It’s one of the biggest selections of the Eurovision season. And Saturday night’s Melodifestivalen 2021 premiere was not short on spectacle…even with the all-important COVID-19 safety measures.

Yet despite going direct to the final from the semi’s pimp slot, Danny Saucedo is no longer the bookies’ favourite to win the whole thing. Their number one is now Eric Saade.

Melodifestivalen 2021 Odds: Eric Saade favourite to win

The “Every Minute” popstar first passed out Danny, the early odds-topper, in the lead up to last weekend’s show. Eric is currently trading on Svenska Spel at odds of 4.00. We won’t hear his song for another three weeks, but there are several other reasons why punters may be backing him. He’s competed in Melfest on three previous occasions, going direct to the final each time and winning the contest outright in 2011. Furthermore, he’s performing last in semi-final four – a slot that’s often considered to be reserved for potential winners.

Melodifestivalen 2020: Other favourites

Eric may have the shortest odds, but there are several acts jostling for the top spot. Danny Saucedo hasn’t gone far. He sits at second place following the premiere of “Dandi Dansa” at the weekend. The three time-Melfest finalist is currently trading at odds of 5.20.

Last year’s runner-up, Dotter is in third. She can be backed at 5.6. In fact, her odds are even better if you look at the odds for semi-final two. There she leads the pack, with odds as low as 1.22. 

The top five is completed by debutant Tusse at 6.40 and last year’s winners The Mamas at 6.90. None of the remaining acts have single digit odds. The top ten is rounded out by Charlotte Perrelli, Arvingarna, Anton Ewald, Mustasch and Frida Green.

It’s important to note that we obviously haven’t heard most of the songs yet, and these odds are driven partly by hype.

That said, bookies and oddsmakers do keep their ears-to-the-ground and often have insight from songwriters and officials close to (and even inside) SVT. Sometimes their crystal balls are based on facts that the rest of us simply don’t know about. The only problem is it’s hard to know when they’re on it and when they’re not…

Melodifestivalen 2021 Bookmakers’ Odds – 8 February Update

  1. Eric Saade 4.00
  2. Danny Saucedo 5.20
  3. Dotter 5.60
  4. Tusse 6.40
  5. The Mamas 6.90
  6. Charlotte Perrelli 16.00
  7. Arvingarna 28.00
  8. Anton Ewald 29.00
  9. Mustasch 31.00
  10. Frida Green 31.00
  11. Patrik Jean 36.00
  12. Klara Hammarström 42.00
  13. Clara Klingenström 50.00
  14. Tess Merkel 50.00
  15. Paul Rey 57.00
  16. Alvaro Estrella 60.00
  17. Lovad 65.00
  18. Efraim Leo 65.00
  19. Elisa Lindström 65.00
  20. Sannex 85.00
  21. Emil Assergård 85.00
  22. Lillasyster 120.00
  23. WAHL feat SAMI 180.00
  24. Julia Alfrida 230.00
  25. Eva Rydberg & Ewa Roos 250.00

Odds correct as of 14:00 CET 8 February 2021, via Svenska Spel

What do you think of the odds? Who is underrated? Let us know in the comments.

Follow all of our Sweden Eurovision 2021 news.

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Ulrika
Ulrika
3 years ago

If Tusse has a good song he could very well win this whole thing. He’s very, very good when he makes an effort.

Denis
Denis
3 years ago
Reply to  Ulrika

I think so too. Björkman praised him when he guest judged Idol and you know he isn¨t giving he a random filler song. He is there with serious business

Da Euro Neuro Lord and Master
Da Euro Neuro Lord and Master
3 years ago

Absolutely hilarious considering we haven’t heard the other 21 songs yet.

All fanwank stuff these odds!

Mr.Cigala
Mr.Cigala
3 years ago

Let’s make Dotterdam happen.

Henry
Henry
3 years ago
Reply to  Mr.Cigala

let’s listen to her song first….

Mattias Sollerman
Mattias Sollerman
3 years ago

As Mr. Banan sang in 2013
“Danny, a second place”

Lolek
Lolek
3 years ago

The wait to hear the previews is killing me, haha. I always look forward to Thursday with such excitement!

Tim
Tim
3 years ago

The eurofans want dotter and only dotter to win. They will hate everything else.

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago
Reply to  Tim

British people only eat fish and chips. They hate everything else.

Lolek
Lolek
3 years ago
Reply to  Tim

I don’t necessarily agree. I LOVED Dotter’s entry last year (and practically all of her music) but if another song/performance is better than her’s then I think we can more than live with her not going to Dotterdam. 😉

I loved Bulletproof but I can totally see why the Mama’s won.

Jamie
Jamie
3 years ago

Well if it’s as bad as Danny than fat chance. I think Dotter will be the winner. But I guess we’ll see.

Viggz
Viggz
3 years ago

I’m so excited for Eric Saade! I’m also excited for Tusse, Dotter and The Mamas!

Edu
Edu
3 years ago

Really? Come on! Anyway is so predictable…
Sweden this year wants a name and a good perfo. Not a good song and good singer.

Tim Nilsson
Tim Nilsson
3 years ago

FRIDA GREEN IS COMING FOR YOU
https://youtu.be/Stx_pZofuy8?t=35

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
3 years ago

He’s always been popular.

Tim Nilsson
Tim Nilsson
3 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

pun intended