News: Weekend News round-up

It's been a very busy weekend once again, as five more countries have announced the tracks and artists they will be sending to the Eurovision finals in Moscow in May.

Portugal is one of the old stalwarts at Eurovision, having taken part in 42 contests so far. In 2009, they've decided to send the folk group Flor-de-Lis to Moscow, where they'll be singing the accordion-driven ballad "Todas as ruas do amor" (All the Streets of Love). Will Flor-de-Lis be able to beat Portugal's previous highest placing of sixth?

Another country sending a folk-influenced ballad to Moscow is Croatia, who will be represented by Igor Cukrov singing "Lijepa Tena" (Beautiful Tena). An 'interesting' choice, we're sure you'll probably agree...

Croatia's neighbour Bosnia and Herzegovina formally presented their Euro-Song this weekend. The act and the name of the song had previously been announced, but we've finally now been able to get a chance to hear the song "Bistra voda" (Clear Water) performed by rock group Regina. Of course, we were all more interested by the UK's very own Jade, who performed her song "My Time" live at the Bosnia and Herzegovina final. Well done, Jade!

Moving up to the Baltic Sea, Latvia revealed their chosen act over the weekend too. It's performed by male vocalist Intars Busulis, and it's a fast-paced rock tune called "Probka" (which in Russian means 'Stop'). It was actually performed during the weekend's final in Latvian, under the name "Sastregums" (which apparently translates as 'Traffic Light'), but the Latvian will, it seems, be performing the tune in Moscow in Russian.

And last but not least, the entry from Spain was also revealed. As the last of the 'Big Four' countries to announce, we've all been eagerly waiting to see what the Spanish could come up with. They've gone with an up-tempo ethnic disco stomper called "La noche es pari mi" (The Night is For Me) and it's performed by female soloist Soraya, who's already a very big performing artist in Spain.

Along with France, Germany and the United Kingdom, Spain is one of the "Big Four" countries that contribute the most money to the production of the ESC. As a result, the Big Four (along with that year's host nation) automatically qualify for the grand final and don't have to take part in the semi-final rounds.

So that makes it 34 songs down, 9 left to go. With Israel deciding tonight (2 March) and another five nations making their mind up next weekend, we're very nearly there...

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