On Saturday evening Sweden chose its Eurovision 2018 song and Norway followed moments later. But ultimately it was Israel’s Netta Barzilai — whose song leaked online ahead of its scheduled Sunday release — that had the biggest impact on the betting odds.

Since we last checked in on the Eurovision 2018 betting odds on March 9, the “Toy” singer has narrowed from ninth position all the way to first. Her odds fell from as high as 20/1 then to 3/1 this morning. It’s a phenomenal shift built on the quality of the song and strong fan reaction to the track overnight. In so many ways the song seems to balance the trend of authenticity — this is Netta’s true outré and original style — with this year’s desperate need for something poppy and catchy. Netta gets it.

The Oriental / Mizrachi sound takes centre stage here, providing a fantastic core around which Netta can improvise. The song is mainly in English, although you can hear plenty of words in Hebrew, such as: “Ani Lo Buba” (I’m not a puppet). This diva isn’t attached to strings — she’s pulling ’em!

As the #MeToo movement helps women find their voice, Netta is using hers to sing of empowerment with some in-your-face lyrics: “Wonder woman don’t you ever forget, you’re divine and he’s about to regret….I’m not your toy, you stupid boy”.

Israel’s sharp rise pushes them past previous favourites Bulgaria, who will release their track “Bones” on Monday morning. Bulgaria will deliver a dark and mysterious number — marked by their recent stamp of polish and quality — which may well narrow on Israel after its official release. Time will tell.

Sweden stays steady in sixth position, even as its odds have narrowed slightly with some betting agencies following Benjamin Ingrosso’s win.

Norway has moved from 20th favourite ahead of the final to 18th this morning, with odds as low as 20/1 and and high as 40/1. While Alexander Rybak’s “How to Write a Song” was clearly loved by the Norwegian audience, it’s not clear how well it will translate internationally. It’s among the most divisive tracks of the year on social media, with many suggesting that Norwegians voted for sentimental reasons that other Europeans will not feel as strongly.

Are you excited by Israel’s rise? Do you think that the bookies’ forecast is right? And who is underrated and overrated? Let us know in the comments box below.

Eurovision 2018 betting odds (11 March 2018)

Read more about the Eurovision 2018 betting odds

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Nona
Nona
5 years ago

ISRAEL !!

Vergil
Vergil
5 years ago

This song sucks donkey balls and the man who wrote it should be fired or be put in prison to think about what he has done. This song has nothing but a fat woman man hating, that’s all. The singer has no extraordinary talent except for her amazing ability to imitate a chicken, which makes sense considering how many chickens she must have eaten, but again not really impressive since 5 year olds can do the same. Maybe next year they’ll send a skinny girl who imitates a cow. This song deserves to lose in order to send a clear… Read more »

Steve
Steve
5 years ago

Lyrically Hungary has the strongest song and every rock fan in Europe will vote for this song alone where the pop vote will be spread between maybe 25 songs.Dot underestimate the strength of this tune especially when performed live by an experienced band.

Tony
Tony
5 years ago

No, I do not think it will win, it’s not something that is going to please the majority of viewers.I see where the interest is coming from, but I don’t think this kind of song is ready to fit into Eurovision yet as a winning song.Too many people find this song too strange..I have read comments like(rubbish) (What is this) (You’re having a laugh)I can see why a certain group of people like it too, because it is modern, and to the fresh, and it is a cute younger person genre of song.But most of the listeners will not see… Read more »

Netta
Netta
5 years ago

We’re not your toy you stupid BOY

Ben
Ben
6 years ago

Sorry but this song is soooooo OVERRATED… At first I liked it, it´s catchy, but now that I´ve listened to it a few times, it gets really annoying and tiring. Anyway, good luck.

Harry
Harry
6 years ago

GREECE song is Magical, pure heaven s voice!!

Vana
Vana
5 years ago
Reply to  Harry

I agree!!!

Liz Bean
6 years ago

Happy Jewish Beth DItto is shaking things up. THe song is amusing but Finland is the best inthat semi

Kobi
Kobi
6 years ago
Reply to  Liz Bean

A great catchy song. Love it. Israel is about to win this year. Netta, I wish you lots of success in the contest. Well done.

Din
Din
6 years ago

This year its for israel..
Its a master pice..
Love it ..vote 4 israel

Olga
Olga
6 years ago

Love it! I’ve watched the video a 100 times. Netta has character, the song is very unique and it’s super fun. For me this is a winner!

Anthony
Anthony
6 years ago

So what’s your top 43 then, Charles?

dabamba
dabamba
6 years ago

I like this one but no idea how’ll the live show and performance be. If sort of close the music video quality then i’ll hope they are close to win.

Ross
Ross
6 years ago

I was quite happy with how the odds were looking – it was a really close competition and I had no clear favourite and so would have been happy with any of the front runners taking it. Then comes in a song I really don’t like heading straight to the front of the odds. Looks like I can’t relax this year like I was expecting to! Look at Italy last year though (Occidentali’s Karma definitely should have won and was so good it simply peaked too soon), so the odds don’t really mean much anyway. Loreen, Emmelie, Conchita, Mans –… Read more »

igal
igal
6 years ago
Reply to  Ross

Just like every time you write, and as expected, you demonstrate your lack of taste, so we can all relax now, I suppose:)

Eva M.
Eva M.
6 years ago
Reply to  igal

Jamala and Salvador are my favorite winners. Amazing how the European tastes have spontaneously reached the next level.

redfox
redfox
6 years ago

it is a cool song in itself, but as Eurovision winner, I don´t really see it. It is not a winning type of song. It is going to be pretty high, 6th place maybe.

Rafih
Rafih
6 years ago

ISRAEL WOULD WIN!

GeoAmaya
GeoAmaya
6 years ago

Go Netta! you are a diva! you are fabulous!!! I have changed from disliking this song to totally love it in a matter of hours, after seeing the video and her undeniable musical quality. Her attitude is…OMG so true!
Her victory in May in Lisbon will be as harsh for hardcore conservative-rightwingers as Conchita’s in 2015. I suggest you prepare for it. All the support from Spain (yes, I also think that our song is overrated due to the Spanish fan’s hype)

Jenny
Jenny
6 years ago

LOL seriosuly? Iceland have the most boring song ever. The most non-touching balad Ive ever heard.

Buddhi
Buddhi
6 years ago

All I can say is “watch out for the dark horse”. 😉

Merav Amran
Merav Amran
6 years ago

I think this year Netta Barzillai should win. As Israeli I must say that I do not like the Israeli music of the last decade. But Netta brings something very refreshing and authentic. She can contribute to world music, and it is not relevant if she is Israeli or from another place.

Le blogeur gai
Le blogeur gai
6 years ago
Reply to  Merav Amran

Israel’s entry is just awful! ?

SEANIE
SEANIE
6 years ago

I think that there are a few so far that appear totally underrated and that sucks: loving Ukraine, Belgium, BULGARIA is absolutely gorgeous and my favourite so far. Bulgaria is very strong in Eurovision!

eurana
eurana
6 years ago

This is not my cup of tea. definitely.

Agá Éme
Agá Éme
6 years ago
Reply to  eurana

This sond reminds me this:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UnBlst3T7bY

lol

Agá Éme
Agá Éme
6 years ago
Reply to  Agá Éme

*song

dor.s
6 years ago

Free Europe from Muslims terrorist !

LIiy
LIiy
6 years ago

Seems it’s not so crazy after all….

kai
kai
6 years ago

and if Greece win…who gonna pay esc 2019????

Denis Abduvaliev
Denis Abduvaliev
6 years ago

Hello everyone! Why nobody mentions about Belgian entry? In my opinion that is actually winning material with perfectly written lyrics as well as great music vibes.I hope she will deliver it emotionally strong. I close my eyes and listen to it ,interestingly l can imagine her singing happily after victory for second time…who knows?!

gili
gili
6 years ago

Belgium is my number 2 or 3(i like France as well)
but my number 1 stays with Israel, no one can compete with the Queen Netta, not in this year contest for sure!!!
sorry(:

Anna
Anna
6 years ago

Music video is on #28 on the german youtube- trends <3

Sal
Sal
6 years ago

You mean FAKESTINE. There never ever has been a Fakestinian state and inshallah, there will never ever will be one! 😀 Israel is here to stay forever and is a miracle of the 20th century and the most successful country in the levant and y’all just jealous backward antisemites 😀 ciaoooo

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
6 years ago

Ok I get it. 🙂 My first reaction was “WTF?” But now I saw the whole video and I do thing that there is artistic value in the act. She seems very edgy, outspoken, different and powerful performer. However, I think she could be a noch bolder and even more edgier with the beats, to really stand out. As for the bets, this is the obvious successor of Occidentali Karma, because it ticks all the right boxes: happy song, impactful, has a message, charismatic singer, a crowd pleaser. But it might also have the same faith as Gabanni, or even… Read more »

eurana
eurana
6 years ago
Reply to  L'oiseau

well done

muhamed
muhamed
6 years ago

may god will be with us and free israel from the cancer that cold plestinians

EurovisionLover
EurovisionLover
6 years ago

Exactly 20 years after Dana and Diva – Israel brings another Eurovision potential winner with a focus on women empowerment, colorful video, and catchy vibes. I find those on here who argue that this is not artistic enough (eg bring back Portugal’s Salvador) to be absurdly silly. She won Israel as the underdog artsy hard-to-relate-to entry fighting the runner off who was compared to Bruno mars and Justin Bieber. She is no doubt an insanely talented and creative artist who uses her looping station like a wizard uses concoctions and spells to produced intricate and layered magical sounds. She has… Read more »

Y tho?
Y tho?
6 years ago

Deaf?
Honey, I don’t call gay club bangers music.
Sorry, not sorry.

And to the hell with the “social message”. It is a song contest FFS, not a human right’s contest.
And honestly, being a feminist myself, this song would NEVER be played in a #metoo march.

Netta The Greatah
Netta The Greatah
6 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

Yeah but we’ve already established that your perception of yourself may not be in line with the labels you ascribe to. You claim to be gay but you wear gray undies and act “masc” by using diva terms like “honey” and “sorry, not sorry”, and now you say that you are a feminist but you don’t relate to Netta’s #metoo song? What else is next? You are in favor of Catalan independence but recognize Madrid as your capital? I feel like I’m in a date with a versatile who tells me he’s a top because he knows I only date… Read more »

me
me
6 years ago

she is a straight woman from portugal

Y tho?
Y tho?
6 years ago

It is so sad to see that the same people who went ape nuts for Saara Aalto’s Monsters are literally forgetting her because someone else launched an even more gay club-friendly, femin*zi, liberal-lefty song.
Hopefully Europe is still sane enough to choose wisely and pick a tasteful song instead of a mere gimmick; thus giving eurofans a headache like Salvador gave them last year (quite some serious hate going on for him here on wiwi comments).

And yeah, Netta’s song is an insult to the metoo movement.

Me too
Me too
6 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

Agree with you. So Israel can make all these pre- recorded sounds also, but others can`t? Saara Aalto is truly a great singer, she has been singing with Jose Carreras, Adam Lambert and Kylie Minogue, just to mention. I also don`t understand that one mistake with staging of the song in national TV can influence this much, you ain`t seen nothing yet from this girl. She came second in UK X Factor, now it is her time to win. Israel song is a joke and if it wins, it is even a bigger joke. Finland was favourite first, what happened… Read more »

Me too
Me too
6 years ago
Reply to  Me too

Oh and forgot to mention that she also sang with Andrea Bocelli, so if you think she could not sing the song for Estonia for example, well she could very well. At times like this her army is strong!

Y tho?
Y tho?
6 years ago

I’m quoting a comment I read on the other article about Israel: “Luz MARCH 12, 2018 @ 9:29 PM Bravo, bravo, bravo!!!! Thank you for clearly articulating my issues with this song. I think it’s a disgusting and cynical move from the Israel team to peg this on the #MeToo movement. The movement does not inspire to man hate and this song does not provide female empowerment. I can talk about this as I am a Latina female living in the US and have friends actively involved in the movement. It’s infuriating to see that the Israeli delegation thinks they… Read more »

Netta The Greatah
Netta The Greatah
6 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

The song is clearly aimed at stupid boys, not men who treat their ladies right. I wonder how outraged this male-loving Latina would feel if the song was against The Wall. Although she sounds like those Latinas who hate immigrants from their own countries because they drive the wages down for the same pool of jobs. Let’s not try to suggest that the hate and outrage is not motivated by personal profit.

Y tho?
Y tho?
6 years ago

Now you can sleep on your laurels until May, when u’ll get a nice reality check. 🙂

Rainer Maier
Rainer Maier
6 years ago

Netta is the new mei feingold. 13 place in the 1. Semi-final

gili
gili
6 years ago
Reply to  Rainer Maier

HAHA, no way, she will win it, period!!!

Kinie
Kinie
6 years ago
Reply to  gili

So was Saara alto 😉

azaad
azaad
6 years ago

Songs that have polarised on the basis of quality have never won.

Austria 2014 and Ukraine 2016 were polarising- but that was due to their messages and not based on the quality of their songs. The juries tend to throw all their eggs in one basket and while some will embrace it, others will shun it.

liam
liam
6 years ago

what about Estonia? best song by a distance, best singer
If she nails it on the night it could win easily and thanks to israel topping the market I got a massive 10/1 on Estonia (backed it ew)
cannot see this out of the first two unless she doesn’t deliver in the final

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago
Reply to  liam

Thanks to a lukewarm reception to Bulgaria’s song, Estonia is shortening slightly again. You did well to get 10/1. Elina has proven she can deliver the stage performance of her song whereas Mikolas and Netta have not, yet. Estonia will move up again!

liam
liam
6 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

Biggest price I seen it was 11.5/1 about a week ago
I couldn’t understand it myself and I doubt it’ll lengthen again from what its biggest currest price is of 8/1

J
J
6 years ago
Reply to  liam

I think it’s a 3 horse race atm. Between Estonia, Israel and Russia.

Russia is dependant on how the Jury will react because Russia always gets guaranteed points off of their neighbours anyway and I’m certain Russia will get ‘sympathy’ votes which can greatly skew things.

Y tho?
Y tho?
6 years ago

Israel is not on top of bookmakers anymore…. Oops.

Eurofan
Eurofan
6 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

Yes it is.

Y tho?
Y tho?
6 years ago
Reply to  Eurofan

Check oddschecker again. 🙂

Gobio
Gobio
6 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

It literally is, still, what are you talking about?

Goodnightmoon
Goodnightmoon
6 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

Dude, it is still number 1, check your facts

Me too
Me too
6 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

Israel does not belong in top 10 even, as simple as that. It is just a hype. Others sing and Israel makes sounds? She belongs in some kind of DJ or rapper competition and that is why young people think this is cool, they like rap. But she does not sing.

gili
gili
6 years ago
Reply to  Me too

she is the best singer in the contest, are you living in this planet?(:

Alex
Alex
6 years ago

It took me two listens to figure out the closest musical relative to Netta and I think it’s Missy Elliott. I’m not saying they’re on the same level because Missy is a legend and the genre is not the same, but to find someone who just doesn’t give a damn about (by-and-large male and patriarchal) standards of respectability to this extent and do this creative of a job musically, you really have to look back to her. Wonder if she’s at least an inspiration with all the vocals that aren’t words. I’m all for this, and it’s between this and… Read more »

Savalan
Savalan
6 years ago

Semi final 1 is gonna be crazy deym

Ron
Ron
6 years ago

This is most definitely not going to win Eurovision. If we look at the trends of the past 2 years, quality songs, despite how “uncatchy” they are have won. The juries are going to bury this, but I love this song especially the middle eastern sounds. So, so, good.

Max
Max
6 years ago

Al Akbar – stop being ignorant

Shahid
Shahid
6 years ago

Oh get over it .bla bla israel bla bla israel.
???,???,???.
You are boring ,just like most of the songs here .but the israrli entry.love it

Hamid
Hamid
6 years ago
Reply to  Shahid

In the name of Allah, please go back to the countries you came from, Fakestinians. you have created disaster for the whole Arab world you took with you to this crazy cause. Jordan already has more Fakestinians than locals, so go there and stop ruining everybody’s day!

Music is art+vibs
Music is art+vibs
6 years ago

I totally agree with you. I hope people think twice before supporting some entries

bff
bff
6 years ago

Portugal rejected Catarina
UK rejected Asanda
Romania rejected Feli, Serena-Safari
Germany rejected voXXclub
Spain rejected Lo Malo
Sweden rejected Shuffla

So many countries said NO to all the fun and want to bury us under TEARS.
ESC – say NO to CryVision and vote for Netta.

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
6 years ago
Reply to  bff

Catarina was not very uplifting as well…

bff
bff
6 years ago
Reply to  L'oiseau

haha, at least she smiles.

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
6 years ago
Reply to  bff

True! 🙂 And of course the last punch line is also nice: I don’t need nothing because now “I have a girlfriend”. Endearing and makes one smile…

Lieke
Lieke
6 years ago

In all honesty, I’m not sure how to exactly feel about this. Overall, I think the message is great and very fitting of the current social climate in the Western world, but then that message is a little ruined by things like the random “Pikachu” reference. She’s clearly a little crazy, but she realizes that she is, embraces it and manages to cultivate it into something interesting and possibly even special? She’s owning up to it, though, which is amazing! This being in the final would be well deserved, unlike last year. (Sorry, Imri.)

Joekeyler
Joekeyler
6 years ago

I loved Amar pelos dois and I love this one. If just bc I like this song I belong to a certain group with specific personal group of crazy people who seemingly cannot tell their nose from their shoe.
Not liking it what makes you? A great connoisseur? A musical expert? God?.

Y tho?
Y tho?
6 years ago
Reply to  Joekeyler

And liking it what does it make you? A socially acceptable human being that eats avocado toasts and fully embraces every social cause?

bff
bff
6 years ago
Reply to  Y tho?

Why comments like this are never about Mercy?
Suddenly people don’t want social causes anymore if it’s about women.

Alex
Alex
6 years ago
Reply to  bff

Oh come on, I love both this entry and Mercy. They’re my top 2.

Alex
Alex
6 years ago
Reply to  Joekeyler

Agreed here. Just because you don’t find something “respectable” doesn’t mean other people see it the same way.

Idan
Idan
6 years ago

Damn this is epic!

Y tho?
Y tho?
6 years ago

Who are you man? You opinions are SO great and full of irony, I really would have loved to offer you a beer.
Amen buddy.
And cheers to true music, not gay club bangers.

Ffs
Ffs
6 years ago

Is it because she’s fat & jumped on the bandwagon ?

Chicken Noises
Chicken Noises
6 years ago
Reply to  Ffs

No it’s because this song snatched wigs.

bff
bff
6 years ago
Reply to  Chicken Noises

True. This year more than ever we need bold entries, outside the box. Amar Pelos Dois was not outside the box, not at all.

Kinie
Kinie
6 years ago
Reply to  bff

Actually, it was. She’s giving exactly what eurofas want, and isnt risking at all.

Kinie
Kinie
6 years ago
Reply to  Kinie

So yeah, Amar pelos dois was thinking outside the box.

Goodnightmoon
Goodnightmoon
6 years ago
Reply to  bff

Amar pelos dois is the freaking definition of thinking out of the box, it was basically the oppossite of what you expected at Eurovision and yet it worked.

Mike Homfray
Mike Homfray
6 years ago

Ghastly in every way

Vogzal Odessa
Vogzal Odessa
6 years ago

“Toy” really bangs right in the middle! This kind of song doesn’t tolerate an average performer, it demands a strong personality and in this respect, the Israeli team just got things right. Somehow, it brings Mei Feingold to mind – she also conveyed this kind of individual signature and presence. Some may find this a bit too much ‘in your face’ and I can say “Toy’ is miles away from my favorite Israeli song from recent years which is ‘Milim’ by Harel Skaat, but I can still see its allure.

Anna
Anna
6 years ago

First time I listened I really hated it, now (after like 5 times listening) I absolutely love it.

Anna
Anna
6 years ago
Reply to  Anna

Really looking forward to all the Americans react videos on it.

Titas
Titas
6 years ago

I like this song but I feel like this could be the fanwank of the year, It’s a good song but I don’t think it will qualify

Mike Homfray
Mike Homfray
6 years ago
Reply to  Titas

I hope you are right. Its dire