News - We are the winners! | Eurovision Song Contest News - Azerbaijan 2012 

The ten successful semifinalists have just faced a packed conference following the announcement of the songs for Saturday's final. Each of them had an opportunity to make a short statement, and then the floor was opened to a single question for each one.

Finland
Lordi was the first of the winners to speak, and said he was "so satisfied that a good looking group like us can make the final. Thanks to all the rock and heavy metal music fans around Europe. We've got to the finals, making Finnish Eurovision history!". Mr Lordi was asked if he had more surprises planned for the final to help the group win. He replied "More volume! Scream louder! Turn up the amps to eleven!"

FYR Macedonia
Elena wanted to congratulate all the unsuccessful finalists. "It's amazing! Eleven is my lucky number from this day on! I did it for all of you and for Macedonia!" It was mentioned that Elena had presented Helena Paparizou with a T-shirt, and Elena quipped "Maybe it's a lucky name too!"

Russia
An overjoyed Dima Bilan had a simple message: "Thank you very much - I love you!" Asked about the three most important words in his life, he replied through a translator "reality, close people and good."

Ukraine
"I want you to show me your love - I feel so good!" said an ecstatic Tina. She was asked who she called as soon as she knew she was through. The answer was simple: her mum. She was concerned at first as her mother is very strict - but Mum's verdict was an approving "It was nice!" Tina added that she only wants to see her Mum smile and be happy.

Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bosnian head of press Lejla said "We are happy to be in the final, and frankly, we expected it!" Hari Mata Hari had the opportunity to sing a few lines of his own entry. It was noted that he is known as the Bosnian Pavarotti, and proved it by singing a few lines of an operatic aria.

Turkey
"Thank you all - you are all superstars!" said Sibel. "We have lost some very powerful singers and songs" she admitted, but continued "of course, I am very happy to be here. I want to thank the team at ERT, the viewers, my dancers, my choreographer, all the press, and OGAE all over Europe. Thank you for voting!" Sibel was also asked whether she had talked with the people close to her. It turns out that she was with her husband back stage, and they hugged each other on hearing the news. "I reach out with my eyes to my mother. I want to hug her."

Lithuania
"Everyone is a winner" according to LT United, who proclaimed their support for a "United Europe!". Marijonas Mikutavicius added: "I can't believe this sh*t - in the final!" Lead singer Andrius Momontovas treated the hall to what he introduced as "a note", and proceeded to hold a note for an unbelievably long time. "Breathless!" said the compere!

Sweden
"It's so great to be here again. I want to thank the host Sakis. It was a marvellous programme. I'm looking forward to Saturday, but now I'm just going to bed to rest my voice. God bless you all! You are all invincible!" She was asked about her relationship with God, and replied: "It is a very natural relationship. Jesus became my saviour at thirteen. I believe in Christmas and Easter! Can it be any simpler? What a gift! There is a passion in my heart." She added "Saturday is my name day, Carola. The name means 'free woman' and 'song of joy' in Latin."

Armenia
Andre wanted to thank God for the opportunity, and was especially excited as he really wanted to be drawn last in the final. He found it difficult to express his feelings, although said "I want to thank all the voters, the team who worked with me and supported me, and also congratulate those who didn't make the final. They are the best - friends and perfect artists!" He was asked how he felt to be the first ever entrant for his country. "I feel very happy. A huge nation is very happy for me, as are all Armenians around the world!"

Ireland
"I couldn't be happier!" said Brian. "I thank everyone who has stopped me over the week to say how the song has grown on them. I'm not only proud to be Irish, but tonight I'm proud to be European. Thank you very much - see you in the final!" He was asked how he prepares himself to build and grow stronger with each performance. "I don't smoke, and I don't drink - much! I haven't been singing live that much. I wanted to see the venue, see how it felt inside. I just want to do well!"