The Semi-Final Allocation Draw and Handover Ceremony went down at St. George’s Hall in Liverpool, January 31, 2023. The presentation was streamed live on the official Eurovision YouTube channel and hosted by AJ Odudu and Rylan. If this hosting paring is any indication, we are in for slick and entertaining set of Eurovision shows.
One of the things that makes the Eurovision Song Contest journey so exciting for fans and casual viewers alike is making predictions! With the allocation draw completed and the tea leaves simmering—let’s make some WILD PREDICTIONS.
Semi-Final 1: The Heavy Hitters That Want To Win
Semi-final 1 as a whole is looking very interesting. There are some historical “buddies” in the mix and countries who have been consistently delivering at Eurovision. Even with no official songs from this bunch, it wouldn’t be crazy to think that this might be our most competitive semi with a potential Contest winner “hiding in plain sight.”
In the first half of semi-final one we have Serbia, Norway and Portugal— all of whom I am tracking to win the Contest soon. Latvia and Ireland have surprisingly strong national selections with some interesting options— will they pick the best entry? Croatia and Malta might seem like the “underdogs” here, but let’s no forget: everyone loves an underdog.
We are truly kicking off the Contest with a BANG in this semi-final. The second half is absolutely stacked with recent Eurovision winners and top 10 finishers. Sweden, Switzerland, and The Netherlands rarely disappoint— but they won’t have the juries by their side to ensure their advancement. Moldova, a fan favorite, is likely to deliver and serve something memorable that could close the semi. Czech Republic, who closed their semi last year and opened the Grand Final, already have 2 amazing songs in their national selection. These tracks could be truly in the running for top-honors at this year’s competition.
Israel announced their representative early and they won’t be holding back after NOT qualifying last year. Azerbaijan should likely be a little nervous with no jury help and the controversy of last year’s scores and qualification. However, Azerbaijan has delivered ethnic bops the fandom and locals love to see at Eurovision. Last mention— but not least— Finland has one of the strongest national selections of the season so they would be a safe bet to make it through.
What’s the ridiculous predication for Semi-final 1?
- Serbia
- Norway
- Portugal
- Sweden
- Moldova
- Israel
- Finland
- Czech Republic
- The Netherlands
- Wild Card: Ireland vs. Azerbaijan
Semi-Final 2: The Wild Cards Who Want To Shine
Semi-Final 2 is truly the semi to WATCH. These countries are going to give us ethnic, native language, and out-of-the-box staging. Is there a potential Eurovision “winner” in this mix? I’d feel comfortable putting my money on one or two of these gems.
The first half for semi-final 2 has an interesting blend of Eurovision wild cards. The track records aren’t exactly solid and that makes things really exciting. Armenia’s Rosa Linn was the surprise viral sensation coming out of last year’s competition, will Armenia keep the ball rolling? Belgium’s song is already released and I wouldn’t be surprised to see it in the ill-fated #2 slot, but it could also close the first half. As of now, it seems like you either love the song or you forget it.
Cyprus and Denmark both didn’t qualify last year but they typically “serve” and have a better recent history at the Contest. Romania has some nice energy behind them after last year’s hit [in Spain]. Iceland, Greece, and Estonia also have great momentum and all 3 of these countries really want to win in the near future.
The second half of semi-final 2 may end up feeling like hit-or-miss for some. Georgia and San Marino always have a very strong point of view— you’ll either love them or desperately want to get them out of your head. Slovenia, is a country to “watch” this year at Eurovision; they are bringing Joker Out, a talented and current feeling group that will likely give us something to latch on to.
Australia and Austria will both need to “prove themselves” for different reasons. Austria is out for redemption and Australia will need to gain Europe’s favor. Albania typically performs well with televoters, but will Albina and her family’s powerful ballad be enough? Lithuania and Poland more often than not (recently) tend to do well with televoters and both have last year’s qualifications to aid their momentum in heading into this year’s competition.
What’s the ridiculous predication for semi-final 2?
- Cyprus
- Romania
- Iceland
- Greece
- Estonia
- Australia
- Lithuania
- Slovenia
- Poland
- WILD CARD: Albania vs. Armenia
Well that’s my completely WILD and ridiculous prediction for the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest. What do you think? Comment below your thoughts!
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