ESC 2011 Betting Odds – Vassily can reward classic Eurovision gamble

There have been 55 Eurovision Song Contests to date. Few have launched glittering pop careers (Abba‘s emergence in 1974 being the exception rather than the rule) but the event has probably being the final nail in the coffin of many would-be stars. So it’s something of a surprise to see a couple of established acts put their reputation on the line in Dusseldorf 2011. Dana International won the Eurovision contest for Israel in 1998 and has enjoyed a pretty successful time of it in Eastern Europe since. So what on earth is she doing turning up this year with ‘Ding Dong’ which encapsulates all that’s been wrong with Eurovision down the years? Betfred‘s 300/1 isn’t generous enough! The United Kingdom have had a lean time of things in the contest in recent years and only qualify automatically for the final on account they pour more money into the event than most other countries. Reformed boy band Blue sing their entry in the Eurovision Song Contest 2011. ‘I Can’ is rumoured to be semi-autobiographical and, it’s fair to say, is eminently easier to listen to than some of the UK entries over the last 10 years ESC. But patriotic fervour means that their odds have now contracted to a best 12/1 (Boylesports) and I have my doubts about how the song will come across in a live performance.

Ireland have a proud tradition in Eurovision Song Contests but the decision to nominate talent show failures Jedward to sing their song ‘Lipstick’ caused outrage in the Emerald Isle and it’s not normally a good sign when the home support turns against an act before the voting has begun. The general 5/1 is worth opposing on that score and partly explains why France has been backed to a very short-priced favourite ante-post. Eurovision has been the subject of some massive gambles in the last few years, I remember the Norwegian entry was impossible to back when successful in 2009. There’s been a similar level of support this year for the smouldering Amaury Vassily, who has both the looks and the classical voice that will put most of his rivals to shame. Vassily has dueted with Kathryn Jenkins, among others, and is a big star on the European stage. His song ‘Songu’ may be performed in little-known Corsican but sounds a cut above much of the usual rubbish produced for ESC 2011 and, unless the continent’s gone tone deaf, should reward the 19/10 still available with bwin.