Eurovision 2017: Could an ape be about to win the Song Contest for Italy?
WHILST the contest won't take place until May, it seems that Italy may have won the Eurovision Song Contest already.
Italy send Francesco Gabbani to the 2017 Eurovision 2017
Could an ape be about to win the Song Contest for Italy?
Francesco Gabbani will fly the flag for the country and is already the early favourite after captivating audiences with his Occidentali's Karma.
The song contains strong messages on humanity and also comments on the current addiction to social media and a need for calmness in the world.
Quite the wordsmith, Francesco also quotes Shakespeare in his lyrics.
However, that is not what has captured audiences' attentions, as half-way through the song he is greeted by a backing dancer in the shape of a red bow-tie wearing ape.
Francesco Gabbani will fly the flag for Italy with Occidentali's Karma
Half-way through the happy song, he is joined by a gorilla in a bow-tie
We always talk about political voting… I'll deal with it when I get there
The gorilla is actually the famous Italian choreographer, Filippo Ranaldi, who has worked with some of the country's biggest stars.
The song has already had more than 34 million views on YouTube and has become so popular that Francesco has released a karaoke version of the song.
The happy duo have also started a social media challenge, asking people to film themselves doing the gorilla's dance routine.
Meanwhile, former X Factor star Lucie Jones will represent the UK.
The gorilla is actually a famous Italian choreographer, Filippo Ranaldi
Former X Factor star, Lucie Jones, will represent the UK
The 25-year-old will perform an emotional version of I Will Never Give Up On You.
She recently told BBC Breakfast that Brexit won't affect how well she scores during the competition, saying: "We always talk about political voting… I'll deal with it when I get there."
"It would be pointless if I went there and I wasn't trying to win," Lucie revealed.
However, the UK entrant is currently ranked at odds of 25/1 and sits in third place.
Francesco and his gorilla top the betting charts with odds of 7/4, according to William Hill.
The Eurovision Song Contest will air 13 May on BBC One.