Finland, Denmark, Norway. Or Greece or France? Top picks for this year's Eurovision

As of Saturday morning, bookmakers name the duo from Finland as the favorite. Photo: Christian Bruna/Getty Images

Finland: Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen — Liekinheitin

Finland brings a real hit to Eurovision. Bookmakers predict this song will take first place. The track Liekinheitin combines a catchy melody on the border of rock and dance music, the vocals of singer Pete Parkkonen, and a live performance on the violin by world-renowned violinist Linda Lampenius.

Greece: Akylas — Ferto

For this year's performance, the Greeks offer fast dance music with national motifs. Wrapped in this, they hid a vivid social text. Ferto by rapper Akylas is a song about human greed and the desire to consume more than needed, which stems from emptiness in the human soul. And Akylas is also one of those typical Eurovision eccentrics.

Denmark: Søren Torpegaard Lund — Før vi går hjem

Danish representative Søren Torpegaard is responsible for quality pop music at this year's Eurovision. He will present the song Før Vi Går Hjem at the contest. During the national final, Søren sang in a glass box with neon, smoke, and plastic backup dancers. All the components for a Eurovision hit are in place, but will it be enough to win?

Czech Republic: Daniel Žižka — Crossroads

The Czechs have never had success at Eurovision. In 13 years of participation, they only made it to the final five times and never placed higher than sixth. It is unlikely that Daniel Žižka's song Crossroads will help them break the trend — it's too distinctive for that. But that won't stop us from enjoying Žižka's strong vocals and atmospheric music.

Israel: Noam Bettan — Michelle

Noam Bettan will steal all the female viewers' hearts at Eurovision this year. The powerful singer from Israel will perform the song Michelle in three languages: expect Hebrew, French, and English. This song about toxic love has such a catchy melody that it will be hard to get it out of your head — meaning listeners won't forget who to vote for.

For several years now, there has been much debate surrounding Israel's participation in the contest — due to military actions against Palestine, for which Israel is accused of genocide against Palestinians. This year, Spain, Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Ireland will skip the contest in protest.

France: Monroe — Regarde!

Talented and charming Monroe will perform a pop-opera style song, supporting almost the most reliable trend of Eurovision — in the past two years, songs in the same style have won. There will also be another trend, the violin, which we already mentioned above. Though what else to bring to Vienna besides classics? It seems Monroe can still compete in this contest.

Norway: Jonas Lovv — Ya Ya Ya

This spot could have been for Alexander Rybak, who tried to get into Eurovision again this year. But instead, Norwegian Jonas Lovv is going to the contest. With his mustache, black jumpsuit, and characteristic stage moves, he shamelessly copies Freddie Mercury. To go on stage with rock music in a year dominated by pop and opera is brave, very brave.

The final starts at 10 PM Minsk time.

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