OGAE Poll 2023: The results of Sweden, Croatia and Poland!

After the votes of 29 OGAE International Network clubs, it is the turn of Sweden, Croatia and Poland to submit their votes.

In detail, the votes of the 125 members of OGAE Sweden are:

  • 12 points to Finland
  • 10 points to France
  • 8 points to Italy
  • 7 points to Norway
  • 6 points to the United Kingdom
  • 5 points to Austria
  • 4 points to Switzerland
  • 3 points to Israel
  • 2 points to the Czech Republic
  • 1 point to Cyprus

The vote of the 21 members of OGAE Croatia:

  • 12 points to Norway
  • 10 points to Sweden
  • 8 points to Finland
  • 7 points to Slovenia
  • 6 points to Italy
  • 5 points to Austria
  • 4 points to Spain
  • 3 points to the United Kingdom
  • 2 points to the Czech Republic
  • 1 point to Armenia

Finally, the vote of the 205 members of OGAE Poland:

  • 12 points to Sweden
  • 10 points to Finland
  • 8 points to Austria
  • 7 points to France
  • 6 points to Norway
  • 5 points to the Czech Republic
  • 4 points to Italy
  • 3 points to the United Kingdom
  • 2 points to Slovenia
  • 1 point to Moldova

The combined results after the voting of 32 clubs are as follows:

Finland remains in 1st place and maintains its lead and the gap widens against Sweden who comes 2nd with a distance of 11 points. The top five is completed by France with 234 points, Norway with 190 points and Austria with 176 points.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all OGAE Poll 2023 scores and all the Eurovision news!

Source: OGAE International

Eurovision 2023: A battle for two for the win – The odds just days before the rehearsals start!

The favourite column of many of you is back, as the betting analysis for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest is back again.

With two weeks to go until the first Eurovision 2023 semi-final, we take a look at the betting companies’ odds regarding each country’s chances of winning this year’s contest.

In any case, these odds reflect trends and are based on what we know so far in relation to each country’s participation.

Top 5

“Unchanged” remains the situation at the top, with Loreen continuing to sweep the betting tables, being – far from second – the heavy favourite to win the 67th Eurovision Song Contest. The Swedish win has been consistently trending downwards in recent weeks, being below the double betting threshold. In fact, Sweden’s win is being played at odds between 1.61 and 1.80.

Finland remains second, with Käärijä and “Cha Cha Cha” having made a big impression at the parties and receiving a “vote of confidence” from bookers who believe that the possibility of the Scandinavian country’s second win since 2006 is far from unlikely. The Finnish victory is being played daily at increasingly lower odds, currently being played between 3.75 and 5.5.

Ukraine is firmly in third place, but in recent weeks it has lost ground compared to Sweden and Finland, who are leading the way. TVORCHII‘s win in Liverpool returns some operators up to 11 times the stake, at odds that are particularly attractive for those who believe Ukraine will make a back-to-back.

In fourth place we meet Norway, whose gap to the leading three has increased over the last few weeks. Alessandra and the “Queen of Kings” has been loved by fans, but bookers no longer believe as much ΄- as they did in the past – in the Norwegian victory, which they offer at odds between 6.5 and 19.

The top five is completed by Spain, which is one of the big party gainers. Bianca Paloma‘s “Eaea” has impressed fans and bookmakers alike, with her win returning up to 20 times the stake.

Top 10

In sixth place is Israel, with Noa Kirel and “Unicorn” seen as highly likely to put Israel back in the top 10 for the first time since their 2018 win. An Israel victory is being played on bookmakers at odds between 15 and 34, a particularly tempting odds for those who believe in the explosive temperament of the Israeli representative.

Austria‘s “ascension rally” continues, which has been the big winner of the last month and a half after the release of the Austrian entry, now being in seventh place. Teya & Salina‘s eccentric “Who The Hell Is Edgar?” is offered at odds between 15 and 41.

In eighth place we find France, whose position in this table is fictitious. The reality for La Zarra and “Évidemment” is completely different, as if you look closely at the table the only reason why France is in eighth place is because of its 41 odds on a company. In all the others, the French win is played between 7.5 and 17, which would normally place them in fourth place.

Italy and Marco Mengoni are back in the top ten, with an entry that had been underestimated in the previous period by bookers placing it outside the top 10. A potential win for Italy is now being offered at odds that return up to 61 times the stake.

Completing the top 10 is the UK, which will host the 67th Eurovision Song Contest in a few weeks’ time. Mae Muller‘s mediocre performance at the parties has further affected the already non-positive response of bookers to the release of the British entry. The British win can now be played at odds that return up to 67 times the stake.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3vJfR81xO0

Do you think Loreen can make history in Liverpool in May, giving Sweden victory for the second time and equaling the historic record of the contest’s multiple winner, Ireland?

Germany: Käärijä wins Songcheck episode two!

In the second episode of Songcheck, the songs from the second half of the first semi-final were evaluated, as well as Spain from the Big5. The winner of the second episode was Finland’s Käärijä.

In Songcheck, the entries are rated by panel judges as well as the audience, the latter of which votes via a special application.

The results of the second episode were as follows (former the rating of the audience, latter the rating of the panel)

  1. Finland – 11.5 + 9.9 – 21.4 points
  2. Sweden – 8.5 + 8.0 – 16.5 points
  3. Czech Republic – 7.1 + 7.9 – 15.0 points
  4. Moldova – 5.6 + 7.1 – 12.7 points
  5. Israel – 5.7 + 5.9 – 11.6 points
  6. Spain – 5.5 + 5.8 – 11.3 points
  7. Netherlands – 5.0 + 5.8 – 10.8 points
  8. Azerbaijan – 5.7 + 4.4 – 10.1 points
  9. Switzerland – 3.6 + 6.4 – 10.0 points

After the completion of the second episode, the overall results regarding the first semi-final have been formed as follows:

  1. Finland – 11.5 + 9.9 – 21.4 points
  2. Norway – 8.6 + 8.3 = 16.9 points
  3. Sweden – 8.5 + 8.0 – 16.5 points
  4. Czech Republic – 7.1 + 7.9 – 15.0 points
  5. France – 6.4 + 8.1 = 14.5 points
  6. Italy – 8.1 + 6.3 = 14.4 points
  7. Croatia – 8.5 + 5.4 = 13.9 points
  8. Latvia – 6.8 + 6.2 = 13.0 points
  9. Moldova – 5.6 + 7.1 – 12.7 points
  10. Malta – 6.8 + 5.8 = 12.6 points
  11. Serbia – 6.0 + 6.4 = 12.4 points
  12. Israel – 5.7 + 5.9 – 11.6 points
  13. Spain – 5.5 + 5.8 – 11.3 points
  14. Netherlands – 5.0 + 5.8 – 10.8 points
  15. Portugal – 4.6 + 5.9 – 10.5 points
  16. Azerbaijan – 5.7 + 4.4 – 10.1 points
  17. Switzerland – 3.6 + 6.4 – 10.0 points
  18. Ireland – 3.8 + 4.0 – 7.8 points

https://youtu.be/rJHe-iZ5HSI

Songcheck continues with the songs from the first half of the second semi-final.

Source: eurovision.de

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all news regarding our favorite contest!

London Eurovision Party 2023: Watch all the live performances!

Yesterday, 16th of April, London held the last pre-party for this year’s Eurovision season.

London Eurovision Party 2023 was held in Here at Outernet and presented by Nicki French(UK 2000) and Paddy O’ Connell(former Eurovision commentator for the BBC).

22 Eurovision participants sang in London and you can watch their live performances below:

  • Australia – Voyager

There is a big difference between the studio version and their live performance. It’s a rock performance and it shows that band songs are meant for live performances. It is indeed difficult to make any predictions, but I wouldn’t be surprised in case it does well with the televoting, even if Australia is usually a jury favorite.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCNeHC4NvAI

  • Austria – Teya & Salena

A much loved entry by Eurovision fans and it is worth it. The vocals are good, the chemistry between the duo is splendid, the weird dancing is present and the crowd is loving it. Austria has managed to beat the odds so far, contrary to those who thought that Who the Hell is Edgar was going to be a fan-flop, similarly to last year’s Halo. Now, we will only have to see how it works in Liverpool stage!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlf8Sb5RaUQ

  • Azerbaijan – TuralXTuran

A beautiful song for sure and regardless the final result, I’m really glad that Azerbaijan finally sent a song that was written by Azerbaijani people. Although, that doesn’t seem to be enough and their performances do not have a large appeal. Probably we will not see them perform in the Grand Final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FLvPB2-2LAc

  • Croatia – Let 3

The most controversial entry of Eurovision 2023. Controversial is also the whole career of Let 3. Although, everyone thought that they wouldn’t make it to the Final, their live performances prove the opposite. The crowd is having fun and singing with them and their eccentricity will sure be noticed. It looks like Croatia made the right choice!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHnz8Y4SmHI

  • Czechia – Vesna

A fan favorite to win at first, but at the moment it does not give winning vibes. It was a better performance than usual but it will be a long way for Czechia in order to achieve their result. Their vocals were better but staging still looks messy and chaotic and it does not put across the message of the song. There is still time!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZdTtoA6IcI

  • Denmark – Reiley

A much better performance than usual but it remains a song that has small potential when live performed. Reiley being famous on TikTok might be helpful for his entry, so I can’t exclude any possibility.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Ng571hW6Ro

  • Estonia – Alika

A beautiful song and impressive vocals. That’s it! It’s another cliché Eurovision ballad, not good enough for Alika’s vocal abilities.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QWma2X8tnxA

  • Finland – Käärijä

We can all understand the hype. Exactly like any of his performances, he gives once more the 100% of his personality and energy. The crowd goes crazy and here we have if not the winner, a top 3 contender.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VeBDb3QoKss

  • Iceland – Diljá

Strong vocals and stage presence as Diljá is an energetic performer. Although, the song doesn’t seem enough for Diljá either.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R5GrD6IRMfc

  • Ireland – Wild Youth

A good band performance, full of energy. On the other hand, the song does not stand out for their qualification. It’s not anything new, it’s something done before but it’s not done well.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c03adZUY3I

  • Lithuania – Monika Linkytė

Monika brought the London Community Gospel Choir for her performance in London Eurovision Party. A vocal powerhouse. The song slowly receives more support and it’s all because of Monika herself. Stay is going to be loved by the juries and we can’t exclude the possibility of the public voting for her. She has a personality and you can’t skip over it.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FplK-xqYZ90

  • Malta – The Busker

Good vocals and great energy on stage. Looks like they are having fun. Frontman’s moves resemble exactly what the song is all about, feeling socially anxious in parties. I really like this entry, but unfortunately it doesn’t stand out and it’s not enough for Malta’s ticket to the Final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZF3ucUwzok

  • Moldova – Pasha Parfeni

A really energetic performance of Pasha. The crowd is enjoying it and is probably sending him straight to the Final.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dVM4HO6991Q

  • Norway – Alessandra

Vocally speaking she gets better and better each time. Personally, I don’t mind any voice cracks of Alessandra. She has a really strong entry, her presence is imposing and her view of pre-parties like actual parties, is actually obvious when performing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPRsTpDEV3A

  • Portugal – Mimicat

Although I’m not a big fan of this year’s Portuguese entry and looks weird to me, Mimicat is vocally flawless and I’m waiting for a better performance on Liverpool to disprove me.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COErIMq3AFo

  • Romania – Theodor Andrei

You will either like it or not. I don’t like it. Vocally he’s good but none of his performances, although far better than the one in Romania’s NF, seems convincing, just messy.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZwR26PjTJI8

  • San Marino – Piqued Jacks

In any means, not a bad song. The lead singer is vocally on point. The whole package, although, is not enough.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nep9c326_x4

  • Serbia – Luke Black

I still don’t get the song. It’s not my favorite entry but it is quirky, eccentric and special. He still looks awkward to me when referring to his stage presence. I’m waiting for his performance in Liverpool!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yXy8vNlVIDA

  • Slovenia – Joker Out

I love that song! Although, the studio version was not that promising at first, the charisma of every single one of the band’s members is to die for. They are stylish, humorous and committed to what they do. I hope to see that energy in Liverpool and Slovenia finally getting awarded with a good result.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GwZIzxI7who

  • Sweden – Loreen

The real queen of this year’s Eurovision. She teaches every Eurovision winner about when and how to return back. Vocally flawless and she seems to be connected with the crowd. Although, the led platform is missing, her strong personality is here and elevates the song. Personally, I want to see her crowned as a winner again!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tCYrO5vspeM

  • Spain – Blanca Paloma

Whether you like her entry or not, one thing is for sure. No one can deny Blanca’s flawless vocals and how expressive she is. Although, I can’t fully understand the song, because it has many references to Spanish culture, every time I watch her performances, her emotions really touch me. RTVE is here to win, although I don’t think it will be come true. A great entry, one of my favorites, and it is a good example on what should follow the next year after a great Eurovision result.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ep2fuj9-FBc

  • United Kingdom – Mae Muller

MAE I LOVE U!!!I can’t be completely honest with her. Vocally wise, her best performance. What it is indeed challenging is not exactly her vocals but how it will be staged. It needs some dancing, but mostly sass and attitude. These are Mae’s weapons, indeed. She seems to enjoy it and no matter the comments, crowd loves her. It’s the most mainstream pop song of this year’s Eurovision, there’s no way it will not be placed high!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jJYqmM3g5qk

Which were your favorite performances? Write in the comments!

Stay tuned on EurovisionFun for more news about Eurovision 2023!

Sweden: Edward af Sillén and Måns Zelmerlöw are this year’s Eurovision commentators!

Earlier, the Swedish National Broadcaster SVT, announced the commentators for Eurovision 2023.

Edward af Sillén and Måns Zelmerlöw will provide commentary for the Swedes watching the Eurovision Song Contest 2023. Edward will be a commentator on all three nights, while Måns will accompany Edward only at the night of the Grand Final.

Edward af Sillén is known in the field of directing and screenwriting. As well as being the lyricist behind the Eurovision 2016 commertial song, “Love, Love, Peace, Peace”. Which was sung by the host of this year’s contest, Petra Mede and Måns Zelmerlöw. He has also commented for Sweden several times in the previous years as well.

As for the artist Måns Zelmerlöw, he is widely known in the eurofans community after winning the 60th Eurovision Song Contest in 2015. Since then, almost every year after his victory, he leaves his mark on the Song Contest.

This duo has collaborated again on the Swedish commentary at the 62nd European Song Contest in Kyiv.

Down bellow, you can find the video of EurovisionFun’s reaction in Sweden’s song for this year’s Eurovision:

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the developments regarding Sweden’s participation in Eurovision 2023!

 

Loreen: “I want a woman to win Eurovision this year”

Sweden representative for this year’s Eurovision, Loreen, gave an interview for Greek channel Alpha.  The interview took place during the morning show, Super Katerina, and to journalist Yiannis Poulopoulos .

Loreen who is also the favourite to win Eurovision 2023 spoke about her decision to compete once again in Eurovision and revealed who she would like to win in May in Liverpool.

“It’s not a risk for me (to enter in the competition) because my goal is not to win or lose.  My goal is to create something that matters to me, that will positively impact you. That’s what I’m doing this for!

We are still working together because there was a security issue. I think you won’t be disappointed.

All my stage presence is organic. If you watch the presentation every time it’s a little different with the fog and the wind. You never know how it will end. It might be a little different but it’s for the best.

I would like a woman to win Eurovision this year. And since I’m connected with Alessandra from Norway, and since I share a similar style of music with Paloma… Oh my god, I can’t decide.”

You can watch Loreen’s full interview here.

You can also watch to the team at Eurovisionfun recting to Sweden’s Eurovision entry in the video embedded below:

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for more news related to Sweden’s participation in Eurovision 2023!

Sweden: Loreen reveals resolution of staging issues, at the Eurovision Reddit AMA!

Over the last month, uncertainty had emerged regarding the staging of the Swedish participation at the Eurovision Song Contest. Despite the fact that the Swedish national broadcaster SVT had known the EBU staging restrictions for months, there was not a clear answer by the Swedish delegation on whether they will make any changes on the staging of “Tattoo“, in order to comply with the EBU rules.

Until Loreen took part at an AMA event on Reddit, where she revealed that all the staging issues have been resolved, removing any uncertainty about her appearance at M&S Bank Arena.

During the event, she had been asked about whether her delegation had sorted out the issue with 1.800 kg LED screen hanging from the ceiling of the arena and she responded that if all got sorted out:

“Yes and I hope it inspires you!”

However, it is still a mystery about how the delegation and creative team will resolve the issue. Being asked about if she will keep her LED screen “sandwich” staging that we awed us at Melodifestivalen she replied:

“I will do my best for you guys!”

Among others, Loreen mentioned releasing new music within the year and also she is in the talks for a possible European tour.

Even though the resolution is still not public, an answer will be given at Loreen’s stand-in rehearsal in mid-April, while her first technical rehearsal is scheduled for Sunday 4/30.

You can watch the EurovisionFun team’s reaction to Sweden’s entry below:

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for more news about Sweden’s participation in Eurovision 2023!

Photo: Andreas Papayiannakis
Source: Loreen

Eurovision 2023: Swedish lead – Small differences within Top 10

The favorite column of many of you is back as the betting breakdowns for the 67th Eurovision Song Contest are here again.

With a less than one and a half month for Eurovision 2023, we take a look at the bookmakers’ odds of each country winning this year’s contest.

In any case, these odds reflect trends and are based on what we know so far about each country’s participation.

Top 5

“Unchanged” remains the situation at the top, with Loreen continuing to “sweep” the betting tables, being – by far the second – the big favorite to win the 67th Eurovision Song Contest. The Swedish win has remained steady in recent weeks on the verge of doubling the stake. In fact Sweden‘s victory is played at odds between 1.75 and 2.

Finland remains second, with Käärijä and “Cha Cha Cha” having gained impressions and receiving a “vote of confidence” from the bookers who consider the possibility of the Scandinavian country’s second victory after 2006 to be anything but improbable. The Finnish win is played at odds between 4 and 6, trailing Sweden.

Ukraine is in third place. Contrary to what happened in the previous weeks, the big winner of last year’s competition has stopped “losing ground” and remains firmly in third place, with the possibility of a TVORCHII victory being played at odds of around 7.5.

In fourth place is Norway, whose gap with the leading three has narrowed over the last few days. Alessandra and the “Queen of Kings” has been a fan favourite, with bookies offering the Norwegian win at odds of between 11 and 15.

We had a change in fifth place, with Spain “climbing” into the Top 5. Bianca Paloma and “Eaea” earned impressions at last week’s Barcelona party and moved up one place compared to our last analysis. Spanish win is played at odds between 15 and 21.

Top 10

Israel “fell” sixth. Noa Kirel and the “Unicorn” may be down one spot compared to our previous analysis, but Israel’s win odds have dropped. It is characteristic that the maximum yield offered by the Israeli victory is now 26.

The picture is similar for the seventh Czechia. Vesna maintains positive momentum following their selection, having gained ground over the past few weeks. The highest return that can be played the Czech Republic win returns 31 times the stake.

The “pleasant surprise” of the last weeks is none other than Austria, which from the 26th place before the release of the eccentric “Who The Hell Is Edgar?”, is now in the eighth place. The odds of an Austrian victory are constantly falling and it is a matter of days before it threatens Israel and the Czech Republic. Teya & Salina win is played at odds between 21 and 41.

Ninth is the United Kingdom, with Mae Muller‘s mediocre image at the Barcelona party adding to the bookers’ already negative response to the release of the British entry. The British win can now be played at odds that return up to 51 times the stake.

Finally, the top ten is completed by France, which is played at exactly the same odds as its counterparts in the United Kingdom. Despite the fact that the Western European powerhouse is one place lower compared to our last analysis, its odds of winning nevertheless remain stable, standing at 51.

Do you think Loreen can make history in May in Liverpool, giving Sweden victory for the second time while equaling the all-time record of Ireland of 7 wins?

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the developments regarding the 67th Eurovision Song Contest!

Estonia: Sweden was the winner of the second episode of Eurovisiooni laulud 2023!

A special show dedicated exclusively to this year’s Eurovision entries is shown by ERR, the state-owned Estonian television channel. Every Thursday and for six consecutive weeks in the show Eurovisiooni laulud 2023 some of the entries of the 67th Eurovision Contest are shown while they are rated by a specially formed jury which changes every week. The winner of the first episode was Käärijä with “Cha Cha Cha” representing Finland.

The second episode was broadcast last night with a four-person panel consisting of the two presenters (Grete Kuld and Tõnis Niinemets), but also Mia and Janek who both participated in this year’s edition of Eesti Laul, of the Estonian national final.

In the second episode the entries heard and evaluated by the panel were:

  • “Tattoo” – Loreen – Sweden
  • “Burning Daylight” – Mia Nicolai & Dion Cooper – Netherlands
  • “We Are One” – Wild Youth – Ireland
  • Queen of Kings” – Alessandra – Norway
  • “Breaking My Heart” – Reiley – Denmark
  • Unicorn” – Noa Kirel – Israel

The winner of the night was Loreen with “Tattoo” and was named the best entry among the six entries evaluated.

The next episode of Eurovisiooni laulud 2023 will be broadcast next Thursday 06/04 through ERR.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for more information on this year’s Eurovision Song Contest!

Sweden: A solution has not been found yet for Loreen’s stage presentation in Liverpool!

In our previous article we informed you about the possibility of many changes in the stage appearance of Loreen, representative of Sweden, in Eurovision 2023.

In particular, the second platform hanging above Loreen is also required to be supported by the ceiling. The weight, however, of this particular platform reaches 1.8 tons! The lighting platform, from which this particular platform hangs, may not be able to support it in Liverpool.

Also, the lighting stage at Eurovision is significantly larger than the one used at Melodifestivalen, as it needs to support a much larger number of acts, while it needs to be ensured all this year’s 37 participants have the same possibilities to present what they want on stage of Eurovision.

In addition, according to Eurovision regulations, it is forbidden to everyone to use structures hanging from the ceiling of the stadium.

Loreen’s stage appearance is still uncertain

In an interview, Anders Wistbacka, SVT’s creative director, revealed that they will be forced to change Loreen’s appearance in Liverpool and adapt it to conditions that will be fair to all other artists.

In addition, he mentioned that about 15 technicians are needed to set up the whole appearance in Melodifestivalen, which is quite time-consuming, while there is also the risk of smoke, which will either suffocate singer herself, or create complications for the next performance. In fact, in the video sent to Eurovisiontv by SVT, it is not from the Melodifestivalen Final, due to the smoke problem at the Festival Final.

Also, a commercial break is definitely required before Loreen’s appearance. Of course, no objects are allowed to hang from the ceiling and this applies to all 37 countries, while the EBU and BBC have issued guidelines and restrictions on the type of props and set design
allowed during the competition.

In fact, SVT has known about the restrictions for several months, while all dispatches have known that if there is anything to be hung, it is done before rehearsals and then stays on the ceiling until all the shows are over, so as not to require the 37 participating countries to hang heavy objects from the ceiling of the tent.

On the other hand, the head of the competition’s organizing committee, Twan Van de Nieuwenhuijzen, said that all participating countries must compete on equal terms, while the rests’ plans and rules are communicated to all participating countries at the same time.

Finally, Anders Wistbacka still doesn’t want to go into details about what the restrictions look like and whether Loreen’s stage show will change.

However, he says that everything is up in the air and that they are still trying to find the final solution. The answer will be given at Loreen’s stand-in rehearsal in mid-April, while her first technical rehearsal is scheduled for Sunday 4/30.

You can watch the EurovisionFun team’s reaction to Sweden’s entry below:

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for more news about Sweden’s participation in Eurovision 2023!

Source: Aftonbladet