Eurovision 2023 Final Preview✨ Running Order Analysis & Show Review

[@JulianGuba]

They really did a great running order in terms of entertainment here, imo! I wish everyone a great show ❤❤

[@logi-a]

I do think they should’ve opened up with Belgium and put Austria in the middle

[@f1shmail]

@@logi-a belgium drew 2nd half so that wasnt a possibility

[@icesam931]

It's Cha cha cha 🇫🇮🇫🇮💚💚

[@evipevi1973]

Arent you tired of that one yet?

[@icesam931]

@@evipevi1973 not at alll

[@tony0930]

​@@evipevi1973 Is that even possible? I guess not 😉🇫🇮💚

[@eels3658]

I’ll be voting #13 like it’s crazy it’s party 💚🇫🇮

[@irene6119]

The whole storyline of Gustaph is honestly like a fairytale come true. He started as an underdog and pretty much hated and bullied by the fandom and overlooked by everyone, and now here we are, people going crazy over him and predicting him to win. I don't think he can win or make it to the top 5, but nevertheless he is going to do amazing and I am so so so happy for him. Now that I can I will vote for him tonight :) I wish Belgium would keep on sending these fun and brave entries, last two years were a bit off for me even though Hooverphonic was a fine entry. But this is pure bliss.

[@KK19825]

Really have to say my thanks to you Tom for these amazing videos the past couple of months. I wouldn't even call myself a eurovision fan but got sucked in to the whole thing because of UMK this year and your videos. Don't care who wins but I'm sure it will be a great show tonight.

[@willardprenfrew4303]

Luke Black is the only credited songwriter for Serbia's entry as well, not just Armenia 😊 🇦🇲🇷🇸

[@vulturevulture1426]

I just want to talk about the jury voting in general because this situation shows that the jury and the public have a very different idea about what is important and appreciated in the competition. The public are saying they would embrace greater diversity of genres. The jury is against diversity, pushing the message that Eurovision is only for old good pop. Maybe they decided to be very strict this year about it to "clean" Eurovision of anything modern and different (and as well of the fans of the modern in different). The message is "if you do rap, growling, ethnic, electro etc you are not welcome by the jury; but if you come with something old as heck you win". Loreen has not brought anything new to the competition, her song is very similar to the previous one. So the jury' s message is "well, it is still 2012 here, just come every year with a similar song, it will be such an exciting competition!" And why would we need the jury at all? They are not experts, because Käärijä has achieved more popularity and success than most of them, yet they are judging him. They do not have any accountability and can virtually do as they please. There is no transparency in why the juries vote the way they do. All in all it looks fishy and smells of power abuse.

[@alfonsstekebrugge8049]

Most years there is no real issue. The jury acts as a dampening field for the diaspora voting that will reward a bunch of ballads and quality left-field songs. I would say they work against blockvoting too, but it's not a massive effect. I have looked at all the instances of the last decade where the televote winner did not end up winning. There are only 5 comparisons to make then. If we filter out those where the jury difference was small three instances stand alone: 2015 Zelmerlow vs Il Volo, 2019 Duncan vs Keiino and 2023 Loreen vs Kaarija. If we then filter out those where the televote difference was small we are left with just the two times Sweden won. If we then compare these the hack job performed on Finland is worse and Loreen got less votes than Zelmerlow in televote. What happened yesterday is unprecedented. The juries made themselves obsolete in one fell swoop. It looks fishy because it's a vessel full of them. It reeks of power abuse because that is exactly what happened. The juries need to go or they require a massive overhaul. Where they existed to solve a problem they have become the problem.

[@vulturevulture1426]

I have just watched the final and am truly shocked by the jury voting. Seriously, Poland is professionally better than Germany or Spain? And they just downplayed Finland so much that their precious Loreen can win. When she was getting the jury points the audience was shouting chachacha.

[@alfonsstekebrugge8049]

You witnessed one of the greatest scandals in Eurovision history. A near unanimous televote winner being upset by the most lopsided jury result ever. All the little efforts they make to engineer a good result for Sweden via jury suddenly erupted like a volcano and now people are sitting at home feeling deflated. Obviously the big Loreen stans are happy and they should, but we will need to talk about this because the juries just malfunctioned (or rather worked too well leading to phony results).

[@marsbars2841]

They are voting so weird every year. Seriously something has to change in the jury system. I wouldn't mind getting rid of them completly

[@gabesalgado789]

#Eurovisional ㅋㅋㅋㅋㅋ

[@tiny_lebowski]

so happy Blanca Paloma did so well in the jury show, she is amazing

[@DarkFlareGC]

I always love how honest your videos are, even these little moments like "i'm going to take my glasses off" Just adorable and real. 😊Love the energy, really getting me pumped up for the final. Thank you for all the analysis this season! Really helping me learn a lot about the community!

[@marcostanley4881]

Hey Tom, thanks for your coverage. So clever and fun as always. Longest day of the year, yes! Looking forward to your 2024 analyses 🖖

[@Lunariant]

Tom, you were absolutely right about the mid section of the running order being mind-blowing. I ended up voting for Finland, Czechia, Australia and Belgium - all four songs in a row. And the songs before and after that incredible streak were great too. Like many people I thought this was going to be a weak year, but these live performances just elevated their songs again and again. Regardless of the results, I had a blast.

[@ddraven3180]

Portugal has been stuck in first half for 5 years and constantly been given an earlier running order spot. Czechia has always been stuck to the first 3 slots of whatever half they wer drawn to, including 2018. Meanwhile Sweden and Italy have never and will never be given a bad running order slot, no matter what song they send, because they are countries that drive more viewership, therefore have more value to the EBU, even if they aren't a favorite in a given year.

[@FeeESC]

I hate the fact that this is so true

[@hurmur9528]

@@FeeESC It is not true. This is ficiton. I seen Sweden with terrible slots. Even though no slot is really terrible. This slot was to early to be really good. Finland had a really good one.

[@ddraven3180]

@@hurmur9528 please, point me to one year post 2013 where that happened. Before that year, and your country's meddling, the running order was randomized, so it literally doesn count. We're only talking about years where producers chose the order, so please point me out to one of those bad running order slots

[@hurmur9528]

@@ddraven3180 ?? Do you think number 9 is a great slot. The positive thing is that its after the break that is about it. Good slots are considered to be in the second half of the show. Or maybe you just think any slot that Sweden is in is good for it has to be. The best number is higher. Finland is in a better slot. But statisticly you would be better off a little higher than that.

[@ddraven3180]

@@hurmur9528 A: You are retarded if you think 9 is bad B: The half a song performs in is drawn by luck. Again, if you know nothing of what ypu talk about, keep your worthless opinions to yourself

[@Ozymandi_as]

Tom, as an intermittent follower of Eurovsion over the course of my life - the contest was held in Naples in the year that I was born, but don't ask me who won! - I want to congratulate you on the quality of these videos and analyses that you put out in the lead up to the contest, and afterwards no doubt. Your knowledge, discernment and enthusiasm are woven through every discussion you offer, and you certainly hold up Ireland's tradition of witty, intelligent and articulate writers and commentators. I notice some of the other eurovision channels have quite a team behind them - and why not? - but this seems to be all your own work. It's also a lot of work, clearly, so all the more impressive that you keep up the quality and don't descend into platitudes and gibberish by this stage of the event. Your breakdown of each topic is very thorough and precise, I notice, which makes me wonder what the day job is? Not that you are obliged to tell me, but I hope it maks good use of your talents and pays a shed load of cash o facilitate what sems to be a labour of love. Well done, and enjoy a good rest when this edition is over. PS. Many videos ago, when the hosts were announced, I commented that Hannah Waddingham would be an outstanding host. That insight is not exactly Nobel laureate worthy - but nevertheless I was pleased to see that sh has delivered on hr promise, and I think you said that you have become slightly obsessed with her. Sh's a vry accomplished performer who wears her talents lightly, and I also have to say how impressed I've been by how she rocked a very plunging decolletage in her first two frocks. She's got it, and she knows it, but she's not conceited about it. It's like having an older sister with great tits.

[@erinnadia0409]

It's 4:30am here in Australia! I'm Up with my coffee and fresh pyjamas ready for the show! ❤

[@martinjmcc1981]

Thank you for the great coverage this season, I'll remember it well, have a great show! ❤🎉

[@TalloMiz]

Now we need to wait for the video of after the final ❤❤❤

[@lighthouse620]

I put a bet on Gustaph coming top 10 a month ago so im hoping for good things, he deserves the world though honestly

[@meraluna666]

Thank you for your kind words for LOTL! After this ranking I think Germany has to leave Eurovision. It was so unfair an disrespectful to a great band!

[@Texaslawhorn]

I liked a lot of the song, but the screaming is a turn off to a lot of people.

[@giantchaser]

Can we not get rid of both jury and televote and let Tom decide the results!

[@ESCTom]

Omg getting murdered by 90% of the Eurovision community every year and having to go into hiding. No thanks 😂

[@erinnadia0409]

More updates from mum, the casual viewer She loves Poland 😅 wasn't super into Serbia or Sweden 🥲 Loved Finland ❤😂

[@ESCTom]

Finland crossing generational barriers perhaps?

[@Lilla.Harangozo]

Funnily enough a friend of mine who is a casual viewer said she liked Poland 😊

[@squidink3470]

@@Lilla.Harangozo Yeah I watched with my family and a few friends who aren't into Eurovision and they all thought Poland was okay. Most popular by far were Finland, Germany(!) and Australia so there was a strong rock vibe happening lol. Czechia and Norway got some love too though none of them liked Loreen. They also liked Mae's song but complained that the performance was lackluster and her vocals were too quiet (true).

[@Texaslawhorn]

A friend I watched it with said he liked Poland's voice. Said it was strong. I just sat there silent. 😶 Haha

[@erinnadia0409]

@@Texaslawhorn hahaha so shocking 😂 my mum said she was the prettiest one and loved the dance break and how colourful and fun it was 😅

[@hauskalainen]

The big question is... what is a good song? One that the public likes or one that pleases a select few in each country. The audience in Liverpool knew which song they wanted to win.

[@AlexEscMorgan]

I love your videos! Thanks for all the content

[@whisper5706]

What do you think about odds for Luke Black 23th I think its pretty unrealistic

[@SmellyCat183]

I truly want Loreen to win but it seems like stars are aligned for Käärijä 💚

[@evipevi1973]

Nooooo. I so hope for Loreen!!!!!!

[@Hen1297]

Hope to Loreen too

[@Kamellion]

Heh...I really want Loreen to lose. I hate safe boring mediocrity that is Loreen and her Tattoo. Absolutely loath that kind of cynical calculating bs. It's so typically Sweden also. I would like Käärijä to win, but I'm going to be honest here, as long as it's not Loreen I will be a happy man. Anyone but Loreen and Sweden. I'd rather someone with absolutely horribly bad song win (it's always better to fail horribly than to be mediocre and boring), than a safe cynically calculating mediocrity win. There's nothing in the universe worse than being mediocre and boring, which is what Loreen and Tattoo define. But then again that's just my opinion. To which I'm (oh so famously) entitled to. Nothing more, nothing less, so no need to get all insulted by it (if you have the unfortunate fate of being a person who likes mediocre things like Loreen and her Tattoo). Just my opinion. Just. My. Opinion.

[@hurmur9528]

@@Kamellion Ha bitter person generally gets exactly what they do not want… In this text you accuse Sweden that is far better than your looser country as well in bitter fumes. By the way Finlnads song was a children song. I seen many artists with this over the top nonsense without any song quality and a childish chorus. In Sweden we have plenty of this… do you think that is unique.. But you can celibrate with Moldovia very popular last year with the public as well or Ukraine with the public. This kind of high tempo song generally goes well with the people who vote…far from what the general public thinks. I am no fan of any song this year. Eurovision generally is just not good enough. But last year both the britts and the swedes send hell of a good music. And what did Finland send. Another rockband… if it a country that repeats itself all the time it is Finland. Also all that campain on social media and all that trash talk that many finns tried kind of made one not sympatize with you. I am sure this was important nearly only to neighbors country to Sweden and mostly Finland. They are so jelaous. If one look at reality the most listened song of the two is by faaaaaaar Loreen. That says something indeed. More than the fans trying to call in droves in televotes. A system that is equaly unfair and do not take in to account, who dislike the songs, who calls (mostly fans of the contest but not the general viewer and they get in to some kind of strange conflict with the jury), the imaginary democracy aspect (it is not even remotely near that, you have to make it easier to vote from the TV directly for example).

[@Lilla.Harangozo]

It turned out the other way around in the end

[@timschnitzel]

I really want Käärijä to win, but I am ready to have my hopes and dreams crushed in about 5 hours. My dark horse picks would be Norway and Israel.

[@johnny11415]

I'll see on twitter tonight then !😘 I am not writing any predictions anymore I don't want to curse anybody. I just hope we see a great show and everyone performs to the best of their ability and whoever wins is celebrated by all !

[@Leena79]

I was supposed to work today, but I've been checking all socials to know everything ESC related all day. I can't wait to get a breather tomorrow. I'm an absolute nervous wreck 😂. I think it's important to make a great show overall, and this running order is optimal for that purpose. I can imagine the production pulling their hair with the first half being so packed with powerful female vocalists. I hope Mae nails her vocals today, becausd I love the UK's song and it would be such an awesome finish to have her do a perfect performance on home stage. I can imagine the audience would go wild for that. Good luck, everyone!

[@marypowis7778]

The UK will be lucky not to come last

[@britl4072]

Televote wise, I have a strong feeling and almost certain Italy will give their 12 points to Norway, because Alessandra is Italian, and she did an Italian version of Queen of Kings ( funny enough, she is representing Norway with the song, and did not do a Norwegian version of it), last year, Greece's Amanda Tenfjord is Norwegian, and Norway gave 12 points to Greece

[@johnny11415]

that is quite probable and Australia will give 12 points to Cyprus because Andrew Lambrou is Australian and Cyprus could return the favour they cannot give 12 to Greece this time 🤣

[@britl4072]

@Marina Zorzi oh yeah... good points, I forgot about Cyprus, but I also feel Australia hasn't got the " unity" like European nations , so they might not , you never know

[@hauskalainen]

The public really liked Norway's entry but it did not please the juries.

[@ESCTom]

yea that was kind of surprising

[@Texaslawhorn]

I heard she had an off night for the jury show.

[@budigunawan5624]

It'll surpass last year's snoozefest easily for sure! 😅 My final prediction: would like Finland to win but Sweden more likely (still hoping for Jyväskylä 2024)🙏😊 3rd to 5th: Norway, Slovenia, Australia 6th-10th: Spain, Israel, Ukraine, Italy, Czechia 11th-15th: France, Armenia, Lithuania, Estonia, Croatia 16th-20th: Austria, Albania, Belgium, Moldova, Portugal 21st-26th: Cyprus, Switzerland, Serbia, Poland, UK, Germany

[@anka6356]

It was so satisfying seeing Italy get only a few points less than 200 points from the public-while other overhyped ones were getting less than 50, some less than 20. There are still many people in this world who appreciate quality and beauty. After all these months with people who were saying his song is boring and stuff. My winner from the beginning. And a respectable top 4. He is too good for this contest and above the rest this year and that is a fact. Full stop period.

[@Werderina]

Then be happy and proud and everything... but why can't you be without belittling all the others?

[@petepeto9335]

Tom.. have u looked: My Eurovision Scoreboard? 🎉🎉🎉

[@cliffarroyo9554]

I wasn't that crazy about Finland's official video but I loved the semi-final performance (like... Arcade?) I've been on team France from the first time I saw the video and and am still there. A lot will depend on the sound system (which has... not been flattering for lots of singers so far). Either winning would be great for me. I also love Spain and Moldova and Portugal. I love Marco but his second eurovision song is not as good as his first. I'm not that crazay about Sweden's entry the song isn't that great and while she's a lot of fun... the song... hmmmm Austria had a great video but I really didn't like the performance (Austria should not choose red and black and white as a color theme.....) The higher Croatia is the better!

[@nadaj6921]

ŠČ ❤️❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍👍

[@TheXoxox21]

- We know that jury well. We attended a meeting with them on Friday, the day before the final. That meeting was inconvenient, and it could have turned out to be very unpleasant for us, because they told us that they would give us points only if we let them run us over first. We said that we would not give them their asses. Why did we tell them that, did we even think about their offer? Not a second! Do we now regret rejecting them? No, because we love our asses - Mrle explained to us, who is also glad that the audience recognized and rewarded the song 'Mama ŠČ'.❤️🇭🇷 Do that, and we will give you points. Discusting.🤬

[@sandstormxx]

I love being pretentious and saying I always loved Belgium. Reminds me of Jessie Ware (which they played during the drag act...) and I love his energy. I hope Gustaph does well.

[@marsh2741]

As much as Poland would be my personal last place (or bottom 3) here, I think she has enough pretty devoted fans to maybe get somewhat higher

[@tbey2892]

I'll vote for Austria, Sweden, Finland and Israel this year !

[@regulusarcturus]

Did Sweden have the screen with the ancient runes/ symbols during the bridge? That was missing completely during the SF1 live performance but was present during the first dress rehearsal???

[@evipevi1973]

I hope the Runes will show tonight!

[@questionmark3219]

I really hope that my country Germany finally can get out of the bottom 5.

[@leszekstefaniak6377]

jak dla mnie najlepsza trójka to: Cypr, Portugalia i Australia. Pozdrawiam serdecznie wszystkich z Polski

[@Alexander-jn3ek]

I think that France, Spain, Germany and the UK should leave ESC for a few years. That would mean the disappearance of ESC as well.

[@LindaMaricas]

Norway's high note was def not right in that clip, it was also off in the semi, i.e., not the same as in the NF

[@tiny_lebowski]

At like 21:15 you said whistle vote lol and after you said jury note on purpose, so that made me realize whistle vote could be a thing - votes you get for doing a whistle sound

[@LeafHuntress]

There is that whistle language, so it could be voting in that language. ;-)

[@madisonpasifull439]

are you going to turkey to convince them to return to eurovision?

[@beahill4667]

🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷🇫🇷 all the way. 🎉❤

[@TheRetrospective]

Thanks! I predict 1. Finland, 2. Sweden, 3. Australia. Reason for Käärijä's success explained here: kzbin.infoo4avouziwMk

[@zangangi]

La Canción tiene alma propia, misticismo, calidez, intima, actitud,una voz impecable, es mágica, única, cultural. Lo tiene todo, lleno de simbolismos, poesía. Que aún hayan excepticos que cuestionen la calidad de una puesta además teatral. Tanta inspiración y arte. Llega a ser algo hiriente la verdad. Que pena. De corazón lo digo, 🙄😓😪 que tanta belleza no se sepa apreciar. ❤️🌹 Tanta magia, de expresión y emoción. Hay tantísimos conceptos, que lo llenan de tanta belleza y calidad que me es imposible creer que no lo sientan, vean. Mucha Fuerza Blanca, tienes una luz muy especial y tú energía llena y trasmite tanto. Que hasta Europa y de otros muchos países, sin entender la letra afortunadamente, si lo sienten. 🌹❤️💃🇪🇦

[@lanamagdic692]

#25✊🏼🚜🍀🍑🌹

[@g-ps]

❤ Ai coração ❤, by Mimicat ❤ Portugal 🇵🇹 ❤ is memorable and always will be no matter where or when. So, good vibes are memorable coming. Lot's of red memorable ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ for all.

[@ezirsavan]

Yerevan 2024

[@Saturinus]

Looking forward to your analysis of the results. Really sad for Germany. My ex's reaction after I had said that it's my second favorite: "Whaaat, how can you like Germany's song?! After hearing and seeing it yesterday I had trouble sleeping! 🥺🥺🥺😭😭😭 Have you become a satanist? 🥺"

[@logi-a]

I’m so sad that Austria is first 😔 they should have been switch with Belgium

[@ezirsavan]

Hey it wasnt belgium's fault they drew first half

[@logi-a]

@@ezirsavan yeh but like Belgium is better to start the show and Austria would be so good to split Australia and Armenia

[@nathanhubball]

🇲🇩🇭🇷🇲🇩🇭🇷🇲🇩🇭🇷 (I think it's gonna be Sweden or Ukraine)

[@nellysargsyan4735]

Armenia super💯🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲🇦🇲❤❤❤❤

[@robtoole2337]

Well the jury screwed him. SCRAP THE JURY FOREVER

[@petepeto9335]

There shud Be The results of semifinals before final. like these are The best 7.. Or something... Then they put these 7 to those best places to The final

[@NoNo-ly5kf]

No, everyone should have an equal footing going into the final.

[@petepeto9335]

@@NoNo-ly5kf but how it can Be done...?

[@theincomparablemess]

3 ballads before Finland. They couldn't have been more obvious who they wanna cash in on the most 😂😂😂 SO NERVOUS FOR TONIGHT, it's such an unpredictable year!! But here's my top 5 1.Sweden 2.France 3.Israel 4.Slovenia/Austria (but I think it's gonna be Spain tho) 5.Finland ENJOY THE FINAL TOM🎉

[@user-qe6iy1qy8z]

So glad Loreen won!. Winner with my brain and my heart since first listen. Amazing that she was second in the televote despite 1] being 9th in the running order (first time an act did that well since production decided the running order}, and 2] with the limited staging that Liverpool could offer. I'm Irish, but it's time people acknowledge Sweden are the the masters of this craft. The Irish effort has just been too facile over recent decades, sadly. I know you and the fandom were leaning into the Kaarija-hype (he's great) but I think she is a better brand-ambassador for Eurovision. She has skills he lacks, and that's why the juries voted as they did. 4th in the jury vote was actually a great result for him. I really hated the toxic energy against Loreen that built up in the run up to the competition and exploded after her win. What was the point of that? She's amazing. Why did the talking heads of ESC keep feeling it was necessary to talk about her turning 40.....

[@ESCTom]

Yea I’ve been speaking about Sweden are more deserving of the most wins on twitter and I mention it in my review video thats coming up. Disagree about the ambassador thing. I think they’re both exceptional ambassadors but with different strengths. there’s a toxicity every year after the win now unfortunately. Last year with Ukraine in Spain, I remember there being a big falllout after Portugal and Bulgaria, all the fall out with Italy and France in 2021 and the drugs thing etc

[@Werderina]

You are happy, I am devastated - that's the way it is. To me, all the juries seemed to be forced into line and the outcome just feels predetermined and wrong. My love goes out to Finland and Käärija who brought us joy, fun - a real uplifting emotion. And for my country, Germany, I have no words.

[@Gea2222]

Not happy

[@raffiart5121]

I remember the time when there was no jury. There was serious neighbor and diaspora vote issues but the contest was far less predictable. Nowadays, all you have to do is to check the so-called odds! I highly doubt that the jury even watches all the performances. No one wants to go against the tide, so they just check the odds and which song have more hype! That’s it. It’s sad but the “professional” jury is destroying the contest. It is not competitive at all. It is not unpredictable at all. Things used to be very unpredictable. It was fun watching the votes coming in from different parts of Europe. Worst thing is that it is very susceptible to corruption. They caught them cheating a few times but I am sure it has happened on smaller scales and they haven’t get caught. Go back to public voting. Give more voice to rest of the world.

[@Ninterd2]

Things would be less predictable if you didn't follow every single minor ESC news though. You're kind of doing it to yourself if you are this invested in the ESC.

[@hardcorecwtchers8000]

The running order should be random

[@miguelroliveira2416]

Portugal is just hated both by EBU/Producers and Brock Agencies. That's all. It's not bad luck, it's politics

[@petepeto9335]

They shud do something differently on that running order.. in The future... Besackly its not fair👎👎

[@lgswed166]

12 points for Sweden. Best song this year🎉🎉🎉

[@evipevi1973]

Not fair putting Finland at the best spot. Still rooting for Sweden though!

[@AK-Rodzen]

1 Sweden 🇸🇪 2 Finland 🇫🇮 3 Ukraine 🇺🇦 4 Norway 🇳🇴 5 Israel 🇮🇱 6 Spain 🇪🇸 7 Italy 🇮🇹 8 Armenia 🇦🇲 9 Austria 🇦🇹 10 Australia 🇦🇺

[@nellysargsyan4735]

Loren maugli 🦧😂😂😂

[@duerandaggi]

Comments disappearing, bye!