Eurovision Song Contest Returns to Basel with 37 Country Entries

BASEL, Switzerland — The Eurovision Song Contest is back for its 2025 edition in Basel, welcoming 37 participating countries. This year’s theme, “Welcome Home,” honors Switzerland, where the first contest took place in 1956.

The UK’s entry, the trio Remember Monday, will perform their song “What The Hell Just Happened.” Members Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull, and Charlotte Steele have experience from the TV talent show The Voice and West End productions like Phantom of the Opera.

This year’s grand final will be hosted on Saturday, May 17, at St. Jakobshalle, a popular indoor arena, and will be broadcast live, featuring Graham Norton as the host. Scott Mills and Rylan Clark will provide audio coverage; while Hazel Brugger, Sandra Studer, and Michelle Hunziker will present from inside the arena.

A total of 37 countries are competing, with 26 qualifying for the grand final. Notably, Montenegro returns to Eurovision for the first time since 2022, replacing Moldova, which withdrew due to financial issues. Australia continues to be a participant despite being non-European.

The rules stipulate that entries must be original songs no longer than three minutes, and all lead vocals must be performed live without lip-syncing or auto-tuning. This year, every participating country will provide scores, combining fan votes and points from a jury of music experts.

The event is also facing controversy this year due to protests regarding Israel’s participation amid ongoing conflict in Gaza. Over 70 former contestants, including last year’s winner Nemo, have signed a letter urging the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) to ban Israel’s broadcaster KAN from the contest. However, the EBU maintains that Eurovision will not be political.

As the events unfold in Basel, anticipation builds around the performances and the responses of the audience to this year’s diverse entries.