AZERBAIJAN / EU / SPAIN : Eurovision Song Semis Begin; 26 Nations Remain; Spain's Soler Denies Being Told To Lose!

http://www.euronews.com/2012/05/25/eurovision-semis-narrow-the-finalists-to-26
     TO WATCH :51 Video Report:


      The troubled eurozone especially needs a frivolous distraction...and will get more relief Saturday when a winner is selected in Eurovision's 57th Song Contest...being held in Baku.
      10 nations...including Sweden, Turkey, Serbia and Norway were chosen Thursday...and the Netherlands, Croatia and Slovenia were eliminated.
      The 26 competing nations will be whittled down Friday.

      Russia's entry from the Urals...6 singing grannies/babushkas...is said to be a favorite to win.
         ALSO: TO HEAR/READ: 4:48 Report:
http://www.npr.org/2012/05/25/153639051/eurovision-2012-the-babushkas-make-it-to-the-final

       TO READ ONLY: Even with poor 28-1 odds...Spanish singer Pastora Soler (foto) says she was  told to lose...because Madrid can't afford to host next year's contest.
        Soler now denies it...saying she was misquoted by a 'very bad' journalist.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-18187148