There’s less than two weeks to go before the event of the year (that’s the Eurovision 2016 final, by the way…) and things are hotting up: Romania has been kicked out, the artists are arriving in Stockholm and the official fan clubs are dishing out their verdicts.

But who will win Eurovision 2016? Who will fail to qualify? And will anyone receive the dreaded nil points? Well though I might just be a humble fanatic, I thought I would share my predictions on this year’s contest with you… just before you head off to the bookies’…

Who will win the Eurovision Song Contest 2016?

Russia. It’s quite obvious that Russia are gearing up for their second victory: for the second year in a row, they are sending one of their best pop icons – this time in the form of Sergey Lazarov, who just so happens to be gorgeous, charming and have bulging biceps.

The song is actually very good, but it’s hardly ground-breaking. It’s a simple, well-polished up-tempo pop song and Lazarov himself has promised a ‘physical’ performance. (i.e. prepare for toplessness.)

Who is Russia’s biggest competition?

Bizarrely, it’s France. Despite Eurovision being loathed in the country (according to every French person I know), France has pulled out all the stops this year in an attempt to reserve their recent run of bad scores. Their entry is another up-tempo pop song, with a catchy hook, sung in both French and English.

Representing them is another hot solo man – Amir, a French-Israeli veteran of France’s The Voice.

Who are the favourites for Eurovision 2016?

Apart from Russia and France, there are a few other countries with favourable odds, which could pull off a win on 14 May.

Australia. Though very few Europeans will know her, Australia’s entrant, Dami Im, is a huge star down under, having won the fifth series of X Factor Australia back in 2013. She will be singing a ballad, which sounds a little boring but is sure to show off her impressive vocals. (NB: unlike last year, Australia will have to compete in the semi-finals to gain a place in the final.)

Bulgaria. When it comes to Eurovision, Bulgaria really doesn’t have the best track record – they’ve only made it to the final once in nine attempts (although admittedly their one appearance in the final managed a very respectable 5^th place). This year, they are sending Poli Genoa, something of a celebrity in Bulgaria, with the very pop-py If Love was a Crime in a potential attempt to win the gay vote. Either way, it’s a very decent entry.

Spain. Another ‘top 5’ country taking it more seriously this year is Spain, who will – controversially – sing entirely in English for the first time ever. Barei’s song ‘Say Yeah’ is aggressively up-tempo and very catchy and should definitely make the top 10, but a win might be a bit a stretch in my eyes.

Malta. Malta are also currently enjoying very good odds with the bookmakers placing them in the top 5, however the entry is very over-produced, which I can’t imagine coming off well in a live setting.

Sweden. The Nordic pop powerhouse is likewise enjoying good odds with the bookies, but I can’t help but feel this is more to do with their recent track record than their actual entry. I reckon it’s more likely the George Ezra-style entry will finish in 9^th or 10^th place.

Semi-finals: who will qualify for the Eurovision final?

Latvia and Estonia look like certains for the final, with both the countries’ songs for this year being penned by their entrants from last year. The Baltic nations finished in 6^th and 7^th place respectively in 2015 which bodes well for them this year.

Czech Republic. Having never qualified for the Eurovision final in their short history at the competition, the Czech Republic could be set to change their fortune with a ballad from Gabriela Guncikova.

Austria made waves by selecting a song sung entirely in French, but the so-called “forest fairy” has quickly become popular with fans. Cyprus probably have the strongest rock anthem this year (guaranteeing them good points from Finland), which should see them qualify with any issues.

Following their unbeaten records, Azerbaijan and Greece also look like good bets to make it to the final, however their respective entries are far from their best.

…and who won’t?

Moldova. San Marino. Norway. Belgium. Simply because they have awful, awful songs. San Marino’s creepy crooning pirate is particularly terrifying, while Belgium’s has to be the blandest song for years.

How will the UK do in Eurovision?

Not well. To find out the views of our competitors, click here.

Why are Australia in Eurovision again this year?

The reason: we’re not really sure. Eurovision has yet to go more than seven years without a new country joining, so this is likely an attempt to keep the contest fresh and exciting. Australia won’t automatically qualify like last year, however, and will perform in the second semi-final.

Has the voting changed this year?

Yes, the voting system for Eurovision has changed. Since 2009, each country’s score has been an amalgamation of televoting from the public at home and scores from an independent jury, made up of people who work in the music industry.

However, this led to instances like 2014, when Poland’s sexy milk-maids received the highest number of televotes from the UK, but very low points from the jury. This meant that Poland received no points from the UK.

In the system, two sets of points are now to be delivered per country: one from the jury and one from the public. However, the public vote will be combined from Europe and delivered at the end, (after the jury votes have been announced) to make sure the winner is not known until the very last moment.

You can watch a video explaining the new rules below. To see how this new system would have affected recent contests, check out this article.

Where is Eurovision being held this year?

The 2016 contest will be held in Stockholm, Sweden, following last year’s victory from Mans Zelmerlöw and his song ‘Heroes’.

When is the final?

The final will take place on Saturday 14 May, while the two semi-finals will be performed on Tuesday 10 May and Thursday 12 May.

Will you be watching Eurovision this year?
Comment below!