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Its that time of year again, and it nearly slipped by without me posting about it which would have been a first! The 58th Eurovision Song Contest gets underway in Malmö, Sweden. Of course the reason Sweden are hosting is thanks to the wonderful win by Loreen with that amazing song “Euphoria”, which has been the most successful commercial Eurovision entry ever! This year 39 countries are competing to win the greatest show on earth. Armenia returns to the contest after skipping Azerbaijan (for political reasons) and Bosnia & Herzegovina, Portugal, Slovakia and Turkey all take a break from the contest.
As usual the Contest is split over 3 nights. Semi-Final One takes place on Tuesday May 14th, Semi-Final Two takes place on Thursday May 16th and the Final takes place on Saturday May 18th. All the shows will be broadcast by RTÉ and the BBC, as well as the various broadcasters in Europe and further afield who broadcast the show.
There are 26 places in the final. 10 contestants from each semi-final will join the “big five” (Germany, France, Spain, Italy and the United Kingdom) and the host (Sweden) in the final. Ireland has been drawn to perform in the first Semi-Final.
Italy, Sweden and the United Kingdom have been drawn to vote in Semi-Final 1. Lets see what we are up against. (All odds as of 06/05/2013 from PaddyPower.com)
1. Austria: Natália Kelly with “Shine” Odds: 100/1
Austria open up the show with this entry. It is the first ballad of the night, but very much on the pop side of things. It is a massive improvement on last year’s entry from Trackshittaz… With her surname Kelly, Natália may pick up a few votes from Ireland (Her Grandfather is Irish), but with there being plenty of ballads in this semi-final it may be difficult for this entry to shine out and get into the final.
Prediction: Will do as most Austrian entry’s do and fail to get out of the Semi-Final, but they wont come last like they did last year.
2. Estonia: Birgit with”Et Uus Saaks Alguse” Odds: 125/1
The curse of number 2. Statically at Eurovision this is the worst position to perform at. Which is a pity. Estonia have decided to follow what worked for them and enter a ballad in Estonian. Their entry last year “Kuula” by Ott Lepland came in 6th. This song is good, but as it following a ballad and followed by an up-tempo entry it may find it hard to be remembered.
Prediction: While it won’t win the contest, it will probably qualify and as long as it avoids the “curse of number 2″ at the final it should finish in the top 10.
3. Slovenia: Hannah with “Straight into Love” Odds: 100/1
Slovenia bring us the first uptempo entry of the night with this song. Definitely a song that you would not be surprised to hear on the radio and in the charts these days. I must admit I do like it, buts it isnt very memorable in comparison to what we normally hear, so it may not pick up votes.
Prediction: I think this one has a 50/50 chance of qualifying. If this gets through and Estonia does not, it will be a clear case of “curse of number 2″ on Estonia!
4. Croatia: Klapa s mora with “Mižerja” Odds: 100/1
Croatia brings us back to the ballads. This is a lovely entry and the vocals are magnificent. One you can definitely close your eyes and listen to. Reminds me a little of Il Divo!
Prediction: This entry may find it hard to get out of the Semi. But I would not be surprised if it did!
5. Denmark: Emmelie de Forest with “Only Teardrops” Odds: 7/5
I know I always love the Danish entry, but this year they deserve my love, and the fans and bookies also love them as they are the pre-contest favourite. This is fantastic entry. An excellent singer, powerful song and an excellent presentation. The tin whistle and drums just really make it for me.
Prediction: This could go all the way. Definitely a contender for the top spot.
6. Russia: Dina Garipova with “What If” Odds:14/1
Russia after sending the grannies last year (who did come 2nd!) have decided this year to send a more conventional act. Dina has fantastic voice and this song (another ballad) really shows it off. While it is a ballad in a semi chock a block with them, it is one of the more memorable ones.
Prediction: Its Russia, of course they will qualify. It will probably finish in the top 10.
7. Ukraine: Zlata Ognevich with “Gravity” Odds: 4/1
Following on from last years disappointing 15th place finish, the Ukraine have decided to tone it down this year. This is a nice pop ballad. Certainly not the uptempo style we are used to from the Ukraine in recent years, but this definitely works and should see it through to the final.
Prediction: Will qualify easily and may even end up in the top 5.
8. The Netherlands: Anouk with “Birds” Odds: 20/1
The Netherlands always try to get into the final, and nearly always fails (along with Belgium), but it nevers gives up. Bless. This year may see a change in fortunes for The Netherlands. This is one of the ballads that actually stand out (and the mother likes it). Being at the half point won’t hurt it chances either.
Prediction: It will qualify but prob end up mid-table in the final.
9. Montenegro: Who See with “Igranka” Odds: 200/1
Montenegro continue to educate on the type of music that is in the Balkans. But I think like last year this won’t get very far. It is not a novelty act but it is certainly the point where I will be going to put the kettle on….
Prediction: If this qualifies there is something strange going on!
10. Lithuania: Andrius Pojavis with “Something” Odds: 100/1
Be careful with this one. Andrius can hypnotise you with his eyebrows! Seriously watch the video… But back to the song, its a fairly lacklustre effort that really does not go anywhere.
Prediction: Won’t qualify unless most of Europe is hypnotised by those eyebrows!
11. Belarus: Alyona Lanskaya with “Solayoh” Odds: 50/1
Now this sounds like a number of Eurovision Winners mashed together! This seems to have a Mediterranean feel to it, despite Belarus being no where near it! It certainly is different from its recent entries. Belarus failed to qualify last year, and it normally does, so I think that may be a blip in its record and this will bring it back to form.
Prediction: With Russia in this Semi Belarus is assured of qualification and if in the final will has a respectable finish.
12. Moldova: Aliona Moon with “O Mie” Odds: 80/1
And we are back to the Ballads. Moldova has this entry in English and Romanian. And while there is no denying Aliona is a good singer, I dont see this one going far.
Prediction: It will Qualify. Just. Finish near the end of the table
13. Ireland: Ryan Dolan with “Only Love Survives” Odds: 25/1
After inflicting Jedward on Europe for the past two years, we decided to give them a pass and this and decided to send Ryan Dolan (Son of Joe). This is one of the catchier entries we have sent and is stronger then the two songs we sent Jedward off with. I like it and as it is one of the more uptempo tunes, sandwiched between two ballads it will do well.
Prediction: Ryan will qualify and will possible finish in the top 10.
14. Cyprus: Despina Olympiou with “An Me Thimasai” Odds: 150/1
Yet another Ballad! There is a point when you can’t listen to them anymore (no matter how much you love Eurovision!). This is a nice entry from the Cypriots but they have done better in the past (like last year!)
Prediction: No Greece, so no Qualification.
15. Belgium: Roberto Bellarosa with “Love Kills” Odds: 200/1
Belgium really does try, it does. But like its neighbour The Netherlands it never really gets there. This is another good entry from the Belgians, but its middle of the road Pop, which could have been sung by Take That back in the day.
Prediction: With the Netherlands having a stronger entry, this won’t qualify.
16. Serbia: Moje 3 with “Ljubav Je Svuda” Odds: 66/1
Serbia ends Semi-Final One with this uptempo entry. Serbia always manage to find a song that will qualify and this year is no different. It will definitely retain its title as one of the most successful new entries to Eurovision.
Prediction: Serbia will Qualify, come on, do you even watch Eurovision? But this will finish mid-table.
So that is Estonia, Slovenia, Croatia Denmark, Russia, Ukraine, The Netherlands, Belarus, Ireland and Serbia to qualify.
Semi-Final one gets under way Tuesday 14th May at 8pm on RTÉ 2 and BBC 3.
The 2013 Eurovision Handbook
Adrian Kavanagh and Johnny Fallon have published the “The 2013 Eurovision Handbook” for Kindle available on Amazon.
We all have opinions as to what we like and don’t like from a Eurovision song, but it becomes absolutely fascinating to watch and predict voting patterns and the cultural shifts and preferences across different regions. It always adds to any Eurovision party if you can throw some history and light on an entry, it shows it to be much more than just a song looking for votes. Doing well at the contest is no mean feat.
This book aims to arm you with all you need to know about the 2013 contestants, what’s hot, what’s not, what’s mad and just why statistics play such a vital supporting role for any nations prospects. Adrian Kavanagh is one of the greatest minds there is for calculating statistics and assessing vote patterns, this material is drawn from his vast array of research. So please, with our help, feel free to amaze your friends with your Eurovision knowledge. I will always love the Eurovision Song Contest, it places politics, geography, society and voting against a background of all types of music. It is fun, but as you will see in the following pages it has lessons to offer if you know where to look.
All the proceeds from the sales go to the Irish Cancer Society. So do go buy it!
