5 Favourites to win Eurovision 2023

The moment you’ll all been waiting for is here! Eurovision is back, baby! So get ready for a week of the wackiest and catchiest songs being performed in the maritime city of Liverpool as Europe’s kings and queens of cheese descend on Liverpool for yet another thrilling contest!

Ukraine won the competition in 2022, with Europe clearly showing their support for the country. However, it was deemed too unsafe to host the competition there. Instead, the UK, who finished in second place in 2022, were invited to host on behalf of the winners. With its rich musical history, being the birthplace of huge acts like The Beatles, Liverpool was awarded the honour of representing Ukraine and its people.

Thousands of Euro pop fans have already flocked to the city this week to try and catch a glimpse of any sparkly spandex, dramatic ballads or unheard of traditional European instruments. 

However, this begs the question: who are the acts that are truly the ones to watch and are the bookmakers’ favourites to win on the biggest musical night of the year?

Table of Contents:

1. Sweden, Loreen - Tattoo

2. Finland, Käärijä - Cha Cha Cha

3. Ukraine, Tvorchi - Heart of Steel

4. France, La Zarra - Évidemment

5. Spain, Blanca Paloma – Eaea

Sweden, Loreen – Tattoo

Any Eurovision fan will instantly recognise Loreen as the winner of the contest back in 2012 with her song “Euphoria” which not only topped the Eurovision vote, but song charts across the world. This year she comes to the competition with a song called “Tattoo”. A dramatic dance-pop track about love and pain. She has been having some issues with her staging as during the performance she performs below a giant ceiling pushing down on her. However, it was too heavy to be used in the Liverpool arena so will have to be scaled down. 

This doesn’t seem to be stopping her and we expect the staging will still look just as incredible as Loreen’s vocals sound. If she wins, Sweden will join Ireland with the most Eurovision wins of all time with a joint seven. She would also become the first woman to win Eurovision twice with Ireland’s Johnny Logan being the only performer to win more than once in history.

Finland, Käärijä - Cha Cha Cha

Käärijä a 29 year old singer from Vantaa, Finland is entering Eurovision with a techno party track all about dancing your troubles away after a few drinks on a night out, something a few people in the Eurovision crowd might be able to relate to on the night. 

The song is catchy despite its heavy beats and Käärijä’s outfit is extremely memorable as he performs in neon green puffer sleeves and spiked black leather trousers. He is also surrounded by actual Cha Cha Cha dancers in bright pink, not quite what you would expect from a heavy techno song. This song is looking to be one of the favourites of the tele-voters at home, embodying the wackiness of Eurovision that the public love.

Ukraine, Tvorchi - Heart of Steel

Representing Ukraine, last year’s winners, Tvorchi automatically qualify for the final and are hoping for a repeat of their country’s success. Their song “Heart of Steel '' is about not giving up in the face of adversity, a message which will underlie a lot of the evening proceedings and will be especially poignant when Ukraine performs, unable to host in their own country. The duo is sure to gain a lot of support from Europe for this cool electro track and its message.

France, La Zarra – Évidemment

La Zarra serves up pure Frenchness in her song Évidemment. It is a sophisticated mix of a classic French style with modern day dance music which seems like a recipe for success in the Eurovision books.

La Zarra has some real stage presence while she is performing and a sultry French accent like hers can elevate any song. The song gives La Zarra plenty of potential to wow the audience, it has big notes and the spotlight will be on her vocals without as many gimmicks as some of the other acts. France will be watching eagerly to see if she can deliver.

Spain, Blanca Paloma – Eaea

So, I know we just said that France’s entry was very French but Spain takes authenticity to the next level. 

It is difficult to watch Blanca Paloma’s song without picturing Spain’s biggest superstar at the moment Rosalía who brought flamenco-pop fusion to the masses. As the backing singers clap to a flamenco beat, the intensity of Blanca Paloma’s vocals take centre stage as she sings in unique traditional Spanish tones. The weak link of this song may be its lack of “singability” for the audience. It isn’t the catchiest but it sure is dramatic.