This year, Eurovision is going to be interesting. With Ukraine winning last year and the UK hosting due to the ongoing war, even the setting and dual hosting will be unusual. The odds makers have indicated we will probably get another Sweden win, but I personally think Finland has a better chance than they are currently given. Let’s take a look at the entries from this year and have a little discussion about each of them.
Semi-Final 1 (May 9, 2023)
This group is fire. It has most of my favorite songs in the contest. Many of the songs in the Top 10 rankings on odds boards are in this semi-final. It is going to be murder to get out of it. Given that this year is based on the audience’s voting, any entry that doesn’t have a good stage show or stand out performance wise will likely miss the grand final.
Azerbaijan
2022 Entry: Nadir Rustamli — Fade to Black
2022 Placement: 20th
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
Azerbaijan has a rich history in Eurovision since they entered the competition. They finished in the Top 5 every year between 2009 and 2013, and they even won in 2011. They have only missed the final once. Since then, it has been a mostly a rough patch, with only Chingiz’ “Truth” making the Top 10 in 2019. This year’s entry is a bit slow. I think it could be quite good live. If they were in semi-final 2, I think they would be a shoe in. However, they still have to face off against this loaded semi-final.
Croatia
2022 Entry: Mia Dimšić — Guilty Pleasure
2022 Placement: DNQ
Current 2023 Odds: 1%
Croatia’s highest placement in Eurovision was 4th place in both 1996 and 1999. They have had a string of DNQs in 2018, 2019, 2021, and 2022. Me and my friends were livid and shocked when Albina’s “Tick-Tock” missed the final in 2021. This year, Let 3’s “Mama ŠČ!” has a very good chance of doing well in the competition, and it won both the jury and public votes handedly in Dora 2023. The lead singer absolutely crushes this performance, and it makes this song loads more endearing. I can’t wait to see how their stage show grows for Eurovision.
Czech Republic
2022 Entry: We Are Domi — “Lights Off”
2022 Placement: 22
Current 2023 Odds: 2%
Recently, Czech Republic has had quite a few good placements in Eurovision. In 2018, they had their best placement with Mikolas Josef’s “Lie to Me” coming in 6th and followed it up with an 11th place result in 2019 with Lake Malawi’s “Friend of a Friend”. Last year, We Are Domi’s “Lights Off” (my most played song of 2022) finished in 22nd. The entry from this year, Vesna’s “My Sister’s Crown”, is one of my favorites in the entire competition, and it sounds great live. The song dominated ESCZ 2023, and it is possible Czech Republic can finally break into the Top 5 with this song.
Finland
2022 Entry: The Rasmus — “Jezebel”
2022 Placement: 21
Current 2023 Odds: 15%
Finland has such a spotty record in Eurovision. While they have so many last place finishes, they also have one of the most amazing winners of all time with Lordi’s “Hard Rock Hallelujah”. They often send the wrong song (see 2020’s “Cicciolina” and 2022’s “Ram Pam Pam”). This year, UMK 2023 was a very good competition. In the end, Käärijä bested heavy contenders like the Portion Boys and Kuumaa to win the competition. Not only was he a favorite of the jury, he scored a whopping 52.9% of the televote as well. The message of being an introvert who is a slave to the machine during the workday but turns into a demon on the dance floor after consuming some pina coladas is something all of us can relate with. If there was ever a year that Finland was poised to return to the top, it is this year with “Cha Cha Cha”.
Ireland
2022 Entry: Brooke — “That’s Rich”
2022 Placement: DNQ
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
Historically, Ireland is a Eurovision powerhouse. They practically owned the entire 90’s with 4 wins, 2 second place finishes, and 8 Top 10 finishes. Since then, it has been a spotty record. The last time they made the Top 10, it was with Jedward’s “Lipstick” in 2011. Since then, it as been a lot of DNQs for the Grand Final. I genuinely thought Ireland deserved to make the final last year with Brooke. At this point, it is hard to tell if people even vote fairly on Ireland or just love seeing them in the bottom after years of domination. This year, Ireland sent a flag waver. This song really doesn’t inspire me, but it is not a bad song. I don’t think it will make the final, but I could get surprised.
Israel
2022 Entry: Michael Ben David — “I.M.”
2022 Placement: DNQ
Current 2023 Odds: 3%
UN! I! CORN! Israel has a pretty good track record in Eurovision. They ruled the 70s and 80s with 2 wins, 2 second places, and 11 Top 10 finishes. With the exception of the win in 2018, this century has been a bit more spotty. Last year’s entry failed to qualify for the final. When I heard they were sending a bona fide pop princess, I was really intrigued to see what this was all about. This song is a certified cut. If the music video is any indication of what we will see on stage, I think she will steal a lot of votes from acts like Sweden and Norway. I’m holding out hope for a giant pyrotechnic unicorn on the stage. It probably won’t happen, but even I would have to vote for that.
Latvia
2022 Entry: Citi Zēni’s — “Eat Your Salad”
2022 Placement: DNQ
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
Latvia is stuck in a rut in Eurovision. Their last bit of luck was with Aminata’s songwriting propelled “Love Injected” and “Heartbeat” to the grand final in 2015 and 2016. While it was widely talked about leading up to the contest in 2022, Latvia failed to qualify with Citi Zēni’s “Eat Your Salad”. (Refresher: it is the “I don’t eat meat, I eat veggies and p*ssy” song.) This song reminds me of someone who just dug out 2000’s Radiohead albums and wanted to create some Thom Yorke style magic. This song isn’t bad, but it doesn’t really grab me the way the other rock entries do. Given the strength of this semi, it will have a tough road out to the final.
Malta
2022 Entry: Emma Muscat — “I Am What I Am”
2022 Placement: DNQ
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
Malta has a lot of ups and downs in Eurovision. Recently, they have tended to do really well when they send a bop featuring a strong female vocalist. This is definitely not one of those entries. This song really feels like it was a B-side for a Sunstroke Project single with that thick sax riff. This song is okay, but it really doesn’t compel me to want to vote. I don’t expect it to make it out of this semi, but I could always be surprised. Side Note: In terms of social anxiety party songs from this year, I am a huge fan of and more partial to RODAN’s “Introvert Party Club” which placed 3rd in Czech Republic’s ESCZ 2023.
Moldova
2022 Entry: Zdob și Zdub & Advahov Brothers — “Trenulețul”
2022 Placement: 7th
Current 2023 Odds: 1%
Moldova is one of my favorite countries to watch. When they strike gold, they strike it hard. If you were ever to ask me why I love Eurovision, I would point to entries like this one. The entries that tend to mix electronic beats with more traditional instruments and singing styles are exactly what I am looking for. This is hands down one of my favorite songs this year. Pasha Parfeny is no stranger to Eurovision. The last time he represented Moldova, he placed 12th. He has been working hard over the past decade to return to Eurovision, and he finally made it with this song. Hopefully, he can use his warlock magic to will his way into the grand final and a Top 10 finish!
Netherlands
2022 Entry: S10 — “De Diepte”
2022 Placement: 11th
Current 2023 Odds: 1%
The Netherlands typically does quite well in Eurovision. With the exception of a string of DNQs in the 2000’s, they almost always make the grand final. We can normally rely on them to send a decent country and/or rock song. They last won in 2019 with “Arcade”, a song that even swept through American radio. Last year’s entry “De Diepte” was twangy, haunting, and can still create goosebumps all over my body. I was curious what they would follow it up with. This song is good. It should be good live. However, with the tough competition in this semi, I am not sure they can make it out.
Norway
2022 Entry: Subwoolfer — “Give That Wolf a Banana”
2022 Placement: 6th
Current 2023 Odds: 5%
Norway is a modern Eurovision powerhouse. Since the year 2000, they have been in the Top 10 ten times, won once in 2012, and won the televote in 2019. Since the semi-finals were instituted, they have only failed to qualify for the grand final 3 times. Alessandra is truly the Queen of Kings this year. She took down an extremely tough semi-final 1 in Melodi Grand Prix and then handedly dominated both the jury and televote in the final. She will face extremely tough competition from entries like Israel and Sweden, but she should make the finals with ease.
Portugal
2022 Entry: MARO — “Saudade, Saudade”
2022 Placement: 9th
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
Portugal has such a weird history in Eurovision. In the years with the semi-finals, they have struggled to qualify for the grand final. However, they also recently won in 2017. Last year’s song was a favorite amongst Eurovision fans. It was calm, smooth, and emotional with a very intimate performance. This year Festival da Canção had so many good songs. In the final, I was really hoping “Ai coração” as well as “Endless World” and “Nasci Maria” would do well. Seeing Mimicat win was joyous. I loved her live performance, and I think she should qualify for the final.
Serbia
2022 Entry: Konstrakta — “In Corpore Sano”
2022 Placement: 5th
Current 2023 Odds: 1%
Since Serbia entered the competition in 2007, they have been a reliable entrant. They have gone on to place in the Top 10 four times, only missed the grand final three times, and have never been in last place in the final. Last year’s entry was one of the best they have had in years, so it will be hard to follow that up. This song sort of has a 90s industrial vibe, almost like something that is an unreleased Nine Inch Nails track. That’s always a plus for me. With so many good entries in this semi, it will be on the bubble. Given the good staging and interesting vibe, it has a decent chance to go through.
Sweden
2022 Entry: Cornelia Jakobs — “Hold Me Closer”
2022 Placement: 4th
Current 2023 Odds: 40%
If any country should be labeled a behemoth in Eurovision, it is Sweden. Since the semi-finals were instated, they have only failed to qualify once, been in the Top 10 eleven times, and won twice. Melodifestivalen has been one of the most watched and anticipated song national song contests. Over the past few years, it has started to lose its shine as other song contests have began to grow in popularity. This year was definitely a down year in terms of quality. Even so, oddsmakers have Sweden as a hands down favorite, and it has a lot to do with Loreen’s performance skills. While “Tattoo” is nothing that special in terms of a power ballad, Loreen looks like a seasoned performer you would pay hundreds of dollars to see live. She emotes the song so completely with her whole body, and it is easy to see why the voting masses are captivated by it. (Side Note: If you haven’t watched them yet, make sure to watch Melodifestivalen runner up Marcus & Martinus’ “Air.”)
Switzerland
2022 Entry: Marius Bear — “Boys Do Cry”
2022 Placement: 17th
Current 2023 Odds: 1%
Switzerland sure has their ups and downs in Eurovision. Since the semi-finals were instated, they have failed to qualify a whopping 11 times and have placed last once. While they performed quite well in 2019 and 2021, 2022 brought back challenges. In the grand final, Marius Bear received 0 points from the televote. This year brings a very mixed bag. Some applaud its anti-war message, but others consider it tone deaf in a year when a war torn country is co-hosting. Personally, I think this entry is crass considering the circumstances. Given the styling of the song and the age of the singer, I interpret it as a coming-of-age song for having to face the realities of growing up that poorly uses war as a metaphor, and it does not sit well with me. I think it will qualify, but for all of the wrong reasons.
Semi-Final 2 (May 11, 2023)
Sorry to say it, but semi-final 2 will be the reason we get some weak entries into the grand final. Many of these songs are lackluster and boring. However, there are a few songs in here that will supply some much welcome relief during the show.
Albania
2022 Entry: Ronela Hajati — “Sekret”
2022 Placement: DNQ
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
Albania is one of the countries that has had a rough go of it in Eurovision. Since entering the competition in 2004, they have only made the Top 10 twice and have failed to qualify 8 times. Because Albania is not part of a strong voting block, even their strong entries face placements far lower than they should have been. In 2019, Jonida Maliqi deserved much better than 17th place, and Ronela Hajati deserved to qualify last year. I really hope “Duje” qualifies for the grand final this year. She can sing for sure. It is one of the far more interesting songs in this semi, and the final would be so much less interesting without it there.
Armenia
2022 Entry: Rosa Linn — “Snap”
2022 Placement: 20th
Current 2023 Odds: 1%
Armenia punches above its weight class in Eurovision. Since they entered the competition in 2006, they have finished in the Top 10 seven times. Last year’s entry “Snap” deserved so much better in the contest, but it still garnered Rosa Linn with a record deal and worldwide fame including here in the US. “Future Lover” is a bit meh. While it begins promising and has some Aurora vibes, the middle breakdown isn’t as good as it could be. Given the other songs in this semi, I sure hope it qualifies. It is one of the more interesting entries here, and it would be a good song to switch up the bangers from semi-final 1 and the Big 5.
Australia
2022 Entry: Sheldon Riley — “Not the Same”
2022 Placement: 15th
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
Australia is the newest country to become a Eurovision participant. They joined in 2015 and have already amassed 5 Top 10 finishes. Voyager’s absolute banger “Dreamer” won the popular vote to at Australia Decides 2022 but was sank into 2nd place by a low jury score. We all benefit from them trying again this year. This song is a standout in this semi-final. We don’t often see progressive metal in Eurovision, so this is a welcome reprieve from the typical pop songs about love and peace. This band sounds incredible live, so they should do very well in this contest.
Austria
2022 Entry: LUM!X feat. Pia Maria — “Halo”
2022 Placement: DNQ
Current 2023 Odds: 2%
Austria has had a rough time since the semi-finals were instituted in Eurovision. They have failed to qualify for the grand final 7 times. However, they also won with Conchita Wurst in 2014, and placed 3rd with Cesár Sampson in 2018. As they haven’t seen the grand final since 2018, Austria is looking to make a move back there with this absolute banger. The song is catchy and quirky. It has a mix of singing styles and a sick beat. If this stage show is good, it could easily help them break their current streak and make the Top 10.
Belgium
2022 Entry: Jérémie Makiese — “Miss You”
2022 Placement: 19th
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
Belgium has also had a rough time since the semi-finals were instituted in Eurovision. They have failed to qualify for the grand final 10 times. However, they have also nabbed two 4th place finishes with “Rhythm Inside” in 2015 and “City Lights” in 2017. Belgium tends to do better whenever the song has a good beat. It’s a 90’s style club banger, and I’m here for it. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, I love when a song is just straight up queer. I think this song has a really strong probability of going through. This is definitely one of the better songs in this semi.
Cyprus
2022 Entry: Andromache — “Ela”
2022 Placement: DNQ
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
Cyprus is an interesting country in Eurovision. Their entries have consisted of multiple styles and genres over the years. More recently, they have tended to go with more up-tempo electronic pop songs. The trend really started in 2018 when Eleni Foureira’s “Fuego” placed them in 2nd. They attempted to recreate that success with female pop vocalists doing dancing in their stage shows in 2019 and 2021, finishing 13th and 16th respectively. Last year’s entry was a lot slower, and it did not make for quite as good of a stage show. This year, they have changed the singer to male and made it a slower ballad. It will be interesting to see how this works out for them. I don’t expect it to go through, but you never know.
Denmark
2022 Entry: Reddi — “The Show”
2022 Placement: DNQ
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
Denmark has had it rough the last few years in Eurovision. After missing out on an amazing entry when the contest is cancelled in 2020, they sent a fantastic act in 2021. Fyr og Flamme’s “Øve os på hinanden" transported the audience to the 80s, and the audience loved it so much they came in 7th in the televoting in their semi-final. Unfortunately, they only received 9 points from the jury and placed 11th in the semi-final. They were as heartbroken as we were, and it was painful to watch. Last year’s entry “The Show” failed to make its way out of the semi-final of death with fan favorites like Ukraine and Moldova. This year’s entry is fine, but it also sounds like a song that was in the pile of songs Troye Sivan chose not to record. It’s not a bad song, but it’s also the second song with words “break” and “heart” in the title. While I prefer this one, it will be interesting to see which entry the voters prefer.
Estonia
2022 Entry: Stefan — “Hope”
2022 Placement: 13th
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
Estonia is one of my favorite countries in modern Eurovision. The songs from Eesti Laul are some of the most interesting that you will find in a national song contest. Last year’s entry, Stefan’s “Hope” lit up the Eurovision stage and brought the country a 13th place finish, and finished in 10th place in the televote. This year, Estonia’s winning entry benefited from having two rock songs battling for votes against her in the final at Eesti Laul. This song is fine, and she sings it well. Given that she is in a semi-final with most of the ballads from this year’s contests, she should have a much harder time making it out to the grand final.
Georgia
2022 Entry: Circus Mircus — “Lock Me In”
2022 Placement: DNQ
Current 2023 Odds: 2%
Georgia is a country that has such potential in Eurovision. When they make it to the grand final, they have placed relatively well with 6 of 7 placements being in the Top 15. However, they have also failed to qualify 7 times as well. The last time they made the grand final was 2016 with “Midnight Gold”. They attempted to recreate that 90’s rock vibe with last year’s entry, and ended up last in their semi-final. This year is a completely different ballgame. Iru’s entry is epic sci-fi space opera credits music. Given how she won The Voice with her performance skills, I am extremely excited to see this on the Eurovision stage. If Georgia does not qualify for the final, I will riot.
Greece
2022 Entry: Amanda Tenfjord — “Die Together”
2022 Placement: 8th
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
Greece is a mainstay of Eurovision finals. They have only failed to make the grand final twice. This year’s entry is embroiled in a legal suit in Greek courts because the entrant who won the public votes alleges wrongdoing during the voting. This lawsuit will not be back in court until mid-May. The legal battle ended up delaying the release of Greece’s entry. This entry is fine. While it starts slow, it really picks up about a minute into the song. The issue is that it never really goes anywhere. This is a meh for me. I don’t think it deserves to qualify, but Greece rarely misses.
Iceland
2022 Entry: Systur — “Með Hækkandi Sól”
2022 Placement: 23rd
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
Iceland is such a great Eurovision country. Söngvakeppnin is an amazing song contest that features so many interesting combinations of musical styles. After having a rough stretch of not qualifying from 2015–2018, Iceland had a Top 10 finish in 2019 with Hatari’s “Hatrið mun sigra” and a 4th place finish with Daði og Gagnamagnið’s “10 Years” in 2021. Last year, Systur captivated the stage with amazing harmonies. I much prefer this year’s song “Power” in Icelandic as “Lifandi inni í mér”. It is one of my favorite songs this year from any song contest. However, Diljá was quite pitchy in Söngvakeppnin. With this song being so different than the others in this semi-final, she has a good chance of going through to the final if she keeps it less pitchy.
Lithuania
2022 Entry: Monika Liu — “Sentimentai”
2022 Placement: 14th
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
I love Lithuania in Eurovision. They know how to keep things interesting. The last two years, we were spoiled by fantastic performances by The Roop and Monika Liu. This year, Ruta MUR was completely robbed y’all. She tied with Monika Linkytė, and Monika won because she got her 12 points from the jury. I’m still mad because Lithuania had a chance to send such a unique, heartbreaking, and goosebump inducing song. Instead we get this. Even Beatrich’s “Like a Movie” was a better choice. I don’t want this to qualify to prove they sent the wrong entry, but with this weak semi it has a chance to go through.
Poland
2022 Entry: Ochman — “River”
2022 Placement: 12th
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
Poland has its ups and downs in Eurovision. Last year, Ochman absolutely crushed “River” on the stage, breaking a 3 year DNQ streak. When Tulia’s “Fire of Love” did not qualify for the final in 2019, I sure wanted to protest the rest of the competition. This year’s Tu bije serce Europy! Wybieramy hit na Eurowizję was pretty horrible to watch. Every single artist was off-key, and it was hard to differentiate if it was a talent problem, a mixing problem, or a venue problem. The least pitchy and most performative was Blanka, so it was easy to see why she won. I don’t think the song is that good, but there is always a market for a hot girl dancing.
Romania
2022 Entry: WRS — “Llámame”
2022 Placement: 18th
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
Over the years, Romania has had really interesting Eurovision entries. Last year’s entry from WRS was a banger. He performed it really well, and I still think he deserved much better than 18th. This year, I was really hoping Andreea D Folclor Orchestra’s “Periniţa mea” would win Selecția Națională. It is constantly stuck in my head, and it sounds great live. I’m sure hoping that they restage “D.G.T.” for Eurovision. While the song is fine recorded, the live performance of this was very cringeworthy and uncomfortable to watch. I don’t think this will make the final though.
San Marino
2022 Entry: Achille Lauro — “Stripper”
2022 Placement: DNQ
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
San Marino is one of the countries I am most excited about every year in Eurovision. While the jury hates them and they rarely qualify for the final, San Marino typically keeps it how I like it: pure cheese. Last year’s entry was one of my favorites in all of Eurovision, and I’m still mad he didn’t make the final. Although most of my favorite songs from this year’s Una voce per San Marino didn’t make it to the final, I was sure hoping Le Deva’s “Fiori su Marte” would win. Those women slayed the stage. Instead we get … this. I don’t like anything about this entry. The guy singing it looks like he would attack me like an animal, and not in the way I want. I think it will likely miss the final.
Slovenia
2022 Entry: LPS — “Disko”
2022 Placement: DNQ
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
Slovenia has barely qualified more than it has not qualified for the Eurovision grand final. Last year’s entry placed last in their semi-final. The song was fine, but it wasn’t anything special. This year, I think Slovenia has one of the strongest songs in their semi-final. Like Finland’s entry, it also talks about how working wears you down and leaves you ready to party. I absolutely love this song, it sounds great live, and it has a band of good looking young folks that should get voters to the phone. I hope it wins the semi and places them back in the Top 10 in the grand final.
The Big 5 + Host
Normally, I like to clown on the Big 5 and the host country entries. They usually give “yeah, we are supporting this, but we really don’t want to win” energy. This year, the entries are generally quite interesting, and it is refreshing to get to write something good about them.
France
2022 Entry: Alvan and Ahez — “Fulenn”
2022 Placement: 24th
Current 2023 Odds: 2%
Not gonna lie, France is one of the countries I usually dread seeing in modern Eurovision. There have been some excellent exceptions, like Madame Monsieur’s “Mercy”, last year’s cut “Fulenn”. “Fulenn” was in my personal Top 5, and I hate that it scored so low. This year’s song is a certified cut. I absolutely love “Evidemment”. My toddler is completely transfixed by the music video. It is a highly rated jam in our house. We all expect it to do well and hit the Top 10.
Germany
2022 Entry: Malik Harris — “Rockstars”
2022 Placement: 25th (Last)
Current 2023 Odds: <1%
Ever since the 90s, Germany has had a very rough time in Eurovision. After winning in 2010 with Lena’s “Satellite”, Germany has placed 25th or lower a whopping 6 times. They are the one country I usually count on to send a really bad entry. After last year’s entry, this year isn’t so bad. It is a solid rock entry, so it was no surprise that Finland was the sole jury to give it a 12 in Unser Lied für Liverpool. While it was not a jury favorite by any means, it overwhelmingly won the popular vote in the contest propelling it into first place. Given the rock block voting population, I think they stand a chance of finishing about 20th with this song.
Italy
2022 Entry: Malik Harris — “Rockstars”
2022 Placement: 25th (Last)
Current 2023 Odds: 1%
Italy has sent some amazing acts over the years. They have generally done really well since coming back in 2011, with 9 Top 10 finishes. I was a huge fan of Il Volo’s “Grande amore” and Francesco Gabbani’s “Occidentali’s Karma”. Proving I can get over my fear of face tattoos, I was definitely on team Lazza (“Cenere”) for the Sanremo final this year. “Due Vite” is an okay song, and Marco Mengoni sings it fine. I’ll be interested to hear the reworked version of it. Hopefully it is less boring and monotone with a more robust instrumental.
Spain
2022 Entry: Chanel — “SloMo”
2022 Placement: 3rd
Current 2023 Odds: 3%
Like Germany, Spain has also often found themselves near the bottom of the pack in most recent years. Even amazing bangers like Miki’s “La venda” didn’t get the love they deserved. There was one big exception, last year’s “SloMo,” which took them all the way to third place. This year, Spain is taking a different approach that can take them quite far. The live performance for “Eaea” is absolutely fantastic. I love what I call “witch” entries. Pretty sure she is doing hypnosis on us as the performance goes on. I think this song will do really well.
Ukraine
2022 Entry: Kalush Orchestra — “Stefania”
2022 Placement: 1st
Current 2023 Odds: 12%
Ukraine brings the heat in Eurovision. In the 20 years they have competed, they have never missed the grand final. They have amassed 3 Wins, 2 second place finishes, and 2 third place finishes. In total, they have placed in the Top 10 a whopping 11 times. Last year they won with an amazing entry in “Stefania.” Normally, a winning country sends crap the following year, but Ukraine bucked the trend this year. While I initially wasn’t sure about “Heart of Steel”, watching it live really changed my mind. I think this song can easily make the Top 5 and is a contender to win.
United Kingdom
2022 Entry: Sam Ryder — “Space Man”
2022 Placement: 2nd
Current 2023 Odds: 3%
After doing quite well in Eurovision for decades, the United Kingdom has been in quite a slump since the new century started. After placing 3rd in 2002, they have placed in the bottom 5 times and placed lower than 20th a total of 11 times. Then came along Sam Ryder, who was the Miss Congeniality of Eurovision 2022. “Space Man” sounded like it was straight out of a John Lewis & Partners Christmas advert. It was sang by someone with an amazing voice and personality, and it is easy to see why it ended up 2nd. This year, the United Kingdom sent a bop. This song reminds me a lot of Ireland’s entry from last year, “That’s Rich”. I think the UK will go all out for the stage show, and this will be a great closing number for the grand final. Really, how well this song does totally depends on her live vocals.
