.

The contesters said that it is their first time in Moscow and they really enjoy it. “We were particularly impressed by the excellent organization of the event,” said Head of Delegation Dejan KUKRIC.

Lead singer Davon spoke about of his homeland. Until recently, his native country was divided by war, but now, everything has changed. In his opinion, music had a role to play in this healing process, since music is an excellent start for unity listen.

Davon believes that creating music is a sweet burden. Writing a song is not easy, but when it is time for performance, it becomes a great fun.

At the end of the press-conference, the band’s back vocalist Elma Selimovic got a ‘sweet burden’ of her own – she was given a cake as a birthday present from her band mates. Another present came from the journalists present in the room who sang ‘Happy Birthday’ for the singer.

• Preview the Bosnian Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Bosnia Herzegovina in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Bosnia Herzegovina, 18th song in the First Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Bosnia and Herzegovina delegation was represented by: Dejan KUKRIC (Head of Delegation); Davor Ebner (lead artist); Denis CABRIC, Elma SELIMOVIC, Bojan MILICEVIC, Danijela VECERINOVIC (Backing artists); Maja CENGIC (Head of Press), Boris MILJKOVIC (creative director).

Maltese Crossed Fingers

Maltese singer Chiara greeted the assembled journalists like old friends. “I’ve missed you so much! You are now like brothers for me”, she said. In fact, it is Chiara’s third time at Eurovision: in 1998 she ranked third, in 2005 she was one step short of victory.

Chiara is hopeful that this year’s Eurovision will finally bring her the ultimate success listen.
Since her composition ‘What if we’ is the most powerful of all of her songs to date.

Chiara explained why she is doing her show alone without back-vocals or dancers. “I’ve always performed like that,” she explained. “I like having everything under control; other people around are additional responsibility. When it is just me onstage, I can fully concentrate on myself.”

When asked about mistakes made by contestants, including herself, Chiara said: “You should never expect anything. There is only one winner. You sing, you give it your best shot and leave it to the audience to decide.” The singer believes, however, that some things depend on chance: “Eurovision is like lottery. Your audience should be in tune with your song.”

• Preview the Maltese Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Malta in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Malta, 17th song in the First Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Malta delegation was represented by: Joseph DIMECH (Head of Delegation), Chiara ZOUBAIRI SIRACUSA (lead artist), Marc PAELINCK (composer).

Portugese Dreams

The Portuguese band opened the press-conference with a happy “Privyet” (Russian for ‘Hello!’) to greet journalists at the press-centre. What makes the six-member Flor-de-lis so unique is that they use a lot of music instruments - over 15 of them for their Moscow performance, the smallest of which is a tiny guitar that was specially made for the contest in Russia listen.

Lead singer Daniela explained that ‘Never stop dreaming’ is the message of the composition listen. Daniela called on all her fans to live in love and peace and not to fear mistakes.

Although the group has existed for as little as nine months, it already has an extensive experience in performing in concert halls and open air venues. But it is for the first time that the band will perform at a stage as big as Olympiyskiy.

The band refused to disclose details about their stage costumes. It is certain, however, that they will use photos for the show. “These will reflect how I interpret the meaning of our song”, Daniela remarked.

• Preview the Portugese Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Portugal in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Portugal, 16th song in the First Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Portugal delegation was represented by: Daniela VARELA (lead artist), Jose CAMACHO (Backing artist), Jorge MARQUES (Backing artist), Ana Sofia RODRIGUES (Backing artist), Pedro MARQUES (Backing artist), Paulo PEREIRA (Backing artist).

Unconventional Fire

At the Finnish press conference most questions were about the unusual staging of the Waldo’s People’s song.

“We didn’t want it to be a conventional dance show,” said Marko Reijonen, the lead singer of Waldo’s People. “It is a very energetic song. We tried to think of a good visual element to match it and chose fire!” This is why the band’s show will include performance by professional fire artists listen.

According to the singer, the video part of the show will match the music video for this song. “It’s like a video clip. We did not want any trivial stuff, such as sexy-looking girls. So we developed a real story, but still with girls”.

Since the song goes like ‘I don’t want to lose control’, the moderator asked the band’s lead female singer, if she would lose control in case she won. “Absolutely!” she said without any doubt.

• Preview the Finlandic Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Finland in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Finland, 15th song in the First Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Finland delegation was represented by: Terhi NORVASTO (Head of Delegation), Reetta KALLIO (lead artist), Marko REIJONEN (lead artist), Manna BORG (backing artist), Paivi VIRKKUNEN (backing artist), Niko VIRTANEN (backing artist), Anton JOLMA (backing artist), Aila HAVIA-VENALAINEN (HOP ), Katja TOIVANEN (promotion press manager)

Sexy image should help me win!

Romanian singer Elena Gheorghe is considered one of the sexiest women at Eurovision. When asked whether her sexy image would help her win, Elena answered: “I think so, yes!”.

Elena has already released three albums, two of which are in Latina style and one with traditional Romanian music. For Eurovision she chose “Balkan girls” - her most popular song that gets regular airplay on Romanian radio.

The journalists were interested to know why Elena who does not speak English but will sing in this language. The songwriter answered this question: “English is an international language, and it will be easier for everyone to understand what our song is about”.

To the question about her family Elena said that her father is a priest and her mother – a folk singer, and both parents influenced her career listen. Elena started singing at the age of three, and her parents have always supported her. Now they are very proud to see their daughter among the participants of Eurovision.

Norwegian journalist asked Elena whether Balkan girls go for any specific type of men. Elena jokingly said that, in fact, she actually thinks that this journalist is quite attractive and then added: “I don’t have any specific preferences for looks, personality is more important thing”.

To close the press-conference Elena gave a cappella performance of a beautiful ballade in Romanian listen and promised to be very sexy on the stage.

• Preview the Romanian Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Romania in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Romania, 14th song in the First Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Romania delegation was represented by: Dan MANOLIU (Head of Delegation), Elena GHEORGHE (Lead artist), Lucia DUMITRESCU (Backing artist), Flavia MIHASAN (Backing artist), Roxana URECHE (Backing artist), Liliana CAUNII (Backing artist), Andreea COMSA (Backing artist), Mariana Rusen (Head of Press).

Double Trouble from FYR Macedonia

The Press-conference given by the Next Time from FYR Macedonia featured the twin brothers Stefan Filipovsky on vocals, and Martin Filipovsky on the guitar.

According to Stefan, it is their first performance in Russia, because the band is only 11 months old. But this short period was enough for them to become very popular in FYR Macedonia, and the musicians hope that Eurovision will help them to become popular in Europe. “You may be certain – we will make this stage explode”, promised Stefan listen.

Less than a year ago Next Time was just an ordinary “garage band” which played cover versions of famous rock songs, and now they are representing their country at the most prestigious European song contest. Just in a few months they recorded their first album, got more than five awards and made several music videos.

When asked to characterize the style of music they perform, the artists said it was pop-rock, but they are inspired by the rock classics – such as White Snakes, Guns'n'Roses, John Bon Jovi etc. Besides, they continue to perform covers of many famous songs by Lenny Kravits, Robby Williams and others. “We learn from the best”, said Stefan. “Tutors” of the young band include the world-famous opera star Hose Carreras.

• Preview the Macedonian Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for F.Y.R. Macedonia in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch F.Y.R. Macedonia, 13th song in the First Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The F.Y.R. Macedonia delegation was represented by: Gordana Andrasevska (Head of Delegation), Stefan Filipovski (lead artist), Martin Filipovski (backing artist), Damjan Lazarov (backing artist), Goran Mihajlovski (backing artist), Mario Stankovic (backing artist), Maja Balevska (backing artist), Liupchio Mirkovski, Ivan POPOVSKI, Meri Popova (Head of Press).

It’s True for Iceland

At the first Icelandic press conference singer Johanna first had to explain why she had chosen of the previous year’s Icelandic Eurovision contestants as a backing singer listen.

Producer of the leading artist Johanna Jonsdottir said that the song “Is it true?” had been written several years before but at that moment there was no place for it in the album. “Last year in October I got a phone call from Moscow and I was invited to perform this song. It is a great honor for me to sing it, especially in Russia”, said the artist listen.

Johanna told that she had started singing long before speaking. At the age of eight she met her manager. When she was ten, she recorded her first record which gained wide popularity in Iceland.

• Preview the Icelandic Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Iceland in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Iceland, 12th song in the First Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Iceland delegation was represented by: Jonatan GARDARSSON (Head of Delegation), Johanna JONSDOTTIR (lead artist), Borkur BIRGISSON, Hallgrimur JENSSON, Fridrik HJORLEIFSSON, Erna OLAFSDOTTIR, Hera THORHALLSDOTTIR (Backing artists)

Popera goes Bulgaria

Krassimir Avramov, the artist from Bulgaria, said to journalists that singing on Eurovision has been his dearest dream. That is why he and the co-author William Tabanau wrote a special song for Eurovision – a song which comprises folk, opera and pop style.

“It is a song about dreams, about the ways people dream of beauty which they cannot find in reality”, said the artist of his composition “Illusion” listen .

The team performing in the show is also unique: it includes a popular rock-singer Anna Lozanova and a famous pop-singer Petya Buyuklieva who virtually started her career on Olympiysky stage.

The song will be accompanied with an unusual dance show combining acrobatic elements on stilts and avant-garde listen.

• Preview the Bulgarian Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Bulgaria in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Bulgaria, 11th song in the First Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Bulgaria delegation was represented by: Luben KANCHEV (Head of Delegation); Silviya RADEVA (Assistant Head of Delegation); Krassimir AVRAMOV (Lead artist); Anna LOZANOVA (Backing artist); Petya BUYUKLIEVA-NIKIFOROVA (Backing artist); Albena DIMITROVA

Israeli sings in Arabic

At the first Israeli press conference the main question was related to the unusual combination of languages in which the song is performed: the composition of Israeli duet will sound in English, Hebrew and – for the first time on stage at the Eurovision– in Arabic listen.

“The main message of our song is conveyed in its name – “There Must Be Another Way” listen. We all think that our region has chosen the wrong way. We are trying to say that there should be new ways for co-existence and understanding in our nation”, said Noa, one of the artists, and thanked Eurovision for the wonderful possibility to bring this message to the big audience.

• Preview the Israeli Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Israel in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Israel, 10th song in the First Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Israel delegation was represented by: Izhchak Sonnenschein (Head of Delegation), Noa (Achinoam) Nini Barak and Mira Awad (lead artists), Gil Dor (co-author), Alon Amir (Head of Press).

Hadise Ready for Take Off on Stiletto Heels

Hadise Ready for Take Off on Stiletto Heels

The first Turkish press conference was one of the best attended on the first day of rehearsals. On being told that Hadise was leading some Eurovision polls, the singer was very happy at the news. “I’m happy to have the opportunity to perform on stage; I really enjoy it every time,” she said.

Hadise is an accomplished and experienced singer. She has been singing since she was five; she went in for show-business when she was 15.

The song ‘Crazy for you’ Hadise has brought to the Moscow contest is at the top of many European hit parades, including Belgium, her current country of residence. Hadise declined to accommodate a journalist who asked her to sing her song in Turkish since she did not believe it necessary to translate the original.

Hadise was particularly enthusiastic to talk about her music preferences. She is an ardent fan of performers like Tina Turner, Tony Braxton, Frank Sinatra, Prince. Her style was also shaped by other famous Turkish singers listen.

When asked about her stage clothes being too sexy, she answered without batting an eyelid: “I like looking sexy on stage, though I never overdo it.” listen

She was the only singer at the press-conference to be accompanied by bodyguards. However, they were for protection against falls, not fans, she explained, as she often sings wearing stiletto heels on stage.

• Preview the Turkish Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Turkey in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Turkey, 9th song in the First Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Turkish delegation was represented by: Kursat OZKOK (Head of Delegation), Hadise ACKGOZ (lead artist), Mustafa GURSOY (producer), Eva SMEENK (back vocal), Steve KASHALA (back vocal).

New Swiss Order

The Swiss Lovebugs are one of the few Eurovision contesters that play rock-n-roll. They achieved extreme popularity both at home and abroad thanks to working with rock-n-roll stars in Europe.

At a press-conference they told journalists about their recent tour of Switzerland together with the Rolling Stones. Their latest album had been produced by Richard Rainey who had worked with the legendary U2 listen. The Lovebugs have over 1,000 concerts on their 17-year record.

It was the group’s fame that paved their way to Moscow. According to Florian KOHLER (Head of Delegation) there was no national finals in their homeland – the swiss broadcaster selected for the Lovebugs to represent Switzerland at the song contest.

The Lovebugs explained it was classical rock-n-roll that had had the strongest impact on their style and inspired them most. The British group New Order had also influenced them greatly listen. Asked if they have doubts about singing rock-n-roll at a pop concert, Wagner said: “A bit of rock-n-roll will only do this contest good.”

The lead artist said that they will have a full schedule during their visit to Moscow - the Lovebugs are to perform at a show held by a popular Russian broadcaster and to give several concerts at the Eurovision parties.

• Preview the Swiss Music Video and Stage Show


• Vote for Switzerland in the Australian Radio Televote.


• Watch Switzerland, 8th song in the First Semi-Final on SBS Australia

The Switzerland delegation was represented by: Florian KOHLER (Head of Delegation), Stefan WAGNER (leading artist); Simon RAMSEITEN (musician); Michael BACHMANN (Assistant Head of Delegation), Meroni MARCO (Head of Press), Clarissa TAMI (Assistant Head of Press).