For the Eurovision Song Contest 2004, a semi-final round was introduced in order to accommodate the influx of nations that wanted to compete in the contest. Because Ukraine placed 14th at the 2003 contest, Ruslana was forced to compete in the first Eurovision semi-final, held on 12 May 2004. Here, she performed 11th in the running order, following Greece's Sakis Rouvas and preceding Lithuania's Linas and Simona. She received 256 points, placing 2nd in a field of 22 and qualifying for the final.