The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is steadily taking shape as the event prepares to light up Basel, Switzerland, from May 13 to 17. With the anticipation building, SSR-SRG, the host broadcaster, has announced plans to reintroduce the beloved tradition of having a mascot for the contest, something not seen since the likes of Eurocat and Eurobird made their appearances back in the 1990s.
According to SSR-SRG, this move aims to recapture the spirit of previous contests and engage the community through creativity. Starting this month, 1,000 students will be invited to submit their designs for the new mascot. A jury will evaluate the submissions, selecting one winner to represent Eurovision 2025. "What would you design for a Eurovision mascot?" the organizers cheekily invited the public to contemplate.
The semi-final allocation draw for the competition was conducted on January 28, 2025, at the Kunstmuseum Basel and hosted by Jennifer Bosshard and Jan van Ditzhuijzen. Out of the 37 countries participating, 31 were allocated slots across two semi-finals, based on historical voting patterns to mitigate neighbor voting influence. Six countries – known as the Big Five (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the UK) along with the host, Switzerland – are automatically qualified for the grand finale on May 17.
The excited draw revealed notable pairings. Countries like Ireland and Austria will perform on May 15, alongside their competitors from countries such as Greece, Montenegro, and Finland. The first semi-final will showcase talents from Sweden, Ukraine, Slovenia among others, and the running order will be finalized by Eurovision producers after all songs are submitted.
Martin Österdahl, the Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, shared his excitement during the allocation draw. "We’re excited to begin another exhilarating chapter for the Eurovision Song Contest here in Basel," he proclaimed, emphasizing the growing global audience and the importance of “courageous creativity” showcased through the competition.
The official transition from the previous host city, Malmö, was marked by the presentation of a “friendship gift” from Malmö’s Chairman, Carina Nilsson, to Conradin Cramer, Basel Cantonal Council President. This coat embodies values of creativity and sustainability, highlighting the thematic connections between the two host cities.
While the mascots, the semi-final draws, and the overarching creative initiatives steal the spotlight, ticket sales for the event are equally generating buzz. Around 60,000 tickets went on sale on January 28, promising attendees unforgettable experiences during the contest. With the backdrop of the picturesque Basel, this year's event is shaping up to be not just another Eurovision, but one marked by community engagement and artistic expression.
The preparations also include filming for the postcard segments, traditionally featuring cultural elements of the host country. Adonxs from Czechia were among those sent to Switzerland to partake and promote the cultural showcase featured during Eurovision broadcasts.
This year's Eurovision is not free of its exciting challenges. Countries like Israel have selected their representatives through competitive processes, with Yuval Rafael representing them after winning the show "The Next Star for Eurovision." Rafael’s performance next to powerful names such as Austria and Denmark is already causing ripples of anticipation, especially considering her background and resilience demonstrated during the tragic events of October 7.
Indeed, Eurovision 2025 is indicative of much more than just music; it’s about relationships, creativity, and shared experiences among diverse nations. The excitement dates back decades, but every Eurovision brings with it newer traditions, innovations, and stories waiting to be told.
On February 7, Ireland's national selection, the Late Late Eurosong Special, will take place to determine the country's representative. Musicians competing for this year's title include NIYL and Samantha Mumba, promising yet another depth of talent for the upcoming contest. Remnants of last year's controversies surrounding Israel’s participation raise questions, but they also remind audiences of the history and responsibilities embedded within this grand event.
A month away from the semi-finals, as orchestrators and artists gear up for the showcase of talent, the atmosphere brims with excitement. Will the mascot design rekindle cherished memories? Can the contestants deliver outstanding performances deserving of the Eurovision crown? With answers awaited and surprises looming, Basel prepares to mark its place in Eurovision history.