The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest kicks off on Sunday with a festive "turquoise carpet" parade featuring representatives from all 37 participating nations, as they vie for the coveted trophy in Basel, Switzerland. The competitive action will ramp up on Tuesday with the first semi-final, leading to the elimination of five acts, followed by another round of cuts on Thursday that sees six more contestants bid farewell before the Grand Final on Saturday, May 17.
This year’s roster includes an array of diverse and intriguing entries: from a professional opera singer to a light-hearted nod to provocative themes, and even a dance anthem inspired by a space-faring dog. To help you navigate the eclectic selection, we’ve categorized the songs based on musical styles and themes, albeit with some degree of personal chaos.
**Experimental Pop Sensations**
UK's Remember Monday is bringing a pop anthem titled "What The Hell Just Happened?" A blend of classic influences from Queen to The Beatles, this track features unpredictable tempo shifts and a vibrant stage presence aimed to mesmerize voters, diverging from the predictable Euro-pop norms. Meanwhile, Sweden's KAJ presents "Bara Bada Bastu," a sauna-themed narrative praised by music legend Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Austria’s JJ showcases a techno-infused ballad “Wasted Love” enhanced by powerful harmonies—although it runs the risk of being compared to last year's reigning song.
Ireland's entry, "Laika Party," takes a darker turn, centering on a space dog’s tragic story spun into a lively rave track. Luxumbourg's Laura Thorn shifts the focus to empowerment with "La Poupée Monte Le Son," a modern feminist retelling inspired by France Gall’s classic.
**Odes to Italian Culture**
Two songs honor the vibrant Italian spirit: San Marino's "Tutta L'Italia," an upbeat tribute to local culture, and Estonia’s quirky "Espresso Macchiato," which satirizes Italian stereotypes.
**Risqué Innuendo**
Malta’s Miriana Conte pushes boundaries with "Serving," initially laden with suggestive overtones but modified under pressure from regulators. Australia’s Go-Jo adds levity with “Milkshake Man,” while Finland’s Erika Vikman brings the party with “Ich Komme,” a euphemistic celebration of ecstasy.
**Heartfelt Ballads Inspired by Illness**
Three poignant performances delve into the theme of cancer: Louane from France reminisces about her late mother in "Maman", while Norway’s Kyle Alessandro draws strength from his family's battles in "Lighter." Slovenia’s Klemen Slakonja confronts his wife’s cancer struggle in "How Much Time Do We Have Left," delivering an emotional performance alongside her on stage.
**Dynamic Dance Numbers**
From Belgium’s euphoric "Strobe Lights" to Denmark’s energizing “Hallucination” reminiscent of past winners, upbeat tracks abound this year. Germany’s "Baller" aims to break its losing streak with a club-ready anthem, while Væb delivers a spirited dance rap with “Roá.”
**Reflective Post-Immigrant Themes**
Albania’s Shkodra Elektronike layers ethnic sounds in “Zjerm,” while Greece's Klavdia expresses immigrant ties in "Asteromáta." Dutch refugee Claude’s joyous "C’est La Vie" shares an uplifting narrative of resilience inspired by his mother.
**Mystical Gothic Vibes**
The "witchy" trend returns with Justyna Steczkowska, who conjures a spell through her song "Gaja," while Croatia's Marko Bošnjak channels his struggles into "Poison Cake." The Latvia-based Tautumeitas perform a curated meditation for happiness with "Bur Man Laimi."
**Rock Influences Revive**
Italy’s Lucio Corsi embraces glam rock in "Volevo Essere Un Duro," while Portugal’s Napa teeters on nostalgic soft rock with "Deslocado." Ukraine’s Ziferblat sends hopeful messages amidst their war backdrop with "Bird Of Pray."
**Evocative Ballads**
Israel's Yuval Raphael delivers a moving tune titled "New Day Will Rise," amidst themes of loss and resilience. Georgia’s Mariam Shengelia and Montenegro’s Nina Žižić deal with themes of freedom and abuse, while Switzerland’s Zoë Më graces the stage with her gentle ballad, "Voyage."
As we prepare for another riveting edition of Eurovision, the stunning range of topics, languages, and melodies promises to captivate audiences worldwide. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that blends heart, humor, and high-energy performances right from Basel!
This year’s roster includes an array of diverse and intriguing entries: from a professional opera singer to a light-hearted nod to provocative themes, and even a dance anthem inspired by a space-faring dog. To help you navigate the eclectic selection, we’ve categorized the songs based on musical styles and themes, albeit with some degree of personal chaos.
**Experimental Pop Sensations**
UK's Remember Monday is bringing a pop anthem titled "What The Hell Just Happened?" A blend of classic influences from Queen to The Beatles, this track features unpredictable tempo shifts and a vibrant stage presence aimed to mesmerize voters, diverging from the predictable Euro-pop norms. Meanwhile, Sweden's KAJ presents "Bara Bada Bastu," a sauna-themed narrative praised by music legend Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Austria’s JJ showcases a techno-infused ballad “Wasted Love” enhanced by powerful harmonies—although it runs the risk of being compared to last year's reigning song.
Ireland's entry, "Laika Party," takes a darker turn, centering on a space dog’s tragic story spun into a lively rave track. Luxumbourg's Laura Thorn shifts the focus to empowerment with "La Poupée Monte Le Son," a modern feminist retelling inspired by France Gall’s classic.
**Odes to Italian Culture**
Two songs honor the vibrant Italian spirit: San Marino's "Tutta L'Italia," an upbeat tribute to local culture, and Estonia’s quirky "Espresso Macchiato," which satirizes Italian stereotypes.
**Risqué Innuendo**
Malta’s Miriana Conte pushes boundaries with "Serving," initially laden with suggestive overtones but modified under pressure from regulators. Australia’s Go-Jo adds levity with “Milkshake Man,” while Finland’s Erika Vikman brings the party with “Ich Komme,” a euphemistic celebration of ecstasy.
**Heartfelt Ballads Inspired by Illness**
Three poignant performances delve into the theme of cancer: Louane from France reminisces about her late mother in "Maman", while Norway’s Kyle Alessandro draws strength from his family's battles in "Lighter." Slovenia’s Klemen Slakonja confronts his wife’s cancer struggle in "How Much Time Do We Have Left," delivering an emotional performance alongside her on stage.
**Dynamic Dance Numbers**
From Belgium’s euphoric "Strobe Lights" to Denmark’s energizing “Hallucination” reminiscent of past winners, upbeat tracks abound this year. Germany’s "Baller" aims to break its losing streak with a club-ready anthem, while Væb delivers a spirited dance rap with “Roá.”
**Reflective Post-Immigrant Themes**
Albania’s Shkodra Elektronike layers ethnic sounds in “Zjerm,” while Greece's Klavdia expresses immigrant ties in "Asteromáta." Dutch refugee Claude’s joyous "C’est La Vie" shares an uplifting narrative of resilience inspired by his mother.
**Mystical Gothic Vibes**
The "witchy" trend returns with Justyna Steczkowska, who conjures a spell through her song "Gaja," while Croatia's Marko Bošnjak channels his struggles into "Poison Cake." The Latvia-based Tautumeitas perform a curated meditation for happiness with "Bur Man Laimi."
**Rock Influences Revive**
Italy’s Lucio Corsi embraces glam rock in "Volevo Essere Un Duro," while Portugal’s Napa teeters on nostalgic soft rock with "Deslocado." Ukraine’s Ziferblat sends hopeful messages amidst their war backdrop with "Bird Of Pray."
**Evocative Ballads**
Israel's Yuval Raphael delivers a moving tune titled "New Day Will Rise," amidst themes of loss and resilience. Georgia’s Mariam Shengelia and Montenegro’s Nina Žižić deal with themes of freedom and abuse, while Switzerland’s Zoë Më graces the stage with her gentle ballad, "Voyage."
As we prepare for another riveting edition of Eurovision, the stunning range of topics, languages, and melodies promises to captivate audiences worldwide. Get ready for an unforgettable experience that blends heart, humor, and high-energy performances right from Basel!
