The excitement is building as the 69th Eurovision Song Contest approaches, set to take place from May 13 to May 17, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland. This year, Poland will be represented by the talented Justyna Steczkowska, who will perform her song "Gaja" during the first semi-final on May 13. Fans from across Europe and beyond are eager to see what surprises this year's contest will bring.
Steczkowska, a well-known figure in the Polish music scene, has been preparing for her performance since the beginning of May. She is expected to deliver a visually stunning act, complete with impressive visuals and a dynamic dance routine. "I can’t wait to share my performance with everyone. We’ve worked hard to create something special," Steczkowska shared ahead of the event.
This year's Eurovision will feature 37 countries competing, with the first semi-final showcasing a diverse array of talent. During the first semi-final, Steczkowska will take the stage second, following the representatives from Iceland. The lineup for the first semi-final includes contestants from Slovenia, Estonia, Ukraine, and several other nations, with only the top 10 advancing to the grand final.
The semi-finals will take place on May 13 and May 15, culminating in the grand final on May 17. All shows are set to begin at 21:00 Polish time. Eurovision fans are already buzzing about the event, especially with the return of Montenegro after a two-year hiatus and the withdrawal of Moldova, which was originally slated to participate.
In a significant twist, Ola Budka, a respected music journalist and editor at Radio 357, will be presenting the Polish points during the final. This marks a departure from previous years, where former Eurovision contestants were typically chosen for this role. Budka has gained recognition for her work, including her role in co-hosting the Grand Final of the Polish Qualifications earlier this year.
As the anticipation grows, the question on everyone's lips is whether Steczkowska can lead Poland to victory. The country has a rich history in the competition, but it has been three decades since Steczkowska last graced the Eurovision stage. "This is my moment to shine again, and I hope to make Poland proud," she remarked.
The slogan for this year's contest is "United By Music," emphasizing the spirit of togetherness that Eurovision embodies. For the first time, the contest will also feature an official mascot named Lumo, which is expected to add an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.
Fans looking to watch the event can tune in on TVP1, TVP VOD, and the official Eurovision YouTube channel. Voting will be open for viewers in Poland during both the semi-finals and the final. However, it's important to note that Polish residents will not be able to vote for their own representative, Justyna Steczkowska. Instead, they can support other countries' acts.
Voting is available through various methods, including mobile apps and online platforms, with a maximum of 20 votes allowed per phone number. This year, fans from countries outside of Europe can also participate in the voting process, a move that has been in place since 2023.
As the opening ceremony approaches on May 11, excitement is palpable. The event promises to be a spectacular showcase of talent, creativity, and cultural exchange. With the stage set in Basel, all eyes will be on the performers as they vie for the coveted title.
In the lead-up to the competition, fans have been actively discussing their favorites and speculating on who might take home the trophy. The buzz surrounding Steczkowska and her song "Gaja" has been particularly strong, with many believing she has the potential to make a significant impact.
As the 69th Eurovision Song Contest draws near, the anticipation continues to build. Will Justyna Steczkowska's performance capture the hearts of voters and lead Poland to victory? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: this year's contest will be a memorable celebration of music and unity.