A big change in the way that the Eurovision Song Contest running order is made has been announced by the EBU. Instead of the traditional straight-forward draw, where the first country drawn sings first and the last country drawn sings last, this year, the first five countries drawn in the semi final and first three drawn in the final will get a 'wildcard' position. They get to choose where they go in the running order by selecting their starting position!

It is clear from results in recent years that countries appearing lower down the running order have a natural advantage, so it is actually a disadvantage to be one of the first countries to be drawn. To balance this, for the first time, countries drawn first will get to select the position from which they start. The first five countries drawn for the semi final and first three in the final will select their position. The draw will then continue in order, where each country drawn fills a remaining space from the beginning down.

 

The decision of these countries will be in the hands of their Heads of Delegation, who are likely to choose a position close to the end of the running order. After the first country selects it's position, the remaining 'wildcard' countries may also be influenced by the songs already positioned, choosing to go next to a song that differs in style, or keeping away from a song that they perceive as a threat.

 

Svante Stockselius, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, says: "We believe this will add more excitement to the draw. More information about this procedure will be given prior to the draw, but I would suggest the Heads of Delegation to start thinking on which one is their favourite starting position."

 

The draw takes place on March 12th and will be shown live on Finnish television station YLE2, it is still unknown if a webcast will be made available.

 

From esctoday.com

Oh God. :rofl: That's a bit pointless imo... and it's far more exciting watching - although I've never watched it - the countries be drawn in the order they're gonna sing in.

 

The first countries are OBVIOUSLY going to choose positions in the last five slots, so I don't see much of a point to this. :(

I'm not sure that helps. It adds a tactical position option, but I'd prefer them all random to be honest.

Wouldn't it be better to reduce the imbalance by having fewer songs in the final.

How confusing :lol:, That is rather pointless isn't it!

They try and make Eurovision all confusing and it doesn't work at all. We don't need these silly sorts of "twists" same as we don't need 39 countries - 42 this year - voting on the night of the final just to drag out the process. -_-

Only the countrys who go through should be allowed to vote -_-

Only the countrys who go through should be allowed to vote -_-

They should bring back the relegation system too and not have a semi. :(

On 12th and 13th March, representatives from all participating countries will meet in Helsinki for the annual Heads of Delegation meeting, including the draw for the running order!

 

It's a carefully protected tradition behind the scenes of the Eurovision Song Contest; A few weeks before the event, the delegation leaders from all participating countries meet eachother in the host country to formally submit their entries to the organisers of the contest ánd exchange their songs for promotion. But that's not everything!

 

Presentations and meetings

For the Host Broadcaster, the so-called Heads of Delegation meeting is a very special event as well. During two intense days of meetings and presentations, they will brief their Eurovision Song Contest colleagues from all participating countries on the preparations for the event, the creative concept behind the show, crucial technical information and many, many more details. Fully briefed, all delegation leaders take this crucial information back to their home countries to prepare their team, to make sure everything goes smoothly during the final weeks of preparations in May.

 

Draw for the running order For the fans of the Eurovision Song Contest and, last but not least, the participating artists, the draw for the running order marks the highlight of the Heads of Delegation meeting. During the draw, taking place on 12th March in Helsinki, Finland, the running order of the songs in the Semi-Final and Final will be determined. This year's draw will be even more exciting than previous ones - read here why!

 

You can follow the draw for the running order through the live web stream at Eurovision.tv, brought to you in cooperation with Host Broadcaster YLE. The show is taking place on the 12th of March and starts at approximately 15:15 CET. Finnish viewers can follow the draw on television at YLE TV2 and through YLE.fi.

 

Eurovision.tv will be there!On 12th and 13th March, Eurovision.tv will report from Helsinki, where the Heads of Delegation meeting is taking place. We will give you an exclusive look behind the scenes, update you on the latest news about Helsinki 2007 and, hopefully, provide you some interesting and fresh gossip about the 42 participants!

 

Shortly after the Heads of Delegation meeting, you can reach all official information on the participants through Eurovision.tv, including biographies, lyrics, photos and the videos of their Eurovision Song Contest entries.

 

I love the semies :)

and I heard that MKTV will broadcast LIVE the draw so I might be watching it :D

I think you can watch it on the internet too, but I'm at school so won't see it. :lol:

well the uk picks their song choice next saturday because i just saw the advert ^_^

well the uk picks their song choice next saturday because i just saw the advert ^_^

 

With all due respect....keep up Jack! :P

i agree only the counries in the final should be allowed vote,the voting last year was awful the votes just all be announced the the jury person 1-8 and the 10 and 12,the voting is the most exciting part and the most watched and they have destroyed,i was a huge eurovision fan but each year for the lasy 2-3 years im liking the show less and less

mmmm there was even talk about havingthe show twice a year aswel wasn't there?