With rehearsals for Eurovision 2021 now underway, the contenders for the trophy finally have the chance to show us what they’re made of on the stage. The bookies have been keeping a close eye on how things have been going. Following the first rehearsals of all the acts competing in semi-final one, the bookmakers have altered their odds on some countries, and are now tipping France as the favourite to win the overall contest.

Eurovision 2021 odds: France becomes the favourite to win

Destiny from Malta had been the favourite to win ever since her song was announced back in March. But after her pink-laden staging was revealed at her first rehearsal, the bookies seem less impressed. The star has gone from 3/1 before rehearsals to around 41/10 at the time of writing. The teen star had massive expectations to fulfil, and is probably saving her best performance for the night. Momentum may be slipping, but don’t count her out yet!

Taking her place at the top is the former bookie’s second-place Barbara Pravi of France. Her odds have shortened slightly from 9/2 to 4/1. As a member of the Big Five, we will need to wait until Thursday for her first rehearsal. Mellow, intimate staging took “Voilà” to a landslide win at France’s national selection. If she can replicate that in Rotterdam, then we may see her odds shorten even further.

Finishing out the top three is still Switzerland. Gjon’s Tears is holding steady at 5/1. The bookies have responded poorly to his previous performances, so it will interesting to see how they react to his first rehearsal on Tuesday. Italy, sitting on 7/1, and Bulgaria, on 35/2, round out the top five.

 

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Eurovision 2021 Semi-Final 1 Odds: Ukraine and Israel ascend, Azerbaijan drops from the top 10

The other big mover from the first rehearsals was Ukraine. The bookies were impressed by Go_A’s intense staging, with some betmakers offering odds as low as 25/1. This places them inside the top ten for the first time since the start of the 2021 season.

The group’s odds to qualify have also shortened greatly. Formerly considered an outsider, they now sit in the top five at 1/41.

At the other end, the biggest drop of the first rehearsals was Azerbaijan. Formerly amongst the top five in the odds to qualify at 3/13, Efendi has now dropped down to 11th at 7/11. Meanwhile, Israel has gained ground. Formerly outside the top ten with odds of 1/1, Eden Alene now sits at tenth place at 5/9.

At the time of writing, the bookies predict that the qualifiers from the first semi-final will be Malta, Cyprus, Lithuania, Sweden, Ukraine, Russia, Romania, Norway, Croatia and Israel. This would make Azerbaijan, Belgium, Ireland, Australia, Slovenia and North Macedonia the non-qualifiers.

Eurovision 2021 semi-final 1 – Odds to qualify

  1. Malta – 1/100
  2. Cyprus – 1/16
  3. Lithuania – 1/9
  4. Sweden – 2/13
  5. Ukraine – 1/41
  6. Russia – 2/13
  7. Romania – 5/12
  8. Norway – 3/7
  9. Croatia – 1/2
  10. Israel – 5/9
  11. Azerbaijan – 7/11
  12. Belgium – 13/10
  13. Ireland – 19/10
  14. Australia – 11/4
  15. Slovenia – 19/5
  16. North Macedonia – 49/10

Odds via Oddschecker at 05:00 BST

What do you think of how things have shifted? Do you agree with France being the new favourite in the odds to win Eurovision 2021? Who do you think will qualify from the first semi-final? Let us know below!

Read more Eurovision odds news here

61 Comments
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Nicky
Nicky
2 years ago

Hey , what do you all think about Roxen – Romania??? I’m really intrigued by the song and it’s growing on me. Could it be the dark horse???

Last edited 2 years ago by Nicky
Alex
Alex
2 years ago

Don’t be quick to forget about Malta, remember Duncan slipped after his first rehearsal because staging was very simple and had an IKEA lamp.

I think currently it’s between Iceland, France and Malta.

Pending rehearsals from Switzerland, Bulgaria and Italy to confirm who else is in the race.

FFF
FFF
2 years ago

After the first rehearsals my predictions for semi final 1 qualifiers are:

Ireland, Lithuania, Russia, Cyprus, Sweden, Belgium, Norway, Malta, Ukraine and one of these; Israel/Slovenia/Croatia

Daniel
Daniel
2 years ago

Since France is one of the 5 big countries that go direct to the final, if France wins this year’s Eurovision song contest, it could be like again as when Germany arranged the competition in 2011 after they won the year before(2010) That only the 5 big countries are directly qualified for the Eurovision final 2022, when one place disappears as France takes both a direct place (the host nation) and belongs to the 5 big countries. When Germany organized the competition in 2011, they only paid the cost of arranging and not the entry fee and because Germany pays… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Daniel
Sot
Sot
2 years ago

I’m a bit late to the party but VIVE LE FRANCE or whatever, I don’t speak French 😛

John
John
2 years ago

I don’t get the love for France. It is one of the few tracks I turn off on the cd.
Word of advice to Azerbaijan..if you want to do well in Eurovision, dont block the song from being played on music streaming..for some reason it’s the only song on Amazon that you can not stream!

Vicky
Vicky
2 years ago

It will be between France and Italy this year. No other choice. Love both, but Italy more.

Jérémy PEREIRA
Jérémy PEREIRA
2 years ago

From what I saw with rehearsals, mainly songs are loud, up-tempo and with many things …. and I assume simplicity of France will be really “apart” in a good way … and will be “valorized” …..

Alex
Alex
2 years ago

I think people will go for a fun song like Iceland, they need something happy.

baby
baby
2 years ago

Also everyone comparing destiny to netta just because she is a bigger woman, if she was a skinny white girl no one would even think of comparing them

Last edited 2 years ago by baby
Eurovisionary
Eurovisionary
2 years ago
Reply to  baby

Nonsense..it’s the song similarity of the story, feminism used..if it was for the look we would mention not only Netta there are many others like Chiara but we can’t mention those with Destiny as their songs were different so you get real and stop chatting nonsense

baby
baby
2 years ago
Reply to  Eurovisionary

Well if its just the story and feminism in the song then why arent you comparing samanta tina or efendi to netta?

Last edited 2 years ago by baby
Eurovisionary
Eurovisionary
2 years ago
Reply to  baby

When are you gonna start using your brain..we are talking about song similarity regarding destiny and netta…others you mentioned different uptempos no need to count one by one…why am I bothered to waste my time with you…

baby
baby
2 years ago
Reply to  Eurovisionary

Ok song similarity, netta had a techno song with ethnic elements where she also bocked like a chicken, and destiny has a pop/soul song with a old dubstep twist, literally nothing is similar

baby
baby
2 years ago
Reply to  baby

Charleston vibe*

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  baby

if she was skinny, they would compare her to Eleni Foureira just like most fans do.

baby
baby
2 years ago

Everyone hating on malta just because its a favourite, trust me if it was 20-15th in the odds yall would be like “slay queen, omg so underated”

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  baby

Not true, i think people don’t like the outfit, it just doesn’t look good. Happy for Destiny that she feels comfortable in it and loves it but i think we DO have the right to express our opinion…

Eurovisionary
Eurovisionary
2 years ago

Picture this, the winner will be one of these three if not draw France, Italy or Switzerland Forget Malta it ain’t gonna win but Destiny already got nice promotion to reach wide audiences with aide of bookies and polls as fans looking at her and ofcourse via eurovision channel, if shes got an album coming out soon it be good for her now. Juries won’t credit her that much even Netta toy original version of Destinys song wasn’t jury favourite in 2018 Austria was…Destiny won’t be either, neither jury winner, nor fans winner. Sorry but you will see mark my… Read more »

JulianA
JulianA
2 years ago
Reply to  Eurovisionary

I would be happy with Italy as a winner, if not than Switzerland is also my favorite )

Samo
Samo
2 years ago

I think we’re gonna have a surprise winner this year. I would absolutely love France to win, but I’m not sure if it’s gonna work with audiences who will hear the song for the first time.

Jimmy Smit
Jimmy Smit
2 years ago

France has been at the top for me since the stunning NF performance. It was ready made for Eurovision. There are many good acts this year, all fighting for the Top 5, and Voila seems like it has the strongest chances to win the consensus between juries and televoters.

Julio
Julio
2 years ago
Reply to  Jimmy Smit

France is my number one since Barbara’s audition video for the French national selection. Just her and the microphone…no special lighting, no fancy angles….completely paired down. I fell in love with Voilà. Barbara emotes this song so beautifully.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
2 years ago

So my personal favourite this year (France) is first in the odds! That’s a first time in eight years for me. 🙂
I’m glad the betting people feel what I do, so to speak.

John
John
2 years ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

France were top of the odds in 2011.That worked out well.

Julian
Julian
2 years ago

Are they serious?! All this body shaming!!! As soon as Destiny ‘shows some skin’ y’all decide to put her in 2nd place. They should know that appearance doesn’t matter. It’s the voice that’s important.

Samo
Samo
2 years ago
Reply to  Julian

Showing her skin isn’t a problem, showing that hideous dress is.

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  Julian

It’s never about the voice, this is not a singing competition!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It’s a music TV show so ofc the performance matters.

Bob
Bob
2 years ago

I think people expect Sweden to go through because of their consistent record. But I wouldn’t be surprised if it bombs.

Burger
Burger
2 years ago

I still think it’s one or the other, unlikely both will qualify

lasse braun
lasse braun
2 years ago

forget the first 3 at the bookies – top 5 (random order) in the final will be ukraine,russia,lithuania,italy and yes portugal – mark my words. 😀

Bob
Bob
2 years ago
Reply to  lasse braun

Russia? I doubt it. Ukraine is too alternative. Portugal is a dark horse, yes, but it won’t reach top 5. Lithuania, Italy, San Marino, Malta these countries will get the most love from the televote.

lasse braun
lasse braun
2 years ago
Reply to  Bob

take it easy – this is a funny old game. 🙂

ESC 21
2 years ago
Reply to  lasse braun

Its the 5 wordt song this year

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  lasse braun

Portugal and Lithuania? gurl cut the pills.

Charli Cheer Up
Charli Cheer Up
2 years ago

Too early to judge imo but still happy that Top 2 is still between France and Malta.

Jake
Jake
2 years ago

“Let’s discoteque right at my home”
“It is okay, to dance alone”

Mr X
Mr X
2 years ago

One or even both of them will be NQ….

ESC 21
2 years ago

Russia and Ukraine is a BIG BIG JOJE. THEY SJOULD NOT BE IN ESC ANYMORE. They only screeming. Bur its Rusdia and Ukraim, so they gonna ho well as always

Darren
Darren
2 years ago

Same qualifiers.
Vanilla’s got taste

Darren
Darren
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

It certainly does indeed lol

EProduc
EProduc
2 years ago

From what I’ve seen Malta’s staging was actually pretty non-existent. Mostly a black background with some basic pink effects and a platform with stairs. Not to mention the weird choice of wardrobe. So not… Destiny? Those vocals were other-worldly though!

Blackcat
Blackcat
2 years ago

I like Swedish song. The singer is really good but the outfit is horrible especially the trousers. It doesn’t look good on him and distracts from his beautiful voice.

Blackcat
Blackcat
2 years ago

French song is quite boring this year. Couldn’t even listen one minute.

WhiteSox
WhiteSox
2 years ago
Reply to  Blackcat

So, don’t listen to it….

Miso
Miso
2 years ago
Reply to  Blackcat

I agree

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  Blackcat

It’s ok, i think Azerbaoijan 2011 was boring and it won. Same for Denmark 2013 and Portugal 2017.

OberonYronwood
OberonYronwood
2 years ago

I mean, France is my number 2 just after Italy so GO FRANCE, they just need to copy and paste their performance from the french national final and our brothers will win, Go France!!

Mr X
Mr X
2 years ago
Reply to  OberonYronwood

Allez les Bleus….

Catriona Colville
Catriona Colville
2 years ago
Reply to  OberonYronwood

They’ve already said they were completely changing the staging.

Lou
Lou
2 years ago

Not at all Catriona! They said they wouldn’t change much !

notyourtoy
notyourtoy
2 years ago

Sweden, Norway and Romania flopped right now (alongside Malta), while Cyprus and mostly Ukraine got a huuuge boost!

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  notyourtoy

Norway was never a contender with that hideous outfit and demons.

Nobody Important
Nobody Important
2 years ago

As it should. France is the most deserving winner so far! <3

Darren
Darren
2 years ago

Azerbaijan and Norway are at risk of NQ (Azerbaijan definite should) Sweden might also be a shock NQ.

Delighted people have got behind Ukraine this year, love it.

Still think Belgium and Ireland can make it instead of AZ and NOR.

Last edited 2 years ago by Darren
Burger
Burger
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

Azerbaijan is missing the peop they often have in the staging.

Burger
Burger
2 years ago
Reply to  Burger

Missing the prop

Alex
Alex
2 years ago
Reply to  Darren

I think Belgium can get more points than Norway. Norway will not appeal to juries and will only get points from some neighbouring countries.

I think Belgium can come 12th in televoting and 5th with juries.

Azerbaijan is in danger. I think it will fight with Israel for that ticket.

Nick
Nick
2 years ago

Ukraine just entered top 10 on odds!
yes!

Ellen
Ellen
2 years ago

My top 2 is still leading the odds!! So let’s go girls!! Let’s go Barbara!!

Carl
Carl
2 years ago

There must be a huge disconnect between what we have seen for Malta’s performance and what reporters have watched in the press room with all the camera shots and cuts because the reactions are totally opposite. Destiny was dancing and performing throughout the whole performance. They chose to show the bridge part which I hope people were not expecting Destiny to dance the ‘cha-cha’ when she is belting those high notes!! Destiny said she feels confident and comfortable on stage with that outfit and she looks super stunning. Could they have chosen a better outfit or colors? Maybe. but in… Read more »

Last edited 2 years ago by Carl