Taylor HastingsIt’s almost that time of year again where the musical Olympics – Eurovision – will take place. This year we’re headed to Liverpool, United Kingdom, who are hosting on behalf of Ukraine who took the victory last year. Unfortunately due to ongoing war with Russia, Ukraine we unable to host to competition, which is the usual tradition of the winning country.
Eurovision 2022 winners, Kalush Orchestra
Eurovision has been held annually since 1956, and has become a beloved tradition for Europeans, Australians and beyond. Every year participating countries across Europe and Australia select an artist and a song to represent them. The contest has become a platform for cultural exchange, with countries often choosing to incorporate elements of their heritage into their songs and performances.
This year, 37 countries will compete for the glass trophy. As always, the Big 5 (France, Germany, Italy, Spain & United Kingdom) and the previous winner (Ukraine) automatically advance to the Grand Final, taking place on the 13th May. The 31 remaining countries are split across 2 Semi Final, taking place 9th May and 11th May. Semi Final 1 consists of 15 countries, with 16 participating in Semi Final 2. From each, 10 will qualify for a 26 country Grand Final.
With that being said, let’s look at some of the bookie’s favourites to win this year:
SPAIN
Last year Spain made a roaring comeback to the contest after getting their best result in almost 30 years. Chanel and her song ‘SloMo’ finished 3rd place with 459 points. Like last year, Spain brought back Benidorm Fest to select their representative after Chanel’s success. This year, Blanca Paloma won with her song ‘EAEA’ and will fly the flag for Spain. Following her victory, Spain quickly became one of the favourites to win. EAEAblends modern flamenco elements with electronic sounds, in which she displays immaculate vocals.
Blanca Paloma performing at Benidorm Fest
UKRAINE
Ukraine are vying to become the first country to win multiple years in a row since Ireland won 3 in a row from 1992-1994. Last year Ukraine obliterated their competition winning with 631 points, 439 coming from the televote making it the highest televote score in the history of the competition. Many will accuse Ukraine of only being a frontrunner due to political circumstances, however just like every year, their entry is top tier. They will be represented by a duo called TVORCHI with the song ‘Heart of Steel.’ The song can be described as an electro-R&B track with a hard-hitting bass that features some lyrics in Ukranian. If they were to pull off the victory, it would become the first R&B song to ever win Eurovision. Just like last year when ‘Stefania’ by Kalush Orchestra won, it became the first Rap song to ever win.
Ukrainian duo TVORCHI representing Ukraine
FRANCE
France came so close to victory just a few years after finishing 2nd with the song ‘Voilá’ by Barbara Pravi. This year La Zarra and her song ‘Évidemment’ will represent France. Évidemment is a classy French bop, which starts on a more toned-down note, before transforming into a slightly upbeat disco-influenced track. La Zarra describes her song as a universal love song, and a hymn that can be sung by all. The song takes the listeners on a journey, as she begins to build resilience after a turbulent relationship. If France were to win, it would be their first victory since 1977.
French representative La Zarra
FINLAND
For the first time since 2015, Finland are sending a song in the Finnish language – and it’s a hot favourite to win. Käärijä was chosen to represent the country with his song ‘Cha Cha Cha.’ Käärijä, whose real name is Jere Pöyhönen, is a 29 year old singer and rapper from Vantaa, Finland. His song, which he describes as “it’s crazy, it’s party”, follows the journey of Käärijä wanting to party and mess up his head. The lyrics describe the progression of his night where he was too many Piña Coladas, where he then goes to the dancefloor to shake away his troubles. The song is definitely memorable, as the first half blends Rap, Punk and Rock, before it transitions into a hyper pop track in the 2nd half.
Käärijä representing Finland
SWEDEN
Sweden have been the favourite to win ever since Loreen was chosen to represent the country with her song ‘Tattoo.’ You might remember Loreen from 2012, where she won with the song ‘Euphoria.’ Euphoria is deemed one of the most iconic, if not the most iconic winner in the competition’s history. Her song then became a European classic, and topped charts all over the continent. If Loreen was to win, she’d become the first woman to win Eurovision twice, and Sweden would tie Ireland’s record of 7 wins – the most out of any country.
Loreen performing Tattoo
Take a listen to our short podcast below where we go over these favourites and a few of the other entries.
So, who will it be? Sweden and Finland have been the unanimous favourites for months, but with Eurovision, anything can happen.
You can listen to all 37 entries HERE.
Tune in on 9th May and 11th May at 21:00 CET for the semi-finals, with the Grand Final taking place on 13thMay at the same time.
