Who will win Eurovision 2022? The latest odds and predictions
Watch: Ukraine still on track to win Eurovision 2022
The Eurovision 2022 final is almost upon us.
Twenty-five acts will take to the stage on 14 May, for the 66th edition of the song contest, including the UK's hopeful Sam Ryder.
The competition is known for its colourful and brash performances and the grand final in Turin, Italy, is expected to be no different.
But who will claim the coveted trophy? Here are the biggest contenders and their odds of winning Eurovision, according to Ladbrokes.
Ukraine – Kalush Orchestra (4/7 odds)
Ukraine are the clear favourites to win the Eurovision 2022 final, having seen a huge surge in support since Russia's invasion.
The country will be represented by folk-rap group Kalush Orchestra, whose song Stefania is an ode to mothers.
During Tuesday's semi-final, the six-piece act delivered an energetic performance featuring synchronised dance moves, breakdance and flutes.
Read more: How many times has the UK won Eurovision?
Eurovision is no stranger to political voting, but the group believe their success is down to more than solidarity.
They said last week: "Even before the war, we were in fifth position according to bookmakers, which means this Ukrainian song is already enjoyed by Europeans."
The act received special permits to leave Ukraine to perform in Turin.
Russia were banned from the 2022 contest following the outbreak of war in February.
Italy – Mahmood and Blanco (11/2 odds)
Host nation Italy will be looking to claim a second successive Eurovision win when duo Mahmood and Blanco take to the stage.
Their track Brividi, which translates as Shivers, is an emotional ballad which has the most Spotify streams of any song in this year's contest.
Mahmood, who found fame on Italy's version of The X Factor, came second at Eurovision 2019 when he performed as a solo artist.
No country has won back-to-back Eurovision titles since Ireland in 1994, but BBC host Graham Norton believes Italy could buck that trend.
He said: "I really think Italy might do that rarest of things and walk away triumphant for the second year in a row. That song is huge."
UK – Sam Ryder (6/1 odds)
TikTok star Sam Ryder could end a dismal run of form for the UK at Eurovision when he performs his uplifting pop song Space Man.
The UK has not finished in the top half of the table since 2011, and suffered the humiliation of bottom-placed finishes in the past two contests.
It has been 25 years since the last UK winner, but bookmakers seem to fancy Ryder's chances.
Read more: Who is Sam Ryder and could he win Eurovision?
He is likely to helped by his social media fame; he is the most-followed UK artist on TikTok, with almost 12.5 million followers
If by some chance he wins, it would also mean the UK gets to host the contest next year – for a record ninth time.
Sweden (8/1 odds)
Six-time Eurovision winners Sweden will be represented by Cornelia Jakobs.
The 30-year-old will perform her break-up anthem Hold Me Closer, which she says was written about a "very passionate, but very toxic" relationship.
Jakobs, whose father is a famous rock star in her native country, began her recording career as part of short-lived girl band Love Generation.
She launched a solo career in 2018 and triumphed in the annual Melodifestivalen, which determines which act represents Sweden at Eurovision.
Alex Apati of Ladbrokes said: "Four nations are pulling away in the Eurovision betting, and it's great news for Sam Ryder and the UK, who are firmly among the frontrunners to go all the way in Rome."
Which other countries could win?
Spain - 20/1
Greece - 28/1
Netherlands - 40/1
Poland - 40/1
Norway - 50/1
Serbia - 66/1
All odds (via Ladbrokes) correct at time of writing
