Azerbaijan, Baku, Jan. 25 / Trend M. Aliyev /
The draw for the semi-finals of "Eurovision 2012" song contest was held in Baku, Trend correspondent reported from the distribution ceremony of participants.
The participants were divided into two semi-finals following the draw.
Italy, Spain, Azerbaijan will vote in the first semifinal to be held in Baku on May 22.
France, Ukraine, Germany will vote in the second semifinal to be held in Baku on May 24.
The participants from 18 countries - Montenegro, Iceland, Moldova, Cyprus, Romania, Austria, Albania, Denmark, Russia, Belgium, Latvia, San Marino, Switzerland, Finland, Israel, Greece, Ireland, Hungary will attend the first semifinal to be held in Baku on May 22.
The participants from 19 countries - Serbia, Sweden, Georgia, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Macedonia, Estonia, Belarus, Turkey, Malta, Slovakia, Croatia, Norway, Ukraine, Armenia, Lithuania, Bulgaria, Bosnia Herzegovina will attend the second semifinal to be held in Baku on May 24.
Final of the "Eurovision 2012" song contest will be held in Baku on May 26.
Azerbaijan does not take part in the draw. According to the contest terms, a winner country of the previous contest, as well as Great Britain, France, Germany, Spain and Italy are admitted to the final without going through the semi-final stages.
Azerbaijani duo Eldar Gasimov and Nigar Jamal (Ell / Nikki) with their pop-ballad "Running Scared" won the Eurovision Song Contest 2011.