EUROVISION fever is sweeping the United Kingdom and this year, industry experts reckon we have a good chance of winning the battle.
The Eurovision Song Contest, a captivating musical spectacle since 1956, has long been a source of mixed feelings in the UK. However, in 2022, Sam Ryder‘s stellar performance won the UK second place, their best finish since 1997.
This year, Liverpool has been chosen as the host city, marking the first time in 25 years that the UK will host Eurovision.
This beloved competition began with the European Broadcasting Union and its director, Marcel Bezencon, who drew inspiration from Italy’s Festival di Sanremo. The first Eurovision Song Contest occurred on May 24, 1956, in Lugano, Switzerland. Since then, the contest has evolved considerably, attracting a global audience beyond Europe.
The Eurovision format has changed to accommodate over 40 participating countries, with multiple knockout rounds and semi-finals leading up to the final 26 acts. All 43 countries get to vote, even though only 26 perform. The introduction of national juries has helped reduce political voting trends by combining professional judgement with public voting.
The ‘Big Five’—France, Germany, Spain, the UK, and Italy—automatically qualify for the Grand Final due to their significant financial contributions. This arrangement has sparked controversy, prompting Turkey’s withdrawal from the contest in 2013.
Eurovision’s eccentricity and unpredictability have given rise to numerous notable winners, from ABBA’s iconic 1974 win with “Waterloo” to Celine Dion’s 1988 victory for Switzerland. In recent times, Austria’s Conchita Wurst in 2014 and Sweden’s Loreen with “Euphoria” in 2012 have captured the world’s attention.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 is set to take place on May 9, 2023, in Liverpool. Despite the UK’s second-place finish, they have assumed hosting responsibilities from Ukraine, the 2021 winners, due to ongoing conflict. As the UK prepares to take centre stage in this year’s Eurovision, the possibility of a triumphant win for the nation is the dark horse to watch, adding to the excitement and anticipation for fans worldwide.
Top Contenders to Win the Eurovision Song Contest 2023
Loreen – Sweden
A Eurovision heavyweight, as the 2012 winner, Swedish entry Loreen is a highly talented and experienced artist. Impressing audiences in 2012, with her power vocals, striking choreography and emotive lyrics, she has continued her music career pushing creative boundaries and producing critically acclaimed music. Back again after 11 years, her distinctive style and proven track record make her arguably the strongest candidate for the crown, her odds of winning can be found on various online betting sites.
La Zarra – France
A rising star in the French music scene, known for her dynamic and eclectic style, La Zarra blends together pop, hip-hop and electronic music. As an artist who is unafraid to take risks, she has brought a fresh and exciting energy to the music scene and will surely make an impact on the Eurovision audience. With infectious beats, powerful vocals and a captivating stage presence, La Zarra is definitely one to watch.
Blanca Paloma – Spain
After failure to qualify in 2022, Blanca Paloma is back and better than ever. With strong song writing skills and a background in theatre – audiences will be mesmerised by what judges have described as a being taken on a “spiritual journey”.
Could Mae Muller be this year’s Dark Horse?
Mae Muller, a singer-songwriter from Kentish Town in London, was born in 1997—the same year the UK last claimed victory in Eurovision. While working at a pub, she signed with her manager and gained attention with a DIY music video filmed in her father’s bathroom. As the UK’s entrant for Eurovision 2023, Muller follows in the footsteps of Sam Ryder, who finished second in 2022.
Muller’s entry, “I Wrote A Song,” is a catchy dance track inspired by her experiences with a cheating ex-boyfriend. She shared the song’s backstory on TikTok, explaining that although she felt angry and wanted to take revenge, she chose to channel her emotions into her music. The lyrics showcase her growth and maturity, transforming her heartache into a powerful and relatable anthem. Despite trailing behind the current favourites with 66/1 odds, Mae Muller’s unique sound and captivating performance have the potential to surprise both the judges and the audience. Her heartfelt performance, driven by personal experiences and passion, might just propel her to Eurovision glory.
Muller’s relatable lyrics and empowering message resonate with listeners, and her undeniable talent as a singer and songwriter set her apart from the competition. Furthermore, her captivating stage presence and ability to connect with the audience could win over European voters. As the competition unfolds, keep an eye on how the odds shift to stay ahead of the game and potentially identify any dark horse contenders like Mae Muller that might defy expectations and claim victory. With the UK’s last Eurovision win being over 20 years ago, the country is overdue for a victory. Mae Muller’s fresh sound, genuine emotion, and magnetic stage presence make her the ideal dark horse contender for Eurovision 2023.
Eurovision is an exciting event that showcases the diversity of music and culture across Europe. Every year fans eagerly await to see which country will come out on top and who will be the next Eurovision sensation. With some much talent on one stage, Eurovision continues to captivate audiences across the world. Whether you are a die-hard fan or casual observer, Eurovision is definitely an event to watch out for.
