For the first time since 2016, the Eurovision Grand Final will once again be broadcast on Swiss radio — and this time, in all four of the country’s national languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh! Swiss broadcaster SRF has announced that the Grand Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, set to take place in Basel on May 17, 2025, will be aired live on Radio SRF 3, La Première, Rete Tre, and RTR Radio.
Broadcasting from a striking glass studio on Basel’s Messeplatz, the following commentators will guide listeners through the final — each in their own language: Céline Werdelis (German – SRF 3), Claire Mudry (French – La Première), Davide Gagliardi (Italian – Rete Tre), and Elias Tsoutsaios (Romansh – RTR). It’s worth noting that this marks the first time since the 1980s that the final will be broadcast in French and Italian. The Romansh-language commentary will be making its debut appearance in Eurovision history!
More broadly, this is the first time since Stockholm 2016 that the contest returns to Swiss radio at all. This initiative is part of Switzerland’s broader preparations for hosting Eurovision 2025, following Nemo’s triumphant victory in 2024 with the powerful track “The Code,” which earned the country its first win since 1988. Watch below to relive Nemo’s unforgettable performance from last year’s contest.
This year, SRF has put together a rich multi-platform lineup of shows across TV, radio, and online, offering an immersive Eurovision experience for fans across Switzerland — and beyond. The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Basel on May 13, 15, and 17, 2025. And this year, more than ever, we’re truly… United by Music — just as the contest’s official slogan reminds us.
In Spain, meanwhile, pop sensation Melody is preparing to represent her country at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest with her empowering anthem “Esa Diva.” At just 10 years old, Melody became a phenomenon in Spanish pop with her hit “El Baile del Gorila,” and now, after 24 years in the industry, she’s back with a message of strength and resilience.
“A diva is brave, powerful. Her life is a garden full of thorns and roses. She rises up dancing, stronger than a hurricane,” the chorus of her song declares. Melody aims to deliver more than just a performance; she wants to tell a story that resonates with audiences. “I didn’t want to go with an empty dance song. I wanted it to have a message, strength, to speak about something that happens to all of us,” she explained in an interview with Billboard Español.
The song has been widely embraced since its debut at the Benidorm Fest, evolving with new versions. The original was co-written by Melody and Alberto Fuentes Lorite and produced by Joy Deb, Peter Boström, and Thomas G:son. On March 13, a symphonic version was released, arranged by Borja Arias and performed by Melody alongside the RTVE Orchestra and Choir, adding a more cinematic and emotional dimension to the track. “If a rhythmic song works as a ballad, it’s a great song,” Melody noted.
Beyond the music, “Esa Diva” has become a symbol of empowerment. “The diva isn’t just the one who shines on stage — she’s the one who fights, the one who falls and gets back up. The one who supports other women. The one who is strong, but also humble,” Melody emphasized. This message has resonated with many, including a young woman undergoing cancer treatment who listens to the song daily for strength.
Although this isn’t Melody’s first attempt at Eurovision — she tried to represent Spain in 2009 with “Amante de la Luna” — she feels that now is the right time. “If I didn’t do it now, I was never going to do it. It was the moment,” she said. Her victory at Benidorm Fest 2025 confirms this: she was the audience favorite, earning first place in the tele-vote with a solid 39%.
Despite the jury placing her third, the combination of both votes secured her direct pass to Eurovision. With six albums released, tours across Latin America, and roles in series like Cuéntame Cómo Pasó and Arde Madrid, the singer and actress has navigated genres and formats with ease. “It’s been many years. And here we are, with a good attitude, eager to sing and keep making the audience happy. What more could you ask for?” she said with a laugh.
As part of her pre-Eurovision tour, TheDIVAXperience, Melody has been performing across Europe, recently dazzling audiences in Amsterdam and London. On April 7, she performed “Esa Diva” from the balcony of City Hall in her hometown of Dos Hermanas, expressing how much the love from her hometown means to her. “When you’re recognized at home, it feels different,” she noted.
This week, she will participate in the PrePartyES in Madrid (April 18-19), where she will share the stage with representatives from various European delegations. Then, on April 23, she will headline a special farewell event organized by RTVE at Teatro Barceló before heading to Basel for the contest.
The staging for Eurovision promises a significant evolution compared to what was seen at the Benidorm Fest. Melody has indicated that the set design will include new visual and choreographic elements, aiming to tell a story that moves audiences beyond mere spectacle. “There will be new ingredients. It won’t just be a song; it’s a story I want to tell,” she said.
Recently becoming a mother, Melody acknowledges that balancing her career and family life is a challenge. “I organize myself however I can. But my son recharges my batteries, and when I need grounding, I go back home,” she said. Participating in Eurovision involves much more than stepping onto a big stage; it means enduring a level of media exposure, artistic pressure, and public scrutiny that is hard to match.
Regarding the flood of opinions surrounding her Eurovision experience, Melody maintains a firm stance. “I value constructive criticism; there’s always room to learn. But destructive criticism doesn’t affect me. I’m not driven by that. I sing from the heart, and that’s why I’m here,” she said.
Eurovision generates a massive volume of social media conversations every year, with millions of interactions, according to data from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The contest’s global audience exceeds 160 million viewers across its three shows, making it one of the most-watched musical events in the world. For any artist, the exposure is as immense as the challenge.
After the festival, Melody already has plans for a new single, a tour across Spain, and a strong desire to reconnect with her Latin American audience. “I’ve always felt so much love from Latin America. This is a new chapter, and I’m thrilled to bring my music there again. They’re so heartfelt, so close. I want to dance and enjoy together,” she said.
As the countdown to Eurovision 2025 continues, anticipation builds for what promises to be a spectacular event. With 37 countries participating and a host of talented artists ready to take the stage, fans around the world are gearing up for an unforgettable experience in Basel.
