In our most recent Eurovision 2018 odds post, published on March 11, the key takeaway was that Israel’s Netta Barzilai had climbed to the top. With her sassy head shakes, colourful video and a chicken cluck heard round the world, she’d distanced herself from the field to become the new favourite. One week later the Eurovision Oddschecker site still has Israel sitting pretty at the top, with her odds hovering around 7/4 at major betting agencies like Ladbrokes. The same betting agency has Elina from Estonia and Mikolas Josef from the Czech Republic sitting well back in second with odds of 7/1.

After that the odds widen quite substantially. But thankfully for Laura Groeseneken — the part-time IKEA merchandiser who performs under the name Sennek — there are also some substantial changes taking place there too.

The “A Matter of Time” singer has seen her odds shorten drastically. On March 13 the betting agencies had her down as eighth favourite with odds between 16/1 and 20/1. Today she’s shortened to between 12/1 and 14/1, which has helped her leapfrog past The Netherlands, Sweden, Bulgaria and Australia.

Her song “A Matter of Time” continues Belgium’s recent trend of pop songs with a dark and mysterious edge. As with Loïc and Blanche, Sennek delivers something that straddles pop and art. Her tune has drawn comparisons to Bond anthems and Conchita Wurst’s “Rise Like a Phoenix.” And her music video has earned plaudits for its cinematic feel and some very memorable shots from an emptied swimming pool.

Writing on the “A Matter of Time” lyrics post, Joey N said: “Amazingly retro! It reminds me of what UK bands like Portishead and Moloko were doing in the 90s. Love it! I can almost picture it as a James Bond theme as well.” Igal was as effusive: “Simply put – this is simply the best song of the entire field. I always wish that singers pronounced their English better, but this is close (unlike some of the motifying English of some artists, e.g., the Russian anger, yikes!!). Belgium’s song is terrific!!!!”

Eurovision 2018: Odds to Win grand final


Bulgaria: Still a Top 5 favourite

Belgium’s rise coincides with Bulgaria’s fall.

Prior to the release of Equinox’s song “Bones”, Bulgaria was the pre-contest favourite, riding a wave of hype owing to their strong finishes over the past two years and their very clear ambitions to win.

On March 11, the night before they revealed their song, the group had fallen to second favourites behind Israel’s Netta with odds of 7/1 at most agencies. That put them in a very close race with Estonia and Czech Republic for that second favourite spot.

Following the release of their dark and atmospheric song “Bones” the group fell in the odds only to bounce back to second shortly thereafter. But it seems the bookies have finally settled on their thoughts and once again have downgraded the group to fifth favourites with odds between 12/1 and 17/1.

This may reflect the fact their song will require on-point staging to reach its full potential. There is a fine line between Halloween and haute couture. Thus far the group have nailed it with their pre-contest promotion and styling. They’ll need to continue to tow the line carefully, but assuming they can do the same in Lisbon, they will no doubt challenge for a top spot.

Where do you stand on all of this? Have your favourites changed? And do you think that Belgium is once again a dark horse to take it all? Let us know in the comments box below.

Read more about the Eurovision 2018 betting odds

261 Comments
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lasse ruud
6 years ago

Belive me Norway or Malta will win, ark my words. Heja Norge från Sverige

alsoMike
alsoMike
5 years ago
Reply to  lasse ruud

mmm… the more I hear the belgian song the more I like it

vin
vin
6 years ago

Portugal, a possible Eurovision Winner in 2018, again… A modern and contemporary ballad song, complex, great voice, an addictive, emotional and hyped song, more you listen, more you love it… The song will be revamped in the last minute to stay more unforgettable, and maybe the beat will be a little different… Great great song.

peter
peter
6 years ago

Bets 2 months before Eurovision, means nothing… This is maths… Bets only have a bit of true hours before the final and even in the final.

Israel never will win, as Italy didn’t win and was 6′.

Point.

Charli Cheer Up
Charli Cheer Up
6 years ago

Remember people can bet for their own country here 😉 so we can also tell which ones are most happy with their entry.

Eleonor
Eleonor
6 years ago

This year is extremely strong but for me there are three clear standouts: 1.Estonia – her live performance is superb out of this universe and the 3D mapping is crazy 2. Spain – I know that currently they are lower in the odds, but their song is really sensitive and the couple is really charming so they will get the audience emotional like Salvador did last year 3.Bulgaria – their song is very powerfull, ethernal and makes you feel like you are traveling to heaven. If the rumors about the staging are true and they are making the fifth element… Read more »

Lola
Lola
6 years ago
Reply to  Eleonor

Netta will win..pepole here are so patetic !!!!!!

EscFanBelgium
EscFanBelgium
6 years ago
Reply to  Lola

Lola, just a tip. Don’t be so sure! Otherwise you will be very dissapointed like the Italian fans last year.
She has more chance to flop like Kate Ryan did back when for Belgium in 2006. Sorry…

Lola
Lola
6 years ago
Reply to  EscFanBelgium

We see sbout that….

peter
peter
6 years ago
Reply to  Lola

israel never will win with this song. Point.

InTheNavy
InTheNavy
6 years ago

I’ve now listened to all 43 songs and despite being a huge fan of Eurovision this year feels very lacklustre and uninspiring. I’ve complied at list of songs I’ve deemed to be good, mediocre and terrible . . . the majority sit in the latter two categories. This is a first for me, as I have always enjoyed the majority of entries. Still, I am looking forward to the main event in May! The Good 1. France 2. Finland 3. Azerbaijan 4. United Kingdom 5. Denmark 6. Belgium 7. Greece 8. Cyprus 9. Ukraine 10. Germany 11. Austria 12. Australia… Read more »

James.A.
James.A.
6 years ago

Reading the comments here makes me think that A LOT of Eurovision fans really really don’t like the Israeli entry. Still it ranks no. 1 not only with bookies, but with most the current online polls and on YouTube. Can someone explain how is that possible?

lluussoo
lluussoo
6 years ago
Reply to  James.A.

Salvador Sobral was the most “hated” act last year, both before, during and after the contest, and despite the views and the rankings. Being divisive is a good sign, I guess. Israel might be the winner.

gili
gili
6 years ago
Reply to  James.A.

when Netta will be on stage it will only become better for israel and the first place will be secured, i guess you dont know that Netta is a tiger/Queen/you name it….killer performer. she should and will win

NoGeoblocks
NoGeoblocks
6 years ago
Reply to  gili

Actually, it is more likely that once rehearsals will start Israel will stretch even further away. Netta is the queen of live performances. you can’t not look and listen when she’s on stage…mesmerizing.

L'oiseau
L'oiseau
6 years ago

I am starting to believe that Belgium is the only credidble threat to Israel this year. It is slowing but surely going up in the odds. Very similar behaviour than Portugal last year in the odds. But the first reharsals will be dealmaker… Only there will be able to see what’s what. On Israel, I am not much for consipirency theories, but this whole sudden Netta hysteria in the odds and in youtube is a bit fishy for me… On Bulgaria going down, well no suprises. Everyone can see that this is not a winner. It’s Bulgaria too hard which… Read more »

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

*Bulgaria *trying* too hard

Music is art+vibs
Music is art+vibs
6 years ago
Reply to  L'oiseau

Belgium’s entry doesnt offer anything we havent heard before. The song is just ok for me. But. .. Let’s see. I wouldnt be happy with it winning

Jordan
Jordan
6 years ago

If male singer sing , I m not your toy , you stupid girls, I think that EBU and many female organization will urge that lyricks must change.

Daniel
Daniel
6 years ago
Reply to  Jordan

So true…

Bondkk
Bondkk
6 years ago
Reply to  Jordan

something something empowering

Zuzu
Zuzu
6 years ago
Reply to  Jordan

It was inspired by the #metoo movement
You know its 2018 already and women still are being harassed and abused and raped and the offenders get away with it

azaad
azaad
6 years ago
Reply to  Jordan

There are many legitimate reasons to dismiss the Israeli song but it’s message is timely and significant. Not the best feminist anthem in the world but still a decent one.

Hexular
Hexular
6 years ago

LOL at people saying that Estonia will flop in the televote. If anything, the opposite will happen. Jury has NEVER liked opera in the recent past and they probably also won’t like this one either. The song/performance is special enough to actually WIN the televote but due to a massive underperformance in the jury, it will most likely only be in the top 5. A repeat of Il Volo 2015.

NoGeoblocks
NoGeoblocks
6 years ago

I love how seeing how Eurovision fans are so afraid of Israel giving the competition a bad reputation. Israel will take the competition forwards, while song like Finland, Malta, Australia, Cyprus, Norway and dreadful Azerbaijan are the ones ruining the competition. All that “love love peace peace” nonsense to some trashy eurobeat. Belgium was the first country to release a song that made me say – ‘finally a good song’. not ‘a good Eurovision song’ but just ‘a good song!’ which is a lot to ask for. I hope Sennek can deliver live. I know for sure Netta can Eurovision… Read more »

Gobio
Gobio
6 years ago
Reply to  NoGeoblocks

Everyone should see this.

Danika
Danika
6 years ago
Reply to  NoGeoblocks

My ranking:
Belgium is my @14th
and Israel is my @ 8th

hh
hh
6 years ago
Reply to  NoGeoblocks

Since when were the lyrics like “You stupid boy.”better than love love peace peace? The lyrics are poor!

Music is art+vibs
Music is art+vibs
6 years ago
Reply to  NoGeoblocks

When I heard the Belgium entry the first time I thought. … Another James Bonn song. Didnt feel impressed. Shes for a good voice though. Would like to see her live

Sabel
Sabel
6 years ago

As much I like Israel, I had my non Eurovision friends listen to it and they all bursted laughing when the chicken part came on. It’s a grower and for that reason it won’t win.. Estonia: the past has proven us that altough it’s a super beautiful song and lovely singer, that type of music will nog get you votes. Czech Republic: that guy has so much charisma and it will show on stage. I predict something similar to Hey Mamma in terms of results And then my country Belgium: everytime I listen to it, I want to listen to… Read more »

David
David
6 years ago
Reply to  Sabel

Yes we want this sooo bad to happen don’t we ? The last&only time we won I was 5 … but even though it’s a great song, I don’t think we gonna win the whole thing. To me it misses that special extra that would blow everybody away. But a top 10 I’m pretty confident. Fingers crossed !

dani
dani
6 years ago

is a rule for the jury, that one person can’t be in jury more than once in 3 years. so is always different persons. we don’t know how this year jury will vote.

Kyna
Kyna
6 years ago
Reply to  dani

That’s a good point, we may have an idea how the televote might go, but the jury one is hard to predict. Different persons, different tastes, different outcomes.

Denis
Denis
6 years ago
Reply to  dani

They still have to follow the same criteria and rules. They will look at the same things as previous juries. So it shouldn¨t be to different.

Kyna
Kyna
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

True, but some jury members can be bias. Greece-Cyprus, Armenia-Azerbaijan etc… I remember some years ago when a jury member admitted that he’ll vote for X country (I don’t remember which one), because my wife is from that X country. Later his vote wasn’t counted.
Hopefully the jury members keep it fair this year.

Sage Anderson
Sage Anderson
6 years ago

I’m still pretty confident that Belgium will win or at least make top 5 (probably top 3 at least). She can sing pretty well live (judging by videos out there of her singing other songs live) and I think the song has a lot of staging potential. Not to mention the song it itself is very quality. And believe it or not I think Italy actually has a better chance than the bookies think…I think if they somehow find a way to get the English translation of their lyrics on the stage (or at least as a special affect that… Read more »

Michael
Michael
6 years ago
Reply to  Sage Anderson

But…… the ‘fact’ is that it’s your opinion. I can see at least 10 other songs and singers that fit your description of the perfect candidate.

Bastian
Bastian
6 years ago
Reply to  Michael

100% this

Denis
Denis
6 years ago

Realisticily speaking, when has a song like “Toy” ever been close to winning in the jury era? Yes the babushkas was close but that was due to massive televoting. I can¨t see the juries going for a woman that imitates a chicken. But it will do well due to massive televoters who wants crazy acts like this.

Smae with Estonia. I can¨t see a mainstream audience going for a all-out opera song.

West
West
6 years ago
Reply to  Denis

We can have the situation from 2016 repeated – jury has one winner, televotes has other winner, but overall winner will be someone who would be second in both jury and televote.

Stan
Stan
6 years ago

I think it will be between Belgium and Israel for the win. Israel for the televote and Belgium for the juries! Unless someone pulls off a ‘Jamala’ (and I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s Sweden again)

Susan
Susan
6 years ago
Reply to  Stan

Iisrael winning televoting???? Why so many people think that? All the winning songs in past years have shown us, that people like songs that are performed by heart. People love beatiful, moving songs. Netta’s performed song is about basically hating men. I am women and I don’t like this song message. Tell me how many men voters are going to vote for this song.

Candice
Candice
6 years ago
Reply to  Susan

I wonder what would be the reaction if this was a man singing about women????
I won’t be voting for Israel this year.

Simon
Simon
6 years ago

I think that Bulgaria will win this year.

Henry
Henry
6 years ago

Songs that are hyped up to the extent that they seem like an outright winner will end up flopping. I don’t think that the winner Israel.

stephen
stephen
6 years ago

The winners and top 5 are in the top 13 on the list.
Once the semis start it will sort it all out.
Some may sound great on their Videos, but as is often, many don’t sound great live, and this will kill any one thinking they are ahead, staging is very important as well as vocals.
Australias song does not deserve to be in the top 10.

Gary
Gary
6 years ago
Reply to  stephen

@ stephen. Are you Stephen Podesta?? Are you and Jam Slam the troll related? The obsessed Dami Im fan who keeps bashing every Australian representative. By the way I think Australia this year have a great song and Jessica will do very well with both televotes & jury. Top 10 deserved

Dew
Dew
6 years ago
Reply to  Gary

Sick of those Dami Im fans bashing every Australia’s entries after her.
I hope Australia can be in top 5 again and shut their filthy mouths.

Dew
Dew
6 years ago
Reply to  Dew

And he and Jam Slam can get a room for their nonstop bashing.

dani
dani
6 years ago

pre parties are nice, but don’t count. countries in 2017 with no pre parties – estonia (non qualifier), but Croatia, and Greece (with zero pre parties) were in the final. and the winner was in zero pre parties.

Pasadena
Pasadena
6 years ago
Reply to  dani

I agree pre-parties don’t matter for the final result. But during pre-parties we hear many of the acts being performed live for the first time and it will have an impact on the odds table. Examples of entries that proved themselves live during the pre-parties include Kristian Kostov last year, the Common Linnets and Conchita in 2014, and Zlata Ognevich in 2013.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago

The odds are all wrong. Israel, Bulgaria and Norway won’t even qualify for the final.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago

Greece is a very interesting entry this year. It’s sitting pretty just outside the top 10 in the betting. Does anyone know how good Yianni Terzi sounds live? Any good examples out there?

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I don’t think she has ever performed live. She isn’t well known.

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I think is a decent entry. However I can’t see the hype, apart from the ethno vibes at the bridge, I don’t find it amusing.

Nicole
Nicole
6 years ago
Reply to  Marcelo

This song is very calming but flat in my opinion. It can be used as music to meditate but will be boring on stage. It is not my personal favourite @17th but I would listen to it after eurovision if I needed to relax.

gili
gili
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

funny(:

Jocelyn
6 years ago

I guess we’ll have to wait until the rehearsals. Tbh I still think that Bulgaria has a huge chance of winning…and if the staging is as good as the rumors put it, we might be going to Sofia next year. I just can’t see Belgium doing *that* well. Fourth might be a stretch.

dani
dani
6 years ago

in the last 2 years europe did only one thing – take the most sad and boring song, and make it the winner = 1944 and amar….
is time for netta. without a winner like netta, next year esc will be born dead.

desfolhada
desfolhada
6 years ago
Reply to  dani
kitty
kitty
6 years ago
Reply to  desfolhada

Its funny how he says next year esc will be born dead. Sobral won and most songs are super fun and uptempo this year.

Mark
Mark
6 years ago
Reply to  dani

Israel’s song is the type of song that gives the contest a bad reputation.

dani
dani
6 years ago
Reply to  Mark

oh really australia? we got love … the same genre

Ern
Ern
6 years ago

We haven’t had such a positive reaction to a Greek entry in years. Maybe Yianna really will return Greece to the top 10.

Israel will do extremely well. That awful song grows on you, and then you find yourself liking it.

Hada
Hada
6 years ago

Belgium has a good chance of winning. Sennek work in merchandising, so she probably knows her visuals and might elevate her already awesome song on stage. I can also see Israel, Spain, Estonia or Italy winning.

But for some reason everyone’s sleeping on Austria and Hungary! Cesar might bring us to church, and Hungary’s a unique act that stands out and has no one to split votes with. I’d totally keep an eye on them.

Hada
Hada
6 years ago
Reply to  Hada

And Portugal. Harder for them because they’re already the hosts, but they’re not chanceless.

Liam Lindsay
Liam Lindsay
6 years ago

I wish the UK got a bit more respect, out of all the Big 5 + Host, The UK and Portugal are the only 2 I see in the Top 10 with the UK pulling of a Moldova 2017, in which everybody hates on them and the bookies are like 80/1 or something but they end up slaying the final. I’ll tell y’all the UK ain’t to be messing with. I know they don’t take it seriously enough but they are at least trying to improve. But, until Guy Freeman is dismissed we are never going to see the UK… Read more »

Darkpassionplay
Darkpassionplay
6 years ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Yes yes UK , you do good , just gif mor moni to EBU and you can have any place you want. Top 10? Better then Moldova? 2nd? You got it , just dont ask for 1st , cuz people will get mad. Storms dont last foreeeeever foreeeever … remember…. just genius!

Dan
Dan
6 years ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Didn’t Guy Freeman leave the BBC this year?

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
6 years ago
Reply to  Dan

Yes. As far as I know, Guy Freeman moved on in February to form his co-venture called Livewire Pictures. The current Head of Delegation for the UK is Helen Riddell. She has bags of practical experience with live shows, and an enthusiasm to get the UK to take Eurovision “seriously”. Those are good things. 🙂 The trouble is that established music artists and record producers in the wider industry don’t take Eurovision (or the BBC) seriously, and there lies Helen’s challenge. I also realise she might be reading this blog, so I wish her well and say “thank you” for… Read more »

Joe
Joe
6 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I think the fact that the judges, contestants, and head of delegation at You Decide all take Eurovision seriously is a good sign. With enough work, the UK could be steered in the right direction.
(And all that being said, going back to the national final was a smart choice. Saves us from any more Bonnie Tyler or Electro Velvet).

Weißbrot
Weißbrot
6 years ago
Reply to  Liam Lindsay

Uhm…. Moldova was hated on because People claimed it was ”trashy”, ”annoying” and ”stupid”. Nobody hates on UK, because nobody has an opinion about the song. It’s not at the bottom of many lists, because it’s ”polarizing”, but because it’s boring af. Moldova wasn’t boring! If People say that a song is horrible, there are for sue other People loving it. But if the majority just says that the song is fine, okay or boring and rank it low because of These reasons, it’s the opposite of hate. It’s just not caring at all…. Same Situation as Levina last year.

Joe
Joe
6 years ago

Bulgaria’s OK. My problem has been that while I did genuinely enjoy “If Love Was a Crime” and was glad to see it make the top 5, “Beautiful Mess” was just a very good song that never really stuck with me. It was overrated a bit, and now this new entry is fine but nothing that blows me away. I’m glad for Bulgaria’s success after many years of slipping away in the semis, but I’m more interested in other countries this year. The “huge countries” (Sweden, Russia, Azerbaijan, etc.) usually don’t get me hyped as much as countries with something… Read more »

blondboybc
blondboybc
6 years ago

I can see Israel dropping after rehearsals in May, which clears a path for Estonia sitting comfortably in second in the odds….she has proven herself live in Eesti Laul, whereas many others have not in the top 10 of the odds. I also think Greece should be higher than Norway and Sweden (higher because of their rep, but songs are average). Not sure about Belgium…much depends on staging, as it does for Australia and Bulgaria (could end up like Armenia 2015!) My faves still remain Estonia, Greece and France–all very classy songs!

Darkpassionplay
Darkpassionplay
6 years ago

Bulgaria broadcaster BNT expected that dip , they knew the song is risky , not just cuz of the style of the song , but the singer Jana was addicted to drugs and now as we speak she is in Austria for a rehab , she convinced the producers that she can do it and she can remain mentally stable. That was the main risk Bulgaria was talking about and the main reason they choose this song is the staging , they had better songs in the selection , but Bones had the full packedge and this is what makes… Read more »

azaad
azaad
6 years ago

She’s in rehab?!

Ramones
Ramones
6 years ago

I love the drama though, only adds to it for me 😛

Escphbelgium
Escphbelgium
6 years ago

An Ugandan Dance group used Toy in their performance!!!
https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=500946053640315&id=433097083758546

MR1
MR1
6 years ago

43 absolutely fantastic songs. You will see my rating tomorrow, but there will be not surprises…

Arizona
Arizona
6 years ago

Who’s doubting Miss Foureira will take the crown?! Wait for her to dance her long boots off.

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago
Reply to  Arizona

LOL. She better make sure that she qualifies to the final.

schuyler
schuyler
6 years ago

France should have wayyyyyyy lower odds. Paris 2019 is a real possibility, y’all.

Ceul
Ceul
6 years ago

It’s too early to predict anything, but I wouldn’t mind Belgium, Bulgaria or Estonia winning the whole thing! Israel is good and a nice song, but no winner material. Top 5 for sure. Czech Republic I’m not a fan of, but I see it doing pretty good.

Cannot name my winner yet, that will be the case after the live performances.

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago
Reply to  Ceul

I would also put songs like France or Italy and even Spain into the possible winners. And people are overrating songs like Bulgaria, Sweden, Norway and Greece and underrating songs like Germany or Netherlands.

Darkpassionplay
Darkpassionplay
6 years ago
Reply to  Marcelo

Songs like Germany and Netherlands desurve to be underrated ….

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago

Different tastes. I really think Germany could get a decent amount of televotes. Maybe Germany and the Netherlands don’t deserve that much attention but they’ll definitely deserve more than songs like Norway or Australia.

Leglaude
Leglaude
6 years ago

Lots of songs have not been yet performed live on a TV show or at least in front of a big audience…. among them Israel, Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, Australia, Austria or Russia. Like Finland, which was less impressive in UMK than on the videoclip, others may disappoint once performed in ESC conditions and, on the other hand, some may be more impressive once performed on stage. Sennek seems to be a great perfomer so I’m very confident on how she will deliver it live…

TiredofallthehTe
TiredofallthehTe
6 years ago

All the hate Bulgaria is taking for the effort they put is beyond disgusting.It was really lovely and nice to support the country when they keep failing, now they are not comfortable anymore! “Bones” is extremely strong song, all the singers are proven live with winning sing competitions, the staging without LEDs will help them stand out. You guys better prepare yourself for that slayage!!!!

Jo
Jo
6 years ago

Success breeds haters. Getting them means you’re doing well.

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago

Interesting. Bulgaria got a 4th place in 2016 and a 5th place on televote alone. I don’t think that’s hate at all. And after the 4th place, people rooted for Bulgaria even more, and it ended on 2nd in Kyiv. The song this year is relatively average, I mean can you come up with other to describe “Bones” other than different, dark, Sia?

S
S
6 years ago
Reply to  Marcelo

I am huge fan of Sia and when I saw the women’s hair in Bones video…I mean, I don’t hate the song, I don’t love it either. I think there was smth in my head, that didn’t want to like the song, because this siner. Even she has a voice very similar to Sia. I mean overall I don’t mean bad. I don’t know nothing about this Bulgarian singer. I haven’t listen any of her songs so I better shut up.

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago
Reply to  S

The entire Bulgarian entry just screamed Sia to me. Apart from the girl’s hair, we got the shouty vocals, the darky-indie pop vibe, and the clichés of some of the lyrics (bones, soul). I honestly don’t see Bulgaria doing well, but they’re currently on a streak so who knows.

Flynn
Flynn
6 years ago

I’m not really a fan of any of the songs in that top 10 and I can’t really see any of them outside of Israel and maybe Belgium winning out that top 10. A lot of those countries e.g. Bulgaria, Sweden, Norway are purely there because of track record or the name of the artist and not song quality. So I think the bookies at this moment in time are the most wrong they’ve been for a while I honestly think the winner is going to be a surprise this year and be one of the countries listed as an… Read more »

S
S
6 years ago
Reply to  Flynn

I agree 🙂

S
S
6 years ago
Reply to  S

I mean I agree with Marcelo and what he was saying about Bulgarian song 😉

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago

I don’t think Belgium have a better song than Bulgaria.
Bulgaria are just dropping because of the disappointment of what was being expected. They should stabilise once people get over that.

I also don’t think that Israel and Czech Rep would be that high on the odds based on the song quality. They’re up there in response to actual betting. Both are risky songs that have as much chance of not qualifying as winning. Australia and Sweden are probably safer.

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

Bulgaria is something to attract the goth/emo community of Europe apparently and all the Sia fanbase apparently.

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

Well guys, I would suggest we all vote for entries which defend our roots, no matter if from North, South, East or West…. And no matter if it’s not the type of music we enjoy to dance to. This is Euro-vision and it’s sad to see most of the entries have lost our essence and cultures. For me it’s also quite sad to see most young people supporting globalised music and sounds we have heard before or reminds us of someone else. No need to mention countries.

Marko
Marko
6 years ago

I think the goal of music is to erase borders, to be good whichever the country it comes from. For every gen, the world is becoming smaller and smaller. My gen (99) sees the world as a huge village, communicating with or even going from one side of the globe to the other is completely normal for us. The perception of things is a key thing here, that’s why we love the “globalised” music so much! 🙂

Music is art+vibs
Music is art+vibs
6 years ago
Reply to  Marko

I think you are wrong: diversity is richness, not a border. And the cultural richness of all our countries is a treasure we must defend before it’s gone. I would personally like Italy, France, Spain or Greece to win this year.

Marko
Marko
6 years ago

I want Sweden to win! At least 70% of the televote will come from non-esc-fans, the ones who’ll hear all of the songs for the first time while watching the live shows in May. I think Benjamin’s song and overall performance leaves the biggest impression on an individual and therefor will be loved by both the public and the juries. Esc fandom seems to be feed up with Sweden’s quality and massively underates the song, which is ok, too much of sth is often a good thing, but Sweden’s products are still, in my op, very good. 🙂

Music is art+vibs
Music is art+vibs
6 years ago
Reply to  Marko

In my opinion simple, easy, too visual, no essence… In terms of song and voice quality, what the contest is about, it is for me one of the worst of the year. But, I understand some people want a song they can dance to for the win, no matter the quality od the composition is.

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago
Reply to  Marko

I’ll believe people will be tend more to vote Czech Republic or Australia over Sweden.

Marko
Marko
6 years ago
Reply to  Marcelo

I’m not so sure about that tbh.
Czechia could turn a lot of people down because of that loud, sometimes annoying trumpet, especially the older viewers (if they even vote tho).
Australia will always be underrated by the televote because it’s just not in Europe, if they couldn’t win in 2016, they can’t win at all (still can’t belive the fact that Dami came only 4th with the televote).
Dance you off gets you hooked from the first second, throws you those trendy-r’n’b-weeknd vibes, has no particularly annoying parts…

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago
Reply to  Marko

If Mans didn’t top the televote, I seriously doubt Benjamin would be able to do so, I’ll say Sweden will get 8th-9th place in the televote and that’s the best case, considering many people dislike the Swedish entry. I believe songs like Israel, Poland or Finland will get a lot of televotes.

Michael
Michael
6 years ago
Reply to  Marko

I totaly agree with you. Sweden is really hated by esc fans and I don’t get why. The only thing they do is work hard.But It seems that the public underates Sweden too. Mans came third with the public and Robin Bengsson only eighth…and I don’t think they both deserved those places. But I hope Sweden wins too.I think it could happen.This year is very open and the juries may give the victory to Sweden(and I hope the public too)…

Music is art+vibs
Music is art+vibs
6 years ago
Reply to  Michael

Well, I have a different point of view. Sweden is often overrated and we all know it. Many countries make an effort. Even the big five make a buf effort supporting economically this country even being some of them frequently underrated. So…

Marko
Marko
6 years ago

Every country makes an effort, but some create a better overall product than others. Sweden is good at that. While I was visiting my friends and family in Switzerland during the summer of 2016, all of the radio stations were playing “If I were sorry” and I hadn’t heared any of the other competing songs on the radio, especially not “1944”. I’ll just leave you with that.

Btw, love debating with you, you’re one of onl few polite and objective ones here! 🙂

Music is art+vibs
Music is art+vibs
6 years ago
Reply to  Michael

*this contest

Michael
Michael
6 years ago

Yeah I get what you mean, but the thing with Sweden is that they put a lot of effort than other countries do on Eurovision. I mean right now they probably have started organizing 2019 melfest. Big 5 countries don’t care about the contest(at least until recently) Often Sweden is overrated with the juries but that happens because their songs have great production behind them. I think the only time Sweden was really overrated was in 2013. I mean it came 3rd with juries…How on earth they did that…

Ann
Ann
6 years ago
Reply to  Michael

So you think, that Sweden should win “because the country puts a lot of effort”? Nobody forces them to do that. It is a song contest, not “how much effort do you put”-contest.

Denis
Denis
6 years ago
Reply to  Michael

Sweden is hated by Wiwibloggers, not by fans. There is a huge difference. Wiwiposters often think they are more important than they are.
If you want fan opinion visit YouTube. There you know. And most of them are positive

Ann
Ann
6 years ago
Reply to  Michael

Sweden is hated? Come on…Do you read people’s comment here? Sweden is really OVERrated. Many said that Sweden’s song was their favourite when the country didn’t even choose one yet… But maybe some fans begin to think that enough is enough. And that’s maybe, because it’s especially swedish fans who are saying “We are the best. All countries like San Marino, Latvia, Moldova…Oh, please, they will never be like us!” or “Sweden is 5th?! The song is underrated!” or “Why aren’t we winning? People hate us! They hate us, because we are so awesome and we have won so much!”… Read more »

Milla
Milla
6 years ago
Reply to  Ann

We say those things when we know it’s undeserving behaviour from fans. Like when someone says we won’t qualify.. I mean come on! We aren’t dumb! At least the staging will qualify 😀

Candy
Candy
6 years ago

This clearly is an interesting year with so many possible winners and dark horses among the entries. It’s almost as if anything could happen. At this point, I feel Italy are likely to win, but everything stands and falls with the live performance and the staging in particular – especially in an unpredictable year like this one.

This is my opinion (Timo)
This is my opinion (Timo)
6 years ago

Belgium is nothing special. Bookies have faith in them for their top 5 score last year. Now for Israel, I find that song irritating, how are millions of people suppose to understand that girl singing song like that? Are they taking piss of eurovision screaming “you stupid boy” bluck black buck buka buka no sorry it wasn’t like that she begins with opening her mouth does it even worst than buck buka bukckabuck crap. Yack it’s just like some little kid playing notty staff. I don’t even know what to say. ..please ban that entry

beccaboo1212
6 years ago

OFF TOPIC: Junior Eurovision 2018 will be on Fiamma Boccia’s birthday. 🙂

AM2PM
AM2PM
6 years ago
Reply to  beccaboo1212

Seek help.

That’s all.

FrankyB
FrankyB
6 years ago

Toy is a funny song and it will rock the audiance. But i think it is overated. The Video is great but live it will loose this effects. Backing Vocals are not easy in this Song to sing. And i dont think that she will dance in her performance. She will stand behind the keyboard. And this is to static and will kill the Song.

Jenny ESC
6 years ago

Belgium is so overrated,Estonia and Sweden are much better,but you can’t trust the bookies Italy was first with the bookies but didn’t win

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago
Reply to  Jenny ESC

I’ll say Estonia and Israel are way overrated than Belgium. And we all know there’s a possibilty that Estonia 2018 become the new France 2011. Sweden is fine for Top 10 but definitely not a winner.

Tan
Tan
6 years ago

The best are Finland, Litthuania, Israel, Italy. All the rest are not interesting.

ninasublatti
ninasublatti
6 years ago

i hope bulgaria’s pretentious piece of cr*p will fail to qualify

Eleonor
Eleonor
6 years ago
Reply to  ninasublatti

pretentious piece of cr*p won in 2017 and 2016 sooo I dont see what’s up with that ?

PP
PP
6 years ago
Reply to  Eleonor

In 2016 won politics, in 2017 health heart problem. What will be in 2018

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
6 years ago
Reply to  PP

Maybe the refugee crisis?

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago
Reply to  PP

Are people still questioning Jamala and Salvador’s wins? I mean Jamala’s win was kinda suspicious (with the “Bizim Qirim” thing and not topping either jury or televote) but Salvador won both jury and televote, I don’t see how that’s not fair.

Hada
Hada
6 years ago
Reply to  Marcelo

Well you see, PP doesn’t like Salvador so he’s pretentious and he must’ve won because of pity votes (even though Eurofans tend to mock, not sympathize with, disabilities) /s.

stephen podesta
stephen podesta
6 years ago

This will all change once it starts I can see some dropping out of the top 5 in the 1st week.
I predict Israel will come 2nd or 3rd if the singing and staging is good, but not the winner.

beccaboo1212
6 years ago

Albania at #34? 😮 I wanted Albania in the Top 10! 🙁 Same thing with Iceland! 🙁

Marcelo
Marcelo
6 years ago
Reply to  beccaboo1212

I wanted Albania to reach the final too, but that revamp kinda ruined the song for me. Plus, it will be very difficult for Albania to qualify. Iceland was doomed since the song was chosen, bottom 5 in the Semi-Final.

beccaboo1212
6 years ago
Reply to  Marcelo

Maybe Eugent can revive the power notes in Lisbon! 🙂

Jo
Jo
6 years ago
Reply to  beccaboo1212

Albania is in the game, but Iceland…you should be prepared.