Eurovision Song Contest 2023

[Systemsman]

Well its that time of year to start looking at Eurovision 2023.

Did you know that Ukraine already have their Eurovision song 2023 out. Personally I am sure its not a winner evn if ist gets some reasonable sympathy votes - views?

Here it is:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6QFVqWX2gM

Ireland looks interesting thsi year depending on whcih song they pick - here is the list:

ADGY Too good for your love
CONNOLLY Midnight summer night
Wild Youth We are one
Leila Jane Wild
K Muni & ND Down in the rain
Public Image Limited Hawaii

Only heard one so far which I like - Hawaii - simple and effective.

I will post up my little ESC system next when I get time which highlighted Ukraine very early last year.

[Systemsman]

ESC 2023
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Dates for semifinals 9th & 11th May
Date for final 13th May

My simple ESC system to highlight an early winner. Note: it does not always work but has done on a number of occasions.

Top 4 for the last four years:
2022
1. Ukraine
2. UK
3. Spain
4. Sweden

2021
1. Italy
2. France
3. Switzerland
4. Iceland
5. Ukraine

2020 No contest

2019
1. Netherlands
2. Italy
3. Russia
4. Switzerland
5. Sweden

2018
1. Israel
2. Cyprus
3. Austria
4. Germany
5. Italy

The winner could come from the list below (with bold being very strong possibilities).

So from Western/Med Europe we have:
UK 1 entry
Spain 1 entry
Sweden 2 entries
Italy 3 entries
France 1 entry
Switzerland 2 entries
Iceland 1 entry
Netherlands 1 entry
Germany 1 entry
Israel 1 entry
Cyprus 1 entry
Austria 1 entry

Eastern Europe
Ukraine 1 entry (double consecutive wins are rare but not impossible but something very special is required)
Russia 1 entry (with the war in Ukraine will either not be allowed to enter or get many poor results)

If any of those below have an outstanding song for 2023 take note:
Serbia - 5th last year
Moldova 7th last year
Ireland - some time since they won (1996) with a great song could be dangerous.
Lithuania 14th last year
Azerbaijan 16th last year
Poland - friend of Ukraine!

Never ever underestimate Sweden but due the the high expectations (think Abba) they will always need an outstanding song to win but are well capable of providing such a song!


My top six so far would be, but this is likely to change fast when we know the entries:
Sweden
Serbia
Moldova
Ireland
Iceland

[bottomlesspit]

It is all going to pivot on Ukraine, isn't it?
The song is significantly below average, and I would be amazed if there were not at least 20 better.

BUT, can politics be kept out of the song contest 2023?

William Hill won't even give you 2-1 on the answer being no.
General 7/2 about Ukraine.
In any normal song contest this would be an absolutely insane price on such a steaming pile of camel dung, but this might possibly look like a gift in May.
The shrewd geopolitical bet however, as Systemsman points out, might be to take 35-1 on Poland, even though their songs are always dire, as it looks increasingly like they might be getting involved at some stage this year. What a world!

[adamross]

Loreen looks like she will again be representing Sweden with the odds tumbling on her winning Heat 4 of MelFest and the overall final.

Tattoo sounds like a strong production. With Loreen being so popular overall with Eurovision and such a good performer, odds of 5/1 currently at Skybet, look particular value.

They are offering 1/5 odds (shame its not better) for Sweden to finish in the first 4.

If Loreen does go on to represent Sweden, that should be value. If something from the robust MelFest contest, beats it, you would think that would also be a strong contender.

[paulat]

Sweden's price has now crashed. 6/4 best around now at the exchanges.

Each Way value has long gone and with so many countries yet to select, 6/4 isn't a price I would want to take for the win at present.

Let's see what the opposition have. Surely there are more contenders out there.

[ThePolytrackKing]

Pretty weak so far I think. Finland the only unique one standing out at the min.

I'm hoping Birdy or Mimi Webb are the UK artist both have a good reputation in Europe especially Birdy

[Systemsman]

Ireland blew it big time when they picked the wrong mediocre song. If only they had gone for Hawaii.

So far I make it

1. Finland - crazy and jsut the sort of in your face song the ESC Claudine may love(top 3 and a possible winner). Finland is a friend of Ukraine and seeking to become part of NATO so will have friends
1. Sweden if they pick Loreen which is most likely to win. Will ESC voters back Loreen again?? Again Sweden is a friend of Ukraine and seeking to become part of NATO so will have friends. For Sweden to win these days they have to have something extra special due to high expectation. Update: I like it the more I listen to it so could be a winner


Looks like a two horse race so far:
Finland video (turn the sound way up and listen):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJHe-iZ5HSI

Sweden if picked (not yet won in Sweden) - yes she's on the floor again!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R7mCELuFz5I

[meldettori]

I can see the interest is not as high this year. Mine isn't either. Loreen's song, thought it's a bit along the Euphoria rhythm, the build up in the chorus.. if it's not the "up, up , up" then there is the "yoo hoo hoo".
Really strange and not so unusual entries for Eurovision, while some try to overdue it, really overdue it.
Couldn't find something interesting this year, although the Irish boys should be popular with "We are one".
Just crown Loreen as the queen of the kings, pun intended, as the Scandinavians always take this competition serious.

[adamross]

Yes, there are always key times to get on and back hunches for Eurovision.

There are so many false flags - e.g. Ireland and UK this year.

Sweden was the one to follow this year (so far). I know a few of you got on at fancy prices - well done. We can take a nice profit now - but I will let most of mine roll as I am quietly confident of a win.

There will be a few more to back at decent each way prices over the next month or two. I will shout them out when I see them.

Hopefully, it will be yet another profitable Eurovision for those on the OLBG Forum.

[botev1921]

I would suggest only one true value bet this year since most songs are bland and the good ones are too short already. Bet your house EW on Czech Republic while the odds are still in the 30s. The live performance of the girls is very solid, they will get a ton of Eastern European points due to singing in several languages and the song is political and woke but doesn't scream about it.

10pts on Czech Republic EW @ 33/1

[PureEvil]

It's a bit lackluster in here this year. Seems Sweden is the only bet. Any funky groups, mad outfits, agenda songs, a kid with a black eye?

[ThePolytrackKing]

Sweden will win but it ain't the best song in my opinion.

Finland and Austria are the 2 fan pleasers I think 3rd and 4th in the E/W are very much open Austria definitely will do well in the Televote.

Australia have been getting great reviews from fan sites and the Rock community will be voting for it same as Iron Maiden support band Germany. Australia could be a big shout as an outsider for top 4.