12points.tv

It's you an me, and everybody out there! Joan Franka's second rehearsal went much better than the first one. We're happy.

It's been a while since the Netherlands made it to the final. In fact the only time we did, was back in 2004, which officially makes the Netherlands the country doing worst of all in the contest. Some of the years behind us we had already given up the hope to make it, some we were hopeful. Part of the group of people behind this website is Dutch, so that is why I am writing in the 'we'-form. This year we were more excited about the song You And Me, than we've been for a long time. And the second dress rehearsal made us even happier. She did a great job and it's filmed way better than the first rehearsal. Her big smile sells the song better than anything, and with the abundant close up shots he could show off just that smile and win the hearts of the tv audience.

But, well, we are Dutch, so biased. Let's see what others are thinking.....

++ 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!

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.

Thanks to Google Translate we reveal what's REALLY going on in the mind of some 2012 contestants.

++ 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.

++ Charlotte Nilsson again? ++ No donkey on stage for Montenegro  ++ Learn the Maltese and Romanian dances ++ ESC in the charts ++ ..

In 2003 Charlotte Nilsson (Sweden 1999, 2008) got married with Nicola Perrelli, and then adapted her new husband's family name too. Since then we know her as Charlotte Perrelli. The love birds have longe ago got divorced, and now it's about time for Charlotte to give back his last name, Nicola thinks, especially since there is another man in Charlotte's life right now. Charlotte insists it's her artist name however and doesn't seem to be willing to give in. Now that Carola (Sweden 1983, 1991, 2006) has been in the news quite a lot recently with the story about her wish to adopt a baby, this might just be Charlotte's answer to get back in the news too... who knows?

++ 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...

++ 1967 winner supports Amnesty International ++ April's fool  ++ London taxi's in Baku ++ Niels Brinck joins Anggun ++ ..

1967 Eurovision winner Sandie Shaw supports Amnesty International's call on Azerbaijan to stop the repression of free media in the country.  The recent case of Khadija Ismayilova encouraged Sandie to speak out. Sandie Shaw said: "That anyone would stoop so low in an attempt to silence an independent journalist is sickening. The people behind this appalling blackmail and smear campaign must be brought to justice. And the persecution of independent journalists in Azerbaijan must stop."

++ Austria, the Netherlands and Lithuania confirmed for EIC! ++  Loreen ill? ++ Jason Donovan said 'No' to Eurovision ++ ..

Three more countries have been confirmed for Eurovision In Concert on 21 April in Amsterdam. Earlier today that was the Netherlands and Austria. Tonight, Lithuanian Danny Montell has been added to the list. There are some more exciting names to be announced really soon now! Keep an eye on the concert's website or on 12points.tv of course!