The second semi-final of Eurovision 2025 kicked off its second round of rehearsals on May 8, 2025, at St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland. This year's competition has already generated excitement as artists from across Europe prepare to showcase their talents.
On this day, nine countries were scheduled to take the stage for their second rehearsals: Australia, Montenegro, Ireland, Latvia, Armenia, Austria, Greece, Lithuania, and Malta. Each artist had the opportunity to refine their performances ahead of the highly anticipated live shows, which are set for May 13, 15, and 17, 2025.
Unlike the first semi-final, which had all its candidates rehearse in full, today’s session focused solely on the second semi-final. Fans can expect a glimpse of the performances through 30-second clips that will be released as rehearsals unfold. The Eurovision organization has promised to provide updates and galleries of images as the day progresses.
In addition to the rehearsals for the second semi-final, members of the Big 5—Spain, Italy, the United Kingdom, France, and Germany—along with the host country, Switzerland, are also rehearsing today. Although these countries have direct access to the final, they will still perform during the semi-finals, making their rehearsals crucial for fine-tuning their acts.
Fans can follow all the action live from 18:30 CET with a special broadcast titled "Conexión Basilea," which will not only cover the day’s events but also provide real-time updates of the first rehearsal of Melody, the Swiss representative. This live show will also feature commentary on the initial rehearsals of the Big 5.
Each artist participating in Eurovision 2025 has two individual rehearsals, a practice that has become standard in recent years. The first rehearsal typically lasts 30 minutes, allowing artists to perform multiple runs of their act. The second rehearsal, which is shorter at 20 minutes, focuses on polishing details and making final adjustments before the general rehearsals commence.
It’s important to note that the press does not have access to individual rehearsals. Instead, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) releases a schedule ahead of the rehearsals, enabling fans and media to stay informed without direct observation. Coverage of the rehearsals will continue throughout the day, with updates provided via live blogs starting at 10:30 CEST.
As the Eurovision excitement builds, fans are reminded that the second general rehearsal, which is typically considered the most significant, will take place the day before the live show. This is when accredited press will gain access, allowing for more detailed coverage of the performances.
With each rehearsal, anticipation grows for the final performances at Eurovision 2025. The event promises to showcase not only the diverse musical talents of Europe but also the vibrant culture and creativity that each participating country brings to the stage.
The atmosphere in Basel is electric as artists prepare to take their performances to the next level. As rehearsals continue, fans are eager to see how each act will evolve and what surprises await them in the upcoming live shows.
For those following the event closely, this year's Eurovision is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet, with a blend of familiar favorites and fresh new talent vying for the coveted title. Stay tuned for more updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses as the competition unfolds.
