This afternoon it was time for the last of the three dress rehearsals before the second semi-final kicks off tonight. 17 acts will fight to win one of the 10 places in the final. Who is it we will be seeing again on Saturday? 

After the excitement of the first semi-final and amid the preparations for the second semi-final, the six countries who have an automatic place in the final staged their second rehearsal, after which, they all spoke to the media in their own press conferences.

Where the first dress rehearsal this afternoon could be consider a warm up, more were on stake in the second one this evening. Though the actual semi-final isn't before tomorrow evening, half of the result would be decided based on this dress rehearsal where the juries were voting.

The postcards made for the Eurovision Song Contest have become an institution in their own right.  Sometimes they reflect the life and times of the country that is hosting, sometimes they have a more abstract feel.  This year, we repeat the theme of such years as 1996, when the performers are followed about their daily lives.

10 jubilant acts qualified for the final last night. Tomorrow evening 17 more will fight for the remaining 10 spots. This afternoon we saw the first dress rehearsal, which will hopfeully give us some indication as to just who has the best chances. 

Bonnie Tyler silenced quite a number of critics following her first run through, with a vastly improved first rehearsal compared to promotional performances she had done in the United Kingdom. With such a lengthy career and stage experience, all eyes were on her today for the second rehearsal. Would people still believe in her?

The much anticipated second rehearsal of the home team, Sweden, took place.  Robin Stjernberg and his dancers/vocalists gave an energetic and solid performance of You to the watching journalists.

After a very successful first rehearsal on Sunday the expectations for Cascada's second rehearsal were high. Before heading off to the arena singer Natalie posted on her Facebook site that she had vocal problems. How would this effect her performance?

Amandine Bourgeois was next to the stage for the second set of rehearsals for France.  Amandine gave a confident performance of L'enfer Et Moi as she looked at ease with her show.

Spain started the second rehearsal day for the big 5 and the host nation Sweden. In comparison to their first rehearsal there was one big change - the change of the dress of the lead singer Raquel.