Predictions after rehearsals (predicted rank before rehearsals in brackets). I'm expecting it to be incredibly tight between positions 8-13 because I expect each one of these to be a qualifier in one of the votes and a non-qualifier in the other (except Ireland who I think might make it in coming around 9th - 10th in both votes).
1. Malta (1)
2. Cyprus (4)
3. Russia (6)
4. Ukraine (11)
5. Lithuania (2)
6. Belgium (9)
7. Azerbaijan (8)
8. Australia (15)
9. Ireland (10)
10. North Macedonia (14)
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11. Israel (7)
12. Norway (13)
13. Sweden (5)
14. Croatia (16 )
15. Romania (3)
16. Slovenia (12)
This list looks really weird, having Australia, Ireland and North Macedonia all qualify, but I really think we're going to have a large disparity between the televote and the jury vote this year, with North Macedonia in particular doing much better with the juries than we might expect, and that this will carry them through.
Likewise, while I thought Sweden was a dead certain qualifier with the juries, in this really impactful line-up, I do think there's a good chance that he can be forgotten, and I don't think he's going to have much luck with the televote. I've always expected Norway and Croatia to be killed by the jury, despite both being qualifiers in the televote.
Tomorrow evening is going to be INSANE.
01 Malta 02 Cyprus 03 Lithuania 04 Ukraine 05 Russia 06 Sweden 07 Croatia 08 Norway 09 Belgium 10 Azerbaijan _________________ 11 Romania 12 Israel 13 Australia 14 Ireland 15 North Macedonia 16 Slovenia |
I also think that's likely, the odds seem VERY plausible. I will be sad for Aussie though.I think the odds are going to go 10/10. - really really want Slovenia but I just don't think it's to be.