Everyone in the press centre was woken up to the sound of Sieneke belting through Sha-la-lie this morning at 9am Oslo time. It may not be the best song but it looks like it could well qualify from one of the most competitive semi finals ever.

Today, the first eight songs competing in the second semi-final had the chance to try their songs and stage shows on the set for the first time. The press also had the chance to meet them in the obligatory press conference.

The bookies favourite was the second last to rehearse on this, the third day of rehearsals in the Telenor arena in Oslo. Safura's voice was pretty good but there's an accident waiting to happen with the props.

The Norwegian participant Didrik Solli-Tangen watched the first Danish rehearsal and afterwards he came to meet the Danish press and fans who had seen it as well. Denmark is his favourite to win this year's Eurovision Song Contest.

After the contraversy surrounding Ukraine's selection this year, they were here to try and set the record straight, proving that they had sent the right song.

Sweden will participate 6th in the second semifinal, and they had their first rehearsal today in the Telenor Arena. The sun is shining outside, so everyone is quite happy and shiny

The first Swiss song in French since 2002 tells of how love can make you feel like you've struck gold.  Will they take first place this year?

Tomas and Christina had their first shot at signing on the 2010 Eurovision stage this afternoon. The whole stage shows looks fantastic but there are a few problems that need sorting.

You won't believe it, but we actually had a nice sunny day weather wise yesterday. Unfortunately there are no indications of it continuing, but who knows what prayers can do. The weather was a nice bonus on a day that, to most people, had very few highlights.

Today, rehersals began for the songs from the second semi-final. The third song to sing today was Israel and the beautiful voice of Harel Skaat. And his words were saying many things.

The Lithuanian delegation had great fun on stage in Oslo this morning, the sounded a start to the third full day of rehearsals in the Telenor arena. They managed to keep their pants on for most of their practice.

Armenia took to the stage today for their first rehearsal.  This country has established a tradition of quality songs and respectable finishes.  Can this continue?

Today, the nine remaining countries in the first semi-final held their first rehearsals and press conferences, including Iceland who, ironically, managed to reach Oslo with no trouble at all while others, like the Irish delegation, are experiencing problems thanks to that volcano.

The second day of rehearsals was rounded off by Iceland's Hera Björk.  Would she have that special something?