We run through how the contest works...

Things have changed a bit since the first contest in 1956. Once attracting only seven countries to compete, Eurovision now pulls in entries from nearly 40 delegations.

The Show Format
The format of the show changed in 2004 with the introduction of a semi-final. As rousing and entertaining as the entries always prove to be, watching all of them in one sitting was perhaps too much for the millions who watched in 2003.

This year 28 countries will perform in the semi with the highest-scoring ten countries going through to the final. The running order of both shows, and scoring order, is decided by random draw.

Automatic Qualification
As major financial contributors of the contest, France, Germany, Spain and the UK are granted direct entry into the final, bypassing the semi-final stage. The winner and nine highest scoring countries from the previous year's contest also head straight for the final - this year they are Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ireland, Finland, Lithuania, Greece, Sweden, Russia, Ukraine, Romania and Armenia.

Scoring System
Each country is asked to give points to their favourite entry, allocating 12 points to their favourite entry, 10 points to their second favourite entry, and 8 down to 1 point to their third to tenth favourites. A country can give its points to any other country who they believe deserves them. No points can be awarded to their own performer.

The Main Event
The Contest is shown on TV in all competing countries, reaching over 100 million viewers. The show also has a huge live audience. Last year tickets for the final sold out in 20 minutes!

The Winners
The winning delegation not only wins the accolade of best song for the year, they also host the followng Eurovision Song Contest. So, last year Lordi won for Finland, and brought Eurovision to Helsinki for 2007!