Two and a half months ahead of the next Eurovision Song Contest in Turin, Italy, 19 countries have already announced their entries, with others still in the selection phase. The landscape is shaping a clear picture for bookmakers who begin to forecast a winner as the field narrows toward mid-May.
Among the early favorites is Spain, which is presenting a contestant performing to the theme known as “SloMo.” The initial reception from betting markets has been positive. Spain has held a steady presence in the top tier of bookmakers since the Benidorm Fest, and current odds place the Catalan entry in the top 10. This marks a notable achievement for Spain, with bookmakers estimating the entry as a strong performer, potentially the highest placement for a Spanish entrant since Beth finished eighth in 2003. In this early run, the performance edges ahead of other notable Spanish showings such as Pastora Soler in 2012 and Ruth Lorenzo in 2014, who also reached the upper part of the leaderboard.
Even as several nations have not yet unveiled their songs, some countries are already signaling their potential. France is showing strong betting odds at position 10, while Switzerland has released only the concept of their preselection without confirming the artist publicly on television. This lack of detail creates intrigue as fans anticipate official declarations and performances that could alter the balance in the weeks ahead.
Australia is expected to cast its vote on February 26, with the second most favored entry taking the stage in a process that culminates in a national selection. Sweden is also in the spotlight, with the Melodifestivalen presenting its fourth and fifth previews as plans unfold for the national pick. Meanwhile, some countries like England, Russia, or Cyprus have yet to reveal their cards, leaving room for dramatic shifts in the betting markets as more national selections occur. The dynamic nature of these reveals means the odds could swing dramatically as soon as new announcements hit the airwaves.
There is a clear sense of momentum for certain names. Norway’s Subwooldresser acts and Kalush Orchestra from Ukraine, alongside Krystian Ochman representing Poland, are showing as front-runners in the betting lists. Italy’s own Mahmood and Blanco have emerged as a standout favorite after their Sanremo triumph, drawing early predictions that they could repeat a recent success on the Eurovision stage. The question in the mind of fans and analysts alike is whether Italy can secure victory for a second consecutive year, a feat that would echo a remarkable run in contemporary Eurovision history. North American fans, watching closely from Canada and the United States, are paying attention to how the contest’s lineup and staging might resonate with broad audiences beyond Europe, while local broadcasts and streaming options often shape the experience for this audience segment.
As national selections continue and final entries are revealed, the field is likely to shift. The evolving mix of artists, song styles, and storytelling approaches will influence jury and televote dynamics alike. Music fans in Canada and the United States may find themselves drawn to performances that blend contemporary pop, regional flavors, and bold stagecraft. The broader trend across bookmakers and fan communities indicates a contest that rewards memorable hooks, strong live performances, and a clear artistic identity. With Turin hosting duties underway and the world watching, early indicators point to a competitive field where a handful of acts have established themselves as frontrunners even before the full lineup is locked in. The coming weeks are expected to bring more official announcements, new music videos, and live previews that could reshape the odds and spark fresh conversations among Eurovision enthusiasts across North America and beyond. These developments underscore how the competition continues to engage a global audience, not merely within the traditional European footprint but across diverse markets that tune in for the spectacle, the songs, and the shared excitement of a continental showcase.