12points.tv

++ Engelbert furious ++ the interval act revealed ++ Torino 2013?! ++..

Yesterday and today orange has been the color. After the rather disastrous official opening party on Saturday, the Dutch stood out with the best party in baku so far, yesterday evening. The Dutch delegation had invited several other delegations at a club on the boulevard in central Baku. A lovely open air atmosphere, with nice drinks and finger food and a very good set of Eurovision perfromances by several of the invited 2012 artists. Ofcourse Joan Franka presented her song too, which was not only met by enthousiasme by the guests to the party but also the Azeri crowd that was following the mini concert from the boulevard. Watch a clip from her performance here.

Today Joan visisted the Maiden Tower in the beautiful old town, together with the Dutch press before we all wet for a traditional cup of Azerbaijani tea in an even more traditional Azeri restaurant. Joan being the princess in a 1001 night fairytale.

++ Loreen will not win ++ the Opening Party ++ the last day of rehearsals ++..

Today is the last day of rehearsing, tomorrow the first official dress rehearsal will kick off! The big five and Azerbaijan finally had their first rehearsals too. All rehearsals can be seen here. Our opinion about the Big five performances you can find here. The opening party last night has been summed up by us in twelve points.... see our snapshots here. In the mean time we are also getting ready for the Dutch party. we're excited, last year that was definitely the party to beat!

++ Don't play that song again ++ Graham Norton believes in Jedward ++ No Fairytale ++ Engelbert enters at 64 in UK charts ++..

Another rehearsal day has come. All rehearsals can be seen here. This will be the first day the big five and Azerbajan will rehearse. And also tonight the official opening party will be held in the Euroclub. Opening parties are the official kick off of the Eurovision week, where the hosting city welcomes the delegations. Yesterday evening Eurovision DJ Lars Peter dared to play an Armenian song in the Euroclub, Apricot Stone. He survived this, but the dancefloor emptied immediately. Today the Euroclub management has told the Eurovision DJ's that this is strictly forbidden from now on.

++ When in Baku ++ When in Sydney ++ Hurts asked for UK ++ Grannies baked pies for us ++..

We had a great chat with Loreen, Ivi Adamou and quite some more Eurovision artists. Our first interviews are now online. Loreen has revealed she is a shoe extremist, she wears high heals or nothing at all. With Ivi Adamou we also talked about shoes. Find all of our interviews here. More will follow!

++ Anti Gay Web Attacks ++ Spain will never win ++ Euro & Vision ++ Engelbert Humperdinck is nervous ++..

The fifth day started with Montenegro and we definitely would like to say something positive about Euro Neuro too... Fortunately the bloggers on Prinz magazine helped us out on that, by sharing some exclusive pictures of the sexy dancers accompanying Rambo Amadeus on stage. So here you go!

++ Coming soon: interviews ++ Day four in Baku ++ Happy birthday Can Bonomo++..

Today the Guinness World Records, the official authority on record-breaking, recognised Englebert Humperdinck as being the oldest male Eurovision Song Contest entrant. The singer has previously held the record for the most consecutive weeks on UK singles chart. In an interview with ITN Humperdinck reveals that he would love to cooperate with Adele and Lady Gaga. Now the question is, would they want that too?

++ 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.

++ Spain gives us goosebumps ++ Jedward will carry Olympic flame  ++ Irish winners on tour ++ Douze points continues ++..

OGAE, the biggest international Eurovision fan club, with branches in almost all countries taking part in the contest asks its members each year to speak out, what they think about that year's entries. Resulting in a Eurovision style voting, with a 12, a 10, an 8, etc. being awarded to the songs by each and every country. The results right now, after 27 countries' voting, is showing a clear victory for Sweden. Loreen's Euphoria got no leaa than 295 points so far, with number two, Italy far behind with 162 points. See the current top 10 below. A number of countries still has to vote, but wether that can change results is to be doubted.

++ Parodi Grand Prix tonight ++ No gay pride in Baku, Iran furious anyway  ++ Kuunkuiskajat #1 in Europe ++ Eurovision in the charts ++..

We are quite exited that next week already we are going to be in Baku to report about everything that is happening in the city that is the capital of Eurovision this month. Keep an eye on our site during the coming weeks, to get the best interviews (we're starting to get a record on that), all the news and some of the gossip too. For all of you heading to Azerbaijan as well, see you at the Euroclub and elsewhere.