Wiwi Jury results: Francesco Gabbani is our favourite for Eurovision 2017

Over the past month the Wiwi Jury has listened to, reviewed and rated all 43 42 of the songs in Eurovision 2017. In the end one entry has come out on top: Italy’s Francesco Gabbani and his song “Occidentali’s karma”. Belgium’s Blanche and France’s Alma follow in second and third place.

Francesco Gabbani‘s catchy social commentary inspired high praise and high scores from many members of the Wiwi Jury, with 28 rating it 9/10 or higher. Overall, the Wiwi Jury gave Italy’s entry an average score of 8.96. This is the second highest Wiwi Jury score for a Eurovision entry — Only Loreen’s “Euphoria” has a higher score.

Jury member William had this to say about “Occidentali’s karma”:

“Occidentali’s Karma” ticks so many boxes — I need several pens and one very large scroll to evaluate it. Contemporary yet somehow throwback, its digital opening gives way to an orchestral sound accented with drum and guitar. The chorus is an ear worm of the first order and, despite the explicit social critique, the song remains uplifting and radio-friendly. Perfectly pitched and delivered with unrivalled charisma, it’s a light song with a weighty message, and it speeds by in a whoosh of smiles and tapping feet. A deserving and likely winner. 9/10

Following in second place was Belgium’s Blanche with the sultry “City Lights”. The Wiwi Jury gave it an average score of 8.67. This is the fourth highest Wiwi Jury Eurovision score ever, coming just after Sergey Lazarev’s 8.7 from last year.

Jury member Luis was impressed by Belgium’s entry:

I can’t believe this is the same country who sent Patrick Ouchene, Iris or Axel Hirsoux. Belgium has metamorphosed from ugly duckling into Eurovision powerhouse in a very short time, and Blanche is another proof of that. “City Lights” blends innocence with darkness and creates a moody atmosphere, which is tailor-made for Blanche’s deep vocals. This entry is so intelligently crafted that I could go on for hours on how delighted I am to have it at Eurovision 2017. 9.5/10

And in third place was France’s Alma with “Requiem”. Alma’s breezy Parisian style impressed jury members enough for an average score of 7.92. This is the same score the jury gave Australia’s Dami Im in 2016.

Jury member Forrest was feeling Alma’s style:

“Requiem” is remarkable in that it manages to be both dramatic while retaining an almost summery feel. The revamp did well to add a bit of weight with some heavier strings, but the song remains light, fresh with a wonderful feel-good vibe. The offbeat instrumentation can be a bit jarring at first, but “Requiem” quickly develops a rhythm of its own, and Alma’s vocals wind through the track as elegantly as the music video’s dancers up the side of Parisian buildings. This simply oozes class and will undoubtedly provide France with another strong showing in Kyiv. 8.5/10

Down at the other end, Lithuania came in last place, with the jury only awarding an average of 3.31 for Fusedmarc‘s song “Rain of Revolution”. The 1980s-style horn-infused track did not impress the jury so much.

The Wiwi Jury reviewed the original 43 songs of  the Eurovision Song Contest 2017 in March 2017, based on studio recordings, music videos and live performances, where available. The Wiwi Jury rankings are not intended as a prediction of the eventual results in Kyiv. Rather, it’s an indication of what our favourites were.

Wiwi Jury 2017: Final results

1. Italy: Francesco Gabbani – “Occidentali’s Karma” (8.96)
2. Belgium: Blanche – “City Lights” (8.67)
3. France: Alma – “Requiem” (7.92)
4. Azerbaijan: Dihaj – “Skeletons” (7.83)
5. FYR Macedonia: Jana Burceska – “Dance Alone” (7.79)
6. Sweden: Robin Bengtsson – “I Can’t Go On” (7.58)
7. Finland: Norma John – “Blackbird” (7.33)
8. Bulgaria: Kristian Kostov – “Beautiful Mess” (7.25)
9. Israel: Imri – “I Feel Alive” (7.17)
10. Hungary: Joci Pápai – “Origo” (7.13)
11. Estonia: Koit Toome and Laura – “Verona” (7)
12. Serbia: Tijana Bogicevic – “In Too Deep” (6.93)
13. Belarus: Naviband – “Story of My Life” (6.9)
14. Armenia: Artsvik – “Fly with Me” (6.83)
15. Switzerland: Timebelle – “Apollo” (6.81)
16. Latvia: Triana Park – “Line” (6.72)
17. Moldova: SunStroke Project – “Hey Mamma” (6.67)
18. Austria: Nathan Trent – “Running on Air” (6.64)
19. Iceland: Svala – “Paper” (6.63)
20. Australia: Isaiah – “Don’t Come Easy” (6.61) *
21. Denmark: Anja – “Where I Am” (6.61)
22. United Kingdom: Lucie Jones – “Never Give Up on You” (6.58)
23. Portugal: Salvador Sobral – “Amar Pelos Dois” (6.56)
24. Cyprus: Hovig – “Gravity” (6.5)
25. Norway: JOWST – “Grab the Moment” (6.26)
26. Greece: Demy – “This Is Love” (6.11)
27. Montenegro: Slavko Kalezic – “Space” (6.03)
28. Albania: Lindita – “World” (5.92)
29. Netherlands: OG3NE – “Lights and Shadows” (5.83)
30. Poland: Kasia Mos – “Flashlight” (5.74)
31. Romania: Ilinca and Alex Florea – “Yodel It!” (5.69)
32. Ireland: Brendan Murray – “Dying to Try” (5.25)
33. Ukraine: O.Torvald – “Time” (5.22)
34. Russia: Yulia Samoylova – “Flame Is Burning” (5.14) **
35. Czech Republic: Martina Bárta – “My Turn” (5.06)
36. Spain: Manel Navarro – “Do It for Your Lover” (5.01) *
37. San Marino: Valentina Monetta and Jimmie Wilson – “Spirit of the Night” (5.01)
38. Germany: Levina – “Perfect Life” (4.99)
39. Croatia: Jacques Houdek – “My Friend” (4.39)
40. Georgia: Tamara Gachechiladze – “Keep the Faith” (4.31)
41. Malta: Claudia Faniello – “Breathlessly” (4.25)
42. Slovenia: Omar Naber – “On My Way” (3.44)
43. Lithuania: Fusedmarc – “Rain of Revolution” (3.31)

* Ties are broken by preferential vote
** Withdrawn from competition

What do you think of the Wiwi Jury 2017 results? Does this promise good things for Italy in Kyiv? Who are your favourites? Share your thoughts below!

SEE OUR CURRENT EUROVISION 2017 REVIEWS AND RANKINGS