Eurovision Song Contest: 1st Semi-final - Favorites

As with all seemingly important events in our calender,for example reality shows, all the betting organizations of Europe give out betting odds for the Eurovision Song Contest. They're even posted on Eurovision's official webpage. Using these (certainly not infallible) odds, we'll present the 10 songs with the best odds. Then tomorrow, we'll be able to check the veracity of these odds, by comparing them to the actual results. Here we go...

The sexy man appearing in the photo is Sergey Lazarev and he is one good reason that Russia leads the overall odds. Russia has already won the contest 8 years ago and also came second four times. This year's song is OK (which means good by Eurovision standards), but it lacks that certain something that made Loreen's Euphoria a sure-fire winner. Still the choreography and presentation are interesting and the singer definitely commands our attention. With a good performance in the semi-finals, Sergey may make it all the way to the winning spot.

That would mean that Russia would be the next host of the contest. I want to be optimistic about this and hope that their chance to host the contest will force the Russian government to review the anti-gay laws in existance. Our Russian gay friends are numerous and absolutely lovable. Hopefully all this will work in their favor.

Here's Russia's entry:

Then comes Malta, with this song by Ira Losco. Malta has had reached the contest runners-up spot (#2) twice. One of these was with this year's singer. Will she catch lightning in a bottle twice? This is not among my favorites, but I'll have to wait and see tomorrow's performance for my final judgement. After all, Eurovision isn't just about the song, it's the whole package that matters.

Here's the entry from Malta:

Next we go to Armenia: a dance song with oriental touches, sung by a sexy girl with a good voice, Iveta Mukuchyan. It could go places. Armenia's best position so far was #4, twice.

Here's Armenia's entry:

The last time the Netherlands won the contest, was right after Abba, in 1975. It's a long time. They did come second a couple of years ago, with a very good song by the Common Linnets. There may be a chance for them this year as well. This song is among my personal favorites, with its indie vibe and Douwe Bob's pleasant voice.

Here's the entry from the Netherlands:

The Czech song has its merits too. True, much of it is generic Pop, but there are moments of true emotions there. Also, Gabriela Gunčíková seems very likeable. So far, the Czech Republic has never qualified for the finals. This song will probably be the one to do it.

Here's the entry from the Czech Republic:

Iceland's song doesn't really do it for me, but I realize its potential. I reserve judgement till tomorrow. So far they have had two #2 positions, the latest being 15 years ago.

Here's Iceland's entry:

Croatia's highest position so far has been #4, twice. I don't think that the record will be broken this year. I see this possibly progressing to the finals and maybe achieving a respectable midtable position there.

Here's Croatia's entry:

Cyprus has made the Top 5 three times, landing at #5 each one. Will it go higher this year? Possibly not, but it will probably make the final. It's a rather good song. If the performance checks all the right boxes, who knows...

Here's the entry from Cyprus:

Azerbaijan appears in the contest for its 9th time, yet in this short space, it has managed a #1, a #2, a #3, a #4 and a #5 position. This year's song doesn't really do it for me. Let's see...

Here's Azerbaijan's entry:

Hungary has had one #4 and one #5 position in the past. This song is OK, but the presentation, which includes Tibetan monks on percussion and lots of fire in general, will probably catch the public's attention. There's also an interesting hook (whistling?) and the singer is hot, so we'll see how it goes.

Here's Hungary's entry:

Finally, I cannot not mention Greece, even though the only way to consider the song a favorite is to read the betting odds upside down. It's an attempt at doing something different, mixing Greek folk musical touches with generic Pop sung in English and some Greek rap. Does it work? Mostly, no. I give it some points for the effort though. Greece has won the contest once, 11 years ago and has made it to #3 three times.

Here's the entry from Greece:

See you tomorrow after the semi-final!