In about half year’s time the world is looking at Helsinki. Finland is preparing already for this exceptional event. The participants of the Finnish selection are already confirmed. The most know singer is probably Laura Vuotilainen, who represented Finland in 2002 in Tallinn with “Addicted to you”. There are quite good songs in the Finnish predecision this year f.e. Humane with “Shoot me up” or Hanna Parkinen. Due to Lordi’s rock influence there are three rock bands competing. The first overview you can get under http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYIbpVX8_pM Tickets for the final will be available at December, 10th for 195 EUR under +358 600 10909. The motto of this years contest is “True Fantasy”, which should express the soul of Finland, as well as the polarity of the country: light and darkness, north and south, Finish retentiveness and craziness. In 2007 there will be no more than 40 countries competing. There are also new countries who would like to join in like Czech Republic and Georgia. Definitely qualified for the final are: Finland, Germany, United Kingdom, France, Spain, Greece, Sweden, Ireland, Ukraine, Lithuania, Romania, Armenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina.

This year there are several songs in the European single charts. Lordi from Finland jumped in the UK charts on place 25, in Denmark they are on 8th rank! For the first time since ten years, a UK entry came 8th in these charts with Daz Sampson. Kate Ryan from Belgium appears in Bulgaria (89th), Switzerland (86th), Greece (25th) and Belgium (9th). The national singer were mainly successful in their own countries: Anna Vissi in Greece (1st), Sandra Oxenryd in Estonia (26th), Fabrizio Farinello in Malta (1st), Brian Kennedy in Ireland (4th), Carola in Sweden (3rd), Sidsel in Denmark (6th), Cosmos in Latvia (40th) Mihai in Romania (89th) and Lordi in Finland (2nd)

The general viewing figures raised 13% in comparison to 2005. There were 18% more viewers in the semifinal and 11% more in the final.

Since Lordi's stunning victory, the country of the Midnight Sun is in a state of emergency. Hundred thousands of Finns met in the city centre of Helsinki equipped with white-blue flags and masks. Lordi gave several concerts and were celebrated by an enthusiastic audience. As a sign of gratefulness and to strengthen the national pride Finland's Prime Minister Tarja Halonen joined the festivities. After so many trials in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest, Finland never reached good positions. There had to be monsters to come for rescuing the country's pride.

And there is more to come: a special votive medal of Lordi is going to be made. As well as Lordi's hometown Rovaniemi at the Polar Circle - which is generally know as Santa Claus' City - is going to get an additional name: "City of Lordi"!

What a magnificent show! Europe has decided and for the first time in Eurovision history Finland received the crown! If you have followed the voting it has become clear during the first third part that Finland is leading. Their song "Hard Rock Hallelujah" has reached the hearts of the Europeans. They did not win scantily, the won by a mile! 38 countries have voted for this magnificent result of 292 points! So that's why the next Eurovision Song Contest is taking place in 2007 in Finland.

On the second rank with 248 point came Russia with "Never let you go" and on third rank and 229 points Bosnia & Herzegovina and "Leila". Under the high estimations went Texas Lightening from Germany with only 36 points and came 15th. The host country Greece came on a respectable 9th rank with 128 points. Fears of manipulation have been taken by the highest EBU representative Svante Stockselius, it was not possible to vote via Internet telephone (Voice over IP).

Just recently Finland voted the be best Finnish Eurovision entry ever, and Lordi won with "Hard Rock Hallelujah". Finland always shaped up badly and came last so many times and they tried so hard, but this year it worked out brilliantly. Now the world is looking to Finland. Congratulations!

Since hours, Digame - the responsible company for the voting - is living in that box. Nobody is allowed to enter or exit. The box has been sealed by a notary and people have to stay until the end of the show. Manipulation can be precluded. In the moment when the voting time is over - the EBU already knows the final result.

The new voting system is quicker, but it definitely destroys the atmosphere and excitement. Nobody will see the reactions anymore how Norway gives only one point the Swedes. The whole procedure is quite too fast and complex. Additionally the running order of the countries to give their votes is not the same as the running order of the played songs. This order has been determined by a draw weeks before. That will also confuse the spectators.
The cult of the voting has been killed!

The day of the first two dress rehearsals is over. The Greeks are really going to make a magnificent show. Many things are flying in from the sky: a big golden bullet larded with people on it, as well as the hosts Maria and Sakis. At the right beginning Helena Paparizou is presenting her new song as well as her winning song "My number one".

The show went smoothly without greater breakdowns, on time only Maria forgot her words. Many artist were dressed in white, so the final won't be extremely colorful like last year. The choice of the songs shows a great variety: anthems from Sweden and Greece, ballads from Russia, Ireland and Bosnia-Herzegovina, crashs from Finland, Romania and Croatia. But there will also be surprises like Germany, Spain or Turkey.

This year somebody very special is opening the voting: Nana Mouskouri! The Interval Act is aesthetic and very Hellenic, lots of dance and filled with gorgeous moments.

We thank you for the comments. We are always open for criticism but as we are an independent website we are also having an opinion. There has never been said something negative about Lithuania or about Lithuanians. We appreciate this country like any other. We are observing the scene and report what's going on. The general opinion among the press is considered and additionally our experience of ten years has an influence. Last year the reaction of the Lithuanian entry was absolutely positive, if you check out the archive.
We are not willing to accept personal affronts as the whole thing is all about the subject only. Many entries here are just insulting and not appropriate at all.

Please keep in mind, that we can also take the fact into consideration to close the comment section for your entries in future.

After a real exciting semifinal the ten highest qualifiers have been found: Russia, Macedonia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Lithuania, Finland, Ukraine, Ireland, Sweden, Turkey and Armenia!

The disappointment in the press centre as well as from the different countries is enormously. That's mainly due to the disqualification of the three favorites: Belgium, Estonia and Slovenia! Those were the utmost radio like songs! The big question is, who is watching the semifinal and who is really grapping to the phone? How can a singer like Kate Ryan, who is well known all over Europe be topped by a shouting band from Lithuania? How does it come that such a positive and happy song like the one from Estonia did not make it? And are there that many Armenians around Europe who are willing to vote for their country?

Many artists were frustad, Kate Ryan was crying in front of some cameras.
On the other side there of course also happy tears by the winners.

There is not much time left for the semifinal's decision. Who is going to make it into the final? Only 10 countries from 23 can qualify. There are some clear favorites, but as always there definitely will be some surprises tonight. The excitement is rising from minute to minute and many people twanging nervously through the press centre. Now it's all in the hands of the televoters!

The delegations of the finalists (Latvia, Romania, Moldova, etc.) went on a lovely boat trip to three gorgeous tiny islands: Aegina, Poros and Hydra. Everyone could relax and enjoy a Greek holiday.

In the arena the semifinalist had to be on stage for the first and second dress rehearsal. The rehearsals are open to the public and tickets can be bought. Now the artists have the chance to watch their contenders' songs and shows. Due to tight schedules many artists did not have the chance for that.

The intro of the semifinal is showing Greek God's who are singing old Eurovision songs. The Greeks are having many practical experiences while creating the ceremonies for the Olympic Games. Maria and Sakis are appearing fresh and young, no boring studied phrases like last year. Maria is changing her dress several times and Sakis is singing his "Shake it". In the Interval Act you will the compulsory folkloristic part - dancing Greeks!

On a special press conference by the EBU the new voting procedure of the final has been explained thoroughly. When a country is being called the points from 1 - 7 will appear slowly after another graphically show on the scoreboard and then the spokesman will announce the votes of 8, 10 and 12 points. You can see immediately who has given whom

Some people have the best ideas. However the windmashine on stage is quite common by now. Carola used it already in 1991 and with a huge "stormvind" she was able to win. This time she already need four of them! Also Norway and Germany need the windmashine. We will see if this is helpful, or not!

This was a quite exciting day here in Athens - the first rehearsals of the finalists were held. In the press centre there was hectic rush - the journalists were running nervously from one to another place and one press conference hunted the next. There was not even time for a coffee break. The absolute highlight was the welcome reception in the Zappeion. The event was held open air and offered all participants to get to know each other and to enjoy Greek hospitality with wines, snacks and music.

Lots of good comments gathered the technical organization. The responsibility was hold by a Swedish company over the recent years. But this year the German company Procon had taken over the job. Everything went smoothly so far, no big delays, maybe this is due to the German closeness.

Many highlight could be watched at the today's rehearsals. Doubtless German band Texas Lightening did very well in the Olympia Indoor Arena. Surprisingly the arena was quite well filled and the group deserved a warm applause. In the press conference the group glittered and made friend with the attendant journalists. Especially while singing a Greek version of "No No Never" there were the first standing ovations. If the Germans try to bring their enthusiasm and energy into the arena and in front of the European televisions, a very good rank is granted. Nobody has uttered negative comments so far here in Athens.

The girls from Las Ketchup disappointed a bit during their press conference. The voices seemed to be a bit weak, On stage they made a good impression with a nice choreography. The song is different and a bit dreamy, but that's exactly what many people don't like her.

Romania's contribution is interesting. Mihai - the sympathetic singer belong to the favorites with his song "Tornero" already. Unfortunately the choreography is too exaggerated with a little circus. The dancers are jumping like dolphins and one dancer turns around on his head in the last part of the song. Less is more.

Now the rehearsals of the finalist have begun. Many people longed for the appearance of Six4One from Switzerland. It will be the first country on stage in the order of appearance on Saturday. This year the most known composer and lyricist will be at Eurovision Song Contest again: Ralph Siegel & Bernd Meinunger. New rules allow composers and lyricists from other countries to submit their songs. Switzerland is represented by six different nations - only one is Swiss: Claudia D'Addio, the others are from Sweden, Malta, Bosnia-Herzgovina, Israel and Portugal. The stage gig is quite unspectacular compared to other countries. Instead the strong voices and the catchy melody do convince.

Moldova presents a real holiday reggae, admittedly the choreography looks a bit clumsy. We may expect a better dance performance during the dress rehearsals. The A-Cappella group from Latvia disappointed on stage, but not during the press conference. They don't use any technical help like records, band or anything like that, they just rely on their voices. Norway has a perfect show and many people like it here.

The last press conference of Sweden has been pretty well attended. Carola has been asked due to an earlier interview about homosexuality and her attitude. She admitted that she loves gays and lesbians and that they are deep in her heart. She has denied all possible negative statements.

The time of rehearsals of the semifinal is over. Tomorrow the finalist will conquer the Eurovision stage. The day went smoothly without any big surprises. The Icelandic singer was flirting with the audience and made a real honest impression. Even Lordi fascinated the audience with their extraordinary show. Many people here strongly believe that Lordi is not only going to win the semifinal, but also the final. But the decision is not made yet, the finalist may change everything.

The artists are showing more and more enthusiasm on stage and some of them show their secret outfits for the big night. And generally the spirit is rising enormously. There are coming more and more people every day and it going to be quite crowded here. Even last years winner Helena Paparizou showed up and checked the venue. A good impressions made the first stars visiting the Euroclub last night. This place really makes the Eurovision Song Contest to a uniting event.

The rehearsals went quite well so far. Lots of observers like the Ukrainian Tina Carol. Her show on stage is gorgeous and nearly perfect. The background dancers are wearing Kosak costumes. Maybe we all should be aware of the Ukraine this year!

For the artists of the first half of the semifinal (Armenia to Poland) there is the second and last opportunity to improve and change the three minute stage presentation. Already next Wednesday there will only be the complete flow of the show and then it's getting late to do major changes. A great appearance on stage had the Bulgarian singer Mariana. She tries to bring the elegant style of her video clip on stage. An impressive presentation!

Another effect made Polina from Belarus with her salacious outfit for the media. Her small appearance caused a lot of trouble: she did the singing and dancing performance during the Albanian press conference. The whole demonstration has been interrupted and stopped by the EBU representative personally!

Today was the day of this years favorites. One of them - without any doubts was Carola from Sweden. She came to the arena and saluted the audience personally. She could convince even her reviewers with her professional and friendly personality. She talked about her life, her Eurovision experiences and her enthusiasm for the Eurovision Song Contest. She really enjoyed that gig and already number one in the Swedish charts for several weeks. Her compatriot Sandra Oxenryd who is singing for Estonia also did a brilliant job on stage today, the choreography is convincing and the song is fresh and buoyant.

For the greatest attention provided the Icelandic singer Silvia Night! She is having a big pink court shoe on stage which she is using as a slide. Her extravagance and strange behaviour was not appreciated by everybody.
At her press conference she looked like Mary Poppins wearing a white sunshade and having bodyguards. She replied grudgingly and bitchy to the questions of the journalists. One journalist has been carried out by the bodyguards. Hopefully it was just a promotion gag.

Lordi from Finland! With their scary masks and their unique stage performance they are totally falling out of the general Eurovision frame. You will never see them without their costumes, indeed they really look scary and will definitely shock the young and old.

Yesterday the rehearsals finished with Poland. So the first part of the semifinalist practised their first rehearsal attempts. Today it's all about the second half of the semifinalists. The first singer on stage was the Russian favorite Diman - he is a real superstar in his country. At the end of his performance is climbing up a grand piano. There some details which still have to be improved. In contrast the Turkish singer Sibel could already show off with the song "Superstar" and a perfect choreography. The received a big applause and with such a brilliant appearnce she will definitely qualify for this years final.

The eurovisionlive.com team has arrived safely in Athens and utilized the pre-Eurovision atmosphere for an interesting sightseeing tour. Since this morning the Olympic Indoor Arena has been populated by the first journalists. The first half of the semifinalists have started their rehearsals today. The most outstanding performance had Belgian singer Kate Ryan. She showed a gorgeous choreography accompanied by red-illuminated microphone racks and with very talented dancers.

The eurovisionlive.com team is going to be live in Athens from May 10th to 21st. We are going to meet the different artists and talk to them (you can watch the interviews here!), to take a look behind the scenes of the Grand Prix and as always show a great photo-report "Report from Athens". Furthermore you can already vote for your favourite on our site!

Due to the high amount of participating countries (37!) and the experiences from the last two years, the voting procedure had to be truncated. It really took too much time until all the spokesmen from so many countries gave all their votes. Many of the spectators were already bored. Now the points from 1 - 7 will automatically appear on the screen, the spokesman is going to announce the points 8, 10 and 12 only. So the exitement is granted. The last two countries in the order of apperance are going to do the old way from 1 - 12 points, the rankings can sometimes be determined by one point only.
For the semifinal there are no changes. The best 10 songs will qualify for the final. The exact result are going to be published after the final.