Malta - we see this accepted similarily to the way Constantinas was last year. Despite Fabrizio tries hard, and we think he will give good performance in the night, this is at the border of top 10 at maximum.

Germany - sound problems causes another restart. The overall performance is pretty good, but we can not predict where this will finish at all.

Denmark - we're among the very few who still count on it as a dark horse. The performance is pretty good, and Sidsel is capable of big things on the night.

Russia - no changes in the performance, exept that for the obvious reasons number 13 is not involved. Considering a huge friendly voting this is capable of top 5 and is certain top 10 finisher.

Macedonia - having too many stronger contenders around, this should be pleased just with the fact of it's qualification. Outside of top 10 finish is likely.

Romania - the male vocals of the contest. Sorry, Mr. Brian Kennedy. Performance is pretty good, and Romania can do top 5 and safely is in top 10. We strongly doubt winning chances though.

Advertising break, followed by Bosnia. Confident performance despite some sound problems. But as in semifinal draw favoured this to win, here we may see it loosing Balkan vote to Croatia. Top 10 is much possible, but this draw don't leave winning chances.

Lithuania is left alone as joke entry, we do not consider Finland as such. If they will do same sparkling performance as in semifinal, this can do miracles.

The UK is next. We see one of this pair Lithuania and UK to enter top 10 and do really good, while second will stop in the middle of the ranking. So far it is too close to call.

Greece - a top 5 performance for the home country, but no win here. The performance is too much expressive, and there is still room for a vocals to improve.

Finland - do the vocals good, and shut up female keyboardist - this is winning recipe. A potential winner.

Ukraine - seems we won't see 'the heart'. However, judging by the reviews on European messageboards, this is a potential winner. We won't count on similar songs winning two years in a row, but this can do top 10.

France - now, we're absolutely alone in it, but we're confident at least in the fact that Virginie has best female vocal of the competition and can do things right on the night. According to us and French delegation, this is indeed best song of the contest, but it won't win.

Croatia - we believe this will concentrate Balkan votes, and this is strong wining contender. We are honest to admit we don't see any music quality in the song, but for some reason it is attracting viewers.

Ireland - will split 'intellegent' vote with Latvia and France, and will not enter top 10, despite excellent vocal performance from Brian.

Sweden - this is big. It is so big that it can either win, or do Kate Ryan trick and leave win to Finland. Too difficult to predict.

Turkey - they again use rehearsal to try out language variations and use all English, Greek and Turkish. The mess is awful, but with Turkish alone this song is top 10 capable.

Armenia - well, we hope for a strong vocal performance for Andre, which will be a must to enter top 10. We don't think that the closing draw will do any good to the song, so we put it on the verge of top 10 finish. As in Ireland and French cases we love the song and will be happy to go to Yerevan.

We will do the predictions after 2nd rehearsal tonight. Thanks for staying with us and making our site the most visited music (not only Eurovision) Russian language site from any country.

Congratulations to Russia, Ukraine and Armenia and good luck in Final!
Поздравления России, Украине и Армении и удачи в Финале!

Final draw: / Жеребьевка финала:
higlighted are countries qualified from the final / выделены страны вышедшие из финала

After a spectacular Semi Final show the ten countries which advanced to the Finals held a Press Conference. The ten advancing countries entered the Press Conference Room which was buzzing with energy.

Finland’s Lordi was the first to speak, saying “We are so satisfied! We want to thank rock fans around Europe. Imagine a band like ours singing in a pop contest!” When asked if there will be any surprises on stage during the Final he replied “We’ll scream louder! And turn the amps up!”

Helena from FYR Macedonia wanted to first congratulate all of the countries which participated in the Semi Final. She said “we’re all winners. It’s amazing to be here. I guess #11 is my lucky number. I’m so happy and I did it for my supporters and for my country.”

Russia’s Dima Bilan said enthusiastically “I appreciate your support. Thank you Greece! And thank you to all the competitors who participated.”

An ecstatic Tina Karol from the Ukraine said “I picked Eurovision to show you my love. I feel good!!” and broke into song. The first person she called with the good news was her mother.

Bosnia & Herzegovina’s Hari Mata Hari thanked his fans and declared that he is ready for Saturday night and that “ ‘Layla’ is our greatest star.”

Sibel Tuzun of Turkey wanted to thank all the powerful songs and singers in this year’s ESC. “I’m so happy to be here. I want to thank the organizers, the fans all over Europe – thank you for supporting me, and thanks to my team! I am very proud of you.”

Lithuania’s LT United said, “The essence of our song is that everybody is the winner. And the one winner is a united Europe!” He went on to serenade the crowd with one very long note.

Sweden’s Carola thanked the hosts of the show, Sakis and Maria saying “They were great! They did a wonderful job. It was a great program.” She also added “it’s so nice to be here among all these beautiful artists.” Carola is looking forward to the Fianls on Saturday and “looking forward to seeing Anna Vissi.”

First-time entry Armenia was very excited and Andre said “I want to thank God for giving me this opportunity and making my wish come true. I also want to thank the voters and supporters and congratulate all of the participants.”

And finally, Ireland’s Brian Kennedy said he couldn’t be happier to be here and “I’m very proud not only to be Irish, but to be European at this very moment. See you in the Finals!”

According to our sources Albania and Monaco used juries instead of televoting. In Albania live broadcast started late because of technical problems. Montenegro didn't broadcast the contest and only results of Serbian voting was calculated.