The Potential Contenders: Predicting the Front-Runners for Eurovision 2023

The Eurovision Song Contest is upon us once again, with the year-long process culminating in a grand finale this coming weekend to crown the 2023 champion. The internet has made this previously European event somewhat accessible to a wider audience, thanks to Adam Rippon’s presence on Peacock and Will Ferrell’s 2021 Netflix movie. This year’s event is being held in Liverpool, and for the first time in history, non-participating countries will be given the chance to vote. This announcement raises the question of how the new voting system will be implemented fairly, and if countries outside Europe, such as the United States, will be included.

Sweden’s Loreen is the current fan favorite, with high odds to win this year’s competition. Her song “Tattoo” may not be initially as big of a hit as her 2012 entry “Euphoria”, which went to No. 1 in many European countries and is a favorite among former winners, but her performance promises to be spectacular with an interactive screen weighing in at 1.8 tons.

Finland, on the other hand, is known for taking big swings in Eurovision and will be represented by Käärijä, a Finnish rapper-slash-singer. Käärijä’s music combines rap, electronic, metal, and schlager, with “Cha Cha Cha” being a classic drinking song that’s catchy and fun, and unapologetically European.

France’s La Zarra, Spain’s Blanca Paloma, Norway’s Alessandra, Ukraine’s Tvorchi, Israel’s Noa Kirel, and U.K.’s Mae Muller are also strong contenders in this competition.

Aside from the front-runners, there is an array of potential contenders that you should still listen to. Denmark’s Reiley, Croatia’s Let 3, Austria’s Teya & Salena, Australia’s Voyager, Serbia’s Luke Black, and Germany’s Lord of the Lost are among them.

While the Eurovision Song Contest can be a light-hearted affair, it is also a deeply political event where past voting records can sway the outcome. In addition, the event can provide a platform for musicians to make political statements. For example, in 2016, Loreen attempted to qualify for Eurovision 2017 with “Statements,” a song that shamed Western leaders for their inaction and failure to prevent atrocities in Syria.

The new voting system promises to make this year’s competition more unpredictable, but we can be sure that Eurovision 2023 will be another unforgettable event for music lovers around the world.