One of the earliest signs of spring in this country is the Eurovision Song Contest. This is a Norwegian song contest where the winner gets the great honor of representing Norway in Eurovision itself a little later in the spring. In 2025, the event will be held in Oslo Spektrum on Saturday 15 February.
Both Eurovision and the Eurovision Song Contest have roots deep in the Norwegian people’s soul, and for many, it has almost become a tradition to throw a big party in connection with the grand finale. But in recent years, it has also become common to bet on both winners and other events in connection with these singing competitions. Why? To increase the excitement even further!
Eurovision
On 17 May itself, the 69. The Eurovision Song Contest final will take place. This year it is set in Switzerland, as it was the artist Nemo who ran away with the victory last year. Norway went on a big bang in Malmö, where we ended up in jumbo place. Now Norwegian Eurovision fans have a hope that Norway will once again be able to assert itself at the very top. But the road to get there is long, because there are no less than 37 other nations that will also fight to win the trophy.
Eurovision Song Contest, Eurovision and betting
Who are the big favorites? Which countries will surprise? Will Sweden give us 12 points? There are many questions when it comes to Eurovision. Betting sites keep a close eye on the competition and provide updates on both odds and the very latest news about the artists.
Betting on Eurovision is usually made available on the various betting platforms as soon as the participating countries have presented their candidates and arranged qualifiers. Of course, you get the opportunity to play on both the Norwegian Melodi Grand Prix and on the various Eurovision semi-finals.
Who will send Norway to the Eurovision final?
Before the artists have been allowed to perform their songs in the Eurovision Song Contest, many betting sites have come up with mpg odds on the various participants. Going into the final in mid-February, these odds will change both up and down. But it is already possible to get an idea of who the oddsmakers have named as favourites. At the time of writing, these are the biggest favorites now to represent Norway in Switzerland.
- Nataleen: This girl from Sandefjord is considered the big favorite. “The Game” is the name of her song, and it has a message about always trusting yourself, standing firm in the face of adversity, and not being afraid to explore the unknown.
- Wig Wam: Many people have a relationship with this rock band. After two decades, it’s finally back, and this time with “Human Fire”. The song’s message is to dare to be yourself in times characterized by hatred and radicalization. They are currently listed with odds that give them an outsider status in the competition.
- Bobbysocks: 40 years have passed since the duo Elisabeth Andreassen and Hanne Krogh wreaked havoc and ran away with the big slam in the ESC for Norway. Now they are back with a new song that plays on nostalgia. Maybe not exactly in a style that modern European ears like, but here in Norway, many will probably think it’s fun to have them back in the ring.
- Tone Damli: This experienced musician is now out with a real “party song” that may be aimed more at a younger audience. She is currently not among the big favorites to win the Norwegian final, but certainly has a good chance of being in the top four or five.
Norway compared to other nations
International Eurovision odds lists provide odds on all 37 participating nations in the competition. They give an indication of which countries are this year’s favorites. However, these odds must be taken with a solid pinch of salt, as there are several countries that have not been able to showcase their contributions yet.
Before the Norwegian Melodi Grand Prix songs were launched at the beginning of the year, Norway was in tenth place on the charts. After that, it took a relatively short time before Norway dropped down to 21st place. What are we to interpret from that? Well, that foreign oddsmakers do not have much faith that we will be able to excel in Eurovision. In fact, they only give us a super low 2% chance of winning the whole sulamite. Countries such as Sweden, Belgium and Israel are among the biggest favorites.
