Odds Review: Week Ending 06/04

I’ve had a super busy last few days and thankfully for my screen weary eyes, there’s no sizeable moves or news to report on. Eurovision in concert last night has been the main focus of the week but I’m not sure any substantial revelations have been made there, except that the field was perhaps lacking. Is it possible the entire televote top 3 (Sweden, Estonia, Israel) were not in action and KAJ have subsequently strengthened their lead slightly in the market. That is coupled with remaining doubts of JJ’s televote appeal and potential niche taste. A lot riding on Austria’s staging. I continue having more issues with The Netherland’s song than Claude himself but he is also yet to win me over live, and has had many efforts. France had their translated lyrics up on screen which was the biggest takeaway from Louanne’s performance and whether they will try similar- for a song clearly about her mother anyway that might be a heavy handed approach but we will wait and see. Beatrice continues to be one of the best performers of the season and Kole is slowly getting more into things too for Albania.

I’ve not reviewed much beyond those yet but in almost every case except maybe one or two this year, the artist is not the weak link in the package. I do think regardless of a debate on song quality- we really do have a high calibre of performers this year.

One last development away from those lives has been Ukraine’s market drift. Being tied to the political landscape more than anything, I suspect the absence from any headlines and fears that much of Europe will have our own woes to distract us has played it’s part there - something that could also hit Israel. A year of escapism or some existential anxt perhaps, rather than a political statement or lovesong…