Opening ceremony of the "Eurovision - 2012" song contest started. Solemn ceremony was held in "EuroClub", Trend reports.
Representatives of 42 countries participating in the competition walked on the red carpet.
Open-air party will be held after the opening ceremony.
The 57th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in the Baku Crystal Hall near State Flag Square. The semi-finals will be held in Baku on May 22 and May 24 and the final on May 26. The logo for the 2012 Eurovision Song Contest is 'Fire Flower', while the motto is Light your fire.
Azerbaijan won the right to host the prestigious European song contest after the victory of Eldar Gasimov and Nigar Jamal (Ell / Nikki) at Eurovision 2011 in Dusseldorf, Germany last May.
