Our annual BigPoll shows some interesting details! Although still a lot can change, there are some developments worth publishing.

The semifinal top-10
Looking at the average prediction of all BigPoll participants, the following 10 countries will qualify for the 2006 Eurovision Song Contest final.

1. Belgium
2. Sweden
3. Bosnia & Herzegovina
4. Russia
5. Estonia
6. Finland
7. Poland
8. Iceland
9. Armenia
10. FYR Macedonia

However, according to our 10% best 2005 semifinal predictors, the countries that will qualify for the final are;

1. Belgium
2. Bosnia & Herzegovina
3. Sweden
4. Russia
5. FYR Macedonia
6. Estonia
7. Finland
8. Armenia
9. Slovenia
10. Turkey

As you can see, Poland is missing in this list, just like Iceland. Instead, they predict Slovenia and Turkey to qualify for the final. In 2005, the 10% best predictors had a score of 7 our of 10 on average. Based on these facts, the average BigPoll voter is sure of the following eight countries to qualify: Belgium, Bosnia & Herzegovina, Sweden , Russia, FYR Macedonia, Estonia, Finland and Armenia. Two spots are uncertain. Based on last year's result however (7 out of 10 correctly predicted), predictors are wrong about one more country. Based on all possible statistical analyses we could make, this country is FYR Macedonia.

Final
Casting prediction ranks for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest starts right after the semifinal, as soon as the 10 qualified participants from the semifinal are known. To cast your BigPoll prediction, subscribe as esctoday.com member (it's free!) and start predicting right away!