Montenegro

RTCG (Radio Televizija Crne Gore) have withdrawn from the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest in Oslo citing financial reasons. The broadcaster told the local press that the decision had been taken in order to reach financial consolidation after three years as independent state.

The results of both semifinals have now been released by the EBU. They make interesting reading. The jury overturned the telephone vote to save countries in each of the semifinals. Quite annoying if your country finished 10th in the phone vote.

After months of finals, gossip and rumours, the time fans had been waiting for had finally arrived. The first semifinal was held tonight hosted by Andrey Malakhov and Natalia Vodianova. Eighteen songs were competing for ten places in the final, one of which would be decided by juries around Europe.

The Eurovision Party season continued unabated with a party hosted by the Greek and Cypriot delegations and the huge Eurodom.  More than half of this year's contestants performed on the stage to a packed house.

The party for FYR Macedonia has become a tradition over the years.  We always get treated to good food and drink, and some decent performances. This year's proved to be no exception.

Today saw the start of the second round of rehearsals. Thirteen countries from the first semifinal rehearsed again, and also gave press conferences.

Finally, here we are. The National Final season started in Bulgaria last October and the next two weeks will see the 2009 Eurovision season reach a climax in Moscow. After each delegation has rehearsed, they will give a Press Conference to the media. Eurovisionary will bring you a summary at the end of each day.

Having previously announced that the public televote will be combined by a jury vote, the EBU have now announced details of how this new system will work.