The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is set to take place in Basel, Switzerland, from May 10 to May 17, culminating in a grand finale that promises to captivate millions worldwide. This year marks the 69th edition of the contest, which has become a staple of European culture since its inception in 1956.
Hosted at the St. Jakobshalle, one of Europe’s most modern multi-purpose venues, the event will feature nine live shows, including two semi-finals and the highly anticipated final. The first semi-final will occur on May 13, followed by the second on May 15, with the grand final scheduled for May 17. The St. Jakobshalle boasts a capacity of 12,400 spectators and a surface area of 20,000 square meters, making it an ideal location for such a significant event.
On the day of the final, the adjacent St. Jakob-Park, Switzerland's largest football stadium, will transform into Arena plus, featuring a giant screen that broadcasts live performances from the main stage. This setup allows an additional 42,500 fans to experience the excitement of the contest, as they gather to watch international and national artists perform.
In addition to the main event, the Eurovision Village will host live broadcasts and musical programs, while the Euroclub will provide a vibrant atmosphere for partygoers at the Basel Fairgrounds. Various events will also animate the Steinenvorstadt and along the Rhine in Kleinbasel, including free performances by local and regional artists in Barfüsserplatz.
As the city gears up for the festivities, the Fondation Beyeler, Switzerland's most visited art museum, will present a special exhibition titled 'Over the Rainbow' from May 9 to May 18. This exhibition, inspired by the theme music from the classic film 'The Wizard of Oz' (1939), will showcase works by renowned artists such as Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso. Ugo Rondinone's installation 'we are poems' (2011) will serve as the exhibition's centerpiece, displayed prominently on the museum's roof.
The Fondation Beyeler aims to celebrate the connections between art and music, emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange and diversity. Visitors under 25 will receive free admission, and guided tours in English will be available throughout the exhibition.
As the Eurovision Song Contest approaches, excitement is building among participants and fans alike. On May 9, the fifth day of rehearsals concluded, with seven countries participating in the Second Semifinal having their turn to showcase their performances. Each delegation had 20 minutes to rehearse and perform their song at least three times.
Among the countries that took to the stage was Georgia, represented by Mariam Shengelia, who performed her song 'Freedom.' The rehearsal clip revealed a visually striking performance, featuring Mariam walking toward the front of the stage with a moon backdrop, which transformed into a red circle. The accompanying dancers donned traditional Georgian costumes, adding to the cultural richness of the presentation.
Denmark's Sissal showcased her song 'Hallucination' with a wind machine effect, creating a mesmerizing ambiance as she sang at the center of the stage. The dancers were anchored to the floor, swaying as if caught in a breeze. Czechia's ADONXS performed 'Kiss Kiss Goodbye,' with a predominantly black-and-white aesthetic that shifted to red during a dance break.
Luxembourg's Laura Thorn captivated the audience with 'La Poupée Monte Le Son,' surrounded by dancers mimicking puppets against a pink dollhouse backdrop. Israel's Yuval Raphael presented 'New Day Will Rise' amidst a stunning set of concentric circles adorned with sparkling chains, transitioning from English to Hebrew mid-performance.
Serbia's Princ delivered a powerful rendition of 'Mila,' with red dominating the visuals and his outfit, while Finland's Erika Vikman closed the Second Semifinal with 'ICH KOMME.' Erika's performance featured a dramatic entrance, dragging her golden microphone stand along the runway, with the LED wall displaying her name in large letters.
As the excitement builds, Lucio Corsi is expected to deliver a memorable performance during the final. He may start with 'Volevo essere un duro,' seated at the piano, before transitioning to the center stage with his guitar. Adding a unique twist to his performance, he might play an harmonica solo before the final chorus, creating a nostalgic atmosphere reminiscent of the 1970s, enhanced by a sepia filter applied to the broadcast images.
Adding to the charm of the event, Topo Gigio, the beloved Italian puppet character, will make his appearance in Basel to support Lucio Corsi. Topo Gigio has been appointed as the Italian spokesperson, reading the Italian votes live during the event. This marks a historic moment, as Topo Gigio will be the first non-human spokesperson in Eurovision history.
The Eurovision Song Contest not only showcases musical talent but also serves as a celebration of cultural diversity and unity. With 38 countries participating this year, the event promises to be a vibrant spectacle, drawing audiences from across the globe. As the countdown to the grand finale continues, the city of Basel is ready to embrace the energy and excitement of this iconic musical celebration.
