57th Eurovision Song Contest to be held under the motto "Light your fire!" (Photosession)

Results of the Semi-Final allocation draw have been revealed

The first official event in the framework of the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest was held in Baku as the host city on January 25. The event featured the handover of symbolic keys, the draw allocation of semi-finalist states and the presentation of logo and motto for the Eurovision Song Contest 2012.
 
Host City Insignia Exchange Ceremony
 
In the course of the event, Mr.Dirk Elbers, the Mayor of Dusseldorf, the host city of the Eurovision 2011 shall, pass over symbolic keys to Mr.Hajibala Abutalybov, the Mayor of Baku. This is the way Baku shall officially undertake the role of the host city of the forthcoming Eurovision 2012 event.

During the event Mayor of Düsseldorf said he was happy being here. "We have good memories on the last year's contest. We will again live the same fills  here this year", he continued.  

Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest Jon Ola Sand said he look forward to the 2012 Eurovision song Contest to be held in May in Azerbaijan.

He underlined the main importance of the contract signed with Haydar Aliyev Foundation and said it guarantees to hold a grandiose show. He praised Azerbaijan's preparations for the contest.

Draw Allocation

Pursuant to the regulations, draw allocation of the countries to partake in the Contest’s semi-final, out of the 37 member states, was conducted. The event also identified the broadcast of semi-finals and votes from France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK and Azerbaijan as the last year’s winner.

Logo and Motto Presentation
 
Presentation of the concept of the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest 2012 was another important point of the event. In this context, the logo and motto of the forthcoming Eurovision event were hereby introduced. The heart-shaped symbol performed in the colours of the host country’s national flag has been used as of the year of 2004. That being said, each year the event’s host country should also present its own logo as an artistic manifestation of the contest’s concept.
The logo and motto of the Eurovision Song Contest 2012 held in Azerbaijan, the Land of Fire, is hereby presented:

The logo depicts the flame as an integral part and parcel of local culture, together with the deeply-rooted dancing traditions of the country and the sun, the moon and the stars symbolizing transparency, tranquility and peace.

The cult of fire with its profound roots in the country’s cultural heritage retains its significance in today’s fests, arts, architecture and lifestyle of Azerbaijan. Novruz, the Spring Holiday still popular in vast areas, is celebrated around the fire symbolizing revival and rebirth of the nature met with great joy and adoration.

This reinvigorating fire finds its way through the wamrth and hospitality featuring the Azerbaijanis to this day.The ever-lasting source of energy, this flame is traced in the country’s various patterns, designs and works of art.

The impact of this philosophy may be found in multiple archaeological finds and architectural landmarks, ancient inscriptions hewn into stone, rock carvings, manuscripts, unique pieces of music, including the fascinating art of mugham, the carpet designs conveying encrypted message of the centuries gone, and the magnificent works of art originating from the Land of Fire and nowadays cherished in the world’s leading museums.

Lighting the fire of love, piece and compassion in your hearts with the Eurovision 2012 is the major appeal of this highly esteemed international song contest to be hosted by Baku.

Draw Allocation results

First Semi-Final, Tuesday 22nd of May (18 countries):

• Montenegro
• Iceland
• Romania
• Albania
• Belgium
• Latvia
• Switzerland
• Finland
• Greece
• Moldova
• Cyprus
• Austria
• Denmark
• Russia
• San Marino
• Israel
• Ireland
• Hungary
Second Semi-Final, Thursday 24th of May (19 countries):
• Serbia
• The Netherlands
• Portugal
• FYR Macedonia
• Belarus
• Malta
• Ukraine
• Armenia
• Bulgaria
• Sweden
• Georgia
• Slovenia
• Estonia
• Turkey
• Slovakia
• Croatia
• Norway
• Lithuania
• Bosnia & Herzegovina