Although the official application period is still open and a final participants list will not be ready until the end of 2008, several broadcasters already announced their plans for the 54th Eurovision Song Contest. In other countries, rumours dominate the news, or singers openly announce their wish to compete.

Greek broadcaster ERT announced Sakis Rouvas as its Eurovision Song Contest hope. It will be the singer's third appearance, since he represented Greece in 2004 with Shake It! and hosted the 2004 contest in Athens, together with Maria Menounos.

In Bulgaria, a series of selection events will lead to a semi-final and final in January and February. Albania will traditionally pick its Eurovision Song Contest pride around the end of December. In Finland, three semi-finals, a second chance round and a national final will take place in January. Swiss television has already announced to select its entry for 2009 - traditionally - through an internal process. In Belgium, French community broadcaster RTBF will most likely decide internally who will represent the country in Russia.

In the Netherlands, several big names openly announced their wish to take part, or suggested they would take an invitation into consideration. Popular singer Anouk was chosen as fans' favourite to represent the Dutch, while De Toppers, Jody Bernal and several others suggested they wouldn't have to think long when they would be asked to take part.

The British broadcaster BBC might have to look for a new Final commentator, as Terry Wogan announced that last year's Eurovision Song Contest was his last. The famous radio presenter, who presented the contest for over 30 years to the British audience and often sparked controversy with his remarkable comments, announced his decision in national media last week. Time will tell if Sir Terry can resist, as the 2009 contest comes closer...