As the countdown begins for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, excitement is building in Basel, Switzerland, where preparations are progressing rapidly for the highly anticipated event. The contest, set to take place on May 13, 15, and 17, 2025, at the St. Jakobshalle, will feature 37 countries competing for the coveted title.
On May 2, 2025, the first footage from the rehearsal of this year’s three hosts was shared via the @euromelody account on Instagram, showcasing their initial run-throughs on the magnificent stage designed by Florian Wieder. The video highlights the vibrant lighting and dynamic visuals that promise to make this year’s show a spectacular experience for fans across Europe and beyond.
The stage, which is now ready for the contest, boasts an impressive 2,000 square meters of space, including nearly 1,000 square meters dedicated to LED screens. It features about thirty cameras, thousands of lights, and a hundred pyrotechnic systems, all meticulously designed to create a stunning backdrop for the performances. The main stage is shaped like a trapezium and is connected to the front stage via a central catwalk, enhancing the audience's engagement with the performers.
Florian Wieder, the mastermind behind the stage design, drew inspiration from the Swiss mountains, aiming to create a revolutionary concept that offers a holistic experience for attendees. “Our goal was to create a revolutionary stage concept—a holistic experience that we’ve never seen before at Eurovision,” Wieder stated. He added that the immersive layout will allow the audience to feel part of the Eurovision experience like never before.
Reto Peritz and Moritz Stadler, the Co-Executive Producers of the event, expressed their enthusiasm for Wieder’s design, describing it as unmistakably Swiss. “In Florian Wieder, we have a Stage Designer on board who is a creative visionary and who knows Switzerland like the back of his hand,” they said. “He has succeeded in creating a ‘signature stage’ which will forever be associated with Eurovision in Switzerland.”
This year, Switzerland is hosting the Eurovision Song Contest after the Swiss band Nemo won the previous year with their song “The Code,” which scored an impressive 591 points—365 from the jury and 226 from the televote. This victory marked Switzerland’s first win since 1988, earning them the honor of hosting the contest.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will feature two semi-finals and a grand final. The first semi-final will be held on May 13, 2025, featuring 15 participants, with the top 10 songs qualifying for the grand final. The second semi-final, scheduled for May 15, 2025, will include 16 participants, also with the top 10 advancing to the final. The grand final on May 17, 2025, will see 26 participants vying for the title, including Switzerland and the Big Five: Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
As the event draws closer, Basel is preparing to welcome thousands of fans from around Europe and beyond, creating an atmosphere of excitement and anticipation. The city is set to transform into a vibrant hub of music and culture, celebrating the spirit of Eurovision.
In addition to the spectacular stage, the technical rehearsals are well underway, with a “PROHIBITED TO FILM THE SCREEN” sign reminding attendees that the final elements of the show remain confidential until the live broadcast. Fans and participants alike are eager to see how the unique design and innovative technology will enhance the performances.
With the first rehearsals kicking off today, May 3, 2025, the atmosphere in Basel is electric as everyone involved prepares for what promises to be an unforgettable Eurovision experience. The combination of a stunning stage, talented artists, and the passionate audience is sure to create a memorable event that will be talked about for years to come.
As the excitement builds, fans are encouraged to stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates on Eurovision 2025. The stage is set, the artists are ready, and Basel is primed to host the biggest music competition in the world.
