Eurovision 2025: Finalists Compete for the Crown in Basel

Bazel, Szwajcaria — Hair-raising excitement fills the air as 26 finalists prepare for the grand finale of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest on May 17, 2025. The event takes place at the St. Jakobshalle with performances from countries vying for the prestigious title.

Among the competitors is Poland’s Justyna Steczkowska, returning to the stage after a 30-year hiatus since her debut in 1995. She will perform her song “Gaja,” which blends Polish and English lyrics with Slavic chants.

This year, a total of 37 nations participated in the contest, with 20 finalists emerging from two semifinals and six automatic entries from the so-called Big Five: France, Germany, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom, along with the host country, Switzerland.

Bookmakers are favoring the Finnish group KAJ, who hopes to charm the audience with their track “Bara bada bastu.” KAJ’s entry is notably the first song in Swedish sent to Eurovision since 1998.

The event is expected to attract around 100,000 attendees in various parts of Basel, according to Reuters. Eurovision is historically significant, having first been held in 1956 in Lugano, Switzerland, with its only cancellation occurring in 2020 due to the pandemic.

The finale will be broadcast globally, reaching millions of fans. Last year’s contest attracted a record 163 million viewers. The outcomes will be determined by a combination of jury votes, announced earlier during a rehearsal, and public votes taken via phone, SMS, or the official Eurovision app.

Steczkowska, excited for the performance, said, “Returning feels surreal after so many years. I hope to connect with the audience through my music once again.” Viewers can catch the show live on TVP, starting at 21:00 CET, with insights from renowned commentator Artur Orzech.

Following the performances, fans can anticipate reactions on potential future hosting, as the winner will have the right to organize the next Eurovision. The stage is set for an evening full of music, excitement, and celebration.