Our Man in Belgrade - Day 7

OK... very very quick one this as I'm about to get kicked out of the press centre as they close soon! I've been in Novi Sad all day, which is a beautiful city in the North of Serbia. If you get a chance, go visit... it's all red roofs and windy streets and a big fortress on the Danube.

I'm so happy with the result of the 2nd semi. I can't begin to tell you how good I feel. It was totally the right result although I'd have liked to have seen Bulgaria in there as they're doing something different. But I can live with the final as it is. I also won 10 000 dinars on our little sweepstake we had here to pick the qualifiers. I got 8 out of 10.

Just seen the final rehearsal and I think the following countries are in with a shout tomorrow night:

Ukraine, Russia, Israel, Portugal, Serbia and Bosnia-Herzegovina. Spain will probably do well also.

Andy Abraham performed confidently tonight and he sings well, but the song just gets lost being sung second. It's a shame because we've actually sent a good song. Prepare to get crucified!

I think the most obvious candidate for last is France. The song is great, but in my opinion it's a song to listen to and not to watch.

I'm hoping to have a good interview for tomorrow relevant to people in the North-West. I want to keep it a bit of a surprise though...

Can I just say that the booing for Albania last night was disgraceful. The Serbs are trying to present themselves on TV as European, yet the general public do this. It's disgusting.

OK... I'm off to the Eurocafe now. Hoping to have a quiet-ish night, whatever that may be in Belgrade!!!!

CHRIS