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The running order for this year's Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals in Malmö, Sweden - drawn up using new procedures - has been announced.

The line-up proposed by producers and approved by EBU Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand and the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group for the first and second semi-finals is as follows:

First Semi-Final: 14 May

1. Austria

2. Estonia

3. Slovenia

4. Croatia

5. Denmark

6. Russia

7. Ukraine

8. The Netherlands

9. Montenegro

10. Lithuania

11. Belarus

12. Moldova

13. Ireland

14. Cyprus

15. Belgium

16. Serbia

Second Semi-Final: 16 May

1. Latvia

2. San Marino

3. F.Y.R. Macedonia

4. Azerbaijan

5. Finland

6. Malta

7. Bulgaria

8. Iceland

9. Greece

10. Israel

11. Armenia

12. Hungary

13. Norway

14. Albania

15. Georgia

16. Switzerland

17. Romania

The process to determine the running order for the semi-finals began on January 17. To begin with, a draw was then held to determine which countries would take part in either the first and second Semi-Finals and which half of each show. 39 countries will participate in the contest.

The running order for the final on 18 May will be determined by the same procedures and will be announced no later than 3:00am on 17 May.

ESC Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand said the line-up promises audiences three diverse shows: "We want to make great television, not only for our viewers, but also for participants. Allowing the producers to determine the running order builds excitement and allows contestants to shine, rather than be surrounded by entries similar in style or tempo."

More information :

http://www.eurovision.tv/