AKIPRESS.COM - Eurovision 2016 is nearing. Two semi-finals will be held on 10 and 12 May, ahead of the Grand Final on 14 May when 42 nations will duke it out live on stage in Stockholm. So these are the bookies' favorites, according to The Week.

1. Russia

With its pounding beat and classic Eurovision nonsense lyrics ("Thunder and lightning, it's getting exciting"), it's no wonder You Are The Only One is Oddschecker's pick to take the top spot.

Hopefully, showrunners won't have to resort to boo-masking technology, as officials did at last year's contest in Vienna, when the Russian entry was met with cat-calls for the second year running in response to the country's anti-gay laws.

2. France

France has learned a lesson from last year, when glum war ballad N'oubliez Pas ended up third from last with a mere quatre points. This year, it is second favorite thanks to the almost scientifically radio-friendly J'ai Cherche.

3. Australia

The Aussies' second Eurovision entry is the singable Sound of Silence, although the song's lyrics briefly got them in hot water. A mention of "face time" was suspected of breaking the contest's rules about brand names, until officials were reassured that they were two separate words and not a reference to Apple's FaceTime app.

4. Sweden

Sweden has won the contest three times in the 21st century, including, of course, last year's victory with Mans Zelmerlow's Heroes.

If I Were Sorry is a stripped-back number without much Eurovision glitz to it – however, they have the backing of a home crowd, so could they do it again? As the winning country's public broadcaster has to host the costly extravaganza the following year, Sweden's national broadcasting company will be praying the answer is no.

5. Malta

The island nation failed to qualify for the contest last year but looks set to punch well above its weight next month. With the right staging (flashing lights, wind machine and dry ice) Ira Losco's dramatic Walk on Water could take Stockholm by storm.