Finland Leads 8 Eurovision Favorites for 2026 Crown as Australia and Greece Draw Strong Odds
Updated
Updated · The New York Times · May 15
Finland Leads 8 Eurovision Favorites for 2026 Crown as Australia and Greece Draw Strong Odds
11 articles · Updated · The New York Times · May 15
Eight acts are emerging as the main contenders for Saturday’s Eurovision final in Vienna, with Finland topping prediction markets and betting firms’ lists.
Finland’s edge comes from “Liekinheitin,” a high-drama duet pairing 36-year-old pop star Pete Parkkonen with 56-year-old violinist Linda Lampenius in a performance built for Eurovision spectacle.
Australia and Greece are also among the strongest-backed entries, alongside other standout acts that range from an electro song performed by a singer dressed as a cat to a disco track facing plagiarism-style comparisons.
The lineup underscores Eurovision’s usual mix of novelty, theatricality and strong betting momentum ahead of the 2026 contest’s final vote.
If Australia wins Eurovision, which European nation would be chosen to host the 2027 contest?
Can Finland's spectacular 'flamethrower' performance repeat Lordi's historic 2006 win from the same slot?
Will Australia's powerful jury appeal be enough to defeat Finland's overwhelming public support tonight?