Life after Helsinki 2007 Eurovision

Kosovo's Deputy Foreign Minister Petrit Selimi has an intense struggle to get membership of the EBU. "I really think it is an important part of making people feel being part of Europe. ESC is a special way to confirm their identity today, especially in Eastern Europe where the competition is super popular" he says. Kosovo is now making every effort to get a place in the Eurovision Song Contest. But so far, Kosovo has been rejected. Kosovo declared its independence in 2008, but may still not participate in ESC because it is not recognized by the UN nor member of EBU. But what is the most important -  UN membership or participation in the Eurovision Song Contest? At first he hesitates a little. " I have rarely seen a young man proud of the place in the United Nations. However, we are very proud when Zlatan Ibrahimovic scores, or when ABBA wins a contest. So you have these platforms to be proud of their country. I would be extremely disappointed if we did not ...

EFR12 will broadcast another great interview by my flying reporter Robert in Baku 2012, this time with the sensation of the year, Albanian Rona Nishliu. Make sure to tune in here at 9pm CET. The edited written version is here .

Albania's Rona Nishliu who came 5th in Baku with her groundbreaking Suus, was welcomed home as a hero. She scored the best result for Albania to date and it adds to the the fact she won the 50th Festivali i Këngës and Albania celebrates its 100th anniversary of independence! A huge crowd was waiting for her and she also met with the prime minister of Albania Sali Berisha.  Not only does Rona have incredibly voice, also her song is very special. Or you get it, or you just think it's endless screming or "woman in agony giving a birth to a baby" as someone described. I love it. I get it. Enjoy it again - or try to get it - here . And read her exclusive interview here . And don't forget the English jazz version !

Due to the terrible bus accident in Albania RTSH will not broadcast tonight's first semifinal live. Therefor also their jury votes from last night are decisive. Eurovision.tv writes: "Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest on behalf of the EBU, says: "We express our deepest sympathy with those who are affected by this terrible tragedy and have the utmost respect for the request of RTSH." The decision has no consequences for Albania's participation in the contest. RTSH has informed the EBU they will transmit the second Semi-Final and the Final of the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest live."

My flying reporter Robert sat down with Rona Nishliu from Albania who has the most amazing vocals ever to grace the Eurovision stage. He talks with her about her song writing process, Kosovo, the other entries and her way of preparing for performances. And how did she train her voice? Fascinating lady indeed! What were your thoughts when you first heard your song Suus ? The writing process of Suus was a bit special one. It wasn't the usual way that you go to a studio and composer plays it to you. It was of my request only a few piano chords that I could then do my vocal line and everything was built on that. Basicly it was interaction, it was a lot of talking involved in the process because I wanted to show and share my feelings of that moment. After that I was able to write my lyrics. All in all it took more than a month. You have a very powerful voice that can blow a listener away. What have you done it with so far? Singing for me is more than just going on st...

What to say about Albania and Rona Nishliu? Stunning vocals, simple presentation with just a work with spotlights really and beautiful emotional song. Is this what she's going to wear on the big night? No. And her jewelry is special, too, very 1980's neon acrylic things.... Interesting. And I love her hairdo as well. And one can't be but blown away by her vocal skills time after time.... Will televoters by it is another thing but I hope enough of them will so that with the jury votes she would sail to the final. She deserves it. One of the most original songs in Eurovision ever, and no doubt one of the most skilled vocalists ever to grace an Eurovision stage. Stay tuned for her interview later today! Update: it's here . More here . Romania all of sudden starts to sound and look like a possible winning candidate. The backdrop works, the choreography works, it's happy and catchy and if Elena nails her vocals when it matters... Who knows? All white for the guys...

The lunch break is over and we go on with the first technical rehearsals. Albania proves less is more. If you can only use the word "less" and Rona's voice in a same sentence. Breathtaking performance already in the first rehearsals, tasteful use of lights and that's it. Perfect. Fantastic. Not much else to add.... More here . Romania on stage next and a total change of atmosphere. The stage is filled with drums, bagpipes and people doing a choreography that at least at this points looks not enough learned by heart that it would look natural at all. This kind of song needs room for spontaneity. But then, maybe it will look like that come next Tuesday? Elena sings surprisingly well and the song is catchy and summery. Why am I still lacking something and not quite going crazy for this? More here . Last in this slot before a coffee break is Switzerland . It looks and sounds like expected. The brothers are doing the rock band performance walking a bit here and ...

Albania has unveiled their entry's video and final version. Suus was the second song selected last December and it's a relief to see it has stayed in Albanian. And this time the song hasn't had a total makeover like they often do but sounds still the same, just shorter. And the long note is there, too! I also hope Rona Nishliu will bring this squared dress to Baku 2012 as well! Beautiful graphic video.