EuroVisionary.com - Everything you need to know about the Eurovision Song Contest - We welcome the 2009 Contest in Moscow

The participants have arrived to Cyprus and just like at the Eurovision Song Contest it means that it is time for final rehearsals to start. The official welcome party kicks off tonight and with the theme Fun in the sun everyone should have a great time on the Island where winter seems far away.

With the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest still seven months away, Belarus is getting down the serious business of selecting the song to represent them in Moscow.

Exactly a week to go before the Eurovision final and the rehearsals and press conferences continue apace. This morning, Tereza Kerndlova was the first to step on to the stage. She and her backing singers and dancers looked splendid in their predominantly silver outfits.

With still over a week to go before the Eurovision final, today was the sixth day of rehearsals in the Belgrade Arena. One of the favourites for the prize, Armenia, was on stage first.

The third day of the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest meant the start for the 2nd semi-final. Hot tipped names such as Euroband, Charlotte Perrelli, Ani Lorak and Ruslan Alehno all gave a little performance on their press conference today.

After two days of rehearsals and press conferences featuring the countries in the first semi-final, today those drawn first in the second semi-final rehearsed for the first time.

A lot will be expected of Ruslan Alehno after Belarus' first top ten finish in 2007. He kindly took a few minutes to answer some questions for us and tell us how he feels about it all.

Ruslan Alehno became famous after winning the local edition of Pop Idol and his career will now bring him to Belgrade with the song called Hasta la Vista.

Belarus made the Eurovision final for the first time in 2007, understandably they were a little upset when they found out that they'd have to qualify again this year. Can Ruslan see the state though to it's second ESC final.