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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.

++ 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!

For all common countries the Baku experience has started last weekend, now the big five are getting ready to enter the home of Eurovision this year.

Today the second round of rehearsals start for all semi finalists. All rehearsals will be a bit shorter so more of them are fitted in a day too. Tomorrow this will continue and go on on Saturday and Sunday. In the weekend the big five (Spain, France, UK, Germany and Italy) will also start their rehearsals as well as host country Azerbaijan. Are they ready for it?

++ 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.

++ Most expensive contest ever! ++ New albums and singles released  ++ Finally a Eurovision song in Azerbaijani! ++..

"Blood of the European scum must be shed by the will of Allah.", that's the statement a Azeri terror group has released yeaterday. This message came shortly after a crackdown on the group by Azeri authorities. Extra measurements have been taken now to assure the safety of all artists participating.

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.

++ 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!

++ Line up Spain complete ++  Amnesty International critical about Azerbaijan ++ Talking to Charlotte tonight! ++ ..

There is the general prejudice that non-white artists don't get too many votes from eastern European countries. Recent examples are Norway's entry last year and the Netherlands in 2007. This year Ukraine almost seems to have made a statement against this prejudice, selecting Gaitana to represent the country in Baku. Gaitana is partly Congolese but she was born and raised in Ukraine. Apparently this now hasn't turned out to be accepted generally in the country anyway. In Ukrainian press Yuriy Syrotyuk, of the Svoboda party, said that "Gaitana is not an organic representative of the Ukrainian culture." "Eurovision is our chance to promote Ukraine," "We need to show our originality," he told Kyiv Post on Feb. 21. Such a pity! 

++ Sanremo continues ++  Belarus selected an artist! ++ Georgia announces its national final ++..

TVE, the Spanish broadcaster has announced the four songs for Pastora Soler today. Listen to them here, and tell us which one you like best! Two of them (Quédate Conmigo and Tu vida es tu vida) are already qualified for the final on 3 March and a third one will join them from the remaining two.

++ MF snippets on Thursday ++ Spanish and Slovak entries known beginning of February ++ Greek go commercial ++ ..

The Azerbaijani  are obviously very proud about the logo of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest. The logo symbolizing a fire flower. It has even been declared the best Eurovision logo ever. Do you agree? Or do you prefer the colourful logo in Moscow, the graphical one in Helsinki or the pearls in Oslo? Please do let us know!