The opening and the interval programs are the most spectacular we have seen. It almost steals the focus from the artists. Watch out for a flying Dima Bilan, direct report from the international space station and swimming pools hanging down from the ceiling. 

We are very thankful for having new hosts for the final. Alsou, formed ESC-representative for Russia (2000 in Stockholm) and the actor and MTV-presenter Ivan Urgant. Have an extra look at Alsou’s opening dress. I wonder if she and Malena Ernman have used the same designer.

Here are comments on some of the song.

Sasha Son from Lithuania has the difficult task to open the final with his ballad  ”Love”. Nice song but this will be Sasha’s only ”number 1” in this competition. 

Patricia Kaas and Malena Ernman are one of the most professional artists this year. ”Et S’il Fallait Le” is followed by the Swedish ”La Voix.  For both ladies everything can happen. It might be a flip or a success. 

Flor-de-lis from Portugal has become very popular among the fans. I hardly believe that ”Todas as Ruas do Amos” will have the same success among the TV-viewers outside Portugal. 

My personal favorite among the ballads is Yohanna and ”Is It True?”. But the competition is tough and both Jade and Chiara want to participate in the fight. 

Will it be Athens next year? Maybe you better book the Olympic Arena already now. My feeling is that Sakis’ position has increased on behalf of Norwegian Alexander’s.  As all Nordic countries are in the final it might split the votes. 

Russia goes for a different stage design this year. It shows Anastasia Prikhodko becoming older during the 3 minutes and ending up as her ”Mamo”. 

Bosnia & Herzegovina is still one of the strongest candidates for winning this year. With F.Y.R. Macedonia, Serbia and Slovenia outside the final the chances have increased. 

It said that Ronan Keating will show up if Denmark and Brinck are in the final and now they are. Don’t be surprised if the Irish 12-point goes to this entry.  

Since The Toppers are out of competition, Alex has taken over the leading position for “the most glittering trousers”. As announced Deeta von Teese shows up as ”Miss Kiss Kiss Bang”. She does not make anybody disappointed and shows more of her body than she covers. Maybe Germany gets some extra points because of her but not enough for a top-position.

Hadise has problem with her throat and she held back a lot during the rehearsal.  Let’s see how the condition is tomorrow  and if she is more convincing. Also Finnish Karolina from Waldo’s People has an infection in her throat and that also made her voice rather weak today. 

Svetlana Loboda show is much better live than on TV. For first time viewer it must be difficult to follow everything that happens on the stage. 

Andrew Lloyd Webber is playing the grand piano and it gives an extra brilliance to this musical entry. Jade Ewen sings fantastic. I hope she will not slip in her high heels. I think it’s about time for Great Britain to get a position far better than during the last years

Soraya delivers a lot of energy and her song is good as the last entry of the final. I hope that ”La Noche Es Para Mi” will push Spain back in the ESC business.