:: Eurovision 24 :: Oslo 2010

The European Broadcasting Union postponed the third Eurovision Dance Contest. The number of broadcasters that signed up for participation did not reach the desired level. The European Broadcasting Union aim to organise a new format to make a more attractive and financially more sustainable production next year, planning to reach larger number of broadcasters. The Eurovision Dance Contest is planned to be organised in Azerbaijan in the autumn of 2010. -

Portugal will participate in the forthcoming Eurovision Dance Contest, in Azerbaijan in September – RTP has confirmed. Portugal took part in the two editions of the Eurovision Dance Contest – in 2007 and 2008. In 2007 representing the country were Sónia Araújo, a TV host, and Ricardo Silva, a ballroom dancer. Portugal came fifth after receiving 74 points from 12 countries. In 2008, the singer Raquel Tavares and the professional dancer João Tiago represented the country, finishing 8th with 61 points. Source: Oikotimes -

Oikotimes reports that Austrian national broadcaster ORF announced its withdrawal from the Eurovision Dance Contest. Austria won't take part in the third edition of the contest, which is held in Baku later this year. Austrian broadcaster have not given any reasons about its withdrawal, but it's very likely that massive economize of money and the bad place last year in Glasgow are guilty. So from now on, Austria is not taking part in Eurovision events anymore. Since 2007 when Eric Papilaya came 27th in the semi final in Helsinki, Austria hasn't sent any participants to the Eurovision Song Contest. -

Belarus will participate in the Eurovision Dance Contest 2009 for the first time, it has been learnt from Alexander Martynenko, Deputy Chairman of the National State TV and Radio Company (Belteleradiocompany). More here>> -

President of Armenian Dance Sport Federation Aghasi Mkrtchyan told Panarmenian.net that Armenia will not be participating in the Eurovision Dance Contest 2009. One of the reasons is Azerbaijan’s refusal to take part in International Dance Sport Championship held last year in Yerevan. According to Azeri media, General Manager of Azerbaijani Public Broadcasting Company Ismail Omarov declared that "Azerbaijan guarantees the safety of all contestants including Armenians, should they wish to participate.” Baku in Azerbaijan will host the Eurovision Dance Contest in September 2009. -

I am a bit surprised by this decision but it has been announced an hour ago by The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) that the third Eurovision Dance Contest 2009 will take place in September this year at the Heydar Aliev Sports and Concert Complex (SCC) in Baku, Azerbaijan. Nearly 8,000 spectators are expected to attend the show in Baku's largest concert arena. The event is organised by the EBU and will be hosted by its Azerbaijani Member, Ictimai Television (ITV). The contest is to be held on the 16th September 2009. The first two editions of the show were hosted in the United Kingdom successfully by the BBC in 2007 and 2008. Azerbaijan's public service broadcaster, Ictimai Television, then won the EBU tender to serve as host broadcaster for the 2009 edition. Participating EBU broadcasters will each be represented by a couple dancing a freestyle choreography inspired by the country they represent. In addition to being judged by a panel of experts in the arena, the European a...