Belgium has officially chosen its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, as Red Sebastian triumphed at the final of Eurosong 2025, held on February 1 at EMG Studio 7 in Vilvoorde. The highly anticipated national selection was organized by the Flemish broadcaster VRT, featuring eight talented artists competing for the honor of representing the country at the prestigious contest.
After intense performances and passionate displays, it was Red Sebastian who emerged as the winner with his captivating song "Strobe Lights." The selection process utilized a blend of jury and public voting, with the expert jury accounting for half of the decision. The final results announced at the conclusion of the event confirmed Red Sebastian's victory, setting the stage for his performance at Eurovision.
The Eurosong 2025 selection process included two showcase episodes aired on January 18 and January 25, showcasing each finalist's entry. The other contenders included Grace Khuabi with "Pull Up," Jelle van Dael with "Monster," Le Manou with "Fille à papa," Leez with "Perfectly Imperfect," Len Neefs with "Air Balloon," Mentissa with "Désolée," and Stefanie Callebaut with "Gloria." During the grand final, each contestant presented their song for the audience and the judges.
This year, the final was announced to be determined by a detailed voting system: 50% of the final outcome came from public votes, and the remaining 50% from the jury. The jury was composed of notable figures from the music industry, including Gustaph, who represented Belgium at Eurovision 2023, and Emmelie de Forest, the 2013 Eurovision winner for Denmark. Each member brought expertise and perspective, which influenced the decisions made during voting.
The lively event featured additional guest performances, adding to the excitement of the evening. Notable performers included Tom Dice, who represented Belgium back in 2010, and Gustaph, the previous year’s participant. The show was hosted by Peter Van de Veire, who guided the audience through the celebratory atmosphere.
Following the performances, the voting results were revealed. Red Sebastian topped the results with 423 points, totaling 132 from the jury and 291 from the public vote. The breakdown of the final results placed Mentissa in third with 131 points, followed by Jelle van Dael, who came fourth with 115 points.
The Eurovision Song Contest itself will take place on May 13, 2025, where Belgium will perform during the First Semi-Final. This year’s contest is being held in Basel, Switzerland, marking another exciting chapter for participating nations as they vie for musical excellence.
Belgium has had a long history with the Eurovision Song Contest, being one of the seven nations to compete at the inaugural event back in 1956. Despite the country securing only one victory—Sandra Kim’s unforgettable performance of "J’aime la vie" in 1986—Belgium continues to be a frequent participant, with various results across the decades. The country has faced its share of challenges, including failure to reach the final rounds on multiple occasions, but each entry brings hope and excitement for the fans.
Last year's entry failed to qualify for the finals, giving rise to hopes this year for improvement through Red Sebastian’s artistry and the song's appeal. The upcoming contest will allow Belgium to showcase its vibrant musical scene and talented artists, exemplified by Red Sebastian's win at Eurosong 2025.
The victory has ignited enthusiasm among fans and industry watchers alike, as they look forward to seeing how Red Sebastian will perform on the larger Eurovision stage. With the unique sound of "Strobe Lights" and his dynamic stage presence, expectations are high for what Belgium will bring to this iconic international event.
Belgium will aim to reclaim Eurovision glory with Red Sebastian as its emissary, hoping to build on the nation's rich and vibrant connection to the iconic singing competition. The countdown to May 13 has officially begun, and all eyes will be on Red Sebastian as he prepares for his performance at Eurovision 2025.