Super Saturday #3: MGP, Eesti Laul, Eurovizija.LT and Depi Evratesil Previewed
A quick one today on some of today’s (and tomorrow’s) action with my main attention on Sanremo and some pretty conclusive favourites across all the other finals this weekend.
Sweden - Melodifestivalen Heat 3
Never underestimate the pretty boys here is the lesson from last week and I expect Greczula to win this heat. He was actually somewhat hyped this year but this song has nothing to it. It does look the closest heat overall and Dolly Style winning the arena poll last night (albeit kiddy weighted), Annika's success last year, and Malou probably having the best song has really leveled things out. I don't think I'd come to much of a conclusion even if I spent an hour researching this one so my quick thoughts here:
Greczula
Malou Prytz
Annika Wickihalder
Dolly Style
Angelino
Bjorn Holmgren
Estonia - Eesti Laul 2025
Rehearsals have been taking place this afternoon and there's a press poll too which doesn't make the best reading for long time huge favourite Tommy Cash. I don't think that is worth overthinking much and as has been the case for months only a jury butchering in the 50/50 stage would prevent him reaching the 100% televote superfinal. That is a huge stretch. No upset predicted here.
Prediction: Tommy Cash
Norway - Melodi Grand Prix
A poor national final and the worst MGP I can remember from Norway, not helped by some late withdrawals. That has left Kyle Alessandro as a fairly unanimous favourite, hunted down by Nathaleen. I think the former as the only pretty boy male presence has a big demographic to aim into, whilst Nathaleen's entry could be harder to stage. In such a non descriptive final, it's important not to overlook the 'something different' from a proven name and that would be Wigwam. Their song is very poor but they might be the safest live performers and Norway do like a bit of rock from time to time. Overall Kyle looks pretty safe here but if there's an upset it might be at the hands of the ageing Rockers.
Prediction: Kyle Alessandro
Lithuania - Eurovizija.LT
Obviously Katarsis here with Lithuania rarely causing a surprise. Stats and general opinions all in alignment behind this and they are at over double the daily streams of anyone else. No reason for the jury to mark down either and could win on that side too.
Prediction: Katarsis
Armenia - Depi Evratesil
On to Sunday and most things point to an Athena Manoukian victory here. She won the last edition of this, closes the show and is leading on all the stats. I do think those are being inflated significantly by the international fandom though and there are entries more towards Armenian tastes here. Parg is maybe the biggest name in the selection whilst Arsen Grigoryan ft Kamil (who is the former in drag) could bring a level of ridiculous and entertaining staging that let's him win in a 100% televote final. Flora Bikchachyan has the best song with some ethnic elements thrown in and would be the best choice. I think Armenia are set to make the first really bad national final decision of the year (not counting Moldova's cancellation and withdrawal of course). Prove me wrong please...
Prediction: Athena Manoukian