News Eurovision Baku Azerbaijan 2012 �� 2012 ��

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List of participating countries:
France, Germany, United Kingdom, Spain, Italy, Azerbaijan,
Russia, Belarus, Moldova, Georgia, Ukraine, Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Israel, Lithuania, Latvia, FYR Macedonia, Malta, Montenegro, The Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Romania, San-Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey
Event page, Promotours, OGAE voting, ESCKAZ review

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	Final/��
01.Sweden/�� 372 02.Russia/�� 259 03.Serbia/�� 214 04.Azerbaijan/�� 150 05.Albania/�� 146 06.Estonia/�� 120	07.Turkey/�� 112 08.Germany/�� 110 09.Italy/�� 101 10.Spain/�� 96 11.Moldova/�� 81 12.Romania/�� 71 13.Macedonia/�� 71	14.Lithuania/�� 70 15.Ukraine/�� 65 16.Cyprus/�� 65 17.Greece/�� 64 18.Bosnia & Herzegovina/�� 55 19.Ireland/�� 46	20.Iceland/�� 46 21.Malta/�� 41 22.France/�� 21 23.Denmark/�� 21 24.Hungary/�� 19 25.UK/�� 12 26.Norway/�� 7

Final - Jury	�� - ��	Final - Televoting	�� - ��
01. Sweden/�� 296 02. Serbia/�� 173 03. Albania/�� 157 04. Italy/�� 157 05. Spain/�� 154 06. Estonia/�� 152 07. Ukraine/�� 125 08. Azerbaijan/�� 118 09. Moldova/�� 104 10. Germany/�� 98 11. Russia/�� 94 12. Cyprus/�� 85 13. France/�� 85	14. Lithuania/�� 82 15. Bosnia & Herzegovina/ �� 71 16. Malta/�� 70 17. Macedonia/�� 69 18. Greece/�� 60 19. Iceland/�� 53 20. Romania/�� 53 21 Denmark/�� 51 22. Turkey/�� 50 23. Hungary/�� 30 24. Norway/�� 24 25. Ireland/�� 14 26. UK/�� 11	01. Sweden/�� 343 02. Russia/�� 332 03. Serbia/�� 211 04. Turkey/�� 176 05. Azerbaijan/�� 151 06. Germany/�� 125 07. Romania/�� 117 08. Albania/�� 106 09. Greece/�� 89 10. Ireland/�� 89 11. Macedonia/�� 79 12. Estonia/�� 78 13. Moldova/�� 75	14. Lithuania/�� 68 15. Cyprus/�� 63 16. Bosnia & Herzegovina/ �� 57 17. Italy/�� 56 18. Spain/�� 45 19. Iceland/�� 39 20. Ukraine/�� 37 21. UK/�� 36 22. Hungary/�� 20 23. Denmark/�� 18 24. Norway/�� 16 25. Malta/�� 10 26. France/�� 0
Separate jury results are currently being published by eurovision.de

1st semi / 1� ��		2nd semi / 2� ��
01.Russia/�� 152 02.Albania/�� 146 03.Romania/�� 120 04.Greece/�� 116 05.Moldova/�� 100 06.Ireland/�� 92 07.Cyprus/�� 91 08.Iceland/�� 75 09.Denmark/�� 63 10.Hungary/�� 52	11.Switzerland/�� 45 12.Finland/�� 41 13.Israel/�� 33 14.San Marino/�� 31 15.Montenegro/�� 20 16.Latvia/�� 17 17.Belgium/�� 16 18.Austria/�� 8	01.Sweden/�� 181 02.Serbia/�� 159 03.Lithuania/�� 104 04.Estonia/�� 100 05.Turkey/�� 80 06.Bosnia & Herzegovina/�� 77 07.Malta/�� 70 08.Ukraine/�� 64 09.Macedonia/�� 53 10.Norway/�� 45	11.Bulgaria/�� 45 12.Croatia/�� 42 13.Portugal/�� 39 14.Georgia/�� 36 15.The Netherlands/�� 35 16.Belarus/�� 35 17.Slovenia/�� 31 18.Slovakia/�� 22

1 semi - Jury/ 1-�� - ��	1 semi - Tele/ 1-�� - ��	2 semi - Jury/ 2-�� - ��	2 semi - Tele/ 2-�� - ��
01. Albania/�� 131 02. Moldova/�� 107 03. Greece/�� 103 04. Cyprus/�� 90 05. Romania/�� 87 06. Denmark/�� 81 07. Hungary/�� 76 08. Russia/�� 75 09. Israel/�� 72 10. Ireland/�� 72 11. Iceland/�� 70 12. Finland/�� 57 13. Switzerland/�� 45 14. San Marino/�� 42 15. Belgium/�� 38 16. Montenegro/�� 28 17. Austria/�� 27 18. Latvia/�� 17	01. Russia/�� 189 02. Romania/�� 132 03. Albania/�� 131 04. Ireland/�� 116 05. Greece/�� 110 06. Cyprus/�� 99 07. Moldova/�� 85 08. Iceland/�� 79 09. Denmark/�� 53 10. Switzerland/�� 49 11. Hungary/�� 39 12. Finland/�� 36 13. San Marino/�� 25 14. Montenegro/�� 24 15. Latvia/�� 18 16. Israel/�� 16 17. Austria/�� 15 18. Belgium/�� 2	01. Sweden/�� 145 02. Serbia/�� 141 03. Ukraine/�� 109 04. Estonia/�� 102 05. Malta/�� 97 06. Bosnia & Herzegovina/ �� 77 07. Croatia/�� 66 08. Georgia/�� 62 09. Macedonia/�� 58 10. Lithuania/�� 55 11. Belarus/�� 52 12. Portugal/�� 49 13. Turkey/�� 42 14. Slovenia/�� 40 15. Slovakia/�� 40 16. The Netherlands/ �� 31 17. Bulgaria/�� 27 18. Norway/�� 25	01. Sweden/�� 180 02. Serbia/�� 148 03. Lithuania/�� 128 04. Turkey/�� 114 05. Estonia/�� 88 06. Norway/�� 72 07. Bosnia & Herzegovina/ �� 70 08. Macedonia/�� 63 09. Bulgaria/�� 59 10. The Netherlands/ �� 51 11. Malta 39 12. Belarus/�� 37 13. Portugal/�� 37 14. Croatia/�� 34 15. Slovakia/�� 32 16. Slovenia/�� 27 17. Ukraine/�� 24 18. Georgia/�� 15

ESCKaz motto is "Delivering Eurovision News First". As usual our team will be officially accredited and providing "Euroweek" from the beginning till the end in complete details.

This year, we're aiming again to bring the independent Russian and English blogs - our English team remains almost unchanged from the previous year with ESCKAZ editors Mike & Daniel joining their forces with Geert. Russian team as usual will be lead by editor-in-chief Andy Mikheev.

Daily, from 11th till 27th of May on
ESCKAZ.com BAKU BLOG (Russian)
you'll be able to find the latest information directly from Eurovision 2012 capital: reports on rehearsals, press-conferences of participants, fan and other events. We will also try to report on events happening outside the press-center and Arena in the city. Previous ESCKAZ.com live coverages has been number of times nominated as Best Eurovision Blog, so we'll try to keep standart equally high in 2012 as well.

Full schedule of rehearsals, press-conferences and other events is available at ESCKaz Eurovision 2011 Baku guide.

This page will NOT be updated during Euroweek period, so please, bookmark our blog.

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As usual, shortly before the contest ESCKAZ team presents website ranking of the participating entries. This year is no different, and this year all entries are reviewed by Eurovision expert Andy Mikheev and British editors of the website Mike & Daniel. We also present you the final outcome of ESCKAZ visitors' poll 2012.

Just before the launch of the blog, we're happy to announce that prior to Euroweek ESCKAZ has published 40 interviews with 2012 ESC participating artists - leading result between any Eurovision sites again, with sad omissions being German Roman Lob, whose team has rejected any interview requests from outside Germany, and Icelandic duet Greta Salome and Jonsi, even though winning our award, only granted interview to official site of the contest. Other 40 artists and their teams have been more pleasant to deal with, and we will be happy to meet them for interviews again in Baku.

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With Eurovision delegations gathering in Baku from Friday and first rehearsals starting on Sunday, it is time to wrap up coverage of the intermediate period between National selections season and Euroweek. So, briefly, who are the favourites to win this year?

Bookmakers are certain - it is year of Sweden. The odds of Loreen are almost the shortest possible on this date: 7/4 at the major betting sites, making it clear favourite, followed by Italy, Russia (leading ex-USSR countries with 8-10/1), UK and Serbia. Azerbaijan is 15th with 25/1, followed by Belarus and Ukraine at 66, Moldova at 80 and Georgia among last at 200.

OGAE fans almost agree this year. Sweden and Loreen is absolutely run-away winner with almost double points ahead of runner-up. It is followed by Iceland and Italy sharing second place, and Serbia and Norway completing top 5. Estonia is on 9th, Russia is just outside top 10 and other ex-USSR countries failed to make any impact.

Fan polls have been quickly loosing it's effect since the introduction of OGAE vote, but currently most active ones at ESCStats and ESCNation agree on the Swedish victory. Iceland, Italy, Spain, Cyprus, Serbia and Norway in a bit different order are present on the top of all charts. Russia is situated around 15th place, while Belarus, Moldova and Georgia are located in bottom 10.

Eurovision experts are few and barely agreeing among themselves, but this time there is sort of unity in the fact that so far it is between Sweden and Russia for Eurovision crown.

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12/05 First ever winner of Eurovision Song Contest Lys Assia will arrive on 24th of May to Azerbaijan, where she will become special guest of the show in Baku. Lys Assia also was guest of the contests in Belgrade, Moscow, Oslo and Duesseldorf, as EBU has presented to her the special free offer to visit all upcoming Eurovision Song Contest finals.

This year, Lys Assia herself took part in the national preselection of Switzerland, though loosing the right to represent her country to Sinplus duet. She also took part in national preselections in Armenia in 2010 and Belarus in 2012 as special guest.

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More photos - Eurovision.tv

More videos from Murzilki International show: Intro, Party For Everybody, Let It Be,

Loreen - Euphoria Acoustic (Live at Nyhetsmorgon)

Loreen - Joga (Live at Nyhetsmorgon)

Mehriban Aliyeva and her family visits Euroclub in Baku

Kaliopi - Black and White (Russian version) - download mp3

Anmary has arrived to Baku

Ott Lepland - Hear Me (English version of Kuula)

Buy digital album with English, Spanish and Russian versions at Amazon or iTunes

12/05 The delegations, to take part in the Eurovision-2012 song contest, have started to arrive in Baku, APA reports quoting the official website of the contest. Delegations of Montenegro, Latvia, Belgium and Albania arrived in Baku early on 12th of May.

Latvian representative Anmari greeted onlookers in Azerbaijani language and performed Sari Gelin folk song. �I am as if in my second homeland. Weather, lights of Baku reminded me my homeland. Love us! Because we love your country�.

Head of Montenegro�s delegation, Lidija Backovich expressed satisfaction for the second visit to Baku: �I had not opportunity to walk about the city during my first visit. I hope that this time I will have a chance to enjoy the beauty of your culture and city�.

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12/05 Yesterday, Dutch entrant Joan Franka was guest at TROS also she chatted live with fans in Sterren.nl studio.

The Eurovision shows will be broadcasted live on live.songfestival.nl - and there will be second screen, where viewers can give points for song, outfits and act, and share it though Facebook and Twitter.

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11/05 Slovak representative at Eurovision Song Contest 2012 Max Jason Mai has hold his press-conference prior departure to Baky. It was held in River's Club in Bratislava on bank of Danube river and hosted by Roman Bombos, a long time commentator of Slovakia, who for the first time will be attending the show live and commenting from the location this year.

Slovakian entrant has revealed that he will travel to Azerbaijan with technologic innovation - interactive signature card - after being scanned by phone or tablet, the card displays the images and message, music or video of the singer. So far it has been only used by Paul McCartney and U2. In addition to technological innovations Max will bring his amulet "maxagram".

Outfits of Max and his band were designed by Andrea Paldan, and their main colour is believe to be black. Singer departs to Baku on Monday.

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11/05 After six weeks of hard work on the stage of "Baku Crystal Hall" has been established all the necessary equipment. The lighting system of "Baku Crystal Hall", consisting of over 2500 projectors and 3000 meters of cable, was brought from Germany in 90 container. Some ready-made elements of the stage were brought from Hamburg on the 70 40-ton trucks. 2 cargo aircraft of "Silk Way" airlines brought to Baku modern LED lighting technology and a system of video cameras.

On stage of "Baku Crystal Hall" were installed LED screens over an area of 1,300 square meters, located in the form of electronic boxes. Design of these screens was made by Florian Wieder, designer of such projects as the "Eurovision 2011", "MTV Video Music Awards", "X-Factor", "Pop Idol". Scenes and podiums of arena will be presented in 3D format, and on the screens audience of the show will see the amazing night view of Baku.

The fact that the "Green Room" will be located in the hall, will make Baku show more memorable for the spectators and competitors. Never in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest participants and spectators were so close to each other.

With 25 HD-camera each detail of the show will be reflected on the screen. This system of cameras consists of "Spidercam", which moves in different directions over the audience, two shooting cranes, 2 "Steadicam" and the two cameras on the rails. In filming of the show there will be many new features. For example, on the "Steadicams" and shooting equipment on rails will be installed at the same time two cameras. This will help to film the performance from different angles. As a result, to viewers will be shown more dynamic shootings.

The show of "Eurovision 2012" will be broadcasted in Europe with the most modern television stations, which arrived to Baku from Belgium and are managed by professional experts in the field of live broadcast. In the case of unexpected technical problems, to the broadcast will connect a spare television station. The soundtrack will be performed in stereo format, and with Dolby Surround 5.1 sound.

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11/05 Albanian delegation is leaving for Baku tonight. During last days before departure, Albanian entrant Rona Nishliu gave extensive interview to the host of Phonebook program of Planet Tv Ermal Peci. Singer from unrecognized by Azerbaijan republic of Kosovo will defend Albanian colours at Eurovision. Yesterday report on the singer has been aired on Euronews Le Mag program. Albanian Radio Television RTSH has also set up a farewell party where famous artists of the country came to wish good luck to Rona and her entry Suus.

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11/05 Portuguese broadcaster RTP has announced on its official website, that it will broadcast all three contests of the Eurovision. Obviously, the 2nd semi-final on the 24th and the Final on the 26th will be broadcasted live, but the 1st semi-final will be broadcast delayed on May 22, at 22:30 (2.5 hours after the start of the semifinal in Baku).

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11/05 Prior to her departure to Baku, Ukrainian entrant Gaitana has informed journalists on the way her performance at Eurovision will look like and who helps her in the creation of the stage image.

The idea of the staging is the world in color, it is being directed by Olga Semeshkina (choreographer on the show "Stars in the opera," choreographed "Dancing for you" etc), and on stage together with Gaytana again, as at the national selection, will perform dance group "The Lovers". "The costs are approaching $ 400-500 thousand, - says the producer of the singer Eduard Klim. - Believe me, these are real numbers that are needed to be spent to show the quality. Our performace, with all the technical aspects, costs about $ 100,000."

Outfits of the singer are designed by of Lily Litkovskaya. Hair style of Gaitana for "Eurovision" is prepared by Anton Konovalenko, make-up artist - Svetlana Rymakova. Visuals, in front of representative of Ukraine will be singing, have been created by Kadim Tarasov of "Chupacabra" productions. He also has got the idea of video enhancing of the presentation - there will be LEDs on stage, and the performance will be "sort of 3D", Gaitana will be joined by virtual dancers.

"We are now at the finish line - admitted in an interview with "Segodnya" Gaitana. - Everything is set. With voice, thanks God, all is well restored (there was a problem with vocal cords), all this time I have regularly worked with therapist. Our technical group is already in Baku, and we're going to fly there on May 14. With us are going 26-27 persons: the technical service, dancers, makeup artists, the press service. But our parents won't go, we need people who will work, no rest there. Maybe for the final will arrive some of our friends, but I doubt that we will be able to give them time - we have scheduled two concerts there"

The singer has prepared for the contest some unusual souvenirs. In addition to the album of the singer and already presented chocolates, her team also prepared applications and stickers for iPhones and iPads, and Ukrainian head garlands.

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11/05 Before her departure to Baku on Saturday, Finnish entrant Pernilla gave lots of interviews to the Finnish media.

She appeared in Min morgon program on Yle Fem on Thursday. She sang her entry "Nar jag blundar" and told about the changes they went through since national final, as well about her visit to Amsterdam, and expectations from Azerbaijan. You can watch her appearance here (scroll to 31.25)

Then she appeared in Studio of Radio Extrem at the program Stiftelsen - the interview can be seen here. Another interview with Pernilla "Five questions" took place in Succemorgon at Radio Extrem

TV-nytt has also interviewed Pernilla, and she said it will be nice to qualify to the finals, but her aim is simply to provide good performance. She is also glad that her mother will be in the audience.

She also gave interviews to printed media Hufvudstadsbladet, Helsingin Sanomat and Iltalehti.

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11/05 Outfits for the Estonian entrant Ott Lepland have been presented. They have been produced by Baltman, designed by Antonio and stylist Gerly Tinniga. Artist himself has chosen the fabric and other details of his clothing. His backing singer, Marvi Vallaste, will also wear a dress designed by Gerly Tinniga.

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11/05 "We will not use the same broadcasting formula of 2011 with Raffaella Carra and Bob Sinclar. Last year we needed it as a whole generation had lost out on the Eurovision Song Contest in Italy, and we needed to explain a bit", says head of Italian delegation at Eurovision Nicola Caligiore to Eurovision.tv.

La Gialappa�s Band will be commenting on this year's event on Italian television - populary comedy trio made of Giorgio Gherarducci, Marco Santin and Carlo Taranto. Semifinal commentator will be Radio2 host Federica Gentile. The show final will be broadcasted on Rai2, with first semifinal aired on Rai5.

Actor Ivan Bacchi will announce Italian votes during the show. He is known for numerous roles in movies and also hosts "Dolce e Salato" program on Alice channel.

In San Marino, the same team of Lia Fiorio and Gigi Restivo will take care of commentator duties, as they did in 2008 and 2011. Monica Fabbri, journalist of SMtv will be announcing results of San Marinese voting.

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11/05 Meet Soluna's team for Eurovision. As ESCKAZ has earlier revealed, in Baku Danish entrant will be backed by the same team that performed with her on Melodi Grand Prix final in Aalborg: Ihan Haydar on drums, Kewan Padre on cello, Jesper Faaborg on piano, and Barbara Moleko and Anja Akselbo as backing singers.

Barbara Moleko is already known name in Denmark, having released hit-single "Ga En Tur" in March. 25-years old grew up in Mozambique, South Africa and Vanlose and this diverse background has left traces in her music - being a blend of African jazz, American soul and Danish music. "My first sinlge went really well, I have received a good response, now I'm working on my second single", says Barbara. Her summer program is also full packed with the festival performances, among them Skive and Roskilde Festivals. "I really enjoy being backing vocalist at Eurovision too. I think ut will be exciting. So far I know only that we will spend some time on sightseeing and learn something about history of Azerbaijan. And I personally like it a lot", says Barbara.

Kewan, who arrived to Denmark in 1994 from Kurdistan, started playing cello when he was just 6. Now he is 19 and studies in high school in Ishoj, but for three years has been attending Royal Danish Academy of Music. "Chief1 made a status update on Facebook that he is searching for cellist, and several people have proposed me. So he contacted me and asked to join the project", he expains. "It feels totally weird that I'm just pretending playin cello on Eurovision stage, it is not something I usually do", say Kewan, thus concentrating on his appearance. "The only thing I know about Azerbaijan is that it has a big difference between poor and rich people, and that it is country under total development. It will be mega exciting, as it is not the place you usually visit. And I'm sure weather will be good - so we will have a good time there... though we of course have to be concentrated and focused", laughs Kewan.

Ihan Haydar has been playing drums for five years, but never received any training. 18-years old Ihan has roots in Iran and Kurdistan, but now she goes to high school in Naestved. "There was music contest in my school, it was filmed and posted on Youtube. One of my friends sent the video to Chief 1, and he contacted me", she explains. MGP in Aalborg was her first performance in front of big audience and it was the first time she met Soluna and other group members, but they quickly became friends.

19-years old Jesper Faaborg from Billund plays piano and xylophone, and sings backing vocals in Soluna's performance. Jesper never had any piano lessons, but learned playing it himself, after mastering guitar first. Before he devoted himself to the music, Jesper had a very different career - he played badminton, and even competed in the national championship on the elite level. Now, Jesper is working with Chief1 to release some of his own music. "Eurovision probably will be a proper celebration of a dream", says Jesper.

Only one member of the band has been replaced, and a new backing vocalist is 28-years old Anja Akselbo from Copenhagen. Besides her Eurovision involvement singer also performs in the band Fanfare, whose lead singer is Patrick Spiegelberg, former Eurovision Dance Contest participant. She also writes and performs own songs under stage name Ara Noir. "I only met Ihan before, but I have never performed with our band before", she admits. "Azerbaijan is the country I would never go to otherwise, so it will be fun to get there. I'm looking forward to experience all great Eurovision machinery, which seems to be completely insane", she says.

Meanwhile, two of the most experienced people in Danish music industry, Remee and Chief 1, inspired by their success with Soluna, have launched label "Reach" (REmee And CHief1). In April, "Should've Known Better" has reached 15000 sales and "gold plate". The follow-up single "Humble" will be released right after Eurovision, and currently the team is putting finishing touch on the album of Soluna - which will be the first release of "Reach", vocal recordings will be over today, and songs will be finalized while Soluna is is Baku.

15/05, 23.35: Prelude on DR1
21/05, 23.35: History of ESC on DR1
23/05, 23.15: History of ESC on DR1 (part 2)

22/05, 21.00 Semifinal 1 on DR1 and DR HD, repeated 26/05 at 14.40
24/05, 21.00 Semifinal 2 on DR1 and DR HD
26/05, 21.00 Final on DR1 and DR HD, repeated 28/05 at 09.30

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11/05 Anri Jokhadze, Georgian contender at 2012 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) will play on a drum during the stage performance on May 24th in Baku. The huge Georgian drum was made specially for the concert. Earlier, in his interview to ESCKAZ Anri has also revealed that he will be playing piano. On staging is working director Lasha Oniani.

The shoes designer of Anri Jokhadze will be designed Patuna Bushyhead. The Designer will care about Georgian contenders stage accessories. Patuna Bushyhead is a naturalized US Citizen originally from the Republic of Georgia. The shoes designer of Georgian Backing singers and dancer at 2012 Eurovision will be Tamar Areshidze.

Eurovision promo event will be held at the Turtle Lake (Tbilisi outskirts) on 24th of May. The organizers expects to welcome Georgian fans to support their 2012 Eurovision Song Contest favourites and Georgian entrant. Within the promo event different exhibitions and competitions will be held. The participants of GeoStar, TV project will take part in the concert to be held at 21:00. The concert is being organized by Geocell, the Mobile Communication Provider in Georgia. The fans will be able to follow the Second Semi-Final Live, from the big TV screens installed at the Turtle Lake.

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10/05 Especially for the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 singer Gaitana has released a new English language album �Be my guest�. The album consists of 10 original tracks on which worked best soundproducers and musicians in Europe and the USA. Recording of the album took place in San Francisco, Seattle, Los Angeles and Kiev.

Package includes two discs - Audio and Promo CD. The owners of the new album of Gaitana can enjoy not only the best songs of the singer, but alos view photos and video. Main single of the album was the Eurovision entry of Gaitana - �Be my guest�, which singer will soon present throughout Europe. Besides track �Be my guest�, the CD features such hits as: �Ne ten va pass� (French version of the song "Ne uhodi"), song �My everything�, �Diamond ring�, �Tomorrow feat. Gouche� and others. Her new album Gaitana will present to a European audience in Baku. This CD will be one of the main presents, given to all guests, participants and fans of the Eurovision 2012.

"Dear friends, I am happy to present you my new album called �Be my guest�. This collection for me is very important. We have gathered together my best English compositions, combining them under a bright song called �Be my guest�, that soon I will perform at the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 in Baku. I want new album to give joy and inspiration to each of its owner"- said Gaitana.

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10/05 Serbian entrant Zeljko Zoksimovic has been guest of the show "Srbija na vezi" on the satellite channel of RTS, where viewers had the opportunity to talk directly to the singer by phone. Among the callers also was Serbian ambassador to Azerbaijan, Zoran Vajovic.

"I want to tell that we're ready and we hope for a victory, but we can not achieve it without of support of our people leaving abroad", said Zeljko.

Meanwhile, today symphonic version of Serbian entry "Ljubav nije stvar", orchestrated by Aleksandar Filipovic and arranged by Fedor Vrtacnik has been released. It is performed by RTS Symphony orchestra, conducted by Stanka Jovanovic.

Serbian delegation will leave from the airport Nikola Tesla in Belgrade on Monday.

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10/05 Just another contest for the best remix has been announced, this time by Azerbaijani delegation. Download remix pack, create a mix for Sabina�s Eurovision entry song When the Music Dies, send it to her official site in .mp3 and your remix will be posted at the special page there. The best remix will be chosen by Sabina and she will send to the winner a special promo package and signed CD.

By this time - only Russian contest has ended with a selection of the best 10 remixes, while Belarus, Croatian, Austrian and Norwegian competitions are still ungoing.

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10/05 Local and foreign promotion for Engelbert Humperdinck: Any exclusive interview with the British artist before the Eurovision can be considered a big success for the media. Only several hand-picked online/printed/TV/radio media have been granted access to the legendary musician.

We remind you that first online interview honour was given to ESCKAZ.com. After that followed interviews with British fan site ESCToday and Italian Eurofestival. Staying in US, Engelbert has chatted with Los Angeles Broadway World, and continued his online interviews to a selected media accross Europe - including Serbian newspaper Blic, websites of Danish (English translation) and Spanish broadcasters, German news agency DAPD, as well as giving telephone interview to Maltese radio Calypso. It was also announced by BBC that Engelbert is planning to do interviews for Latvian, Dutch and Hungarian press, however, we were unable to spot them as yet.

Upon his arrival to UK, singer gave interviews to leading printed press of the country: Daily Mirror, Daily Mail and the Times. On Friday, Engelbert Humperdinck will appear in The Graham Norton Show on BBC One while on 16th of May he will perform solo concert in Moncton, Canada.

Today, BBC has revealed four exclusive new photographs which sees Engelbert Humperdinck dressing up as four rock n roll icons for the cover of a British magazine The Times� Saturday - Elvis, Alice Cooper, Sid Vicious and Liam Gallagher. Engelbert Humperdinck said 'It was a really fun shoot and a first for me. I like dressing up but this shoot took it to the next level. All four of these music icons are known for delivering amazing performances. I am no stranger to performing to an audience of millions, but if I can channel some of their stage presence in Baku, I'm definitely in with a shot at this year's Eurovision Song Contest. And let's not forget it was yours truly, not Elvis, who first performed in a leather jumpsuit and sideburns. I want my fans in Europe to Think Dinck and give me their vote!'

(photo - Mark Harrison - The Times)

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Eva Boto in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Sofi Marinova at Slavi show

10/05 Several ESC artists are still promoting their entries around Europe. Croatian Nina Badric is currently in Belgrade, Serbia. Today, she has appeared there in programs "Tacno u podne" on RTV Pink and "Vece sa Ivanom Ivanovicem". She is joined in Belgrade by Turkish entrant Can Bonomo, who also have several TV appearances (including RTS), interviews, meeting with OGAE Serbia and visit to embassy scheduled. Can has arrived to Serbia from Bosnia, which he had visited yesterday, and now to Sarajevo has arrived Slovenian entrant Eva Boto. She attended shows "Sve u svemu" on BHT and another one on TV Pink. Eva will complete her tour in Serbia as well.

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Litesound present music video...

... and jazz version of their entry

10/05 Tomorrow, with a stop for a day in Moscow for the outfits try-on, Belarusian entrants Litesound will go on their trip to the Eurovision Song Contest. Today, the band met with the local press and showed them a video for the song "We Are The Heroes" (which will be premiered in the Internet on 12th May) and jazz version of the song (for which was also filmed a mini-clip with Symphonic Drive Orchestra).

Also recorded are blues and disco versions of the song which have been included into the promo CD. The other plans - to complete album rock version, as well as versions of the song in Belarusian and Russian, the group has not yet realized. But, they promised to take with them to Baku a mobile recording studio, and are likely to complete work on these tracks in the coming days.

Secrets of the staging of their entry and of outfits of the band have not yet been disclosed. It is only known that the focus of presentation, first of all, will be on the guys themselves and their charisma, and then later on the special effects. An important role will be played by the background video and lights. "If in 2006-2007 entrants were more focused on scenery, now the fashion for the staging has changed, and the powers need to be invested for the background videos. We understand this, so we do not do just pictures, but create 3D graphics", - told the producer Yury Karyakin.

Traditionally, the Belarus delegation bring to the contest not only a song and video, but also promotional products. This year the Belarusian representatives in their package will offer a CD with different versions of their entry and music video, postcards, jerseys, caps, pens, badges and traditional sweets.

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10/05 With three days before departure to Baku, band Mandinga and TVR had arranged meeting with press and fans which was hosted by Constantin Trofin. "We are proud to represent Romania at Eurovision, we focus on the show and will do everything we can to make you happy," said Elena, singer of Mandinga, during the meeting.

Designer Maria Lucia Hohan has worked on dress of Elena for the show, while Florin Dobre is responsible for outfits of male members of the band. Alexandru Ghildus and Costel Chitea, professors of design at University of Arts in Bucharest, have redesigned instruments of Mandinga. As earlier revealed Slovenian Anze Skrube is behind choreography of the band.

Cat Music record label representative Dan Popi and Sergiu Stoiadin, manager of Mandinga has indicated that the band's entry has entered radio rotation around the world, and requests for interviews come in dozens every day. Costi Ionita, hit songwriter, said that "Zaleilah" was created following a specific recipe of successful songs, he wasn't having Eurovision in mind working on it, but now due to positive reactions from around the world he believes that Mandinga will make Romanians proud.

Thursday's event was recorded and will be broadcasted on TVR1 on Monday, May 21st at 23.00. Like every year, Romanian Television will broadcast all shows live on TVR 1, TVR HD and TVR International.

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10/05 Less in the 4 days, the Trackshittaz are flying to Baku, to represent Austria at the Euro Vision Song Contest.

Yesterday evening the Trackshittaz were celebrating a farewell party in Vienna. They were performing 4 songs, including "Woki met deim Popo" and their own version of "Hard Rock Hallelujah" (Lordi, 2006) live on stage. Sony Music handed over a gold award for their present album "Zruck zo de Ruabm". Their hand and footprints were immortalized in the "Walk of Stars" at the Vienna Gasometer.

In addition to numerous media representatives, ORF General Director Alexander Wrabetz, ORF television director Kathrin Zechner, Head of Sony Music Austria Dietmar Lienbacher had come to wish them good luck. ORF-commentator Andi Knoll has hosted the evening. Sterman and Grissemann could not take part, so they left a video message.

ORF-General Director Alexander Wrabetz: "In February, Trackshittaz with their unique show have qualified though a thrilling national preselection, where they had to compete against Austria's renowned local artists. The two have won over audiences with their enthusiasm and positive aura. I am sure that they will give their best in Baku for the first semifinal and will certainly succeed with their energetic show".

On Sunday, Austrian representatives will leave for Baku.
On 22nd and 26th of May at 20.15 "Heinzl special - Our way to Baku" and "Heinzl on Eurovision Song Contest" will be broadcasted, while on 25th of May "Welcome to Baku" - the Eurovision Song Contest Special broadcast at 22.30 clock in an ORF with Sterman & Grissemann will be aired.

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10/05 After Mandinga performing yesterday at Europe League final, on May 12th Sabina Babayeva will take part in the opening ceremony for Men�s Wrestling FILA Freestyle World Cup 2012, held in Baku, Azerbaijan. During opening ceremony Sabina will perform her entry song When the Music Dies for all wrestling fans and worldwide broadcasting audience. But the main task for Sabina is to wish a good luck for Azerbaijani team that will wrestle with 9 other strongest. �I feel that I need to share my support to these guys! And, of course, I would like get an advice on how to keep a winning mood and stay the best in the world,� said Sabina.

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10/05 Confirmed: the information revealed several days ago by ESCKAZ today has been officially confirmed by organizers of the contest: Eurovision winners of last 5 years: Eldar and Nigar, Lena, Alexander Rybak, Dima Bilan and Marija Serifovic, to take part in the interval act of the second semifinal of the contest. On stage they will perform backed by group with Azerbaijan national instruments. The acts are expected to arrive to Baku on May 18th.

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Buranovskiye Babushki in Kharkov, Ukraine

photo by Gorodskoy dozor

09/05 Delivering News First! The outfits of Icelandic entrants Greta Salome and Jonsi will be exclusively presented tomorrow at 16.00 local time via live stream on the official Facebook page of Greta Salome. So far, they have been kept in a great secrecy, but the team has chosen to present them in advance before the start of Euroweek as they feel the outfits should not distract the main attention from the song. Members of Sjonni's Friends will be guests of presentation as well.

Meanwhile, the physical CD single and digital download single for Icelandic duet have been released. Physical single includes three tracks: English version Never Forget, Icelandic version Mundu Eftir Mer, as well as Instrumental. Digital download adds national final entry Aldrei sleppir mer, and Jonsi's 2004 Eurovision song Heaven.

Duet's backing vocalists: Petur Orn Gudmundsson (ESC 2000, 06, 08, 10), Alma Rut Kristinsdottir, Fridrik Omar Hjorleifsson (2008, 09) and Gudrun Arny Karlsdottir also continue their preparations. For this special occasion, his 5th Eurovision appearance, Petur Orn had his beard, which he was growing for a year, shaved.

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ORF (Austria) Eurovision teaser	RTVS (Slovakia) Eurovision teaser
BHT (Bosnia and Herzegovina) Eurovision teaser	TVR (Romania) Eurovision teaser
TVSh (Albania) Eurovision teaser	RAI (Italy) Eurovision teaser

09/05 Delivering News First! Swedish Loreen has a completely packed week before departure to Baku. Whole Monday was devoted to rehearsals. Yesterday, Loreen has appeared in Gomorron Sverige, did some press and continued rehearsals. Today she is speding in Oslo with promotion, where she had already met Tooji. Tomorrow, again will include physical teaining, press and promotions, while Friday will be devoted to dance rehearsals and outfits testing. On Saturday, she will take part in TV4:s Nyhetsmorgon and will finish work on the outfits. Sunday will be devoted to dance rehearsal and on Monday - it's hair styling and packing for Baku

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Izabo - Time (Official video for full English version)

Eleftheria Eleftheriou - Aphrodisiac (DJ Pantelis Official Remix)

09/05 As earlier previewed in the interview to ESCKAZ, today Israeli entrants Izabo have released the official music video for the full English version of their song Time. It was directed by Shushu E. Spanier and produced by Adar Shafran & Roni Abramowsky, while Shirley Eva Bahar and Idan Gilboa have been art directors.

Band has also revealed that they are working a lot on a planned camerawork for Baku stage, as on their opinion this is the key. Styling of the band will be "colourful, fun and more elegant than usual daily stuff". As earlier reported, band will bring two additional backing vocalists for the performance to support the chorus.

Meanwhile, fans can also watch another episode of "Countdown" series here.

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09/05 Delivering News First! Discount for all OGAE card holders at the official Eurovision Shop TV has been presented by OGAE Central today. All OGAE card holders will get 10% discount for purchase of any ESC related products from EurovisionShop.tv with a minimum spend of 50 Euros. The discount can be obtained using the discount-code which is being unique for all OGAE clubs. The code can be obtained from the club you're member of and the offer is valid until 31st of December 2012.

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08/05 Interview "I feel very honored to represent my country. Eurovision for me is like European party of music and I will have fun there, that's for sure", said Cypriot entrant Ivi Adamou in an exclusive interview to ESCKAZ.com. Singer's career highlight was participation in Greek show XFactor, she also took part in several music contests in Cyprus when she was very young.

"I was invited by my country's broadcaster RIK to represent them in the contest in August and I was very happy and excited from the moment I've heard this proposal", she says. At the Eurovision Ivi will perform "La La Love", which she describes as "powerfull, passionate and full of energy. I'm very happy with my song, it is about love, and love is everyday thing in our lives, we will never stop talking about love or writing songs about it", she says. Despite her Eurovision entry being energetic dance tune, singer admits that she especially loves ballads.

Cypriot team has fimed a music video for their entry: "The inspiration was the story of Snowhite. The shootings went well allthought it was a very cold day. We had a lot of fun and we are very happy that everyone loved the outcome". There are some remixes for the song released as well - Arovia remix and it's extended version. During her promotional tour she had visited three countries: "We've been to Bulgaria, my mum is from Bulgaria and all my family lives in Shumen, then London, and naturally Greece"

As ESCKAZ revealed several days ago, on stage Ivi will have 4 dancers (two of whom will also provide backing vocals) and she will be also joined by Bjorn Djupstrom, who is one of the songwriters, as backing vocalist. "Chali Jennings, who worked with likes of Elena Paparizou and Sakis Rouvas is our choreographer and Elena Patroklou, who represented Cyprus at Eurovision 1991 is our vocal coach, and all team has been working very hard, everything is going very well", Ivi says.

"We have all worked very hard for the competition and we are hoping for the best. It is a lifetime experience and we are going to have the time of our life. My goal is to have fun, meet friends and represent my country as good as I can", says Ivi. "I am very happy and excited and really looking forward. I can't really wait for the semifinal night", she concludes the interview. As usual, you can read it's complete version on our Facebook page.

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08/05 Special "Azerbaijan Embassy visit" - an article by OGAE Rest of the World president Roy van der Merwe

After Azerbaijan won the 2011 Eurovision song contest, I for one was very excited to be going to a brand new country in 2012. Now unlike people in Europe, I, as citizen of South Africa, am used to getting a visa every year for my Eurovision trips. In fact, with the exception of Israel, no matter which country hosts, I will always need a visa.

As a young person I was introduced to Eurovision in 1983 by Ralph Siegel, who composed 1982 winning entry, and as I knew him and Nicole I was invited to attend the final in 1983 in Munich. This year, Ralph Siegel is returning to the contest as composer of San Marino entry, which is his 20th Eurovision entry.

I have attended 20 Eurovision Contests as well. Unfortunately I suffered discrimination in the 80's being South African as several times I was refused a visa to attend Eurovision, so I'm all sorts of familiar to visa issues - once South Africa became internationally acceptable, I attended again in 1993 and have not missed a single one since, with every year since 1995 attending the contest as officially accredited person. In the last few years, as in this year as well, I will be taking care of organization of the official Fan Stand in the Eurovision press-center.

I was originally thrilled then the government of Azerbaijan announced simplified visa requirements but it turned into a nightmare when it was clear this was only for citizens of the 42 participating countries and that I (as any South African, Australian, American, or even Polish etc citizen) will have to get a visa beforehand.

elkhan-polukhov.jpg (30513 bytes) Help came in the form of Eurovision expert Andy Mikheev who informed me that the republic of Azerbaijan opened an embassy in Pretoria, the capital of South Africa and even supplied the name of the ambassador � his honourable Elkhan Polukhov. It turned out difficult to locate this as embassy had no permanent office at that time and no local visa shop has ever heard of this country and although they advertise their services as being able to help you with Every Visa, they just did not manage to do anything. In fact one suggested that I travel to Russia, and get the visa personally at the Azerbaijan embassy in Moscow. Others suggested London or Ottawa or Cairo.

We are four South Africans travelling to Baku - 3 living in Cape Town and me in Johannesburg. One of them, Anne, has also a British passport as well and she decided to use that to get the visa at the airport. Niel le Roux, working for a newspaper, used all the contacts he could get to find the location of the embassy in Pretoria and then I went to visit them with our passports.

The service given to me on the Thursday by Mr Yamin Gafarov, the first secretary, was wonderful and I was able to get our visas approved. Having had over 50 visas in the past, this was one of the easiest to get � no huge requirements like in the case of Schengen visas, one huge amount of travel insurance, no letter from the bank saying we have bought foreign currency, no letter from your employer saying you will return after your holiday.

I paid for the visas (and it was cheaper than Schengen visas). I was told I could get my passport back on the Monday. The passports of Niel and Kurt would be personally taken to Cape Town a few days later as they wanted to see how Cape Town looks like. So Kurt and Niel got their passports hand delivered to them in Cape Town.

I had an hour meeting with the staff at the Azerbaijan embassy. I took them some CD�s with AFRIKAANS covers of Azerbaijan songs and then they suggested that we cover their 2012 song WHEN THE MUSIC DIES as well. Cole van Dais did not hesitate for one moment and went into the studio this week to record it. It is now in the process of being mixed and mastered and should be ready for me to take personally to Sabina in Baku.

We are very impressed with the staff at the embassy and the wonderful way they helped us � turning a potential disaster into a wonderful experience.

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Earlier news has been moved into archive: part1, part 2 (-04.02), part 3 (04.02-03.03), part 4 (04.03-14.03), part 5 (15.03-28.03), part 6 (28.03-04.04), part 7 (04.04-12.04), part 8 (12.04-18.04), part 9 (18.04-25.04), part 10 (25.04-03.05), part 11 (04.05-08.05)

�� : ��1, �� 2 (-04.02), �� 3 (04.02-03.03), �� 4 (04.03-14.03), �� 5 (15.03-28.03), �� 6 (28.03-04.04), �� 7 (04.04-12.04), �� 8 (12.04-18.04), �� 9 (18.04-25.04), �� 10 (25.04 - 03.05), �� 11 (04.05-08.05)

Select the best songs in Eurovision 2012 in your opinion (multiple choices possible) / �� (�� )

	Iceland/�� - Greta Salome and Jonsi - Never Forget
	Greece/�� - Eleftheria Eleftheriou - Aphrodisiac
	Latvia/�� - Anmary - Beautiful Song
	Albania/�� - Rona Nishliu - Suus
	Romania/�� - Mandinga - Zaleilah
	Switzerland/�� - Sinplus - Unbreakable
	Belgium/�� - Iris - Would You
	Finland/�� - Pernilla - Nar Jag Blundar
	Israel/�� - Izabo - Time
	San Marino/�� - Valentina Monetta - The Social Network Song oh oh-uh-oh oh
	Cyprus/�� - Ivi Adamou - La La Love

	Denmark/�� - Soluna Samay - Should've Known Better
	Russia/�� - Buranovskiye Babushki - Party for Everybody
	Hungary/�� - Compact Disco - Sound of Our Hearts
	Austria/�� - Trackshittaz - Woki mit deim Popo
	Moldova/�� - Pasha Parfeny - Lautar
	Ireland/�� - Jedward - Waterline
	Serbia/�� - Zeljko Joksimovic - Nije ljubav stvar
	FYR Macedonia/�� - Kaliopi - Crno i belo
	The Netherlands/�� - Joan Franka - You and Me
	Malta/�� - Kurt Calleja - This Is The Night
	Belarus/�� - Litesound - We Are The Heroes

	Portugal/�� - Filipa Sousa - Vida minha
	Ukraine/�� - Gaitana - Be My Guest
	Bulgaria/�� - Sofi Marinova - Love Unlimited
	Slovenia/�� - Eva Boto - Verjamem
	Croatia/�� - Nina Badric - Nebo
	Sweden/�� - Loreen - Euphoria
	Georgia/�� - Anri Jokhadze - I'm a Joker
	Turkey/�� - Can Bonomo - Love Me Back
	Estoni�/�� - Ott Lepland - Kuula
	Slovakia/�� - Max Jason Mai - Don't Close Your Eyes
	Norway/�� - Tooji - Stay
	Bosnia & Herzegovina/�� - Maya Sar - Korake ti znam

	Lithuania/�� - Donny Montell - Love is Blind
	United Kingdom/�� - Engelbert Humperdinck - Love Will Set You Free
	France/�� - Anggun - Echo (You and I)
	Italy/�� - Nina Zilly - L'Amore E Femmina (Out Of Love)
	Azerbaijan/�� - Sabina Babayeva - When The Music Dies
	Spain/�� - Pastora Soler - Quedate Conmigo (Stay With Me)
	Germany/�� - Roman Lob - Standing Still


Final result/��