First 10 Finalists now known!

So after a very exciting 1st Semi-Final last night it is now known which ten qualifiers proceed to the Grand Final on Saturday night. The 10 finalists are:

1. Finland, 2. Azerbaijan, 3. Serbia, 4. Iceland, 5. Georgia, 6. Russia, 7. Lithuania, 8. Greece, 9.Hungary, & 10. Switzerland.

I think it is a little surprising that Turkey didn't qualify, & also not too disappointed about Portugal not qualifying as their song was the worst I've heard in a long time at eurovision.

The show itself was very good, however there was a few technical issues ie. some countries had commmentary problems which we have been reassured will be ironed out by the 2nd Semi-Final on Thursday night.

A tour of Dusseldorf today!

So this morning we were up quite early as we had a tour of the City by bus & boat. Firstly on the bus we were taken to some of the city's most renowned sights such as Konigsalee, one of the best known addresses in europe for luxury shopping!

Amongst others, Dusseldorf's Kunstakademie (Academy of Arts) was also on our list of places to see. While on the boat, we had a lovely panoramic round trip on the Rhine, taking in such sights as Burgplatz along the Rheinpromenade (esplanade) & North Rhine-Westphalia's State Parliament, to the MedienHafen & back.

Jedward - Press Conference.

Well there was a buzz late this afternoon when Jedward held their 2nd Press Conference. As expected there was a high turnout of press eagerly anticipating the two young boys from Ireland.

They were both very funny & kept the press amused with witty comments & mannerisms!
These boys have a lot of energy & are always ready to sign autographs & pose for pictures for their many fans, even after a long day with a busy schedule.

Good luck to Jedward on Thursday evening!

Hotel FM

Well the Romanian entry this year, Hotel FM had their 2nd rehearsal this morning & I must say they sounded very polished & professional!

Hotel FM consist of lead singer David Bryan, Alex Szuz, & Gabriel Baruta. David incidently was born in England but now lives in Romania.

After their press conference this morning David had a nibble of an Aberdeen "Rowie" & seemed to enjoy it!

We wish Hotel FM the very best of luck for the 2nd Semi-Final on Thursday night!

Welcome delegates!

Saturday evening was time for the official reception of the Lord Mayor of Dusseldorf to welcome the delegations of all 43 participating countries.

For people who have never experienced this, it's an opportunity for all the artists & their teams to walk up the red carpet & be photographed by the thousands of press & interviwed by the many international broadcasters.

This is followed by the official opening of the Eurovision Song Contest by the Lord Mayor, & the Executive Supervisor of the contest, Mr Jon Ola Sand.

There is also music, dancing & of course a nice buffet & plenty drinks.

First day in Dusseldorf

So we arrived in Dusseldorf on Friday evening & so our first day of rehearsals & press conferences was Saturday. The UK's hopes of winning this year are in the hands of the band "Blue", consisting of Anthony Costa, Duncan James, Lee Ryan & Simon Webb.

I think Blue's rehearsal went quite well & they are quite confident of doing a good job for the Final. In fact Blue are one of the favourites to win the Contest.....remember the UK have not won Eurovision since 1997!

During their press conference later they said that they would love to defend their title next year should they win here in Dusseldorf on Saturday night.

Day 1 at the Eurovision Press Centre.

Arrived at press centre

Arrived at the huge press centre and there's free coffee!!