The 69th Eurovision Song Contest kicked off in Basel, Switzerland, on Tuesday, bringing together some of the most talented performers from across Europe and beyond for an exhilarating evening of music and competition. The first of two semifinals saw 15 countries battling it out for a coveted spot in the grand final, with just 10 slots available for Saturday’s finale. As is tradition, the results were determined by the votes of viewers across Europe, setting the stage for an exciting run-up to the final.
Among the standout performances of the evening was the Swedish entry, KAJ, a trio of Finnish singers known for their sauna-themed anthem “Bara Bada Bastu,” which roughly translates to “just take a sauna.” The catchy tune, accompanied by dancers dressed as lumberjacks clad in towels, proved to be a crowd favorite, with KAJ securing a spot in the final. Their performance was not just a showcase of fun and rhythm, but also a playful tribute to Finland’s sauna culture, which resonated deeply with fans.
KAJ’s victory in the semifinal did not come as a surprise, as they had already emerged as one of the favorites in the betting markets leading up to the event. Their lively performance and catchy song, combining humor and a clear connection to Finnish culture, made them stand out as an audience favorite. The staging, complete with dancers and a lighthearted theme, brought the unique cultural aspect of the song to life in a way that was both engaging and entertaining. With a combination of catchy lyrics and a fun vibe, KAJ’s entry was set to be a memorable part of this year’s Eurovision lineup.
Another favorite making it through to the final was 21-year-old Dutch singer Claude, who performed a soulful, Parisian-style ballad titled “C’est La Vie.” Claude’s performance showcased his impressive vocal range and the emotional depth of his song, which was well-received by both fans and critics alike. After the Netherlands’ entry in 2024, Joost Kein, was disqualified due to a backstage altercation, the country was eager to make a strong return to the contest. Claude’s performance was seen as a step in the right direction, and his soothing ballad stood in stark contrast to some of the more upbeat and playful performances of the evening.
Joining KAJ and Claude in the final were several other standout acts, including Iceland’s VAEB, a brother duo that performed a rap song about rowing titled “Róa.” Their quirky performance and energetic style struck a chord with audiences, earning them a place in the highly anticipated grand final. Norwegian singer Kyle Alessandro also secured a spot with his powerful and uplifting track “Lighter,” which resonated with viewers for its message of hope and resilience.
The evening also saw two Italian-inspired songs that were not actually from Italy but were equally captivating. DJ Gabry Ponte, representing San Marino, performed “Tutta L’Italia,” an upbeat and catchy tune that brought a sense of Italian flair to the stage. Likewise, Estonia’s Tommy Cash performed the highly caffeinated “Espresso Macchiato,” an energetic and fast-paced number that kept the audience on their toes. Both songs exemplified the diverse musical styles that Eurovision is known for and added a sense of fun and creativity to the night’s performances.
Other countries making it through to the final included Ukraine, Portugal, Poland, and Albania. Each of these performances was unique, representing different genres and musical styles that reflected the diversity of the participating countries. While these entries varied in tone, they all had one thing in common—an undeniable connection to their respective cultures and a passion for their musical traditions. The range of performances highlights the beauty of Eurovision, which celebrates not only contemporary music but also the rich cultural diversity that Europe and the surrounding regions offer.
On the other hand, countries like Azerbaijan, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, and Slovenia were eliminated after the first semifinal. Although these countries put forward strong performances, they were not able to garner enough support from the viewers to make it through to the final. The elimination of these countries served as a reminder of the fiercely competitive nature of the Eurovision Song Contest, where only the most captivating performances can secure a place in the final.
Eurovision is more than just a musical competition; it is a celebration of culture, diversity, and unity. However, it is also an event that often sparks political debate and protests, and this year has been no different. In Basel, Switzerland, tensions have arisen over the participation of Israel’s representative, Yuval Raphael. Raphael, a survivor of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed over 1,200 people, is set to perform in the second semifinal on Thursday. His performance, however, has prompted protests and demonstrations due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
The protests, largely focused on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, highlight the complex nature of Eurovision as it strives to remain politically neutral while also acknowledging the cultural and political divisions that exist within the participating countries. In an effort to maintain the festival’s commitment to inclusivity and political neutrality, the European Broadcasting Union has made it clear that all participants must respect Eurovision’s values of universality, diversity, equality, and inclusivity.
Adding to the political tensions, there are also protests planned against antisemitism, further adding to the complex nature of this year’s event. Audience members in Basel will be allowed to wave Palestinian flags inside the arena, but participants can only wave their own national flags. This policy has drawn criticism from some delegations, particularly regarding the ban on LGBTQ+ pride flags, which has raised concerns among the event’s large LGBTQ+ following.
Eurovision’s motto, “United by Music,” has always been a symbol of hope and collaboration, bringing together countries from diverse backgrounds to celebrate the unifying power of music. However, as with any major global event, political and social issues often intersect with the celebrations, making Eurovision a platform for expression and protest as well as entertainment. As the contest continues, it will be important for the organizers, participants, and viewers to navigate these complex issues with sensitivity and respect for differing viewpoints.
As the first semifinal concluded, it became clear that Eurovision 2025 would be a highly charged and emotionally impactful event, both musically and politically. With 37 countries participating and only 26 spots available in the grand final, the stakes are higher than ever. The second semifinal on Thursday will determine the final lineup, and all eyes will be on the stage as the last performers compete for a chance to secure a spot in the highly anticipated grand final on Saturday.
As the competition heats up, the excitement surrounding Eurovision only grows. This year’s contest is set to be one of the most memorable in the history of the event, with a mix of stunning musical performances, political discourse, and passionate audiences. As fans across Europe and the world eagerly await the grand final, one thing is certain: Eurovision 2025 will be a celebration of music, culture, and unity that transcends borders and brings people together through the power of song.
