1998 Worldvision Song Contest

The 1998 Worldvision Song Contest was the ninth edition of Worldvision Song Contest, and was held in Moscow, Russia. It was reported that The Netherlands would not make a return to the Worldvision Song Contest. Germany won the contest for a record second time, with Lana and her song "Return to Wonderland".

Format
Citizens of each participating country vote by telephone and SMS message, which counts for 50%, while a jury in each country also has a 50% say in the outcome. Each country's 10 favourites are awarded 1 to 8, 10 and 12 points. The semi-final format from the 1997 contest was brought back. The group of 29 participating countries were split into two groups. Another rule not implemented in the previous year was that the preceding year's winner automatically qualifies for the final.

Semi-Final 2
During what was supposed to be debuting country Moldova's performance, Loryu Cafona from Slovakia performed, unknowing to the producers of the audience. It was later revealed that Cafona was another act from Slovakia, hired by a Slovakian jury in order for Slovakia to have a greater odd of winning. Worldvision executive producers banned Slovakia from the live final and from the contest indefinitely. After Slovakia was disqualified, every country ranked lower than them moved up. Austria had moved to eighth place, qualifying them for the final. Moldova also took their place.