Ok, ok. I know what you are thinking: ‘Never listen to the odds, everything can change until May’.
True. But we all love to check the odds now and then, especially for a music competition like Eurovision that we all love and follow religiously (and sometimes too dramatically!). This is why I have decided today to analyze with you the odds ‘bottom five’, or at least what bettors consider as the worst entries in this year’s Eurovision.
Unjust? Unfair? A huge mistake we’ll all regret the day of the finale? Let’s start the drama…
Estonia: Uku Suviste – The Lucky One (35th place)
A pop ballad brought to us by the Estonian singer Uku Suviste. A ‘cry of pain‘ caused by the end of a love story through which the artist explains how even the most beautiful and intense relationships can come to an end when misunderstandings are not addressed in time.
Now, apart from the ‘honeyed‘ and ‘dramatic‘ content of the lyrics, I truly believe this song has great potentials to reach the finale. I mean, yes, it is not one of this year’s greatest entries and it is a bit forgettable if compared to the other songs in the competition, but Uku and its attractive ‘scratchy voice‘ (and his sexy body…but this is not an opinion, it’s a fact!) could really steal the juries’ hearts.
My opinion: underrated!
Spain: Voy a Quedarme – Blas Canto’ (36th place)
As I have already explained in a previous article, I love the Spanish entry this year (believe me, I really do!). If there was a special award for the ‘best ballad of the year’, I’m sure Spain would be a strong contender. But this is Eurovision, and we all want to see some fireworks, led-covered stages, strange outfits, drama, etc. (especially after a depressing year like 2020). Spain, unfortunately, does not bring these elements to the stage.
A powerful and emotional ballad, dedicated to his grandmother who passed away during the pandemic, reminds us all to enjoy the company of our relatives and dearest affections until we have time.
Surely, Blas will not reach the 36th position (as Spain is one of the ‘Big Five’) but it will probably fail to reach, at least, the top ten of the finale scoreboard, which of course, is a shame but not a surprise.
My opinion: underrated but, still, not strong enough!
Slovenia: Ana Soklič – Amen (37th place)
I am sorry Slovenia, I am sorry Slovenian friends, but I really can’t see your song competing in the grand-finale this year.
A great message and an invite to persevere in times of adversity brought to the stage by – I must say – an impeccable Ana Soklič: this gospel-inspired ballad does not, unfortunately, seem to become a winning or, at least, a memorable entry of this year’s competition. If compared to other entries, such as Cyprus or Malta, the Slovenian song seems to literally fade in the background.
However, as Salvador Sobral taught us all, ballads can be revalued last-minute by fans and juries that could surprisingly award Ana with a pass to the finale. Who knows!?
My opinion: will not qualify.
Czech Republic: Benny Cristo – Omaga (38th place)
Come on guys, 38th place in the odds? Really?
A modern and catchy entry (Slovenia take notes please) that I am sure, it will make us all stand up from our sofas (or, for the almost 4000 lucky ones, from the sits in the Ahoy Arena). A funny and energetic reminder to live life in a more uplifting and happy way, especially during these times of stress and uncertainty.
He’s talented, he’s funny, he’s hot, and he’ll be joined by four dancers on stage (which already give us a hint to how the staging will look like). I personally believe, and hope, that we will see Benny in the finale.
My opinion: give a pass for the finale to this man!
Albania: Anxhela Peristeri – Karma (39th place)
I genuinely think this is one of those ‘pieces of art‘ that will only be appreciated in the future. Very distant in style from what we’ve heard so far in this year’s Eurovision, this ‘Albanian-language dramatic, ethnic, Balkan-inspired pop-ballad‘ that combines ‘modern and traditional Albanian elements’ has, in my opinion, all the potentials to reach the finale.
Unfortunately, as already happened in the past, Albania has been the first country to release its song and, with time, it lost its element of ‘originality’ that had, instead, characterised it at the beginning of the year. Also, the ethnic sounds mixed with the Albanian language (which I personally enjoy because very close to my culture), perhaps, can be considered too distant from the musical taste of the average Eurovision fan.
My opinion: undeserved last place but not a ‘dark horse’
Do you think the odds will confirm this bottom 5? Will Estonia, Czechia, and Albania reach the finale? Do you agree with me?
Let us know in the comments!
