Sweden the big threat to Engelbert Humperdinck at Eurovision
Published:Engelbert Humperdinck has been recording music for over 50 years and selling records for over 40 and every member of this fanbase will be important if he is to give the United Kingdom victory in the Eurovision Song Contest.
The UK have not secured victory since Katrina and the Waves entered with ‘Love Shine A Light’ in 1997, but it is 16/1 that Humerdinck ends this lengthy wait.
He is certainly the most well known of the acts taking part and his song ‘Love Will Set You Free’ has the sound of a song that could catch on with voters.
However, the big problem for the UK entry is in the running order.
A late spot in the order on any television show is always seen as a major advantage and Eurovision is no exception.
In the last 25 years, only six winners have come from positions 1-9 in the running order and in the last seven years the winner that began the earliest in the draw was 17th.
Therefore, the fact that Humperdinck is opening the show is a major disadvantage, although he could take some confidence from the result of Jessica Garlick, who was put on second in 2002 for the United Kingdom and finished third.
Meanwhile, a Eurovision winner has been sent out first before and triumphed, with Sweden claiming victory from this spot in 1984 and it is the same nation that look strong candidates this time around.
Sweden are the 7/4 favourites and this is despite the fact that they still have to progress through a semi final.
Loreen is performing their track ‘Euphoria’ and it does have an anthemic feel to it, while Sweden finished third 12 months ago to show that they should have little problem attracting votes.
