Final of Eurovision 2011 set for 14 May, Lena returns!

A key decision taken was to move the 56th Eurovision Song Contest to mid-May. The Semi-Finals are now set to take place on the 10th and 12th of May, the Final on Saturday the 14th of May, 2011. The decision was taken to avoid collision with major televised sports events taking place in late May.

During the traditional first briefing meeting of the new Host Broadcaster, the EBU team gives a first insight in the organisational details of the Eurovision Song Contest. With less than a year on the countdown clock, this gives the Host Broadcaster the opportunity to start the first preparations for next year's contest early.

NDR has already setup a team of experts to kick off the preparations for hosting the 56th running of Europe's favourite TV-show. For the months ahead, NDR is set to take decisions on the Host City and the venue where the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest shall take place. Since Germany has many large cities that meet the minimum requirements to host the Eurovision Song Contest, several cities have been asked to submit proposals in the weeks to come. The decision on the Host City is likely to be announced in September.

NDR also confirmed that 2010 Eurovision Song Contest winner Lena will once again represent Germany next year, to defend her title. Details about the song selection will be announced in due time.

Only Lys Assia, the winner of the first Eurovision Song Contest in 1956, and Corry Brokken came back the year after to defend their title. Other former winners, such as Johnny Logan, Carola, Charlotte Perelli and Niamh Kavanagh, waited for several years to return after a victory. Only Johnny Logan won the Eurovision Song Contest more than once; twice as an artist, once as song writer.