This weekend, the Eurovision Song Contest will showcase acts from 25 countries in a high-camp competition that is a global cultural phenomenon. The winner will be determined by a mix of votes from music industry professionals in participating nations and viewers at home. The outcome can be influenced by both exceptional performances and political factors.
Who will emerge victorious at this year’s event in Malmo, Sweden?
It seems unlikely to be Joost Klein, a quirky musician representing the Netherlands. Swedish authorities are investigating him for alleged threats towards a Eurovision staff member, leading to his disqualification from the competition.
Here are five contenders with strong chances of winning, based on bookmakers’ odds and online buzz.
Croatia
Baby Lasagna
Leading the odds is Baby Lasagna from Croatia, with his eccentric blend of heavy metal and dance music in the song ”Rim Tim Tagi Dim.”
The lyrics tell the story of Baby Lasagna, also known as Marko Purisic, expressing his desire to leave his village for the city, symbolized by selling his cow and urging the villagers to join him in a farewell dance.
Despite the song’s whimsical nature, Purisic aims to shed light on Croatia’s issue of youth emigration. While winning is not his primary goal, the success of “Rim Tim Tagi Dim” has inspired him to pursue a career as Baby Lasagna.
Israel
Eden Golan
Israel’s representative, Eden Golan, has surged to second place in the bookmakers’ rankings, despite controversy surrounding her participation due to political tensions.
During her semifinal performance, Golan faced mixed reactions from the audience, reflecting the ongoing debate over her involvement in light of Israel’s conflict with Gaza.
Originally titled “October Rain,” Golan’s song alludes to past events in Israel, sparking discussions and debates within the Eurovision community.
2024-05-11 06:09:16
Original from www.nytimes.com