Loreen may not have advanced direct to the final during Semi-Final 4 of Melodifestivalen 2017, but the bookies at Swedish betting site UNIBET still have faith that she will challenge for the win.
As of 23:45 GMT, just hours after the heat in Skellefteå, Loreen sits as joint second favourite with Wiktoria, with each of them having odds of 4.
You may be asking yourself how this is possible — given that Loreen just finished in third or fourth place in her semi-final. But Loreen has a relatively easy duel as she’ll face 18-year-old Anton Hagman, who qualified for Andra Chansen last week. Indeed, Anton is rated as the least likely to win Melodifestivalen, with odds of 150.
Furthermore, many assume that she’ll benefit from the international juries who take part in the final. Up until now it’s only been the Swedish public voting.
Speaking to us after the show on Saturday, Loreen said that she’s “going to take a look at [the performance] and see if everything is the way it’s supposed to be” and added that she plans “to edge it up a bit.”
Both Loreen and Wiktoria — who delivered a vocally sound performance of “As I Lay Me Down” on Saturday — will have to overcome the bookies current favourite Nano.
The “Hold On” singer currently has the lowest odds to win, sitting comfortably with odds of 2.1
His drum ‘n bass song has drawn comparisons to works by Rudimental and Jessica Mauboy, who, in fact, shares a songwriter with Nano in the form of Carl Ryden.
His personal story — he’s a former prisoner who has turned his life around through music — will likely win him votes, helping bolster his strong bid which includes a current song and a stellar voice.
Jon Henrik Fjällgren feat. Aninia, Mariette and Robin Bengtsson sit in joint third, each with odds of 12.0.
Melodifestivalen 2017: Odds to win
With the exception of Loreen, all other Andra Chansen acts occupy the bottom seven spots in the odds table.
Owe Thörnqvist, the eldest of all the contestants, is considered the qualifier least likely to win, with odds of 36.
What do you make of the odds? Do you think that Loreen actually has a chance to win this still? Will she have greater appeal to the international juries than the other Swedish acts? Let us know in the comments box below.
@MS: Unfortunately Spotify will not decide the winner of MF. You forget that there is an international jury, each of whom will decide which song most of the people in his or her country will most likely give their 12 points to; and I wouldn’t be surprised if they’ve been getting feedback from their own countries which tell a different story than what Spotify or the Swedish televoters are telling. I wouldn’t be surprised if the jury has a hard time deciding on two or more contenders; which was the case last year, with the jury top 3, Oscar Zia,… Read more »
@Blackquill: With regard to Loreen, if the ESC were taking place anywhere else, you might have a point. But they’ll be in Ukraine this year, and her song fits the sign of the times there. If she wins (which will be a tall order from A.C., the conditions not being the same as when Robin Stjernberg won), she would be speaking the language of their plight with this song. Everybody wants “peace, peace, love, love”, but this song asks, “Where is the peace? Where is the love?” As the song says, “We don’t need no…statements”. What everybody wants is solutions.… Read more »
I think we need more uptempo songs in Eurovision, this year: Robin Bengtsson: He has a great voice and he is charismatic (those eyes make me crazy..). He’s song is radio-friendly, catchy and memorable. So is the performance. 8. Benjamin Ingrosso: He has a unique voice and he is really hot. He can move on the stage. His song makes me wanna dance. It’s fresh, but still retro. Mariette – Her song is the most fresh this year. Her voice is charming and the performance is something we’ve never seen before. The song is playing on repeat in my head,… Read more »
I THINK WIKTORIA WILL WIN THE TELEWOTES !
In one weak we will probably see WHO will win the swedish telewotes this year in the final. When we can see the swedish Spotifychart fore a whole weak. For now I think that Wiktoria wins the swedish telewotes, but thats not my favorite at all, and I think the jury will have other favorites! Hope for My favorite Looren!
MELLO ON SPOTYFY 26/2 It’s a good ide to participate in swedish mellofest. Compare hos many in other national selections are stremed. I think that the reason sweden do well in esc is that recordcompany se that the melfest is importent and that make them encurage their artists to join mello and the quallity gets a little higher easch year. Bella & Filippa that didn’t even reach andra chansen reached 34 place yesterday. Sweden Spotify chart 26/2 top 50 5. Wiktoria 182,387 7. Robin Bengtsson 172,023 8. Benjamin Ingrosso 162,428 10. FO&O 157,959 14. Jon- Henrik 137,437 15. Nano 136,… Read more »
Nano should definitely win, if there’s any justice. His song is far from any generic EDM song that so many countries send every year (including Sweden). This is a mix of gospel and drum ‘n’ Bass, the latter is an extremely underrated genre. I just wanna ask, some people complain about him having no charisma. Then what is “charisma”? Could mean anything… Besides, despite going out in the first semi, it was still glued in my head during all the time before it went public again. As for Loreen… I think her song reminds me too much of Jamala last… Read more »
Well I just watched semi-4 and counted the seconds the heart was sparking for each of the four non-eliminated acts
Jon Henrik ft. Aninia :1 min 21 secs
Alice:1 min 08 secs
Les Gordons: few sparks
Wiktoria:1 min 38 secs
Sara and Juha: no sparks
Axel:1 min 12 secs
Loreen:48 secs
I really need a recap with all these songs! I don’t remember most of them (that’s not a good sign).
But I still believe Mariette all the way! I don’t think she’ll win though.
@azaad
True that. Even in Loreen’s final score there are a lot of votes coming form people who feel this strange obligation to vote for migrants. It’s a Swedish thing. I still stand on my position that one should vote the song, not the artist, for above all, Melodifestivalen and ESC are SONG contests, not dance, performance, viedo, congeniality or whatsoever.
When we have Wiktoria, Mariette, Loreen and possibly Robin to chose from why choose someone else?
I’d be very happy if the winner was among those three stunners: Ace Wilder – Loreen – Wiktoria I could also get behind Mariette. Anybody else would be a huge disappointment for me because the first three are really awesome acts. Not really buying Jon Henrik’s act. I liked his 2015 entry quite a bit but this one this one just feels like more of the same, pimped with some Swedish female singer. I find them quite pleasant, not bad at all. But when you got Ace, Loreen and Wiktoria to choose from, I can’t see how they beat any… Read more »
But Nano’s song is dreadful… Frans won last year and his song was dreadful
Denis,
I think Swedes will vote for Jon. Juries are other thing.
He has the most memorable chorus. And the whole performance feels real and unique. It stands out a lot.
I still think it’s Nano vs Robin (Then Wiktoria, Jon, and the surprise is Benjamin). Mariette is not happening.
I have a feeling juries might decide your winner sadly
And for as longs as those odds favour NANO I’m relieved … Music wins again!
I don’t get people’s fascination over Jon Henrik. Like you really think he would win? That he stands a chance? You really think Sweden would send something ethno? That he will be top 10?
He’s not even that popular over here, and ethno isn’t very sucesfull.
I don’t know what happened last night with the results, but Loreen delivered something magical! That was not just a performance, it was music, theater, emotion, in one word – art! If you watch Melodifestivalen and only expect the typical Swedish pop, then that was not for you. I don’t know if she will win (she should, imo!), but her impact, on me at least, will last long after the winner of ESC will be chosen in Kyiv!
Mariette or Wiktoria!!!
But Mariette is better <3
Sweden are you really gonna choose a creepy typical song again?
Choose something different
LOREEN or
JON HENRIK
to Eurovision
Two arts that deserve to win:
#1.Loreen: This lady is a GRAND artist, Statements is an extraordinary song,definitely stole my heart
#2.Jon Henrik and Aninia: A very unforgettable song,very catchy
Both of these songs i believe are flawless,two true pieces of art.
Anyway Wiktoria’s song is incridible to so my third place applys to As i lay down
#3.Wiktoria
@Milla, until tomorrow morning we won’t have the Spotify results.
It’s gonna be tight. There’s no a huge hit like “If I were sorry”, Heroes or “Busy doin’ nothig”.
If Jon manages to win this year.. it will be so awesome 😀
@LjupcoMKD
Surely voting for an Arab Muslim woman is politically correct though?
Once again, this will be one hell of a voting, I can’t wait.
My favorites are Robin and Mariette, with Wiktoria in 3rd place.
I really hope it won’t be Nano, “Hold On” is so unoriginal and just leaves me cold. “Statements” shouldn’t win IMO, as the song itself is not strong enough. On the other hand, I think Jon Henrik and Aninia actually have a shot at victory, although the juries might not get behind them. I’m pretty sure Ace Wilder won’t do well this year.
Loreen is a true artist,although I can’t understand why she didn’t reach the finals directly,she is gonna win this contest…
I listened to all of the songs and only one that really stands out of other stupid childish songs is Loreen’s Statements…It’s very unique and generally,really touched me.,literally EPIC.
I don’t think Jon henrik will win. Swedes like ethno entries, we just don’t want them to win. We tend to send the song we know will guarantee a god spot, we don’t know that with Jon henrik. For all we know he probably will end up just outside top 10. And we don’t want that. Plus there is a jury too. Even if he would win the popular vote it probably wouldn’t be enough to win everything.
I also don’t think Nano will win like I said earlier.I predict a female winner. Wiktoria, Loreen or Mariette.
@LightvsDarkness: 2016 had the “nobody-saw-that-coming” factor in Frans. He reminded me of Bob Dylan.
Sweden always has a winner with the ”W-O-W”-factor. (except for 2016)
Robin Bengtsson is missing that and Nano’s song is really good, but the staging needs to be bigger in the end. I like Wiktoria’s song, but **** she’s overrated in the odds. On this moment i expect Loreen, Mariette or Jon ft Aninia go to kiev.
All 3 will get top 5 for sure, but Mariette could win esc. 7/12 melfest final acts would get a top 10 spot in esc atleast. Why nobody thinks Ace could win? oh well :/
Blown away Jon Henrik Fjällgren. I don’t usually support Sweden but if they pick this it would be my favorite. It is so magical.
I don’t like Nano. If not Jon I want Wiktoria 😉 Mariette was better in 2015 🙁 Loreen does not need the win 🙂
Jon Henrik and Aninia is currently No.1 on iTunes Sweden so they will most likely win the popular vote.
@Mikaela: Aye! Same here with regard to Jon Henrik. I wish “Vår Framtid (Mijjen Båetije Biejjieh)” were eligible; but it came 2 months before the cutoff for this year’s ESC. That song would absolutely slay!
Oops sorry mistake, I meant “that one pop song” not “that female pop song”, because I forgot I written Benjamin there.
This is what I think the songs would place in Kyiv if they won. I wont say anything about the AC contestants, except Loreen because its 100% sure she’d beat Anton. Anyways, Loreen is okay, definite qualifier. Her name would instantly attract international voters. Mariette, Benjamin, Wiktoria and Ace are too safe. The songs does not hold enough identity other than “that female pop song”. However, they would qualify too. Jon ft. Aninia would qualify, however probably around 11-14th place. Nano, Robin and Owe are just no. Nano and Robin were one of my favorites in their respective semi-finals but… Read more »
Though I think right now that Mariette and Nano are in the front 2 seats of the sedan, I would not mind seeing Jon Henrik and Aninia steal this thing. They would bring something as entirely different to ESC (as of late) as will Joci from Hungary.
@Rogesc, Oscar Tipper: The message in Loreen’s theatrical routine, as it relates to the song, hasn’t sunk in yet. It is quite an unusual performance very few people saw coming. If she passes the A.C. test, maybe they’ll figure it out by the time the final starts.
@AndersP – very good analysis, I agree 100%! About Nano, I think us Swedes are a little bewitched by the song because it’s a debutant put last in its semifinal. (The message to us being “Dear audience, this is a masterpiece that you may have missed if it wasn’t highlighted. Vote for it now”) It has some elements that I like, but it has no chorus and sounds like many other songs. I would love for us to send Jon Henrik, because it would be so different from the generic radio songs we usually send. And for once you’d be… Read more »
Loreen’s performance was a performance art piece, but I just don’t think it was done very well. The lip synching at the start was out of sync, the jogging was awkward, grabbing the flags was clumsy, the Les Miserables silhouette was cliched, the wigs were dodgy, the cardboard handbag looked ridiculous. Worst of all, I couldn’t understand a damned word she was saying, I had to go and look up the lyrics, even then I struggled to hear the words she was saying when I knew what they should be. She is trying to cram 10 minutes of filmic performance… Read more »
nano is one of the worst direct finalists. His song has no originality , chorus has nothing to remember after 1st listen and most important thing, he seriously lacks charisma , performance isnt memorable . I personally want mariette ,robin,loreen ,wiktoria or jon henrik&aninia to win they can all manage good scores .
My absolute favourite is now Jon-Henrik and Aninia! Everything about it is outstanding, magical, mystical and relatable…if they can get enough of the tele-vote, watch out…my concern is the international juries. Loreen and Nano? Really don’t get the hype, but the juries may try to push them, regardless. Prefer Wiktoria or Mariette over them, tbh. Sweden, dare to be different and send JH. It’s made for Eurovision–seriously!
Just listen to “Statements” on your headphones, without watching the performance… the music is AMAZING, and Loreen´s voice is perfection. Honestly, the other songs are “cute” at best compared to this relevant work of art. I think Sweden was just shocked at last night’s performance of Statements, but this is on a league on its own.
I really think it’s the older generation and the children that don’t like Loreen. It’s too hard for them. Not accessable. You must win all generations hearts.
Has anyone checked how the songs are doing on Spotify?
Loreen doesn’t really need to win this year. I feel it is good exposure for her upcoming album, to be released very soon. I Believe it is a risky option for Sweden but worthwhile pursuing, Loreen could actually win this year at the ESC. Italy is her only threat so far. I believe “Statements” is truly that, a statement. Loreen is back whatever happens. I believe Jon Henrik and Aninia would be an ideal choice for Sweden. Their performance was outstanding and magical. I can’t remember if there was any, if Sweden has chosen a duet for Eurovision before. This… Read more »
Yesterday i felt ashamed that Loreen did not make it through to finals!
Swedes are turned off by the dark style of the number yet the song also confuses them…they have no idea of the message it is bringing up and that the song actually is really good.
It is just like Katy Perrys new video..people here live in some kind of La La Land bubble where everything should be perfect and inside the box…
We cant Send Robin to Ukrain. IF we going to the final, we are no be top 10.
Robin Bengtsson can win this whole thing. Seriously!
Among the direkt till final acts, Nano and Jon-Henrik have the best songs. But since the juries won’t vote for a song in Swedish, I’d give Nano the victory. Poor Loreen, but her song is so bad, I can’t even feel sorry for her.
Loreen gave us pure art last night, but it has been proven in many occasions in the past that Swedish people would rather vote for the artist than for the singer. I believe Nano and Axel received tons of pity votes because the viewers feel pity for their life stories, even though their songs are not very special at all. Jon Erik Fajllgren and Aninina played on the card of patriotism of people of Sami origin in Sweden and those that feel it is correct to vote for such an entry, especially after Jon only ended up second in 2015.… Read more »
I hope it’s not Nano.
Sweden should send a song in swedish for once!
Sweden please don’t do a mistake and not send Nano.You must send Loreen or Mariette. They’re the best’s.
I think it is a little bit arrogant from Swedens to “ignore” the best eurovision winner fron the last 20 years (or at least the most relevant) in a semifinal, especially when hendrik and wiktoria weren’t that strong. I understand though, Loreen’s performance is too dark and dramatic, even creepy, but c’mon, the song has an outstanding quality and she’s an amazing singer. Anyway Sweden is the only country that could afford it (they have very good songs this year) but any other country would KILL to have Loreen as their representative. What a waste
If Loreen can’t win again then that’s fine. Ace Wilder or Mariette should instead! Nano’s song sounds like Sigma’s Coming Home in the chorus.