After weeks of anticipation, the Grand Final of Melodifestivalen 2025 aired live on March 8, 2025, from the Strawberry Arena in Stockholm. Twelve finalists competed fiercely for the prestigious opportunity to represent Sweden at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, set to be held later this year in Basel, Switzerland. When the dust settled, it was the Finnish-Swedish comedy trio KAJ who emerged victorious with their infectious entry "Bara bada bastu," which translates to "Just Bathe at the Sauna." This marks both a celebration of KAJ's inventive spirit and the revival of the Swedish language at Eurovision, as it is the first entry performed entirely in Swedish since 1998.
The exciting night kicked off with reigning Eurovision champion Nemo from Switzerland performing their hit song "The Code," setting the stage for what would become an unforgettable evening. Hosts Keyyo and Edvin Törnblom guided viewers through the various performances, and the lineup included several crowd favorites: John Lundvik, Måns Zelmerlöw, and Dolly Style, among others. The night was packed with energy and vibrant performances, showcasing Sweden's immense talent.
Each act brought their unique flair, but KAJ's blend of humor and catchy melodies won over the audience's hearts, combining comedic elements with traditional melodies. The other finalists included
- John Lundvik with "Voice of the Silent"
- Dolly Style with "YIHAA"
- Greczula with "Believe Me"
- Klara Hammarström with "On and On and On"
- SCARLET with "Sweet N’ Psycho"
- Erik Segerstedt with "Show Me What Love Is"
- Maja Ivarsson with "Kamikaze Life"
- Meira Omar with "Hush Hush"
- Måns Zelmerlöw with "Revolution"
- Saga Ludvigsson with "Hate You So Much"
- Annika Wickihalder with "Life Again"
The competition utilized a unique voting system where the outcome was determined through both public televoting and international jury votes, splitting the total points equally. The international juries came from eight countries including Switzerland, Greece, and Italy, providing insight from experienced Eurovision aficionados. The jury voting concluded with Måns Zelmerlöw earning 76 points, and KAJ placing closely behind with 74. The final public voting showcased KAJ dominating the audience's preferences, conceding them 90 points compared to Zelmerlöw's 81 points.
The final scoring breakdown ensures KAJ's memorable victory as they topped the leaderboard with 164 points against Måns Zelmerlöw’s 157 points, followed closely by Greczula with 103 points. The full ranking was as follows:
- KAJ – "Bara bada bastu" – 164 points
- Måns Zelmerlöw – "Revolution" – 157 points
- Greczula – "Believe Me" – 103 points
- Klara Hammarström – "On and On and On" – 77 points
- Dolly Style – "YIHAA" – 75 points
- John Lundvik – "Voice of the Silent" – 74 points
- SCARLET – "Sweet N’ Psycho" – 64 points
- Annika Wickihalder – "Life Again" – 54 points
- Erik Segerstedt – "Show Me What Love Is" – 51 points
- Meira Omar – "Hush Hush" – 50 points
- Maja Ivarsson – "Kamikaze Life" – 32 points
- Saga Ludvigsson – "Hate You So Much" – 27 points
With their win, KAJ is set to perform during the first half of the first semi-final at Eurovision on May 13, 2025. Backed by passionate fans and their creative interpretation of music and humor, KAJ hopes to bring home victory for Sweden again. Historically, Sweden stands as one of the most successful countries at Eurovision, having won seven times since they first participated in the contest. The Swedish entries have often been celebrated for their creativity and appeal, exemplified by iconic acts like ABBA and Loreen.
Melodifestivalen serves as the launchpad for many artists, with its legacy steeped deep within the country's culture. This event not only highlights the talent of various artists but fosters national pride and seeks to unify the public around music and community. With this year’s engaging performances, Eurofans are filled with anticipation for Bellow, Switzerland, as they cheer for KAJ and their quirky entry. The excitement of the night truly captured the spirit of Eurovision and showcased Sweden’s rich musical heritage, as well as its commitment to celebrating both art and unity.