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.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has reacted to Georgian and Estonian politicians that they shouldn't get involved with whether or not a country is to participate next year. This is not a place for politics, Svante Stockselius says. 

It is only 2 months ago Dima Bilan won the Eurovision Song Contest and gave Russia an opportunity to host the 2009 edition. Reports say however that several neighbour countries are considering not taking part.

With an actual war going on between Georgia and Russia many fans are rightfully asking themselves the question what will happen to the Eurovision Song Contest 2009? Will Russia still host it? Will either of them withdraw? Should EBU even react?

Today was the last realistic opportunity for delegations to experiment with new ideas in their acts before the start of the full show rehearsals tomorrow.

Until the end of this week every day offers rehearsals and press conferences. It is becoming a nice tradition that most participants performs a bit at their press conferences - and as usual EuroVisionary offers you a summary of how it came across.

Yesterday,  the remaining countries in the second semi-final, from Latvia to Portugal, took to the stage and the press conference room, although not at the same time.

Our news update from the 13th of March 2008. Featuring selected songs from the United Kingdom, Spain, Latvia, Belgium, Germany, Portugal, Georgia, Finland, Russia and The Netherlands. Also the winners of the 4th Swedish (Melodifestivalen 2008) semi-final.

She won the combined jury and public vote with nearly 40% of all votes. It was a clear two horse race with her closest competitor taking 1/3 of the points. The other 10 songs had to share less than 30% of points.