Eurovision 2023 Grand Final Prediction

Ahead of the grand final, it is time to try to predict the results of Eurovision 2023.
26 countries will compete in the grand final.
Who will be announced as the winner?
Will we have some surprises?

Let’s review the songs one by one, according to the running order

#1. 🇦🇹 Austria: Teya and Salena – Who The Hell Is Edgar?

Austria sends the first female duo ever to represent the country.
Initially, it seems they sing a random song about Edgar Allen Poe.
However, this is a song with a much deeper meaning – it talks about the difficulties in the music industry. One of them is how difficult it is for an artist to make revenue from streaming platforms, and the other subject is the way women creators are accepted by record labels.
The song is catchy, ear-warming, and memorable.
They will bring a very red danceable staging.
In the semi-final, They got a lot of applause from the audience.
I can see this song being appreciated by both jury and the public (but probably more by the public). The problem is that Austria is allocated too early in the running order.
Prediction: 11-15

2. 🇵🇹 Portugal: Mimicat – Ai Coração

Portugal will try its luck with the festive cabaret song “Ai Coração”.
While competing in recent years with slow songs (mostly ballads), this year is all about some dance moves, attitude, and tempo.
Initially, I wasn’t sure Portugal would qualify for the the final.
However, I think that the performance might seem attractive to some of the voters.
On the other hand, sings that are allocated in the 2nd slot in the final, are tend to be forgotten. It might also be a hint to her borderline place in the semi-final.
It has a more traditional cabaret and it is uplifting, but I think Austria might stick with more voters.
Prediction: 19-23

#3. 🇨🇭 Switzerland: Remo Forrer – Watergun

It’s one of the few ballads we have had this year.
Remo is a young talented singer who bases his performance on emotional delivery, strong vocals, and charisma. The song is staged in a sense that would match not only a ballad but also a general modern song. He is accompanied by 4 backing dancers.
People tend to think those ballads can’t do well with public voting, but as evidence, we can see The Netherlands in 2019, and Switzerland in 2021.
I see this song making bigger impact on the jury.
I don’t think we will face another case where Switzerland scoring 0 with the public (as in the final of 2022).
Prediction: 15-20

#4. 🇵🇱 Poland: Blanka – Solo

Blanka won the Polish selection and was accepted with mixed reactions by the random.
It is an old-fashioned Caribbean pop. Blanka has tons of charisma, but the problem is that her vocals still have to improve. She will be supported by pre-recorded backing vocals.
However, the performance is quite colorful and so her purple-orange outfit that its upper part will be removed during the performance. She also gives us a nice dance break.
Let’s not forget that the Polish diaspora is a strong one to rely on.
Nevertheless, I think the jury will rank her quite low.
Prediction: 14-19

#5. 🇷🇸 Serbia: Luke Black – Samo mi se spava

For the second year in a row, Serbia has taken a risk and sends an alternative avant-garde song.
The song captivated the listener from the very first notes.
Whether you have listened to Bjork or Evanescence, you find a comfortable place with Luke Black.
Adding to this the fact that the song progresses in a non-linear way, while the staging features some gaming related visuals, we will get a performance that will stand out.
On the other hand, I am afraid it will be hard to digest for some people (not for me, as this song is in my top 5).
Prediction: 17-21

#6. 🇫🇷 France: LA ZARRA – Évidemment

It is a fusion of French chanson and disco-pop. La Zarra wore a black shiny dress with red sequined. She also had a hat on her head. She is standing on a sparkle-draped plinth. It is a moving column, 5 meters off the ground covered with black fabric. Thereafter, the fabric vanished to reveal a cylindrical column with a mirror-tiled top.
I think the song has the potential to do well with the jury, and partly with the public.
Having said that, the vocal performance we saw in the semi-final snippet wasn’t good enough.
Prediction: 13-16

#7. 🇨🇾 Cyprus: Andrew Lambrou – Break A Broken Heart

It is a mid-tempo pop love ballad.
The song features some challenging vocal moments, especially in the C part.
The staging will be quite simple, with LED screens creating waterfall/rain and lava/fire.
Andrew looks good on stage, and he is supported by pre-recorded backing vocals.
If the song sounds like Swedish pop to you, you’re not mistaken, as Swedish writers are behind the song.
Personally, I think the staging is too simple. Another thing is that Cyprus comes before 2 considerable strong songs (Spain and Sweden) and quite early in the running order.
Prediction: 11-16

#8. 🇪🇸 Spain: Blanca Paloma – Eaea

It is a traditional flamenco ballad, with motives of modern production and electronic music.
Blanca Paloma is one of the best vocalists of this year, if not the best.
The song takes us on an emotional journey and proves more than even that traditional music is relevant nowadays.
Something is captivating about her performance.
Her outfit, in the 3 parts, has symbolism. It is a sculptural piece, developed as a malleable metal and molded with the volume of Blanca Paloma‘s body. The metal represents armor, a mask that protects the body of our heroine. The color red represented blood, love, passion, and fighting for life.
You can see the top part of the outfit as armor. That armor evokes her heart, a burst of red that blooms from her chest, where passions are born.
There are 2 fringed red semi-circular structures in the center of the stage. They create a visual of the theatre curtain. 2 fringed red semi-circular transportable pieces with a height of 3.5 meters. This allows a smooth transition between the different scenes.
I think that the song might talk to some people, but not sure if to many of them.
I can see her getting support from the jury and the public, but mostly with the jury.
Prediction: 5-10

#9. 🇸🇪 Sweden: Loreen – Tattoo

Loreen, who won Eurovision 2012, returns with a powerful performance.
The song starts as an emotional ballad that developed into a more electronic pop direction.
Loreen is known for her emotional and powerful vocals while captivating the viewer with convincing visuals. She lies on a box, while there is another “floating” box on top of her.
The performance focuses on her facial expressions, hand moves and, more.
Sweden uses a lot of smoke visuals in the background.
The song went viral and also led to betting odds.
Prediction: 1-3

#10.  Albania: Albina and Familja Kelmendi – Duje

A family of 4 siblings (3 sisters and a brother) alongside their parents will represent Albania.
It’s a dramatic Balkan ballad that might go too dramatically.
They wear black outfits. The majority of the dancing looks traditional, with hand movements. Their choreography includes waving red napkins.
Albina, the lead singer,, brings outcry and strong vocals to the song.
On one side, it is the only Balkan song in the final, so I can see Greece, Romania, Cyprus, Croatia, Moldova, Slovenia, Georgia, and Ukraine voting for this one. Many people might like the idea of a whole family on stage.
On the other hand, this might be too heavy for some of the voters.
I tend to think it will do better with the public rather than the jury.
The running order isn’t optimal either, coming after Sweden, which is one on the contenders to win.
Prediction: 21-26

#11. 🇮🇹 Italy: Marco Mengoni – Due Vite

Marco Mengoni, returns to the contest, 10 years after his first participation.
This time, he sings a romantic Italian ballad.
The staging puts us in the center of a romantic story. Marco delivers the emotions with his warm and strong voice. The staging goes in a quite simple line: Marco stands in the center of the stage. Behind the LED screens, we can see 2 people walking and jumping in the background of a lit moon.
Italy tends to do well, and I think there won’t be any difference this year.
Let’s remember, we barely have ballads in the final of Eurovision 2023, so this one might shine.
Marco Mengoni, returns to the contest, 10 years after his first participation.
This time, he sings a romantic Italian ballad.
The staging puts us in the center of a romantic story. Marco delivers the emotions with his warm and strong voice. The staging goes in a quite simple line: Marco stands in the center of the stage. Behind the LED screens, we can see 2 people walking and jumping in the background of a lit moon.
Italy tends to do well, and I think there won’t be any difference this year.
Let’s remember, we barely have ballads in the final of Eurovision 2023, so this one might shine. Estonia, which gives another ballad, is just after Italy in the running order.
Prediction: 4-7

#12. 🇪🇪 Estonia: ALIKA – Bridges

Alika will perform a James Bond theme ballad. The melody is based on piano playing, where towards the end we can hear some classic string instruments. She wore a light blue suit with 2 parts with a dress trail. Vocally, she sounds amazing and creates the required emotional atmosphere on stage.
The running order isn’t on her side, as she comes after another ballad (Italy), and before one of the contenders to win (Finland).
On the other hand, there aren’t many ballads this year, and a few of them are James Bond theme ballads or female ballads.
I think it will do better with the jury, rather than the public.
When watching the live performance, I got the same chills as in North Macedonia (back then, Tamara from North Macedonia won the jury vote)
Prediction: 11-15

#13. 🇫🇮 Finland: Käärijä – Cha Cha Cha

Finland took a very brave direction this year.
Käärijä will perform a techno-rap song, with some danceable beats.
Let’s face it: This isn’t a song for everyone, but you will remember it for sure.
Visually, we will be able to see him wearing a shiny green bolero, while the dancers wear pink outfits. Not only Israel and Sweden but also Finland use a box on the stage.
The concept, however, is very different. This song will make the people dance and celebrate.
You will probably remember the shiny green bolero and the shiny pink outfits of the dancers.
He might win the public vote, but I am not sure whether the jury will stand behind him.
Prediction: 1-3

#14. 🇨🇿 Czechia: Vesna – My Sister’s Crown

Czechia will be represented by VESNA, a group of 6 women that originated in several different Slavic/Easten-Eurpean countries.
The song delivers the message of anti-war, but can also be interpreted as a female empowerment song. They suggest an ethnic folk song, with modern electronic motives.
The song is performed in 4 different languages: English, Czech, Bulgarian , and Ukrainian.
We can even find one part that’s performed as a rap section.
On the one hand, I don’t think there is any song similar to this one (maybe besides Moldova that also suggests a fusion of electronic and folk music). On the other hand, the performance looked quite messy, including moments when they ran on the stage. Vocally, there is still space for improvement.
I can see it accepted well among the Slavic / Eastern Europe countries.
Not sure the same support will be seen among the jury.
Prediction: 9-14

#15. 🇦🇺 Australia: Voyager – Promise

Australia will close the second semi-final with an energetic synth rock song with metal influences.
They are not the only rock band in the semi-final , but bringing a different flavor to the contest.
The fact that the song has a wide range of genres, might help it catch the attention of some viewers.
In the semi-finals, they gave an energetic performance that might catch the attention of many viewers.
Prediction: 6-10

#16. 🇧🇪 Belgium: Gustaph – Because Of You

This song is all about celebrating ourselves. It talks about the chosen family, the friends we choose to be around us. The spokesperson talks about being different, and how some people mocked him about it. It is a dance house with some RnB motives, and it is probably the only song of this genre in the contest this year.
Gustaph looked comfortable on stage, accompanied by 3 female backing vocalists and a Ballroom dancer.
The song will probably be attractive for 1990s music lovers, but also those who enjoy gay club music. It is uplifting and puts positive energy on stage.
I think it might do better than expected, like Belgium in 2016. However, not good enough to sneak into the top countries.
Prediction: 15-20

#17. 🇦🇲 Armenia – Brunette – Future Lover

It is a ballad with RnB motives. Brunette will probably stand out for her distinctive song.
Those who love ballads can find the song fit to their ears. However, it will also speak up for those who appreciate modern music. She started the performance while lying on a 3D beveled white wedge, it is lit in different colors throughout the performance. This prop is located at the edge of the stage. The lights are reflected on her dress and the prop, and therefore it looks like her outfit is pink-purple. Before one of the choruses, there is a short electronic instrumental section, where we can see Brunette dancing.
I can see her being appreciated by the jury, and getting sufficient support from the public.
Prediction: 7-12

#18. 🇲🇩 Moldova: Pasha Parfeni – Soarele si Luna

Moldova competes with an ethnic folk song.
The song is quite catchy, even though it is too repetitive.
The staging includes 2 female backing singers (standing around him, wearing huge horned headdresses.) and a flute player (even though he isn’t really playing the flute).
For some of us, it might seem too theatrical, but I still think it will be appealing enough to get some support.
Moldova tends to do better than expected in the public vote. However, I think the jury won’t like it that much.
Prediction: 16-20

#19. 🇺🇦 Ukraine: Tvorchi – Heart of Steel

It is an electronic synth-pop song. This is probably the most Western/American song that Ukraine has sent to the contest.
As always, Ukraine brings one of the brilliant staging this year. 4 three dimensional boxes reflect different visuals, like the lead singer’s face, broken orange sun, and more. The duo is accompanied by 2 backing dancers.
The dance movements of the backing dancers are synced with the graphics on the LED screens.
Visually, it creates a different view and therefore might be memorable.
Ukraine won last year’s contest, and will also be part of the theme tonight.
The ongoing war might raise some sympathy as well.
Prediction: 5-10

#20. 🇳🇴 Norway: Alessandra – Queen of Kings

It is a powerful pop song with dance beats.
The performance is composed of a dark scene, with 4 backing dancers holding stick lights.
The melody is catchy, and so far the live singing has been satisfying.
As most of you know, the song went viral on Spotify.
I believe the song will be memorable and many teenagers and young people will find it attractive enough to vote for. However, it seems like Alessandra struggles to perform it well enough (vocal wisely).
Before the semi-finals and the rehearsals, I was almost sure she would sneak into the top 10, but I’m not sure about it anymore. Her weakest performance was in the jury show, where 50% of the results were determined.
I think she will get the majority of support from the public.
Prediction: 5-11

#21. 🇩🇪 Germany: Lord Of The Lost – Blood And Glitter

It is a progressive metal combined with a glam rock song with some synth-rock elements.
The lead singer Chris wore a uniform bodysuit made of shiny red fabric, and around his neck were gold-yellow-orange cuts of fabric forming the shape of flower petals.
Germany finished in the bottom 5 for many years, : 2015-2017, 2019-2022.
On one hand, this song brings a statement that is different musically.
On the other hand, they aren’t the only rock/metal songs this year, and I believe the others (like Australia) might stand out better.
I think that some people might find it interesting, but not a lot of them.
Prediction: 20-26

#22. 🇱🇹 Lithuania: Monika Linkytė – Stay

Monika Linkytė makes a Eurovision comeback, 8 years after she represented the country as part of a duo. It is a radio-friendly ballad, that features traditional Lithuanian language singing of the phrase “Čiūto tūto”.
She is accompanied by 4 female backing vocalists and together they create a heartwarming performance. She will also stand out for her amber-orange outfit and somehow comforting sight. Vocally, it sounds great and I believe it will appeal to some voters.
Also, never forget the Lithuanian diaspora that might help.
Having said this, I think she has got a challenging running order (just before Israel).
I think she will get more support from the jury.
Prediction: 13-19

#23. 🇮🇱 Israel: Noa Kirel – Unicorn

After failing to qualify in 2022, Israel is coming back stronger and more determined.
The country will be represented by one of the biggest pop stars – Noa Kirel.
It looks like one of the most promising stagings that we’ve received from Israel in recent years.
Noa is accompanied by 5 backing dancers, and there is a nested box on stage.
No one can ignore the dance break towards the end, let’s not forget it is the Eurovision song contest. Israel has one of the catchiest songs. In addition, she has improved vocally during the rehearsals.
Noa night give Israel one of its best results in recent years.
Prediction: 3-6 (most likely 3-4)

#24. 🇸🇮 Slovenia: Joker Out – Carpe Diem

Slovenia will be represented by the rock band Joker Out.
They will sing the dance-rock song “Carpe Diem”, which features some 1980s music relements.
The band members wore glamour and flowers outfits.
They look great on stage with irresistible chemistry and energy and create a convincing performance almost effortlessly.
Might they bring Slovenia to one of its best achievements?
Prediction: 15-20

#25 .🇭🇷 Croatia: LET 3 – Mama ŠČ!

Croatia has decided to live on the edge.
The country will compete with what might seem like a joke entry, but has a deeper meaning: It mocks the idea of dictatorship and raises the antiwar topic.
On one hand, the song will be memorable as it creates a moment on stage. The colorful costumes, the missiles, the mustaches, and more. On the other hand, for some viewers, it might look like they pushed it way too far.
Musically, it isn’t one of the brilliant songs and neither is one of the vocalists that stands out. But creating such a provocative show will probably help grab some votes.
They have got an excellent running order (second to last).
I see it getting a lot of public votes, but doing quite bad with the jury.
Prediction: 6-10

#26. 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Mae Muller – I Wrote A Song

The last country to perform tonight is the UK.
This time, they sent the singer Mae Muller with a Brit-pop song. Mae Muller wore a black semi-transparent corset jacket and black pants. She is accompanied by 4 dancers, who wore red and black outfits. They joined her at the front of the stage during the second half of the song. The LED suggests a rich pop art graphic.
However, in part of her performances, the vocals were not on point. On the studio-cut level, it is one of my favorite songs this year. However, if vocals aren’t on point, I can see it endling towards the end of the scoreboard.
Prediction: 21-26

Who is your personal winner?
What’s your prediction for tonight’s results?
ESCBEAT wishes you a happy Eurovision holiday.
May we all be united by music!

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