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With Rick stuck in Sweden at home on the couch while his colleagues are having a ball at the hall, here's his analysis of how the first rehearsals went.

++ The Euroclub is great ++ A Euroclub opening up in London ++ More rehearsals today ++ Loreen is on her way to Baku ++..

The third day of rehearsing has come. Željko from Serbia did well, as if we ever doubted he wouldn't. Maltese Kurt has completely taken the stage, and makes the very best out of his song. Kaliopi could very well be our best friend, such a charming personality. Joan's smile was warming, her persictance to be wearing the indian feathers is admirable. You can see clips of all rehearsals here.

++ Great first day ++ No more Indiana Joan? ++ About Eleftheria's shoes ++ Jónsi nervous? ++..

The preparations for the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest have now really started for real, for the artists taking part in it. Today the first set of countries rehearsed on the beautiful stage in Baku. The stage really impressed. It is clear the Azerbaijani are using this contest to show their best side to Europe. Clips of all today's rehearsals you can see in our 12points video section, or on the frontpage (right) of our site. Apparently the press hall is still under construction, but getting there. Today the plasma tv's were installed so that all rehearsals can be watched there too. Read about our impressions of the first day here : Smiling faces everywhere.

++ German/Azeri war of words ++ Newcastle goes Eurovision  ++ Joan Franka's adorable video ++

Hello out there from 12points.tv HQ. We are busy preparing for some travels. Between us in the coming weeks we will be covering the Eurvision in Concert event in Amsterdam, the London Eurovision concert in ... you guessed it... London, and of course the big mother event of them all in Azerbaijan. And speaking of Azerbaijan...

Now that all the songs are announced, it's time for the 12points staff to discuss their best and worst entries for ESC 2012.

Here at 12points.tv headquarters, we spend most of our spare hours this time of year thinking and dissecting all things Eurovision. Now that all the songs have been announced for Baku, each of our founders has written a little something about their favorites (and least favourites) for this year. We know you won't agree with some of our choices but that's OK, the joy of Eurovision should allow for some lively debate about the merits or each entry.

Tonight Lithuania and Estonia selectd their entry for Baku.

Donny Montell will represent Lithuania. Ott Lepland Estonia. 

++ Indians offended ++ We've talked with Loreen! ++  Dima Bilan back to Eurovision? ++ Humpy in! ++ ..

Two major news items caught our attention, and probably yours too, yesterday. First of all, the Diva is back, Dima Bilan that is, he will be giving Eurovision a third try. Quite brave of him to be returning after his victory in 2008, any better position won't be available.... But first he'll have to battle 24 other artists in the Russain final next week. Quite sure he'll manage that though. And oh yeah, he is not doing it alone this time, he will be joined by t.A.T.u.'s Julia. We o like her!

Second big news: the UK is sending Engelbert Humperdinck (75) to Eurovision. My grandmother adored him!

++ Atomic Kitten for the UK? ++  Results in Estonia and Lithuania ++ Slovenia choosing between Evas at EMA ++..

For the first time since years the Netherlands are having a real national final again, with multiple artists singing different songs. From the 491 submitted entered songs, six made it to tonight's contest. The broadcast starts at 20:20 CET, there is a webcast available (see top of our front page). The singers will compete against each other in three duels, the three winners will meet each other in a superfinal.

Estonia begins its selection process and sends five songs to their final...

After Estonia's unfortunate 24th placing at ESC 2011 with Getter Jaani's "Rockefeller Street", Estonia is fired up to send a big song to the 2012 contest. Last night, the country held its annual Eesti Laul selection competition and sent five songs to the final.  They included:

1. Pop Maniacs - "I Don't Know"
2. Ott Lepland - "Kuula"
3. August Hunt - "Tantsulõvi"
4. Liis Lemsalu - "Made Up My Mind"
5. Loss Paranoias - "Valedetektor"

Yes, it is carnaval. And for those not celebrating, there is the 3rd Swedish semi, some finals and a song presentation.

Tonight, at around 20:25 the fourth night of the Sanremo festival will be the only event, tomorrow however there is much more. Already in the morning, at 11:30 CET the ESC schedule starts with the Ukrainian final.