Eurovision 2011: Jedward into the final
Odds drop on Ireland entry Jedward winning the Eurovision Song Contest.
Jedward have made it into tomorrow's Eurovision Song Contest final.
The Irish twins impressed enough viewers of last night's second semi-final to become one of 10 acts to make it through to the final 25.
William Hill could face a seven figure payout if John and Edward Grimes win tomorrow’s Eurovision final in Dusseldorf. The terrible twins from Dublin are rated as 11/4 second favourites following Jedward’s qualification. A huge surge of support across Europe has seen the former X-Factor contestants odds plummet from 25/1 down to 11/4.
Jedward's energetic routines were first seen on The X Factor and for their Eurovision performance the pair dressed like cartoon characters with big-shouldered red sparkly jackets and tight black trousers. They added to the effect with synchronised robotic dance moves as they performed Lipstick.
After their qualification the duo said: "OMG, this is the best thing in the world! We want to thank all the countries who voted for us, our fans, our mentor Caroline [Downey-Desmond], the songwriters and RTÉ. We can't wait to perform again on Saturday. Go Team Jedward!"
Ireland is the contest's most successful country but Jedward have some stiff competition in the final, including the UK's entry Blue with the song I Can.
Blue's Simon Webbe said: "We're in it to win it, for sure."
Other rivals include last year's winner Lena who is defending her title in Dusseldorf, Germany, with the song Taken By A Stranger.
Another former winner, Israel's Dana International, failed to make it through last night's semi-final.
There was also disappointment for another pair of twins. Slovakia's Daniela and Veronika Nizlova - performing as TWiiNS - missed out on a place in the final.
The 56th Eurovision marks a comeback for reformed group Blue. Formed in 2001, Blue are no strangers to the spotlight having released 40 number one singles across the continent and selling 13 million albums.
The band consists of Antony Costa, Duncan James, Simon Webbe and Lee Ryan, who in a break from the traditional public vote, were picked by the BBC to perform in Dusseldorf tomorrow.
The UK's previous win - of five in all - came in 1997 when Katrina And The Waves were victorious.
Blue, who comprise Antony Costa, Duncan James, Simon Webbe and Lee Ryan, split in 2004 and James said: "For us, Eurovision just seemed like the perfect platform. You're reaching out to 125 million people, so in one fell swoop letting everyone know you're back as a band.
"We get to represent our country and put forward a song we've written, so for us it's a great opportunity.
"There are some really great acts this year. Estonia and France have got great songs," he added.
After the group split all four band members chose to pursue solo careers with varying degrees of success.
There will be 66,000 at the Esprit Arena in Dusseldorf, Germany, watching the contest and an estimated global television audience of 125 million people.
German teenager Lena will attempt to become the first Eurovision Song Contest winner to defend her title successfully. Meyer-Landrut, who won last year's contest in Oslo with a British-style pop song Satellite, will be up against performers from 24 countries.
EUROVISION FAVOURITES
France - 15/8
France's Amaury Vassili with his operatic Sognu (I Would Dream About Her) - belted out in the Corsican language - is the favourite to take top honours in Duesseldorf. "I don't have a perfectly trained opera voice yet but my voice is really well adapted to performing in front of large audience," said Vassili, 21. "I will give it my very best."
Ireland - 11/4
Jedward are in the running with Lipstick, aiming to be Ireland's eight winners ever. The 20-year-olds certainly have more chance than 2008's Irish entry, Dustin the Turkey, a flatulent shouting creating who finished 15th with "Irelande Douze Pointe".
Finland - 10/1
Finland have high hopes for Paradise Oskar with his song Da Da Dam, an environmental ballad about a nine-year-old boy who "went out in the world to save the planet" and who "ain't coming back until she's saved".
United Kingdom 12/1
Reformed Blue out to prove they are back in the big-time with I Can.
RUNNING ORDER FOR THE FINAL
1. Finland
2. Bosnia & Herzegovina
3. Denmark
4. Lithuania
5. Hungary
6. Ireland
7. Sweden
8. Estonia
9. Greece
10. Russia
11. France
12. Italy
13. Switzerland
14. United Kingdom
15. Moldova
16. Germany
17. Romania
18. Austria
19. Azerbaijan
20. Slovenia
21. Iceland
22. Spain
23. Ukraine
24. Serbia
25. Georgia
