Laurence Torck and Wim Dehandschutter
Today at 20:14–
Where does it take place?
The Eurovision Song Contest is always organized in the country of the previous winner. That was last year the Italian band from Rome Måneskin. This year, the Eurovision Song Contest will be organized in Italy, more specifically in Turin.
When does it start?
The final of the Eurovision Song Contest starts at 9 p.m. Belgian time and can you follow live here† The 25 semi-finalists will then compete against each other. The public can also vote for their favorite song, how and when that can be, will be revealed during the show itself.
First on the block is the Czech band We are Domi with their song ‘Lights off† Last up is Stefan from Estonia with his song ‘Hope’ .
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Who will represent Belgium?
Our country is represented by Jérémie Makiese, it is his turn in 16th place, probably around 10:24 PM.
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Jérémie is 21 and won the Walloon version of ‘The Voice van Vlaanderen’ in April after which he signed a deal with record company Universal. He is also a goalkeeper for professional club Virton. He was born in Antwerp. His parents are from Congo, and when he moved to Dilbeek at the age of six, he learned to speak French.
Jérémie will tonight’Miss you’ bring. The song is currently the most played song on the radio in our country and is in second place in the Ultratop, the official chart. There is also international attention: ‘Miss you’ has been streamed over 5.5 million times. The song is especially acclaimed in the Netherlands, Sweden, Spain and the United Kingdom.
Listen to the song here
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How does the scoring work?
The winner of the festival is determined by each participating country giving points to their ten favorite songs. Each country gives the points compulsory by means of 50% televoting and 50% professional juries. The participants will perform twice, once for the professional juries and once for the TV viewers.
Who are the favourites?
Ukraine is a huge favorite to win the Eurovision Song Contest. According to the bookmakers, the group Kalush Orchestra has a 60 percent chance of winning, while the number 2 (Sweden) only gets 11 percent. Crucially, the war will increase Ukraine’s chances of winning. But apart from that, their entry is also strong enough to justify a top position.
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The Kalush Orchestra group — © BELGAIMAGE
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Also the Swedish Cornelia Jakobs would have a great chance. The Scandinavians are the most consistent participants with six wins and almost always a high ranking. They are also expected to be in the top echelons of the rankings this year.
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–Cornelia Jakobs — © AP
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It United Kingdom captured his fifth and last Eurovision victory exactly 25 years ago with Love shine a light (Katarina and the Waves). Since then, it has barely accomplished anything in the game, except in a negative sense with many low odds. But after years of failures, the British are now one of the big contenders. Sam Ryder will represent his country with the song ‘Space man’.
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–Sam Ryder — © REUTERS
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Host country Italy is another potential winner. After the rockers of Måneskin, they now bring a modest male duo, Mahmood and Blanco. They carry a bromance on which the song title ‘Chills’ (shivers or goosebumps).
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–Mahmood in White — © EPA-EFE
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High expectations for Spain, which is expected to be in the top 5 for the first time in 27 years. Of ‘SloMo’ Chanel anticipates a summer hit, performed perfectly and sensually on stage with a stirring choreography.
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–The Spanish Chanel — © AP
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Can Belgium win?
Because a foreigner can assess the Belgian opportunities more objectively, let’s judge Richard van de Crommert. He is the Eurovision reporter for De Telegraaf.
“The Belgian singer has the looks, the moves and the voice. But not the song. Miss you is a lost album track by Texan R&B artist Usher, with a touch of Dirty Diana. It lacks a climax. However, the performance looks very slick. Too perfect. I miss feeling about this entry. We had awarded the singer a more exciting song. Finishes about as high as Hooverphonic in 2021.”
ALSO READ. Jérémie Makiese: “Why can’t I dream of victory?”
Is there anything else you need to watch out for?
Besides ‘who will win the Eurovision Song Contest?’ is there another question that lives in Turin: is Måneskin, last year’s winner, going to announce a political message during the live show? The group will perform on Saturday evening during the break of the Eurovision Song Contest. After the 25 participating countries have presented their entries and the televoting has started, they will present their new single Supermodel. They will also chat with the presenters. The rules of the Song Contest, which want to remain apolitical, do not allow it, but frontman Damiano lets it be understood between the lines that he wants to shout something along the lines of “Fuck, Putin”. Read more.
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