2012 Betting Odds - One Month Out

So we're just a few short weeks away from Eurovision and the betting odds are more or less holding steady.

The predicted top 10, based on the current odds:

1.  Sweden
2.  Italy
3.  Russia
4.  Serbia
5.  UK
6.  Denmark
7.  Spain
8.  Ireland
9.  Iceland
10.  Germany

I'm happy that Italy and Spain are doing as well as they are.  Russia's high place is a bit surprising, although whether its due to sentimentality, bloc voting, or something else I'm not sure.  Expect to see Ireland move up over the coming weeks (Jedward shot up right before the finals last year).  I personally wouldn't mind seeing San Marino crack the Top 10, but that's just me, although a move into the Top 10 by perennial underdog Cyprus might not be that unheard of.  The big question though is still whether Loreen can hold on to the top spot.

Your thoughts?

Eurovision 2012 Preview: Pot 1

So we've talked about politics and voting, but let's be honest, what you're really here for is the music.  So here we go, our first look at the 2012 contestants, with some facts, trivia, and our thoughts.  Feel free to share your own!

Albania

First Appearance:  2004

Highest Place:  7th (2004)

Rona Nishliu - "Suus"

She has a great voice and she really captures the pain and emotion of the lyrics (translation available here).  She's definitely relying on those high notes to carry her through.  Quick bit of trivia, this is the first Eurovision song to feature Latin lyrics, as well as the first Armenian entry to feature a singer born in Kosovo (stay tuned for a Politics of Eurovision post discussing Kosovo, the EBU, and Eurovision).

Bosnia and Herzegovina

First Appearance:  1993

Highest Place:  3rd (2006)

Maya Sar - "Korake Ti Nzam"

Maya Sar is no stranger to the Eurovision stage, having provided backing vocals in 2004 and 2011, as well as playing keyboard in 2011, all for Bosnia and Herzegovina.  With the gorgeous vocals and heartbreaking lyrics (translated here), she's definitely got the Adele vibe going on.  Plus, we're a sucker for someone who plays her own instruments.

Croatia

First Appearance:  1993

Highest Place:  4th (1996, 1999)

Nina Badrić - "Nebo"

Our third contestant in a row singing in a language other than English (translation available here)!  A bit more pop than the previous two songs, but catchy on its own, and the video definitely makes use of the wind machine and half naked hunks.  And how can we not root for someone who writes her own lyrics and music?

F.Y.R. Macedonia

First Appearance:  1998

Highest Place:  12th (2006)

Kaliopi - "Crno i Belo"

Kaliopi released her first single at the age of 18, and previously represented Macedonia in Eurovision in 1996, although she failed to pass out of the pre-qualifying round.  With great vocals, lyrics by the singer (translation available here) and the sexiest playing of a sting instrument this side of Yo-Yo Ma, the song deserves to place higher than it likely will.

Montenegro
First Appearance:  2007
Highest Place:  11th in the Semi-Finals (2009)

Rambo Amadeus - "Euro Neuro"

This song is cool like a swimming pool (do you see what I did there?).  It may win points for creativity and for a completely bizzare/awesome video that for some reason you can't stop watching.  But I'm not sure it will make it into the finals.  There's always next year, Montenegro.

Serbia

First Appearance:  2007
Highest Place:  1st (2007)

Željko Joksimović - "Nije Ljubav Stvar"

Another familiar face,  Joksimović competed in 2004 (for Serbia and Montenegro, placing 2nd), produced 3 other Eurovision entries, and co-hosted the 2008 competition in Belgrade.  The song features great vocals as well as what appears to be nearly a full orchestra (translation of the lyrics available here).  Current Eurovision odds place Serbia in the top 10, and with is previous success, look for a high placement.

Switzerland
First Appearance:  1956
Highest Place:  1st (1956, 1988)

Sinplus - "Unbreakable"

Giving us our first song in English, Switzerland seeks 12 points with this pop rock offering by brothers Ivan and Gabriel Broggini.  The song is catchy on the first listen and soon you'll find yourself rocking out with your headphones in.  If you're worried about the accent, it didn't hold Lena back in 2010 (or 2011 for that matter), and you can't ever discount the country that gave us Céline Dion.  Eurovision odds put them behind fellow sibling act Jedward, which is a shame.

So there you have it, your first 6 acts.  If we have to pick, our vote goes to Bosnia, but quite frankly, there's not much in here that we wouldn't mind seeing have a good showing.

What is your favorite act from Pot 1?

Eurovision 2011: Preview

Well, today's the day, cats and ktitens.  The first semifinal of Eurovision 2011 will begin in a few hours and we can't be more excited.  And so without further ado, we present two of most compelling story lines from this year's competition and then what you really came for.

1.  The Return of Dana International

While many contestants have attempted to win Eurovision more than once, only Johnny Logan from Ireland has actually succeeded.  Two former winners will attempt the feat this year.  First is Germany's Lena, who, if she won, would be the first back to back winner.

However, the more compelling storyline may be Israel's Dana International, who won a very tight three way race in 1998 with her song "Diva."

Dana is arguably one of the most famous transsexual celebrities in the world.  When she was selected to represent Israel in 1998, many Orthodox Jews and other conservative groups attempted to void her participation.  Upon winning, Dana commented "My victory proves God is on my side. I want to send my critics a message of forgiveness and say to them: try to accept me and the kind of life I lead. I am what I am and this does not mean I don't believe in God, and I am part of the Jewish Nation."

2.  The End of the Big Four Curse

One of the critiques of Eurovision has traditionally been the problem of bloc voting; that is, countries that are politically aligned or share similar cultures will vote for each other, regardless of talent.  Since each country's vote is weighed the same, the largest countries (also known as "The Big Four/Five"), namely France, the UK, Germany, Spain, and Italy (recently added), were unable to garner enough votes to secure victories.

Recently, Eurovision has introduced a jury system designed to arguably limit the effects of bloc voting.  And perhaps it seems to be working.  Germany's Lena won last year, the first Big Four/Five winner since 1997.  And current betting odds (yes, you can bet on the Eurovision outcome) shows the most likely winner to be France, followed closely by the UK.

And that's enough for the stories.  You've really come here for the music, so let's take a look at some of this year's entries.

"Carobon" - Nina (Serbia)

We're a fan of the 60s vibe.  While it may not be Lordi, it's certainly fun.

"Popular" - Eric Saade (Sweden)

We didn't realize that Justin Bieber was competing.  Then again, if this means The Bieb will be staying in Europe and not returning to our side of the pond for a while, we approve.

"Rockefeller Street" - Getter Jaani (Estonia)

The song most likely to crash the UK/France fight for first.  It's catchy and it could have just enough girls, glitter, and pyrotechnics to send Blue packing.

"Lipstick" - Jedward (Ireland)

Every time I get a little faith in humanity, things like this happen.  And that's all I'm going to say about it.

"Sognu" - Amaury Vassilli (France)

The favorite to win.  Whether or not you're an opera fan, you've gotta be amazed...the kid's only 21.

And finally...

"In Love For a While" - Anna Rossinelli (Switzerland)

One of our hero's personal favorites.  It's one of those songs that just makes you feel happy.

You can check out all of the participant profiles and videos here.  Enjoy!