The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) reports that a total number of 114,5 million people have watched this year's Eurovision Song Contest (both semi finals and final). The viewing rates have increased if we compare them with the previous editions of the contest.

The two semi finals and the grand final of this year's Eurovision Song Contest have been watched by a total number of 114,5 million people all across Europe. The first semi final which took place on May 10^th has been watched by 24,8 million viewers while 19,7 million people tuned their TVs for the second semi final which took place on May 12^th. The grand final gathered a total number of 70 million viewers and a new record has been set as last year's final was seen by 61 millions.

“The Eurovision Song Contest doesn’t only stand for 7,5 hours of high-quality live entertainment, it is also a ratings success across Europe. Several broadcasters saw old records crushed, reporting to the EBU massive viewer interest. There is something magical about having so many people across Europe and around the world doing the same thing at the same time” , says mr. Jon Ola Sand, the Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Azerbaijan will host the Eurovision Song Contest 2012.