Sawt Falasteen - Lift-off at Eurovision as first semi-final takes flight

After months of preparation, contestants from across the continent took to the state-of-the-art stage in Basel in a bid to keep their dreams of Eurovision glory alive.

After performing action-packed three-minute set-pieces, their fate was being decided not by the 6,500 Eurovision fans packing the St Jakobshalle arena, but by millions of television viewers as the vote counting began.

Fifteen acts battled for votes in Tuesday's semi, with 10 going through to Saturday's grand final, when 160 million to 200 million viewers are expected to tune in.

Eurovision revels in kitsch and a Swiss opening blast of alphorns and yodelling, accompanied by dancers in traditional costumes, got the party started.

Dressed in sparkling silver costumes and dazzling sunglasses, Icelandic duo Vaeb -- brothers Matthias and Halfdan Matthiasson -- were the first contestants on stage with their rowing-inspired song "Roa".

Next came Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, 52, who took part in Eurovision 1995 -- the longest-ever time between two appearances, with a gothic performance.

- Spectacular stage -

Lilting through a range of languages including French, Albanian and Ukrainian, the show swung from upbeat to comic to tear-jerking as the artists took their turns.

Slovenia's Klemen was joined on stage by his wife for the self-penned ballad "How Much Time Do We Have Left" -- written about the experience of going through her cancer diagnosis.

Comedy trio KAJ -- who are from Finland but represent Sweden -- are the bookmakers' hot favourites to win Eurovision this year with their "Bara Bada Bastu" song, based on the joys of having a sauna.

Estonia's Tommy Cash also brought a comic touch with his wobbly-legged dancing in "Espresso Macchiato", a homage to coffee in a song filled with Italian references.

The spectacular stage stretches deep into the arena with Eurovision fans on three sides.

Pyrotechnic blasts, 4,500 pulsing lights and lasers, and ever-changing giant screens set the mood for each song.

Lighting designer Tim Routledge said the stage set meant he could create a "three-dimensional frame of light using real clever, punchy equipment".

- Celine Dion mystery persists -

Switzerland last hosted Eurovision in 1989, after Canada's Celine Dion won the contest the year before, competing for Switzerland. That win helped turn Dion into a megastar.

Organisers are tight-lipped as to whether Dion, now in fragile health, might spring a surprise star turn.

She sent a video message which was screened at Tuesday's first semi-final.

"I'd love nothing more than to be with you in Basel right now," she said, in front of a backdrop of flowers and candles.

"Winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 1988 was a life-changing moment for me.

"Music unites us -- not only tonight, not only in this wonderful moment. It is our strength, our support, and our accompaniment in times of need."

Asked whether Dion might appear, a Eurovision spokesman told AFP: "All elements of the first semi-final show were played through and rehearsed intensively.

"There are currently no changes regarding Celine Dion -- we are still in close contact with her."

Following Thursday's second semi, 26 countries will take part in Saturday's glitzy final, which, as ever, is set to be a light-hearted celebration of European popular music.

Though 10 go through from each semi, the scores are only revealed after Saturday's final, making it hard for acts and fans alike to gauge momentum.

Bookmakers have Sweden, Estonia, Ukraine, the Netherlands, Albania and Belgium as their favourites to progress from Tuesday's first semi-final.

L.AbuAli--SF-PST