Olimpiysky Arena, Moscow, Eurovision Song Contest 2009 Semi-Final (1)
For the second time in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest, two Semi-Finals will be held to decide which 25 countries will be represented in the Final. The first Semi-Final will take place on Tuesday, 12th of May.
The voting during the show
Citizens of each participating country vote by telephone and SMS. Direct finalists United Kingdom and Germany will also vote in this Semi-Final (tdecided by draw). Originally, Spain had drawn to vote in this Semi-Final as well, but requested this to be changed for scheduling reasons.The reference group approved their request.
Each country's 10 favourites are awarded 1 to 8, 10 and 12 points based on the number of votes. The top-9 of the tele-voting qualifies for the Final. The highest ranked entry of the back-up jury that has not qualified for the Final in the tele-voting also qualifies for the Final. The 10 qualified countries will be presented in randomly drawn order at the end of the show. The complete results of the tele-voting will not be announced until after the Final, to keep the tension high.
