However, according to a poll carried out by Norstat for LSM, few people even in Latvia give him much chance of getting beyond his semi-final to reach the final. Given that Latvia's entrants last managed this feat in 2016, it is perhaps not surprising that the odds appear stacked against the popular performer.
According to the Norstat/LSM survey, the most common opinion regarding Dons' chances of Eurovision glory is 'I don't know/difficult to say', which is also, at least in part, a polite way of categorizing 'I don't care'. More than a third (35%) of the 1,003 people asked gave this answer.
Next is line is a more involved but no less pessimistic slice of society. One quarter (24%) of respondents rate Dons' chances of reaching the final as nil. Thus a strong majority of the population (59% combined) might be said to be of the 'no chance/not interested' persuasion.
That leaves 41% of respondents who do think Dons will make it to the Eurovision final in Malmö on May 11. A mere 3% of respondents could summon up the strength to say he'll actually win Eurovision, with another 5% saying he will get close and make the top three finishers and 13% predicting a top ten result.
In general, younger people – who are likely to be more interested in Eurovision and Dons – were more enthusiastic about his chances than older people.
The survey was conducted online from February 22 to 25, and 1,003 respondents were interviewed. These data are representative of the population of Latvia aged between 18 and 74, who use the Internet at least once a week.
37 countries have confirmed their participation in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden.
From each semi-final, 10 countries will advance to the Eurovision final, bringing 20 countries to join host and 2024 Eurovision winner Sweden and the 'big five' of Spain, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and France. Dons will perform in the second semi-final on May 9.
In one sense at least, the odds are in Dons' favor to make the final – fewer countries are eliminated at the semi-final stage than are waved through to the final. 16 countries will be participating in Dons' semi-final and only 6 will be eliminated.
If you'd like to preview his song, you can do so below. It's safe to say his portentous ballad is unlikely to be the floor-filling feelgood Eurodisco bangin' beach party anthem of the summer, but you never know.
