Only a few days remain before the new Eurovision edition begins. The semi-finals start on May 9, and the grand final on Saturday, May 13, will crown the winner of the 67th Eurovision Song Contest. This year features 37 songs competing, and fans already have clear favorites.
Due to the disruption in Ukraine, the previous winner, the event takes place in an unconventional setting. The gala is hosted at M&S Bank Arena in Liverpool, United Kingdom, as teams vie to lift the coveted crystal microphone. Which countries sit in the top five rankings? Eurovision 2023 bets focus on Spain as a potential top contender for fans across Europe and North America.
Position one: Loreen repeats for Sweden with Tattoo
Right now, predictions show a clear frontrunner in Loreen, the 2012 Eurovision champion guiding Sweden this year. The entry Tattoo harks back to the best of her signature sound, a blend of pop, dance, and trance with a striking stage show. Loreen dominated Sweden’s preselection event Melodifestivalen and aims to give Sweden a seventh victory, tying Ireland for the most wins in Eurovision history.
Second position: Finland could surprise with Käärijä and Cha Cha Cha
History hints at a bold moment emerging from Finland. Käärijä, the rapper and songwriter behind Cha Cha Cha, tops many betting lists with a high-energy, catchy anthem about letting go and enjoying life after a long day. The performance style carries a festive, rebellious spirit that resonates with audiences across Europe and beyond.
Third place: Ukraine seeks a second straight win with Heart of Steel
Ukraine looks to build on its recent success as it eyes another top finish. Following the 2022 victory by Kalush Orchestra with Stefania, Liverpool hosts this year’s event given the circumstances back home. Tvorchi and their song Heart of Steel are prepared to captivate juries and viewers alike, aiming to carry Ukraine back to the Grand Final spotlight as defending champions.
Fourth position: Norway with the epic Queen of Kings
The Norwegian entry, Queen of Kings, is delivered as a bold anthem of empowerment. Fronted by a young and ambitious artist, the song’s epic wording encourages listeners to break free from constraints and take charge of their fate. The performance underlines a message of resilience and self-determination that resonates with a wide audience.
Fifth place: Blanca Paloma and her emotional Eaea could surprise Spain
Blanca Paloma, building on her Benidorm Fest showing, returns with a song that blends flamenco with contemporary balladry. Eaea carries symbolism tied to personal memory and heritage, offering a lullaby-like resonance that contrasts with its bold rhythm. Spain hoped to match its best Eurovision result in 27 years, building on the momentum of the prior year’s famous performance and betting on a strong finish in 2023.
Industry forecasts emphasize lyrical storytelling and stage production as decisive factors, while audience reactions and live performance chemistry will likely influence final rankings. With 37 entries, the competition’s balance between traditional ballads, energetic anthems, and culturally rooted pieces promises a dynamic show. The event in Liverpool is framed as a celebration of European music, culture, and unity, inviting viewers from Canada, the United States, and beyond to enjoy the spectacle and cheer for their preferred acts. Attentive fans will watch how each act translates studio recordings into live awe, and how voting patterns align with memory, novelty, and performance storytelling. In this evolving landscape, Loreen, Käärijä, Tvorchi, the Norwegian act, and Blanca Paloma are among the names shaping the narrative of Eurovision 2023, while audiences await the moment when the crystal microphone finally shines on the winner.
(Attribution: Eurovision coverage and betting analyses provide context for these predictions.)