Pallade Veneta - Steamy excitement at Eurovision contest

The first semi-final puts sauna-loving front-runners Sweden to the white heat of competition, with voters across Europe and beyond deciding who will reach Saturday's final.

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

But how they go down on stage in front of 6,500 people at the St Jakobshalle arena in Basel -- and with millions of television viewers -- will ultimately decide their fate.

Waiting to enter the arena, Sweden fan Tommie Lagerroos was dressed up in a bathrobe, as if heading for a sauna.

"You never know what's going to happen. But I think I trust the sauna process. I think turning up the heat, that's all Europe needs right now, right?", he told AFP.

Fifteen acts representing their countries will take part in Tuesday's semi, with 10 going through to the grand final.

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 staging meant he could create a "three-dimensional frame of light using real clever, punchy equipment".

"We tried to bring the audience as close to the stage as possible," set designer Florian Wieder told a press conference.

- 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 the untelevised dress rehearsal for the 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, despite her health struggles, 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."

- Spreading the love -

Semi-finals were introduced in 2004 and give acts the chance to establish themselves with viewers before the grand final.

Following Thursday's second semi, 26 countries will take part in Saturday's glitzy final, which will, as ever, be dripping in kitsch and party spirit.

"Let's share a bit of love this week... The biggest weapon we have," said Eurovision director Martin Green.

Tuesday's show starts at 9:00 pm (1900 GMT) and will last until 11:45 pm (2145 GMT).

This year, for the first time, three countries will be shown on screen as one is informed they have made it through to the final.

Though 10 go through, 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 semi.

Meanwhile Portugal, Azerbaijan, Iceland, Slovenia, San Marino and last year's runners-up Croatia could be on their way out, according to betting firms.

Among those competing on Tuesday is Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, 52, who took part in Eurovision 1995 -- the longest-ever time between two appearances.

S.Urciuoli--PV