Serbian broadcaster Radio Srbija has acted with good grace after the 2008 host nation of the Eurovision Song Contest failed to reach the Grand Final. They have said that the reason for the country's absense is simply that it was beaten by quality competition.
In recent years, many have blamed political voting, sound problems, vote rigging, the running order and every excuse under the sun for their entrant not passing the semi final. Radio Srbija, however has acted gracefully after the country's elimination from the Eurovision Song Contest in yesterday's second semi final.
Marko Kon and Milan Nikolic performed in fourth place during the show with their song 'Shoe' but did not qualify. "The strong competition has prevented them from passing to the final, on May 16".
Serbia has been a successful Eurovision Song Contest nation in recent years, reaching second place in 2004 (as Serbia and Montenegro) and winning in 2007 with Maria Serifovic in their debut without Montenegro. The 2008 Eurovision Song Contest was held in Belgrade and was widely applauded as one of the best Eurovision Song Contests in the 54 years of the contest for strong organisation, entertainment and security.
