With the build up to Euro 2012 gaining momentum, let’s not forget that other great European battle which will resume its 2012 edition on Saturday, May 26th. That’s right, it is finally 2012 Eurovision betting time again and it will be worth scouring through the betting odds to see what value you can pick up for this dramatic night of action in Baku. All of the big guns will be putting the final touches on their performances and keeping their vocal chords in check ahead of Saturday night’s extravaganza and it is Sweden who are trading as clear outright favourites to win it. Sweden are being represented by Loreen, a Gothic rock looking lady. She was overwhelming favourite in the Sweden selection contest and enters with a song called Euphoria, which is her third single release and has been rocking along at the top of the Swedish charts. The single has also gone Platinum and the uplifting anthem will no be cross quite a few genders to gain votes. Sweden are in at 15/8 with SkyBet in the Eurovision betting market. Sweden aren’t in the grant final though, they have to go through the semi finals.
There is a divide then back to Italy and Russia who are trading around 7/1 with BetFair. Italy are in the grand final, with L’Amore E Femmina (Out of Love) from performer Nina Zilli. As to be expected, Nina is a very passionate Italian and has the ability to turn music into emotion apparently She has a Gold selling album behind her and had a sell out tour as well. Out of Love is actually a mix of Italian and English, so again, could well be a popular option. Russia too have to go through the semi final stage as well, as Buranovskiye Babushki takes his performance of Party For Everybody to the stage. This is a bit off an odd entry if you like, in a good way, because these are, let’s say, mature ladies (their name translates as Buranovo Grannies) and they had a crack at representing Russia before, back in 2010, but only came in third. They cover popular songs from the likes of the Beatles and Queen and have a bit of a cult following. It could be their um, cuteness, uniqueness and novelty which gets them far.
The UK are in the finals, being represented by veteran crooner Englebert Humperdinck. The septuagenarian has a long career behind him, and has his place on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (and the Las Vegas Walk of Fame). The mysterious heartthrob was the one who actually made popular the jumpsuits, popularised and most associated with Elvis Pressley, who Humperdinck jokes “stole” the look from him. Humperdinck enters with Love Will Set You Free which is a mellow love song. Online bookmakers are a bit divided over the UK Eurovision chances though, because they are ranging anywhere from 9/1 out to 20/1 and everything in between. So it could just be worth a punt at longer odds of 20/1 at Bet365 because his a class live performer. Serbia, Romania and Iceland are all hovering around the 14/1 mark in Eurovision betting odds and Jedward go for Ireland with “Waterline.”
Who are the dark horses of the competition? Well two names jump off the page, Greece and Cyprus. Both have gone for aesthetics as Greece are fronted by Eleftheria Eleftheriou and this could just he chorus of all chorusing which will bury its way into your head and stay there. The song is Aphordisiac and don’t be surprised to see her pushing hard with her image, well toned back up dancers and that darned chorus. Cyprus have Ivi Adamou gunning for the title and she too will attract a lot of attention. More of a classical style and feel to the Cypriot entry and definitely and underdog who could easily achieve in 2012 Eurovision betting.
2012 Eurovision Betting Odds at BetFair
Sweden 6/4, Italy 7/1, Russia 8/1, UK 9/1, Serbia 14/1, Romania 16/1, Iceland 20/1, Denmark 25/1, Spain 25/1, Germany 33/1, Norway 33/1, Ireland 25/1, Greece 40/1, Cyprus 40/1
