esctoday.com is covering the first Eurovision Song Contest Press Conference live in the press centre at the Telenor Arena. After the ten successful countries take their seats, the conference begins. After questions, each country will draw their starting position for the Eurovision Song Contest grand final this Saturday night.

Bosnia and Herzegovina – Draws number 6 in the final
"Qualification is what we all wanted and I bet on it so I have some money now. "

How does it feel after you slammed the critics before you came?
"I knew this would happen, I believed in our song and our team and they made a mistake. It's not a rare problem and we have that a lot. I'll close their mouths, it's only just begun."

MOLDOVA – DRAW NUMBER 4 IN THE FINAL
"My heart is beating like mad. We're happy to be here with our friends from Russia and Belarus and we hope the final will be really nice. Our energy has got us to the final."

What will you do if you win?

"I will take a holiday and go to a high floor and sing the song like crazy. I can't say for all Moldova, but Sunstroke Project and Olia Tira are a little crazy. We're here, we're in the final, it's great."

RUSSIA – DRAW POSITION 20 IN THE FINAL
"When the hall was full of fans and flags, it gave us extra inspiration and power and I want to thank everyone in the arena tonight.

What do you say to people who voted for your song?
"All singers here are worthy of being in the final. Personally, I like Belgium, Moldova and Belarus".

(From Serbian press) Have you ever been to the former Yugoslavia?
"My grandfather was from Bosnia, he was a singer too. I've never been to the former yugoslavia but I hope I will. I like their traditions very much and they do influence me all my life."

GREECE – DRAWS POSITION 11 IN THE FINAL
"Tonight was a rollercoaster. One minute you're on the stage, then you're off. We're really happy that people voted for Opa. After 12 years, it's an honour to be here in Oslo with a song in Greek. For us, it's a big thing."

Has the economic problems had an effect on you?
"It's a tough year for us in Greece, but also for all of Europe and the world so we must smile and keep going. We're here for that and to have a good time and enjoy the Eurovision Song Contest."

If you win, will Greece host the Eurovision Song Contest.
"We want to win first of all, if it happens, we'll be very happy because Eurovision is not just an expence. I don't think we'd have a problem hosting Eurovision in Greece. It's music. It's a big thing for us and we'll be fine. "

PORTUGAL – DRAWS POSITION 23 IN THE FINAL
"Thank you for believing in me and voting for me. Thank you for everything. Portugal and Brazil can be proud now."
(only short answers)

BELARUS – DRAWS POSITION 9 IN THE FINAL
"It's the second final for Belarus in our history, it's fantastic."

Has the composer congratulated you for getting to the final?
(SPOKEN IN BELARUSIAN)

SERBIA – DRAWS POSITION 8 IN THE FINAL
"I'd like to say that it's a great night but I'm a little sorry that not all the countries could qualify. Our country has a great time at Eurovision and I'm really happy."

"I hope that everybody will be satisfied that we do well and trust in our song by a great composer. We have the most viewed song on youtube. That's what counts, what you see and what you listen to, not what's given to you. It's not a song for first listening, it's a song that develops on you. There are a lot of great ballads this year but I think we have something special and I like being different."

BELGIUM – DRAWS POSITION 7 IN THE FINAL
"Belgium has waited so long for this and I'm amazed right now. Music is above politics and it's the most important thing, so I'm just happy."

All Europe loves your guitar for sure. You waited six years for Belgium to get back to the final, did that put more pressure on you?
"Yes, there was a lot of pressure but I was calm and stayed above it. I think everyone in Europe knows who I am now and I worked for six months to be here. It's a really emotional moment and I hope no-one will forget Belgium this year. I hope I get a high place so people remember Belgium again.

The camera was staying with us at the end and I thought 'please say Belgium, please say Belgium' and they did. We were flipping, tripping, I don't know what we were doing, but we are in the final and it's just amazing.

ALBANIA – DRAWS POSITION 15 IN THE FINAL
"We've shared many important moments since we arrived here in Oslo, but this is the most important moment of my life".

"I've loved everyone here and every country because we've been as one on that stage tonight. I want to thank everyone for giving their maximum because the people and the audience should be respected. Everyone gave everything and I'm just happy for Eurovision.

Did you find time to visit the city of Oslo.
"I've seen the city, it's very beautiful. Someone told me that Oslo is a beautiful place. I've had fun, I've made beautiful friends and seen beautiful things here".

ICELAND – DRAWS POSITION 16 IN THE FINAL
"Well, we were really excited when they called us, but they called us last last year with Johanna so I've had the practice. I knew in my heart and bones we'd get through. I cried like a beauty queen!"

Iceland has competed since 1986, and has been second twice. If you have a chance to change Eurovision history, what would you like to change?
"It would have been fantastic to have seen my darling friend not finish last in 2001 because he's such a great friend. I'm selfish and I'd change it because I'm going to be the first one to win Eurovision for Iceland. But I'll need help from you all."

That concludes the press conference