Live Blog from Baku

The French fans in the press centre clearly think they've got victory in the bag already, such is their euphoria, but Amaury Vassili is more circumspect. He doesn't particularly feel the pressure of being the bookies' favourite, noting that the game hasn't even started yet - "it starts tonight and I'm happy to be playing." He's a bit jealous of not having had the opportunity to sing in the semi-final, although head of delegation Bruno quickly added that this was Amaury's opinion and not that of the French broadcaster! Bruno also ensured that things ended awkwardly by asking the assembled press whether they believed the predictions (sic) of the bookmakers. Cue uncomfortable silence. Hmm...

Raphael Gualazzi was his usual professional self, demonstrating his enthuasiasm and depth of knowledge within his musical field. He sees representing Italy after 14 years' absence as more of a pleasure than a responsibility. Cutting the song to three minutes wasn't a problem for him either - he'll have other opportunities to play it in full, the rules are the rules, and it's a learning experience to have to arrange songs in order to meet certain criteria. His album has now topped the iTunes jazz charts in France and Germany - the phrase "country of the blind" springs to mind, but hey, sales are sales!

Graham Norton was also in attendance for the UK press conference, but attention was mainly focused on Blue, who were satisfied with their rehearsal considering it's the first time they've been on the Düsseldorf stage in almost a week - tonight is what counts. They're happy to have finally been playlisted by Radio 2, although Simon was keen to backtrack on his earlier criticism of the BBC controllers. (Meanwhile, the entire band was keen to ignore a hilarious question about when they would be "coming out" to Australia.) They're so enthused with the ESC experience that they've asked if they can be involved in the artist selection process next year. Simon is loving the vibe around Düsseldorf, Graham would televote for Blue if he could (but can't because he doesn't get any mobile reception in his commentary booth), and Denise Welch got in my way as I was trying to take photos.

Spain were up next, raising my hopes of a Lena cancellation and an early dinner, but it was not to be. Lucía Pérez seemed happy enough, but the chap accompanying her - the head of delegation, presumably - quickly said that they were working with NDR as we speak to change the background, the sound and the camerawork and that they were "expecting a huge improvement tonight." Not a happy bunny, then! Lucía, though, was happy as a child when she and her mother would watch ESC together and write down all the scores - and her happiest memory of Düsseldorf will be the reception she's enjoyed from the fans (well, and how massive the venue is). She has no expectations with regard to the result but hopes the contest will open doors for her future. And if she does win, she promises not to take the ESC trophy on a Real Madrid-style open-topped bus. Just in case!

Lena then graced us with her presence, although if leaving her until last was supposed to generate additional interest, the half-empty press area suggests that the strategy didn't work. The camera crew from her video diary team did add a bit of extra interest by dressing up in the grey alien suits, though. The press conference hosts were surprised that Lena knew all of the people in her team because "many artists don't". (Really?) We learned that she isn't feeling any pressure because she isn't allowing herself to, she recognises that she's a media personality and that people will inevitably have an opinion on her, she never stops talking (newsflash!), and "this whole thing here [ESC] is not serious". She's having fun. And I will be too as soon as dinner arrives.