The heat is on and the fire is burning: Cyprus’ Eleni Foureira is now officially the bookies’ favourite to win Eurovision 2018.
Three days ago the “Fuego” singer sat in sixth position, with her odds as high as 16/1 at Ladbrokes. Following a knock-out jury performance on Monday evening, her odds have narrowed all the way to 5/2. Where there’s smoke, there’s most definitely Eleni.
Cyprus becomes the first country to push Israel’s Netta from the top spot. The “Toy” singer now finds herself as second favourite. She had been the bookies’ top pick since her song was released in mid-March.
The song, which set a number of records including one for “most liked” ever on the official Eurovision YouTube channel, remains a contender. But ever since the first rehearsal the hype has slowly fizzled. The transition from music video to stage show has not been as seamless as many had hoped.
Marathon Bet has widened Israel’s chances of winning from 7/4 on May 5 to 4/1 today.
*Get the “I Got the Fire” t-shirt
As a result of Cyprus’ climb up the leaderboard, Norway, Estonia, France and the Czech Republic have each fallen a spot in the favourites list.
Bulgaria and Sweden follow right behind. Italy benefits from Australia’s drop after the rehearsals, as it climbs into ninth position.
Rounding out the top ten is Moldova. The trio impressed during their rehearsals, leading to a huge surge in their odds. Their odds have moved from as high as 66/1 to as low as 29/1 today.
EUROVISION 2018 ODDS ACCURATE 8:15CET
What do you make of the latest odds? Do you think we’re going to Nicosia next year? Let us know in the comments below!
Photo: Andres Putting (EBU)
Anita coulf agree more… Hope Cyprus won’t win as well… as you truly said “thin” voice ans unfortunately maybe nobody will recognizes it with all the fireworks all around the song… So sad this kind of music (not criticizing the professionalism and the good comercial beat) is the favourite to win… I would prefer Portugal, the song don’t deserve the low rating the bookmakers give it to it because it is so a Magical song with all the good qualities to represent a country and the grand final… So I would prefer PORTUGAL 1st then Lithuania, Austria, Bulgaria… to win…
Hey, are there really no admins on these sites to ban all these insulters and haters?????
The weak point of Cyprus is her thin voice – but there is enough instrumentation and dancing, sexiness and everything going on so nobody really recognizes it.
With the right mood I will always enjoy watching this – but I hope it won’t win. But if I would have to choose between Estonia and Cyprus to qualify I take Cyprus for sure.
Sorry but this year is for Cyprus and Foureira. No matter what you are saying she is the best on stage. Her performance is so professional, so talented. She can sing and dance at the same time,even more than her dancers.
I don’t know anyone else in Europe who can deliver such an amazing performance on stage. A lot of good songs, but what Eleni Foureira is doing on stage is unique.
p.s if you know anyone in Eurovision, or in any other country that can do at this level please let me know. 🙂
Join the discussionSorry but the performance is just a project appearing with commercial effects and just immediately influence the public as if seeking a commercial success and not improved in a true spirit. Is she professional? Absolutely yes. But is she representing the soul of his country? Is she transmiting emotions beyond her lame? Are we touched and askinf for more? Not really… for that we would watch a Beyoncé… As said Salvador last year… too much fireworks and not enough sensitivity and authenticity that make commonplace sometimes eurovision and take the place of real music…
i love israeli song
Bad really bas… so superficial… like a Beyoncé doll… what a pity…
Cyprus’s entry is…. okay. But she’s channeling Beyonce a little too much. My favorites from the first semi would be Albania (no chance in the final but I like it) and Israel and Estonia in that order (I like weird Eurovision more than tasteful conventional Eurovision).
On the other song the Israeli song keeps going through my head (serious earworm) which doesn’t happen often…
exactly! Cyprus = Shakira meets Beyonce… but it managed to create a hype (for some reason)
Yap…. th commercial effects just immediately influence the public that’s why
Vote Cyprus guyssss, Portugal won for the first time, and so will Cyprus, vote vote voteeee in the final
Norway new favorite!!!!!!!!!
yesssss of course Cyprus would be new favourite, its our time to win, finally, and what a representative. we love Eleni from the north of Cyprus, and she was excellent, I cant wait for Cyprus to hopefully win. Nicosia 2019
Vote Cyprus guyssss
It’s israel time to win
Great performance of Neta
Love you from Germany
israel has already won twice?
3 times
Cyprus preformens look like a cheap show of Shakira or Beyoncé . Go ISRAEL !!!!!!!!!
Luego!
It’s definately the time for Cyprus to win..Stunning performance!
Judging by her performance, Netta is taking it, no matter how hard Eleni tries to bring it…
VOTE CYPRUS GUYS ELENI WILL KILL IT FOR SURE YOU WONT REGRET IT
CYPRUS ARE THE FAVOURITES THATS CRAZY, ALL OF CYPRUS AS A WHOLE, IS ROOTING FOR ELENI, GOOD LUCK FROM N CYPRUS WE LOVE YOU,
CYPRUS 2019
I agree that i think everyone should have a better language. We are not at war. Its Eurovision. By the way. If Cyprus wins. Its CYPRUS victory then and NOT Greece. There not the same that some says. Yes they have voted for eachother 12 points more then any other come close to but its still Cyprus win alone Greece should be happy if they even qualify.
We have 6 semi 1 songs in the top 10 of the odds. I foresee some of them failing to qualify. Expect big changes in the odds after this first semifinal.
From 20th before the rehearsals, to the top 10 after the rehearsals and now just before the semi final Cyprus is 1st! This is the most improved entry in the betting odds! I doubt she will win, but she’ll be definitely in the top 10! If she wins, I’ll be up in the air cheering for her and I’ll feel like we won (Greece). And of course, I’ll pack my things and save some money to be in NICOSIA2019!!
P.S.: All the best to all the contestants! Have a great ESC week people!
Totally agree with you. I even could not imagine that there are so many ugly (by soul) eurovision fans. I think Eurovision is most important thing in their lifes…… But this contest is just 1 big party for everyone- all 43 countries singers are winners anyway and we as public must be proud of them all AND WISH EVERY ARTIST GOOD LUCK !
Well said Sabrina, im originally from the Uk so we have a long history of bad results in the contest but that doesnt mean i trash every other country, i just enjoy the contest and and have fun with it.
again agree witth you 🙂 Lets enjoy party !
People commenting that ” Fuego” is junk music….well “Wild Dances” was no masterpiece either, half of the time the song was the singer mumblin, and look it won! at least you can understand Eleni and makes the arena go wild!!!!
After two ballads wining this past year, I am ready for an upbeat song!! Go Cyprus!!!!
Yes I remember it back in the 2004, just 2 years after that terrible song from Estonia won. Get it together that was a long time ago where I can hardly come out with a top 5. Btw that year my favorite was Cyprus.
I think Estonia wins this semi and second will be some dark horse (Lithuania, Austria, Croatia for example).
Cypros- energetic and we will see her on Saturday (5-10 place in the final)
Israel- borderline but still think sj´he can manage it and we see her in Final as well (8-12 place in final)
and real contenders for win will be Estonia, France and maybe Sweden (but think TOP 5 but no winner)
Good luck to everyone !
I said it before but some people disagreed: this year’s Eurovision is by far the weakest one in the last 15 years or so. The fact that two incredibly cheap songs such as “Fuego” and “Toy” are the frontrunners clearly proves this.
Those song are not so bad actually- not TOP 5 material but still not so bad as well
What do you think about Albania? He deserves to be in final??
Albania don’t deserve to be in the final. Average song and average vocals
Franka outsold. Even Ari outsold.
If Albania qualify Eurovision will be awful
You don’t even deserve to have an opinion, as worthless as it may be.
Everyone deserves the right to have an opinion!
Yes- Albani deserves to be in Final 🙂
Is border line in my book (10th) but it does deserve final.
I just leave the comment here for reflection… Dont you think Cyprus entry fosters somehow the objectivation of women and a beauty pattern based on physical qualities? Pretty fashion girl with nice body showing her physical qualities as a way to win a musical contest…
I have no doubt,though, that she sings and performs very well and that on the other hand it’s a simple pop comoposition with basic lyrics…. but it is actually the values we would like to foster?
So what? What if she has a nice body and dance so well? She does not have the right to participate and win? Do you have any issue with fat, ugly, pretty, tall, short, black, white, Albanian, French, Greek people, people who can dance, people who can sing pop songs/opera? I don’t understand your comment. What we need to foster this week, is that it a competition and a party among all these countries, to have some fun, to be all together and enjoy our nights. We are not here to foster any body type and any personality. We are… Read more »
My comment is just a reflection about the role we give to physical beauty. Guess Fuego wouldnt be what it is without those beautiful hips or with a not so beautiful woman. Dont you think? Of course, not talking about socio-economical issues…. Just from a musical point of view. Are we really judging the song itself and it’s musical quality?
Personaly, I don’t find Eleni so beauty.
I guess we judge the stage performance and whether this can be delivered and communicated to the audience, whether the artist is professional, is powerful both vocally and performance. Of course each of us we have different taste of music and requirements. Also it is very hard to compare songs. Fuego is a song that needs all these things, costume, dancers, etc. But this is the case for all the songs. How can you present a song like fuego or monsters? Also Estonia cannot start dancing like fuego, neither Lithuania. Sorry but still don’t get your point. Huge artists are… Read more »
I actually agree with you! With Eurovision you either have to be very ugly or absolutely gorgeous to win, there is never an in-between.
I wouldn’t like people to walk around in turtlenecks. Showing skin is much more fun.
woman is literally almost entirely covered in clothes ffs. you are perpetuating that idea with this comment…
There’s another replacement in the odds: Switzerland is now predicted to qualify instead of Armenia
And Finland is only 14th 🙁
Fuego is still a more likely winner than Israel. However, after the Jury Show I feel that the only country in trouble is Greece, Israel, and Belgium.
Oh dear. I think the winner will be Estonia from this semi. Cyprus will do well with the televote but I can see it coming 6th in televote (and perform as well just as Armenia 2017 did).
1. Estonia (televote and jury winner)
2. Cyprus
3. Israel (televote winner?)
4. Bulgaria (jury winner?)
5. Czech Republic
6. Greece
7. Finland
8. Lithuania
9. Azerbaijan
10. Belarus
Cyprus number 1 in the odds. When did that happened last time? so cool 🙂
As long as Norway dont win im happy. If we are honest. We cant have that song as our winner. There are so many better
Norway is a mess and I hope it flops in the semi
My Qualifiers based on Rehearsels and the jury show: Israel,Estonia,Lithuania,Cyprus,Armenia,Czech Republic,Bulgaria,Albania,Belarus,Finland .
Next year Macedonia should do the staging FIRST then choose a song and artist. My tip. Im tired of being dissappointed.
I disagree with loads of them. Everyone has jumped on the train of “MacEDonIa cAn’T StaGE!” but has anyone actually seen this on tv? It pops off on the screen!
The vocals in the jury show wasnt good. I have read all the bloggs and seen rehearsel. i based it on that. Actually if you look on the Macedonia stagings and vocals in 2013-2017. Do you think they were good? I think they would do better if they knew what to do. Thats why my tip for next year is do the staging first a long time ahead 🙂
Just saw Cyprus FULL rehearsal on youtube. I was getting nervous because of everyones reactions, but there’s nothing to worry about after all. Good luck to yall
its like eurovision 2006
Yes indeed- this song remindes me times where Greece won etc and after that we saw plenty of same style songs :):)
???? ???? ???? ?? ?????
am I the only one who thinks the girl from Cyprus looks a bit like a drag queen?
I prefer a “classy” song like the one from Belgium….
eleni is trash, not only her song is trash, also her
yeah, I agree. and she looks so much older than her actual age (it’s hard to believe she was born in 1987). stay away from tanning beds if you don’t want to age prematurely, kids!
If Cyprus really wins, it will be far from deserved. As many have already written, if a pop/dance song has to win, there are so many options better than Fuego.
I hope the juries will do their job right .
In that case Israel should be 19th in jury vote and not qualify.
Israel have the best “trash song” this year. so yeah, Netta should won over Eleni. + Netta have a great message.
which? the circus act of Finland? oh no…..
France, because of a beautiful message and connection with the public which will surely have, Israel for its originality… Hell, at this point I’m even rooting for Rybak.
Just no Fuego, please
It would not do much for Europe if a song about refugees wins. Hungary has build a fence to keep them out. The UK is leaving the EU to get rid of non-UK citizens even if they are European. In the French and Dutch elections anti-immigrant parties collected large numbers of votes. The same for Poland and Austria. Greece and Italy are having trouble to cope with the amount of refugees so why France selected this song is beyond me. The EU made a deal with Turkey to keep refugees out and there were no large public demonstrations to let… Read more »
i cant believe my eyes what messages i saw on this page.. what is wrong with some of you
The only thing wrong are Eleni fans.
dont be jealous rupaul
Eleni show to EUROPE what you can do. It’s your time.
Enjoy your night guys with pizza and FUEGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Guys this year is for Cyprus and Eleni Foureira.
12 points from all of us to FUEGO!
well Cyprus will get 12 points from Greece for sure…. even if they would send a dog barking…
Animals are not allowed on stage.
They have voted like that for 19 years straight so…
And no other country has done that then? Former Soviet block votes for each other (well, not Russia for Ukraine and vice versa anymore), former Yuogoslavian countries for each other and Scandinavian countries for each other (except they leave Finland out most years). Cyprus (the republic) and Greece ALSO have a common ethnic background, speak the same language and have the same taste in music and much more.
HAHA If the stripper form cyprus will win over Estonia, France, Bulgaria and etc… , the all thing need to be shut down,
Even Israel is better, Its trash but at least is the best trash, Fuego is just the worst of the worst.
Is that why she didn’f go to Amsterdam? She worried that she might be recognised by her clients? Good on her – prostitution is a great way to make money.
FUEGO …
someone is jealous here.. don’t worry, take a nap.
FUEGO
That is not jealousy, Peter, it’s pure evil. The kinds of Roman & Co. should be blocked altogether.
Why is everyone predicting winners? we dont know who’s gonna qualify yet. There might be some surprises….like czech republic or finland not qualifying, for example.
Too many women winning in the past. More men should win. Sobral has set up the first win for man. Time to continue.
Male soloists, all-male groups/duos as well as mixed groups with male lead singers won in 2017, 2015, 2009, 2008, 2006, 2001, 2000, 1994, 1990, 1987, 1984, 1980, 1978, 1976, 1966, 1961 and 1958. So it was the “first win for man” in the meaning of “the 18th win for (a) man”.
Also Conchita in 2014
Not really equal
Well, it would be nice if Cyprus finally won but then again I don’t really believe that it’s going to happen. The song was never my top favourite (and it still isn’t) but it kinda grew on me once I knew it well enough to look past its flaws. It’s quite enjoyable but it’s also feels like it belongs in the 2005 rather than the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest.
True, but styles always make comebacks. My personal favourite is still France, but I would not mind if Cyprus wins, because they did a good job: they gave a chance to a good singer who was overlooked in her country, they gave a top notch team, and they did not follow the trend , rather they reversed the trend. Kudos to them.
France is my favourite as well. I do think that Eleni deserves credit for her power and energy and will to win.
Also, I am happy that the winner is probably a country that has never won (Cyprus, Bulgaria, Czech Republic) or a country that has not won in 20 years (Israel) or in 30 years (France). It will not be as exciting if Sweden or Norway wins tbh, even though they also have respectable entries.
Looks like Israel’s hype bubble has finally burst. And it couldn’t have been at a worst time for Netta.
Israel can’t win a contest in Europe even if Beyonce was represent them. + In this world, people will always choose the model type over the fat.
Eurovision is dead like this world.
You are an Idiot!! FIRST OF ALL Israel won 3 times before.secend of all Stop with the Body shaiming please.Adele is a large woman and beautiful and the world love her so as Netta.so shut up you poor idiot.
Israel won in 1978 (with jury voting), 1979 (with jury voting) and 1998 (with televoting). So even if Israel is not my no. 1 favourite entry this year, I have to say that your comment is total BS.
You guys are so dumb that you dont understand the position that Israel in. Politics, Israel of 78’79’98 are not the same as 2018. If you dont know what are you talking about, just dont.
Nameie You are the only dumb here..so go away from this blog and take all your hate with u .
you are so dumb that u didnt even understand that im rooting for netta to win over eleni
im just saying the sad truth about eurovision, israel CANT WIN EVEN IF GOD HIMSELF WILL REPRESENT THEM.
Rybak will win again ahhahahaha
She’s already won more money than you or your generations will ever earn combined. Back off to your trailer, white trash.
From sleeping with ugly f@t men like your grandfather and father and work alongside your mother and grandmother. Of course she earns a lot!!! She is most well known in the Balkan. Hahaha
Ahahahaha better than getting fat on junk food in your ghetto where people weigh an average of 10 tons and make zero money hating on hot rich chicks like Eleni! Time to get a bypass honeyyyy!! 😀
Here is the latest update on the algorithm few hours before the semi 1. Now it predicts the following to qualify: Cyprus, Israel, Bulgaria, Czech Rep, Estonia, Finland, Austria, Belgium, Lithuania and Belarus. Switzerland and Azerbaijan are very very close. Before you click the ‘vote down’ button, lets wait and see how accurate it is. Enjoy the show, everyone. It is the Christmas time for us Eurofans. 1 Cyprus 95.00 (+2) 2 France 92.56 3 Israel 91.86 (-2) 4 Bulgaria 87.21 (+2) 5 Sweden 87.09 (+2) 6 Czech Rep 84.65 (-1) 7 Estonia 84.30 (-3) 8 Norway 82.44 9 Australia… Read more »
Wow so much hate in the comments, hate towards poor coutries and towards women. So sad that there are still so many stupic, xenophobic people in the world. But I guess if you are trash the easiest thing to do is to drag another human being down.
MY QUALIFIERS:
Azerbaijan
Greece
Albania
Estonia
Finland
Israel
Cyprus
Ireland
Lithuania
Belarus
Waylon has been extremely disappointing….the way he has been acting and reacting towards interviewers…AND THAT breakdance will be included? Sigh.
Please dont give up on Israel please vote she’s an amazing artist she has been working so hard …i will lose eurovision faith if she does not reach top 3.
Israel will not win just because their country name is Israel. I’m sorry to tell you this. Israel is the most hated country in Europe, everyone will cheer for you but when it comes to votes, no one will vote for you. just look on the press poll, everyone in the press was cheering during Netta’s performance yesterday but when they did the poll, they give only 4 points to Israel.
Eurovision is dead and people need to understand this.
win? If Israel will be in Top 10 say thank you. Even if Beyonce will represent Israel, you guys won’t win.
What u have against Israel idiot??? Israel won already 3 times go and open a book before u write nonsense.Israel is a startapp notion who invented important medicines, important apps that americans bought from us for billions.the economy 0f Israel is one of the best in the world.so ofcourse pepole will envy on a small country that much more seacssesful then their own.
oh god, you are so dumb. im rooting for netta over eleni. you dont even know what are you talking about and the funny part that i guess you are from isarel.
“isarel won 3 times” – yeah, ages ago, when israel had better politics.
p.s – you dont bealive me, right? mark my words, when israel will ends number 10 or maybe worse, remmeber this comment
If u rooting for Netta so just write good things about her …And go and study History please …in the years Israel won Israel was in much worst and difficult politics ..so stop writing nonsense ..u not know nothing about Israel.but thanks for rooting for Netta.can you vote for her? Where do u live?
ISRAEL WILL WIN REMEMBER THIS COMMENT
Israel always gets points from the juries and some televotes, and it has won a few times in the past – there are countries that do much worse in esc
Are we really gonna forget how in 2015, Israel’s Nadav Guedj finished second in his Semi on televote alone, and in the end seventh in the Grand Final, again on televote alone. Also, last year in his performance of the Semi, IMRI finished very high with televoting (4th actually and way better than with Juries who put him 6th) before he screwed his Grand Final performance and finished 23rd.
I think everyone is sleeping on finland. Finland for the win!
the albanian guy is awful. Worst albanian song ever. What was albania thinking? You should Just ask Dua Lipa to represent you.
The problem is Festival I Kenges. That stupid festival is outdated. If only the broadcaster could HAND PICK the Albanian Eurovision representative. Asking Rita Ora or Dua Lipa they would most likely do it if they are not busy. They just don’t want to audition and go through the process. Or even Bebe Rexha, These girls are majorly talented, they just need to be asked and handed the position.
BTW Rita Ora will be in Albania on JUNE 3rd!!