As all you diehard fans know, the Big Five — that’s France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom — bypass the semi-finals and receive an automatic place in the final. That’s down to the significant financial contributions they make to the contest every year. The host country — in this case Sweden — also joins them. After all — if you’re throwing the party, it’d be a shame to be asked to leave after the first course…
Big 5 + Sweden betting odds
Of these six automatic qualifiers, the bookies at Ladbrokes currently have Sweden’s Frans down as the most likely to win, with odds of 6/1. France’s Amir leads the way for the Big 5, and currently has odds of 12/1 to win. He is sitting pretty as fourth favourite. Spain’s Barei is the only other automatic qualifier in the Top 10. She currently rests in ninth position with odds of 20/1. Italy is 11th favourite (25/1), Germany is 18th ( 33/1), and the UK is 22nd (50/1).
But who is YOUR favourite? You can review all of the Automatic Qualifiers below and then vote in our poll. You can vote for as many acts as you like, but you can only vote ONE time. Be sure to click the box next to each act you want to support before pressing submit.
France: Amir with “J’ai cherché”
Vive la France! With an overhaul of their selection process and a new Head of Delegation, France certainly seems to be doing as much as they can to give their Eurovision prospects a boost. After only finishing in the top ten once in the past ten years (hey, Patricia Kaas), Amir looks set to change that.
Germany: Jamie-Lee Kriewitz with “Ghost”
After the Xavier Naidoo scandal, Germany went back to their tried and tested Unser Song format once again. Jamie-Lee Kriewitz was the obvious choice in the final, with the Voice of Germany winner triumphing with her song “Ghost”. At only 18 years of age, Jamie-Lee already has her own style: she’s bringing her brand of German-Japanese fusion whether you like it or not.
Italy: Francesca Michielin with “No Degree of Separation”
Italy had their own difficulties with their national selection. Stadio won Sanremo, but then said they weren’t going to Eurovision. Francesca Michielin, the runner-up at Sanremo, came to the rescue…only for another prolonged period of confusion when we didn’t know if she would sing in Italian or English or whether she’d switch her song. In the end, Italy have gone with the Italian-English mix of “No Degree of Separation” and will hope to keep their place at the top of the Big Five.
Spain: Barei with “Say Yay!”
Another year and another new selection process for Spain, with Objetivo Eurovisión pitting six acts against each other. Barei charmed us on her way to victory, overcoming more established acts like Xuso Jones and Maria Isabel. With a reworked version and Brequette behind her in Stockholm, it’s clear that Barei and Spain are taking this very seriously.
Sweden: Frans with “If I Were Sorry”
It’s not often that Sweden sends a song that divides Eurovision fans so fiercely. But this year scores of fans say they don’t quite get Frans’ song “If I Were Sorry” citing him, his style of singing and the song among their gripes. But Frans has already broken voting records in Sweden and gone viral on Spotify. He’s getting a lot of attention, but will that help him on home turf in Stockholm?
United Kingdom: Joe and Jake with “You’re Not Alone”
After the BBC’s internal selection process failed to yield Eurovision success, the UK’s broadcaster turned back to the public in 2016. Eurovision: You Decide saw six acts fight it out for the right to be the UK’s representative. In the end, former Voice UK rivals-turned-bandmates Joe and Jake were chosen with their song “You’re Not Alone”. Can they help the UK back in to the top ten?
Vote: Who is your favourite automatic qualifier
[polldaddy poll=9359491]Who are YOU feeling? Let us know in the comments box below.
Jamie-Lee has the best song. But our poor girl is so isolated from all praticipants… Nobody will know her in Stockholm.
@Loo
Yeah. Sweden always sends something very current. Modus Operandi: see what charts. Copy it. Send it. Since Stad i Ljus they haven’t sent anything even remotely authentically Swedish.
Germany is Rihanna’s “Umbrella”. Automatic disqualification for me, but hey, Sweden actually WON last year with a rampant theft from David Guetta a Avicii so who knows. Sweden are now channelling Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith but I don’t think it’ll work this time around. Doesn’t help that Frans can’t actually sing, God bless his heart. UK are ALWAYS disappointing. If they sent their best, this would be the most boring contest in the world. France has a good shot this year! Together with Spain and Italy they are probably the most self-centered music market in Europe. This time their… Read more »
France ALL THE WAY, followed by Italy and Germany.
Interesting website ( http://tummiweb.com/scorewiz/poll/results#total )
They do a voting by countries, so it’s like a real ESC voting (well until 2015, because they don’t have people + jury like this year)
Here is how it goes :
01. France (333 pts)
07. Italy (147 pts)
08. Spain (129 pts)
12. Germany (65 pts)
19. Sweden (28 pts)
25. United Kingdom (4 pts)
And with total of individual votes :
01. France (7017 pts)
07. Spain (5078 pts)
08. Italy (4268 pts)
11. Germany (3538 pts)
22. Sweden (2243 pts)
32. United Kingdom (1150 pts)
I’ve found another one with 400 votes :
We seem to have the same ranking as in my previous post.
1. France (1623 pts, 40x 12p, 247 top10)
3. Spain (1463 pts, 31x 12p, 216 top10)
10. Italy (954 pts, 14x 12p, 166 top10)
15. Germany (768 pts, 8x 12p, 159 top10)
24 .Sweden (304 pts, 3x 12p, 53 top10)
34. UK (96 pts, 1x 12p, 27 top10)
Hello, Let’s have a look at previsions for the BIG5 + Sweden. If you look at eurovisiontops.com (aggregation of youtuber’s tops), after 814 different tops from all over europe, France is 1st, Spain 2nd and Russia 3rd (these 3 countries are very close with each other, and have a big gap with the 4th). France is in the lead in total points, in number of 12 points and by appearances in top10. I think the number of 12 points is the most important because people vote only for their favorite song the night of the final and not for their… Read more »
MS: I guess you’re may be Russian and you want absolutely Serguey to win! Ah!AH!
it’s just a joke!
Maybe I’m Russian, maybe I’m not; and maybe I’d like Sergey to win, but maybe I wouldn’t like Russia to win because of its politics. And I have several (5-7) favorites to win – not the only one. 🙂
from the internet :ok it’s what you did , you try .
I guess you’re may be Russian and you want absolutely Serguey to win! Ah!AH!
it’s just a joke!
I just find you too severe but it’s your right! for me Eurovision is just fun between countries!
please to meet you.
MS: No, I’m not German – even I’m not from Big (6). Please, don’t judge others according to your own principles – to say nice or bad things about other entries only according to your own nationality. I’ve given reasonable arguments, but if they didn’t suit you – I can do nothing with it. I have nothing against anybody – I just try to be objective. ps: and I can’t understand the kind of people who say that they love every one – but when the reality to choose comes, they don’t vote for every one. So, be honest with… Read more »
From the internet: Are you German? Because you criticize all the other songs with no good reasons at all! I like Ghost ,it’s a beautiful song but I prefer France.The song is catchiest and I think Amir has a lot of charisma and a wonderful smile;He looks like a typical winner of eurovision. Spain’s song is good too, it’s is very energetic .and Barei has a strong personality. The UK , the song is cute but just a little boring and Sweden , the song is nice and Frans , even if he’s young , he’s got personality. Italy is… Read more »
Justitiiiin
Sweden: Oh, Great Eurovision God, save us from modern youth hipsters! Please send Sweden’s Frans to bottom 5 in the final! And, dear Swedes, please, don’t buy telephones for your children, so as they couldn’t vote for vapidity at your Melodifestivalen. Germany: The best entry from Big 5 is the Germany’s one this year. Not an ordinary song with the nice melody and interesting vocal. Not an ordinary show with the original appearance of the singer. That is what Eurovision needs to be an enthralling show, as it used to be – for what it is loved all over the… Read more »
France by far, Followed by Spain are the unique Entries of the Big in my top 10
Then here comes Italy at 12th, UK at 16th and Sweden at my 24th.
France and Spain can surprise us and get the title, both songs are good enough for the crystal trohpy.
San Marino should be introduced immediately into the big 5.
I mean, what’s the difference with Sweden? None of them sing, they just talk while give you a good reason to take a nap.
At least Trollhat is giving me a laugh.
France by far is the best of the Big 5+1. Allez Amir!
6. Spain
5. UK
4. Germany
3. Italy
2. France
1. Sweden
What’s the secret behind Sweden being no.2 in the bettings?
All the more if you consider that people won’t vote for a repeating winner unless they bring on something fantastic, so much better than the rest.
Doesn’t look like an automatic hit song for everyone. Should I expect a surprising staging for this boredom?
Shocking.
Ooops – each to their own. I like the UK’s “You’re not alone” of course, and I like Sweden’s song. France – too many You-oooh-ooohs, Spain – sounds like an ad, Germany – I’m too amazed at her outfit to actually listen to the song I think (and I’ve tried to listen to it 3 or 4 times), Italy – nothing grabs me about this – bring back Il Volo, who were amazing.
P.S. I want Poland to win…..
5 of them are in my top 15:
1. Spain (first <3)
2. Italy (fifth)
– these two – more i listen to them, more I love them :3
3. France (8th)
4. Germany (9th)
5. Sweden (13th)
UK is not my cup of tea :/
1) France winner ^^
2) Germany
3) UK
4) Italy
5) Sweden
6) Spain
France the best no doubt.
But watch out Spain and what they can do on stage.
None of the others are touching the top 10 IMO.
France is my favourite of this bunch
Whats all the hate on the UK entry?
Love:
1.Sweden
2.Germany
3.Spain
4.Italy
Like:
5.France/UK
Here’s my opinion: 1. France: the best song from the automatic qualifiers, Amir deserved it. The song is catchy and he’s really charming. I’m sure the country will be in the top 10, and also, I think he could win. I’d would like to ask him “why are you so obsessed with me”, but this thing is not going to happen. 2. Spain: I love it, but here’s the problem, I prefer the first version. Now I can’t see Barei at the top 5, but I think she’ll be in a good position this year. Say Yay! has something and… Read more »
France and Spain have the potential to win. Catchy, modern tunes for the vast majority of the people. With a proper staging they could capture Europe’s favor. Italy is also a great song but I think it is not for everyone’s taste. Germany’s case, the singer wants to shine and be above of her own song. Never works. They just have to reflect on their last winner’s attitude to know how to gain people’s hearts. The UK is just very british-like. They also look like the weaker representatives of this bunch. Finally my country Sweden. Don’t think we gonna win… Read more »
I actually like all of them for a change. Well done auto-qualifiers. My stand-outs are Spain and France, but all should do reasonably well.
Love France and Italy! France is radio friendly, has a truly international vibe (especially as English and French lyrics fit in so well together), and it is really anthemic, uplifting songs just like last 2 winners (conchita and mans). Moreover, Amir oozes star quality. I think we may be headed to Paris. I would not contain if Italy wins either. Franceshka has the aura of 50s divas, reminds me of an amalgamation of Rita Hayworth and Bette Davis. And her song is pure emotion. It builds so nicely into a chorus and takes you to a different realm. I think… Read more »
Sweden’s song is boring. End of.
1. SPAIN
2. FRANCE
3. ITALY
4. GERMANY
5. SWEDEN
6. UK
1. France – great, a possible winner
2. Sweden – love it!
3. UK – very good!
4. Germany – a pretty good song – but the presentation might ruin it
5. Italy – nice enough
6. Spain – tedious, irritating, dont like it at all
Loo: Probably with the help of marketing. I don’t know about the song per se, but those involved in their marketing are doing an effective contingency plan. They created Spotify after all.
this is the most strog gorup top five songs ever
TANK YOU
Unfortunately for us spaniards that, after 12 years of mediocrity, this year we are coming with a strong song, there goes France with the gem song. I’ll vote for them unless they lay an egg on Stockholm.
Let’s see what everybody can offer on that stage. May the best win.
1. Germany 9,0/10,0
2. Spain 8,8
3. Italy 7,6
4. France 7,5
5. Sweden 6,0
6. United kingdom 4,0
It’s really remarkable that a song is doing this well this early in the season…
@bella
He’s doing well in Norway, Denmark, Finlans, Estonia, Latvia, UK, Ireland and Belgium as long as I’m concerned. And for some reason in the US, South Africa and Hong Kong as well, haha!
Sweden is the winner.
Could we have a 60’s to 80’s flashback with all these western european countries in the top 10 and maybe any of them competing for the victory? That’d be cool. 😀
Songs are good enough (including sweden) they just need to bring a bang! scenography.
Greetings from Spain.
Loo in which other countries Frans are doing well?
Frans has almost as much plays global as within Sweden on spotify now 😉 60.000 plays only in London alone.
Lalaalalalalalala!!!
1. France (4/43)
2. Spain (5/43)
3. Germany (8/43)
4. Italy (16/43) why did they change the song
5. UK (19/43)
6. Sweden (28/43) a bit too repetitive
Amazingly, I like all of them to an extent.
The UK’s is certainly the weakest but is not horrible. I would say that France, Sweden and Spain have got top ten potential. Italy and Germany are borderline, probably top fifteen.
A really good year!
My top 6 :
1.Spain [3/43]
2.Italy [5/43]
3.France [9/43]
4.UK [17/43]
5.Germany [19/43]
6.Sweden [34/43]
1. France 2. Spain ——– 3. Germany 4. Sweden ——– 5. UK 6. Italy WOW! So here we have some visionaries who know the winner and the placing of every contestant! Spain will flop? Maybe! But I will be proud of Barei because she is doing all that she can. Don’t know why there is so much hate against us, I also think that there are another countries that won’t have a good result but I don’t say it over and over again. The majority of the comments here are: Spain will flop. But why do you have to despise… Read more »
At the beginning of the song, I felt YES! UK has finally made it! But unfortunately, middle and end of the song is incredibly childish and for me it flopped. Too bad, since the beginning seemed promising 🙁
Love Spain though, they reilly stept up their game this yer and I wish them good luck!
Voting for France & Sweden. But I also like Spain & Italy.
1. France
2. Sweden
3. Spain
4. Italy
5. Germany
6. UK
My number 1 is France
I like Spain and Sweden too
1- Spain
2- Germany
3- France
4- Sweeden
5- UK
6- Italy
Only the my top 3 with options to win