Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, has already given fans unforgettable moments, including a rare appearance by Céline Dion and Sweden’s standout qualification. Here’s a closer look at the highlights of the first semi-final and what they mean for the competition.
Céline Dion’s Heartfelt Message to Eurovision Fans
One of the most emotional moments during the Eurovision 2025 semi-final was the pre-recorded message from Céline Dion. The legendary artist, who won Eurovision for Switzerland in 1988, shared a touching video message for the audience. Dion expressed her love for Switzerland, saying, “Switzerland will forever hold a special place in my heart,” before reminiscing about her life-changing Eurovision victory.
Her words resonated with many, especially as Switzerland hosted the event once again. Dion’s rare public appearance comes after she has stepped back from the limelight due to her health condition, Stiff-Person Syndrome, but her message brought a wave of nostalgia and warmth to the Eurovision stage. You can read more about her legacy at Official Charts.
Eurovision 2025 Preview: Who Will Take Home the Trophy?
Sweden’s KAJ Qualifies as Top Favourite
As Eurovision 2025 heats up, the Swedish trio KAJ made a significant splash with their comedic and catchy song “Bara Bada Bastu,” which translates to “Let’s Take a Sauna.” Despite their unconventional style, the group has become a crowd favourite, securing a 40% chance of winning according to bookmakers. This would mark Sweden’s eighth Eurovision victory, a record-breaking achievement in the competition’s history.Sweden’s Eurovision Victory Story
KAJ’s performance, infused with fun and energy, stood out amidst more serious acts, and they were able to capture the essence of Sweden’s unique musical identity. The song’s accordion-led melody and lighthearted lyrics brought a refreshing change to the contest. The song’s success has already topped the Swedish charts for weeks, further cementing their place as strong contenders for the 2025 Eurovision crown. Check out more on Sweden’s Eurovision history Eurovision World.
Other Qualifiers from the Semi-Final
In addition to Sweden, 9 other acts made it through to the grand finale, bringing excitement and diverse performances to the stage:
- Norway: Kyle Alessandro – Lighter
- Albania: Shkodra Elektronike – Zjerm
- Iceland: VÆB – RÓA
- Netherlands: Claude – C’est La Vie
- Poland: Justyna Steczkowska – GAJA
- San Marino: Gabry Ponte – Tutta L’Italia
- Estonia: Tommy Cash – Espresso Macchiato
- Portugal: NAPA – Deslocado
- Ukraine: Ziferblat – Bird of Pray
However, not all expectations were met, as Belgium’s Red Sebastian, with his rave anthem “Strobe Lights,” failed to qualify despite being predicted to finish in the top five. This is a reminder of the unpredictability of Eurovision, where fan favourites can still face surprises. You can read more about Eurovision predictions at Eurovision World.
Conclusion: What’s Next for Eurovision 2025?
As we head into the grand finale, all eyes will be on Sweden’s KAJ and the other top contenders, including Switzerland’s hopes to clinch another victory. With Céline Dion’s message still echoing in the hearts of fans, Eurovision 2025 promises more surprises, stunning performances, and unforgettable moments. The competition is far from over, and the next semi-final could bring more twists and turns before we find out who will take home the trophy.
It was the surprise winner at the Melodifestivalen, the hotly-contested show that selects the country’s Eurovision entry, and has gone on to top the Swedish pop charts for 11 weeks.
Speaking to the BBC, the band – who are actually from the Swedish-speaking part of Finland – said it was strange to enter the contest as the presumed favourite.
“We are feeling the pressure a bit,” they admitted, “but we’re gonna go out there, have fun, bring the steam, bring the sauna culture, and we’ll see how far it goes.”
Stay tuned for more updates and in-depth coverage as Eurovision 2025 progresses toward its exciting finale! Check out more about Eurovision predictions and analysis at Eurovision World.
