At a packed press conference on her second day of rehearsal, Carola was asked why she has waited fifteen years to come back to the contest she loves so much. “It's time” was the simple answer. Now feeling more whole as an artist and a writer, she feels ready to return and reach out to nations through the Eurovision Song Contest, she explained to journalists today.

The Swedish superstar recounted the "great favour" she felt from people on her appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest 50th anniversary celebration Congratulations in Denmark, and felt this to be a sign that the time was right to make a comeback at the contest. Through the contest, she is able to visit countries "where doors are opening up", and thinks that the growth of Eurovision to include more and more debutante nations is a great thing. "The World is in my heart", she added, after granting a Turkish fan's request to sing her favourite song to the hall.

Proud Carola
Carola once again emphasised her great pride at being "a gay diva", and drew the attention of the pressto the exclusive interview she gave to esctoday.com with Barry Viniker (clickthis linkto see what she had to say there!).

After Eurovision, she will be splitting time between putting her new English album (scheduled for release in September), recording songs for her English Christmas album, and resting in London, her spot of choice outside Sweden, where she can relax and wind down. Through her English albums and Eurovision participation this year, she hopes to be able to reach out toa more international audience.

Professional performance
Her second rehearsal was again a solid, professional performance, which received a very warm reception from the packed press enclosure in the arena. She was keen to stress the symbolism of the costumes, with the blues representing oceans and the heavens, with golds for the soul and inner self. It is clear that a lot of thought has gone into expressing on stagethat spirituality which is so important to Carola.

We will see Carola again in the first semifinal dress rehearsal on Wednesday.