The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 has officially begun (Picture: AP/EPA/Getty)
It is now just days before that much-needed pre-summer hit of joy, or in other words, the final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024.
The competition is now in full force after the semi-finals kicked off last night in Malmo, Sweden, with entries from countries including Australia and Sweden performing.
The event was a spectacle with viewers blown away by the likes of the UK’s act Olly Alexander’s hypnotising routine of his track Dizzy, even though the Years & Years singer later revealed he suffered a wardrobe malfunction.
Ireland, meanwhile, broke a losing streak with entry Bambie Thug, who managed to qualify for Eurovision’s grand finale for the nation for the first time in six years after a show-stopping performance.
But, sadly, Poland’s Luna, Iceland’s Hera Björk, Moldova’s Natalia Barbu, Azberbaijan’s Fahree feat IIkin Dovlatov and Australia’s Electric Field did not replicate Ireland’s success and were eliminated from the competition.
While the grand finale entries are being whittled down, there is still another semi-final to enjoy, with counties including Greece, Norway and the Netherlands still to perform.
What is guaranteed is that the Eurovision will be a tough competition, so who will win and who should win? Let’s take a look at a bookie’s prediction.
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The favourites to win Eurovision 2024
Croatia is Ladbrokes’ favourite to win the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 (Picture: Backgrid)
The hot favourite to be crowned Eurovision Song Contest 204 winner is Croatai with their act, the brilliantly named, Baby Lasagna with their song Rim Tim Tagi Dim.
Their odds are considerably more favourable – at even money – than the second artist predicted to steal the competition, Switzerland’s Nemo and song The Code (10/3).
Italy is third most likely to win the night at 6/1, followed by Ukraine (10/1), The Netherlands (12/1) and Ireland (14/1), according to Ladbrokes.
Alex Apati, from the betting firm, said: ‘Ireland’s chances of winning have taken a slight hit, with Croatia already beginning to pull away as clear favourites to win in Sweden.’
Ukraine is also in the bookie’s top five most likely to win (Picture: Backgrid)
It is bad news, though, for the UK, with Ladbrokes giving Olly Alexander a 66/1 odds of winning compared to 5/1 finishing last. There is also a 12/1 chance of receiving the dreaded nil points.
‘It looks like it’ll be yet another disappointing Eurovision year for the UK, with Olly Alexander now just 12/1 for a nil point night,’ Alex summed up.
The UK is not Ladbrokes’ least likely act to win, though. If you were a betting person it would be best not to place bets on the likes of Malta (500/1), Lativa (500/1), San Marino (300/1) and Portugal (300/1).
If Baby Lasagna does win the Eurovision, it will be the first time Croatia has won since joining the competition in 1993.
To date, the best placing for Croatia is fourth, which it achieved in 1996 and 1999.
Eurovision Song Contest 2024 odds
Croatia – Evens
Switzerland – 10/3
Italy – 6/1
Ukraine – 10/1
Netherlands – 12/1
Ireland – 14/1
France – 20/1
Israel – 20/1
Finland – 66/1
Greece – 66/1
UK – 66/1
Sweden – 80/1
Austria – 100/1
Belgium – 100/1
Georgia – 100/1
Lithuania – 100/1
Armenia – 150/1
Germany – 150/1
Norway – 150/1
Slovenia – 150/1
Albania – 200/1
Cyprus – 200/1
Denmark – 200/1
Estonia – 200/1
Luxembourg – 200/1
Spain – 200/1
Serbia – 250/1
Czech Republic – 300/1
Portugal – 300/1
San Marino – 300/1
Latvia – 500/1
Malta – 500/1
Who should win Eurovision 2024?
A clear fan favorite has emerged…. Ireland’s entry Bambie Thug (Picture: Backgrid)
After the first semi-final last night, Eurovision fans had already decided that this year’s ‘underdog’ deserves to be crowned champion.
They might not be the bookie’s favourite but Ireland’s Bambie Thug, who is non-binary, stole the show with their spelling-binding rendition of their songDoomsday Blue.
The performance – which had everything – saw the singer dress like a witch with horns on their head, scream to the heavens and be twirled by a dancer wearing devil-inspired prosthetics.
But don’t just take out word for it.
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Bambie Thug also set social media alive, with X user exclaiming: @axolotl2023: ‘This was the most original performance we EVER had in the whole history of #Eurovision and im dead serious about it, im so speechless THIS NEEDS TO WIN ! #Ireland #CrownTheWitch #BambieThug #getoutofrafah #Eurovision #Eurovision2024.’
Agreeing, @Mika_ljm stated: ‘This just screams winner all over. They went from being an underdog to a likely top 10/top 5 result in the final! Congrats Ireland & Bambie Thug, you were amazing. And now… #CrownTheWitch in the final!’
@PatrickMooney also said: ‘Oh what a night. To witness Bambie Thug qualifying live in the arena was incredible. Well done SVT on a stunning show. The Witch has been Crowned! #Eurovision.’
Metro.co.uk recently had the chance to speak to the artist, as they expressed their pride in having the chance to take part in the Eurovision Song Contest.
‘I’m an independent artist and other than this I would have never been put in front of so many people, so soon, unsigned or anything, so that’s incredible,’ they said.
‘I think it’s a feat in itself to get there, and for us to be in the top 10 after my country not being in the top 10 or in the final for 10 years, and even just for the alt scene, and the queer scene and goths, it’s great that we’re there.
‘Seeing that the doors are opening for more not-so-Normcore music is really encouraging, and I’ve gotten a lot of love since being involved and people finding my art, finding my old songs and it’s been a good boost because it is hard grinding this plane independently so I’m proud of myself regardless.’
Who would you like to win?
The next Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals will air on Thursday, May 9, at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer. The Grand Final airs on Saturday, May 11, at 8pm on BBC One and iPlayer.
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