The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest is shaping up to be an exciting event as representatives from various countries prepare to take the stage in Basel, Switzerland. This year, it features notable artists like Chanel from Spain and Justyna Steczkowska from Poland as well as contentious issues surrounding Israel’s participation.
On March 26, Spanish national broadcaster TVE confirmed that Chanel, who represented Spain in the 2022 edition of the contest, will act as the Spanish spokesperson during the Grand Final on May 17, 2025. Chanel gained fame for her song “Slo Mo,” which secured a remarkable third place at the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest held in Turin, marking Spain's return to the top three for the first time in over two decades.
Meanwhile, Eurovision 2025 will not lack controversy. Finnish broadcaster Yle is facing pressure following a petition that has garnered over 10,000 signatures, advocating for a boycott of Israel’s participation in the contest. The petition, initiated by the organization Sumud and supported by numerous musicians and public figures, requests that Yle demand Israel’s exclusion from Eurovision, highlighting allegations of genocide and apartheid against Palestinians. Johanna Törn-Mangs, Yle’s Director of Creative Content and Media, emphasized that while they respect public sentiments, the decision regarding participation lies with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
“The EBU decides who participates in the Eurovision Song Contest,” Törn-Mangs communicated, reiterating that Yle condemns military actions and their resultant human suffering in all contexts. Yet, they will not support the boycott against Israel’s participation.
As for the Sammarinese representative, Gabry Ponte, he has revealed that significant changes are in store for his staging at Eurovision 2025. Ponte’s entry, “Tutta l’Italia,” gained tremendous popularity during Italy’s Festival di Sanremo. He noted his competitive spirit, mentioning that while he’s aware of the unpredictability of Eurovision, he aims to give his performance his best. Ponte hinted at a transformed stage setup due to restrictions on participant numbers, with plans for two singers to join him, who might perform either masked or not.
San Marino has been a part of the Eurovision tradition since its debut in 2008 and has seen varied levels of success. Gabry Ponte’s entry could either elevate their standing or add another interesting chapter to their Eurovision journey.
Poland aims for a strong comeback this year with Justyna Steczkowska representing the nation at the contest. Steczkowska, a seasoned artist known for her powerful voice and diverse repertoire, won the Polish national final, Polskie Kwalifikacje 2025, against ten competitors on February 14, 2025. Her song “Gaja,” a tribute to the Greek goddess of Earth, is characterized by its motifs of nature, spirituality, and femininity. Combining potent vocals with bass-heavy dance elements, her entry is poised to captivate audiences.
Poland, having made its Eurovision debut in 1994, has fond memories of its second-place finish that year. It has also qualified for the Grand Final 16 times since the semi-finals were instituted, and fans are optimistic that Steczkowska will revive their chances after a disappointing non-qualification in 2024.
One of the standout stories this year is KAJ, the first Finnish group to represent Sweden at Eurovision. They triumphed at the renowned Melodifestivalen on March 8, 2025, and will perform “Bara Bada Bastu” in Basel. This catchy song celebrates the Finnish sauna culture and blends humor and contemporary music styles, contributing to KAJ's rising popularity among Eurovision fans.
Aside from their distinct style, KAJ's inception in Finland adds a special twist to their participation. With the ongoing trend of English dominance in Eurovision entries, KAJ’s use of Swedish is a refreshing change after an absence from the competition since 1998.
As the excitement builds, several artists are already being evaluated based on their chances of securing victory. Current bookmaker odds give KAJ a 23% chance of triumph, slightly ahead of Austrian contestant JJ at 22%. Winning the Eurovision Song Contest is a prestigious achievement for any artist, and with Sweden having clinched victory seven times, the pressure is on.
All eyes will be on the semi-finals on May 13, where Sweden, Poland, and San Marino will showcase their talents, while heated discussions continue around Israel's participation. This year’s Eurovision is not just a musical contest; it is also a platform for social and cultural expressions that mirror the complexities of today’s world.
As preparations intensify, the fans eagerly anticipate each performance, ready to celebrate the spirit of unity and diversity that Eurovision represents, despite the challenges it faces. The stage is set for a memorable event, and whether the controversies will overshadow the performances remains to be seen as the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 approaches.
