Semi 1 - the final five

Time now to reveal who else we think will be in those magic envelopes come Tuesday 10 May. Yesterday we predicted places in the final for Switzerland, Hungary, Russia, Turkey and Serbia.

Our sixth spot goes to Poland, a country that until this year has failed to make much of an impression on us. So it's with delight that Poland is sending its best song since 1998! Magdalena Tul sings Jestem, and is first up. We think picking position one is quite a canny move. This is a good, modern entry, which promises to be well sung and well staged. Poland is back!

Next in our ten is Finland with Paradise Oskar and Da Da Dam. This looks set to be this year's Tom Dice. A simple, almost naive, song, simply presented, this looks to stand out. When we first heard it we thought it was perhaps more suited to the Junior Contest, but we really like the melody, and it has a very clear messsage. Probably not a winner overall, but a place in the final for sure.

Only three more songs to go, and, perhaps inevitably, Greece is our next choice. We are picking this more because Greece always seems to progress to the Final, rather than on the song, which, in our opinion, is not as strong as previous Greek entries. Loucas Yiorkas featuring Stereo Mike sing Watch My Dance, but it will be interesting to see if this is the year that Greece's good luck runs out and they don't make it to the Saturday night final.

Our penultimate choice is Iceland. We loved Yohanna and Erna in the Icelandic contest, but it was not to be. That said, Coming Home perforemd by Sjonni's Friends (left), is certainly a good song. It has a strong hook, and no one can fail to be moved by the story of the song's composer, Sigurjon ‘Sjonni’ Brink, who sadly passed away earlier this year. A genuinely touching entry that deserves a spot in the Final.

Ok, so who does our final place go to? Azerbaijan of course! Running Scared sung by Eldar and Nigar is a real contender for Eurovision victory. From the very first notes this song packs an emotional punch, and is without doubt the best ballad in the contest. We're really hoping the live version sounds as good as the recorded track. If it does, then Baku 2012 is most definitely on the cards. A club remix of the song can be heard below.



Join us tomorrow as we predict who will be the 10 qualifiers from Semi 2.

Who will qualify from Semi 1?

Ahead of rehearsals, which begin this Sunday, Eurovision Express has decided it's time to predict who we think will be the 10 qualifiers from each of the two semi finals.

Today - and in no particular order - we reveal 5 countries whose names we reckon will be in the 'envelopes' on Tuesday 10 May.

First up is Switzerland. The country who gave us the very first Eurovision winner hasn't been doing too well of late, despite some great songs (Era Stupendo was our favourite in 2008!) Who can forget all the talk about DJ Bobo was going to win the whole contest, and he didn't even qualify! This year though we think Anna Rossinelli (above) and her song, In Love For A While, is going to make it through to the Grand Final. It's a quality song, simply performed, and we're sure juries especially will like it.

Our next prediction is Turkey. Initially we were a little disappointed with Yüksek Sadakat's Live It Up, but when we saw the preview video our opinions changed dramatically. This is a good piece of rock/pop, and being performed after 4 female solists will make it stand out. Everyone thinks Turkey's always a safe bet to qualify, but you have to admit that they don't just get through on diaspora - they really have a knack of picking modern, credible songs.

3rd up is Hungary, this year's fan favourite. Like most other people we're loving What About My Dreams? by Kati Wolf (left). It's catchy, punchy, and we're sure it will be the monster hit on the Eurovision dancefloor. Rumours abound that Kati might not be able to cut it live, but, if there's any justice, this will be vying for a Top 5 place in the Final.

Our penultimate choice today is Russia. We were amazed they qualified in 2010, but would be equally surprised if they didn't make it through this year. We're not massively keen on the new Eurovision version of Get You, and think that it would just be better if Alexej Vorobjov got straight into the song. But it's pretty modern, poppy and he's not a bad-looking chap either, so Russia should sail through.

The final prediction today is Nina and her song, Čaroban for Serbia. This 60s inspired entry is extremely well executed, and looks and sounds stylish. It may well stand out amid the more stereotypically 'Eurovision' songs.

So 5 down, 5 more to come. Check back tomorrow for the other entries we think will make it from Semi 1.

Jedward in ankle injury shocker!

The "J" half of Jedward (John Grimes) - this year's Irish entry for Eurovision - has sprained his ankle on stage during their Irish tour. He will go on stage tonight in Dublin in a wheelchair. Apparently John sprained his ankle after some "mad" antics on stage earlier in the tour according to their manager and music mogul Mr. Louis Walsh.

Let's hope John recovers in time for their Dusseldorf appearance in less than three weeks time. Take it easy boys! You can read all about it here

Does France have it in the bag?

According to the latest betting odds, France is the clear favourite to win this year's Eurovision Song Contest. We think the contest it a lot more wide open this year than last year so a lot will depened on the rehearsals and, of course, the live performances.

If Amaury Vassili wins with his song Sognu , it will be the first French victory since the lovely Marie Myriam back in 1977 who won in London with L'oiseau et L'enfant.

You can check all the latest betting odds from the various websites here

Eurovision Express will be in Dusseldorf from 4th May reporting on all the rehearsals and general Eurovision shenanigans!