Eurovision 2009 - 1st, 2nd & 3rd Predictions thread

[MsAnneThrope]

Yes it's that time of the year. Some terrible junk has made it's way through to the finals again. How Ireland didn't qualify is a disgrace. While I'm not a big fan of the song it's way above the Eurovision average and Sinéad Mulvey & Co. performed it admirably last night. Anyway, as a music buff of most genres (depending on the mood I'm in), I'm constantly on the lookout for new talent to add to my collection. I've listened to all the finalists and here is my prediction for the top 3. I also include the latest betting provided by PaddyPower at the time of writing as a guideline. The final is on Saturday, 16th May at 8pm Irish time.

My predictions are based on talent from a very dreary pool of the typical Eurovision dross. My #1 prediction is Jóhanna Guðrún from Iceland, only 18, and a voice that really moved me. A very rare, natural talent. Wow! Beautiful song too. She's probably too good to win Eurovision but if there's any justice left in the music world she'll go on to international stardom regardless. I also think Iceland are going to get some 'economic sympathy' votes after the hell their country has been through

I wouldn't be as enthusiastic about my #2 and #3 predictions (Norway & Denmark) but, as Eurovision goes, and from the cesspit of manure that are most of the other entries, they meet the requirements. Not bad but I wouldn't buy the CDs if you know what I mean. There's an Irish element to the Danish entry too - the song was written by our own Ronan Keating. In fact you can almost hear him singing it himself. I'm not an RK fan but this has a chance by Eurovision standards.

So put your top 3 predictions here in this thread and the winner gets, emmm, bragging rights. Include a YouTube link to the song if it hasn't already been posted here (search for Eurovision 2009 at YouTube then the country e.g. Eurovision 2009 Greece to find the link)

#1 ICELAND (18/1 at PaddyPower @ 12pm May 15th)

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sZFUw2QLyog"]Jóhanna Guðrún - "Is It True?"[/ame]

#2 NORWAY (8/11 at PaddyPower @ 12pm May 15th - clear favourite but I'm not so sure)

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-8JRtGMBUz0"]Alexander Rybak - "Fairytale"[/ame]

#3 DENMARK (66/1 at PaddyPower @ 12pm May 15th)

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTQG1j3aHGk"]Niels Brinck - "Believe Again"[/ame]

[hiberniate]

1. Norway
2. France
3. Estonia

the above is based on talent

Based on voting patterns:

1. Russia
2. Estonia
3. Moldova

[The OD]

I can confidently predict that the 1st, 2nd and 3rd place will go to woeful, cheesy acts!

(I know, its a gift I have....)

[Libero]

But Iceland have a dodgy draw at #7

Norway seems to be home and dry at #20, towards the end of the evening and fresh in voters' heads.

Only a sudden and very unexpected voter aversion to cheese will defeat Norway's grinning violinist. It is a quality tune though, if very derivative.

I have €20 on Iceland but the odds are drifting... Those on the inside probably know how the semi-final voting went and it can't have been tilting towards Iceland, despite the strong reaction from the crowd (and the RTÉ commentator!).

[Metric]

The only way this thing will ever be credible again is if the best song wins (or possibly hottest female singer) , audience vote should only be worth 10%. Donkeys who ring in would still do so in any event. Remember our vote last year. 10 points Poland 12 Latvia-total joke.

As it is any country that doesnt end in "ia" hasnt a chance of winning.

[MsAnneThrope]

I have €20 on Iceland but the odds are drifting... Those on the inside probably know how the semi-final voting went and it can't have been tilting towards Iceland, despite the strong reaction from the crowd (and the RTÉ commentator!).

I have money on Iceland too, but I have 4 times that amount on Norway as insurance (expensive insurance I know!). Worst case I hope to break about even. If Iceland win I'll collect nicely

If a country ending in 'ia' wins tune in to Joe Duffy on Monday

[jayblue]

My predictions is Iceland, Malta and Denmark. No doubt Irelands top points will go to Lithuania

[Riadach]

I think we should say, that if those countries like Serbia, Croatia, and Moldova keep blockvoting, we're never going to vote for EU expansion. They don't vote for us, we don't vote for them

[BaudrillardNeverExisted]

I predict UK, Ukraine and Norway. Things seem to have very "conveniently" fallen into place for the UK, in much the same way they "conveniently" fell into place for Russia last year. Ukraine has a bloc behind it and a stage-show that you just won't forget. I still don't understand the attraction of Norway, but apparently it's in the top 50 on iTunes here so people obviously like it. It also has the Scandinavian bloc behind it, and they were the most effective bloc in the semis - they all got through.

The best song is France, but it's going nowhere unfortunately.

[dmc444]

Do you think now that we are worse off economically we are going to start winning Eurovision again?

I was just thinking Ireland doesnt ever win the contest when times are good.