Is there something in the air about the 2012 Contest? There’s certainly a lot of tension about as people prepare to head over to Azerbaijan. But as Dr Paul Jordan explains, the tension has always been part of the story of Eurovision…

Ewan Spence brings you the latest results from last week’s national shows, thoughts on the French song, updates from around Europe, and music from Plumbo. It’s your weekly Insight podcast!

It looks like our statistical analysis of the semi final draw last week has caused a lot of conversation online (especially on Facebook), with some people loving the idea, and others accusing us of spoiling the fun. But one of our Juke Box Jury judges, Elaine Dove, fees very strongly on the issues raised.

We have the first draw for the semi-final, confirmation of our venue, news on the Hotel, two more confirmed songs, and news from around Europe. All in this week’s news from the world of Eurovision.

With the first draw for the semi finals made, it’s time to look at the countries that will be facing and voting for each other on the 22nd and 24th of May in our host city of Baku. And that means introducing Eurovision to the world of sabermetrics.

Who would have thought that what started as a childhood hobby would turn into something which would have such an impact upon my education and essentially my professional development? Not me – at least, not then!