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.

The big 5. Yesterday the five countries contributing most to the contest and therefor entitled to a final placing immediately, hit the stage for the first time.

This year we have to admit that the big five have all invested in quality, strong voices, experienced singers (with young German Roman Lob being the exception when it comes to much experience) and good songs. And, well, their long awaited first rehearsals mostly went well too. Not splendid in every detail, but it would be boring if there were to be nothing to improve still.

Betting odds say Loreen will walk away with Eurovision 2012, but a week is a long time in Azerbaijan.

Eurovision specialists from all over Europe have gathered in Baku. Most of the big media is coming next week, but fan press and fans are here already.

And what do these fans talk about during these days? Well, being the reunion party it is, Eurovision is of course the natural subject to talk about as well. Discussions about songs, the quality of the performances, the dresses, the chances for songs to qualify for the final, and inevitably, who is going to win.  

++ Loreen still going up, up, up ++ 3D on stage in Baku  ++ Anti Gay activisists against Eurovision ++ ..

Nina Zilli's L'amore e'femmina entered the Italian charts this week. Roman Lob is doing well in Germany. His Standing still re-enetered the Austrian charts this week as well, but also the Jedward brothers made their entrance in that country this week. Spain is welcoming Serebro's (Russia 2007) Mama lover into their charts. The queen of the charts however is still Swedish Loreen, with a top 10 position in no less than five countries at the moment.

++ Italian fans partying with Nina ++ Seventeen for Iris, with Sabina  ++ Douze Points: Latvia ++..

For years Dutch Jan Götz has been doing all Eurovision fans and collectors a giant favor allready by sharing all details about all versions of all Eurovision songs released every year. In the good old days it was the paper version of his collectors guide that lead the way. Nowadays he's publishing the most accurate details about all releases available on the net in his annual collector's guide. In the Baku version you'll find out how many official remixes have been made for Loreen's song for Sweden. You'll also discover that the Lithuanian song also has a Lithuanian and a Russian version and you'll know exactly how Tooji's song for Norway has been performing in the local charts. We strongly recommend the Baku Collection!

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.

++ Engelbert ready to win ++  the English/Italian version of Nina Zilli's song presented ++ ..

While we are busy analyzing the results of yesterdays draw, not much more is happening in Eurovision country. One of the interval acts of the Eurovision final has been announced: Emin Alagarov. A respected singer in Azerbaijan with even some airplay in the UK and other European countries gets the honour. The fact that Emin is married to the daughter of the Azerbaijani president is most likely just a coincedence.

++ Two more countries revealed this week ++  Different song selected for Italy ++ news from Belgium, Sweden, Greece and San Marino ++ ..

The fourth edition of Eurovision In Concert is going to be bigger than ever. Fourteen of this year's Eurovision acts have already been revealed. The latest one in that line is the addition of Jedward. The Irish twins were a big hit in Düsseldorf and will most likely be that in Baku again. Half of the teenager girl population went mad when the news was brought out yesterday evening. So join some screaming girls and loads of Eurovision fans on 21 April in Amsterdam. This week at least two more acts are going to be revealed! All news about the biggest Eurovision preview concert, you can find here. 

++ Max Jason Mai for Slovakia ++  Russia decides tonight, will it be Dima Bilan again ++ Armenia withdraws ++ ..

A few months ago the Slovakian broadcaster announced 23 year old Miro Šmajda as their representative in Baku. Later on this was denied again, but now he is back. Today Max Jason Mai has been announced as the Slovakian hope in this year's Eurovision Song Contest. Max Jason Mai is Miro's new artist name. Don't close your eyes is the name of his song. You can hear it down below. Don't you agree that this could have been Farraw Fawcett's (if you're over, let's say 30, you should know who she is) younger brother? They must have the same stylist at least! The song is a bit too rocky for our taste.....