11 May 2024 , 07:00
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Eurovision royalty Cheryl Baker reckons she knows who will be tonight's big winner - and selected the shock tip to try and topple the favourites.
Croatia’s Baby Lasagna will take some stopping the star says but she thinks there's a good chance Irish act Bambie Thug have what it takes to really make the fancied nations sweat this evening. All eyes will be on Malmö, Sweden, later on and Cheryl reckons it will take a lot for the UK to be celebrating.
The Song Contest legend fears Olly Alexander has little chance of success even though she desperately wants him to do well as she pinpointed the country everyone must stop if they want to grab the glory. She says she will be flying the flag with a Geri Halliwell-inspired Union Jack dress as she throws a Eurovision party for a dozen friends.
Cheryl can't wait for the action to get underway and the 70-year-old, who won in 1981 as part of pop band Bucks Fizz, has offered her predictions. Speaking to the Mirror on behalf of Heart Bingo, she said: "I think the wildcard is Ireland, I love the middle bit when she goes all floaty. It's a very dark song, the performance is really dark and that's my wildcard.
Bambie Thug is flying the flag for Ireland - and the Eurovision legend loves what she sees (JESSICA GOW/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)"In terms of winning it, I'll have to go with the one everyone is talking about and that's Croatia. To see the reaction from the audience when he did it live, it was phenomenal. Even the silly dance with the stomping. You could imagine the whole crowd doing it as well. But things don't always work out as you think they will." However, she stressed: "But take no notice of me - I've never, ever make the correct prediction. I always get it wrong."
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But she can't see Olly celebrating later. She went on: "I like the song, I just don't think it's strong enough to win. I love his voice but it's up against some really good acts. Do you think it's good enough to win? Really? When I heard it I just thought 'OK, this is good' but then it just stayed there. It doesn't quite have enough for me.
But Baby Lasagna representing Croatia will take some stopping! (JESSICA GOW/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)"I like the song, but it doesn't go anywhere. It's chart worthy but I don't think it's strong enough for Eurovision. You've got three minutes or less to make your mark. In that three minutes, you need to build and make it go. He has changed it vocally with some high notes but I just don't think the song is quite there for it, it just stays on the same level.
"I know it's a simple thing but how about throwing in a couple of key changes? It gives it an automatic lift. It would be amazing if he brings the Eurovision trophy back to the UK. Olly has got such an incredible voice and I hope he wins - let's just hope as normal I've got in totally wrong when it comes to the predictions."