11 Countries Updated + 1 Article

Recent updates to vitaleurovision.co.cc:

SWEDEN:
*First 8 performers in MF 2009 will be revealed during a special press conference on 18/11/2008 in Stockholm.
* In 28/10/2008 the songs and song writers were revealed, many rumors has being speard around but none were confirmed
* Don't forget that there are also 4 Wild cards part of those 28.

MOLDOVA:
* TRM has just invited all moldovian authors and singers to participate in the National final
* Date: Probobly Febuaray
* Deadline: 20.12.2008
* 20 songs will be selected by the juries to participate in the NF
* the selection period will take 45 days and than TRM will organize a NF that will be brodcasted on TV Moldova 1.
* Voting: Mix of televoting & expert jury
* Rumours says Natalia Gordienko has submitted a song (from Moldova 2006)

MALTA:
* Mistakes & mayhem with the first heat (here)
* Preformence order:
* Audiovision TV Studios in Hamrun - The venue of the NF and Valerie Vella the host
* Qualifiers will be announced after all semis has being held (Sounds fishy to me)

PORTUGAL:
* Festival Da Cancao: In the last week of febuarary or the first wek of March

CYPRUS:
* An audition for all entries will take place on the 13.12.2008 where 7 members of a jury will evaluate the entries.
* 10 songs will go to the national final which will take place in the end of January.
* Voting system: Televoting

DENMARK:
Voting System in the national final - 50:50 Audience-Juries

NETHERLANDS:
* Host: Jack van Gelder
* Songs: 4 to 6
* Voting: 50:50 Audience-Juries

BELARUS:
* Dates: Semi in December, Final in January
* Songs: 15 in the Semi - 5 in the final
* Voting: Juries in the semi, "Televoting" in the final (yea, right.... it's Belarus!)

GREECE:
* Host: Betty & Mathilde Maggira
* Songs: 3 songs
* Voting: 60% Televoting - 40% Juries

LITHUANIA:
* Participants List
* Fomat: Talent show but unlike 2006 for example or this year in Bulgaria it's a talent show but for experinced artists rather than amatuers (which is a big diffrence!)
* Voting: Televoting
* Some interesting people in the list like the solist of Skamp from Lithuania 2001.

UKRAINE:
* Songs: 15 songs
* Voting: Televoting

Eurovision 2009:
The cost of Eurovision 2009

Portugal Head of delegation speak

"Winning Eurovision is not impossible, but it’s very difficult" Interesting interview with the Portuguese head of delegation to the contest about the voting system and the Portuguese plans for 2009 from Esctoday - Here

* He mentioned last year amazing record of reaching 2nd in the semi and reaching the final and the rooting of all media and fans but with a complete knowledge that with the voting system as it is now they didn't stand a serious chance to win.

* He thinks that it's a great idea that the juries will take part in the voting but doesn't understand why this rule won't be applied in the semi as well (why indeed ???)

* He says that RTP sees the event as very important and their main concern is for an entry which will represent the country with dignity

* As for this year's plans he mentioned that they are working right now on the last details of Festival Da Cancao and it's not certain yet if everybody will be allowed to take part (including amateurs like in Bulgaria heats for example) or whenever only Professionals will be accepted - more news will be in on the end of the month.

Portugal Selection Procedure

Portugal will select their entry this year by a national final, the traditional "Festival RTP da Cancao" held early in March.

Festival RTP da Canção: That is the name given to the national festival, produced and broadcast by Rádio e Televisão de Portugal, to choose the Portuguese entry for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Source: NF Homepage, Oiktimes, Wikipedia

National Final Procedure:
* Invitations to known and recognized Portuguese producers who will be responsible to choose the composers of each songs.

* Number of songs isn't certain yet but probably will set on 10.

* As always - all songs must be in Portuguese.

* RTP is studying online submissions of singers and groups on their website and the contest is open to all artists from amateurs to professionals.