New Year’s Update
Welcome to 2025 where we start with 2 confirmed songs from Montenegro and Albania - a solid pair both countries can be happy enough with despite lingering at the very bottom of the odds. For my in depth thoughts both reviews are on site.
They are joined by 3 internal selections. Cyprus were the first to announce their act in Theo Evan who appears the least inspiring of the bunch and hasn't attracted much betting attention yet. Czechia's selection of Adonxs seems the most Nemo inspired but he appears a talented artist and one to keep an eye on at longer odds. The Netherlands are back but this time with Claude who is another strong addition to the year with a good back catalogue. His selection has seen the Dutch remain in the 20s.
Onto national finals and songs are out in Luxembourg, Estonia, Latvia and Spain. There may be several available from other countries but I believe they are the only ones with a comprehensive list at present. Of these, Estonia caught some early attention through Tommy Cash's participation but the release of 'Espresso Machiatto' has seen that fade. Latvia and Spain have options that also seemingly fall into a similar 'could do well but not win' category and can be backed at 50+.
Lithuania, Malta, Ukraine, Slovenia, Italy and Belgium have all named their participants and sit at typical enough starting prices with one notable exception with Belgium sitting as second favourites currently. A combination of song hype and apparently strong field headlined by Mentissa being the reason.
Brash talk has been the theme in Germany where the return of semi-legendary Stefan Raab to the reigns has seen hopes reach their highest in over a decade (since his last notable involvements). Stefan wishes to be held "personally responsible" if Germany fail to win this year and prices are far shorter than usual as a result.
On the political front, Israel are set to participate despite some broadcaster's complaints and a KAN restructuring in the pipeline which has drawn some EBU scrutiny. Georgia's EU in/out and unrest is the sort of situation that could generate a narrative should something overtly pro Europe somehow be picked. Ukraine continue to be one to monitor for obvious reasons.
We've had an alleged leak of the Irish contenders in the last few days which -if accurate- would surely be their strongest selection ever. The UK are yet to announce anything, as are fellow big 5 France. Greece and Armenia are both resurrecting their national finals with a pretty clear longlist on the former's entrants.
Finally a word on our current odds leader Sweden at a very short 5.5. 2015 winner Måns Zelmerlow's return to Melodifestivalen is carrying the entire weight of this expectation with the belief either him - or any outsider able to stop him in Sweden - will be incredibly competitive.
Our new year’s day exchange odds are captured below:
The next update shall arrive on Sunday 12th and from there we'll go weekly once again as selection season kicks into gear.
In the meantime, watch out for my blind Sanremo preview with Melodifestivalen following later in the month.