The top ten is:

1. Norway
2. Iceland
3. Azerbaijan
4. Turkey
5. United Kingdom
6. Estonia
7. Greece
8. Portugal
9. France
10. Bosnia and Herzegovina

Go, Norge, go! Takk skall du ha, Alexander!

1. Lithuania
2. Israel
3. France
4. Sweden
5. Croatia
6. Portugal
7. Iceland
8. Greece
9. Armenia
10. Russia
11. Azerbaijan
12. Bosnia&Herzegovina
13. Moldova
14. Malta
15. Estonia
16. Denmark
17. Germany
18. Turkey
19. Albania
20. Norway
21. Ukraine
22. Romania
23. United Kingdom
24. Finland
25. Spain

The lucky 10 are as follows:

• Azerbaijan
• Croatia
• Ukraine
• Lithuania
• Albania
• Moldova
• Denmark
• Estonia
• Norway
• Greece

The battle seems to be between Greece and Norway. Are we going to see Greece hosting the European extravaganza for a second time in 5 years? We’ll see on Saturday.

• Turkey: Hadise — Düm Tek Tek
• Sweden: Malena Ernman — La Voix
• Israel: Noa & Mira Awad — Noa & Mira Awad
• Portugal: Flor-de-lis — Todas As Ruas Do Amor
• Malta: Chiara — What If We
• Finland: Waldo’s People — Lose Control
• Bosnia & Herzegovina: Regina — Bistra Voda
• Romania: Elena — The Balkan Girls
• Armenia: Inga & Anush — Jan Jan
• Iceland: Yohanna — Is It True?

These guys can have a rest of two days and enjoy Moscow. They will join the UK, Spain, France, Germany and Russia at the Final on Saturday.

19 other countries compete on Thursday.

Do I need to say that most of the songs performed tonight were terrible? Perhaps the most fascinating thing on stage was the performance of the Russian military choir accompanied by a balalaika player and t.A.T.u appearing a bit later with their hit “Nas ne Dogonyat” (”They’re Not Gonna Get Us”).

Especially terrible was Krassimir and his Illusion, or as some commentators said “it was the most kitsch performance tonight”. Hadise from Turkey had the b est voice not being able to sing a single note correctly, but she was the first to qualify. Armenia was quite a disgrace too, but the two sisters made it to the top ten too. Of course I hope to see more quality music in a couple of days.

Stars such as Phillip Kirkorov, Alsu, the German popular band from the 70s Genghis Khan, and Lys Assia sang and made people forget at least for a while about the word economic crisis.

The winner of the 1991 Eurovision, the Swedish singer Carola also performed her hit from 2007 Invincible. The heart of the mountain, who brought Eurovision to Ukraine in 2004, the wild dancer Ukraine rocked the stage with her rhythm for the joy of the crazy mob.

t.A.t.U sang their hit from 2003 Ne ver’, ne boisya, ne prosi – the once rebellious girls now looked a bit more appeased. A more rebellious artist, though, went on stage to present her/his rebellious of the time “Viva la Diva” – yes, you know I mean Dana International. Other legendary artists went on stage to remind us of the good old days of Eurovision…

Well, watching all these singers, whatever they do, I can’t help thinking about Sir Terry Wogan and his brilliant witted comments in the 70s and 80s. So, think twice before you pack your suitcases for Moscow. As you know it is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Though it’s an amazing place and you might have the urge to drop in at the Palace.

The show opens with Montenegro – an upbeat dance song. For a change, the singer feels at ease with her English and at least we can understand something. It might well be because the text is timple enough… Get Out of My Life and Andrea Demirovic.

As you are probably planning a Eurovision trip, you might be interested in some tips on how to financially survive in Moscow. Here is a piece of UNcommon sense to make your life easier in Moscow, if you still have any doubts whether to go or not.

• coach surfing: CouchSurfing is a very popular method of travelling in staying abroad. It is a worldwide network for making connections between travellers, tourists, students, adventure-seekers… and local people in the places they visit.
• hitch-hike: If you are a lover of hitch-hiking, this method will help you move round without paying. I know a person who got from Portugal to Ukraine hitch-hiking, but he is an extreme case. A way to travel better still is..
• low-cost flights: you don’t need to be told that the second best way to travel is with a low-cost air company. (The ultimate best is the free trip, of course)
• sandwiches to go: you can make your own sandwiches while in Moscow – buy and bring the lightest foods, suck as packed cheese, and you’ll make it!
• volunteer as part of the Eurovision organisation: get in touch with the organisers of the contest. They might need volunteers. Chances grow if you speak more than two languages.
• get something to do in Moscow: you should have already done this… at least a month before the show. Ideally, if you can afford a place to stay, you can combine a part-time job and watching the rehearsals.
• drink a lot … and you won’t be able to care less where you are.
• Have a go with Moscow famous museums, libraries and bookstores.. These are free places, where you can spend hours on end, not spending a single ruble, having some time away from the Press Centre.
• don’t miss the countries’ parties every night – but choose carefully! Most countries offer food, but others rely on buffet only. Select the countries with the best PR and the most massive promo campaign – they are sure to spend money on the promo party at the Eurovision village as well

and finally…

• marry a Russian girl / boy. If they are rich – all for the better!

Now you are equipped with all necessary skills and information for a successful survival in Moscow. Good luck!