The Eurovision Song Contest will be hosted in Basel in Switzerland next year, organisers have announced.
In a statement on Friday, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said the semi-finals on 13 and 15 May, and the grand final on 17 May for the 2025 event, will be held in the St Jakobshalle Arena.
It added that the contest is "being held in the German-speaking part of Switzerland for the first time after previously being hosted in Lugano in 1956 and Lausanne in 1989".
The international singing competition is being hosted in Switzerland after Swiss singer Nemo took the trophy earlier this year in Malmo, Sweden, with the song The Code.
The 24-year-old Swiss artist, who uses they/them pronouns, triumphed at this year's contest with their catchy track, which details their journey towards understanding and accepting their non-binary identity.
Speaking in a press conference following their victory, Nemo said: "I feel incredibly proud, not just for me but for our whole community, for anyone out there who is non-binary, gender-fluid, transgender, just people that are daring to be themselves and people that need to be heard and to be understood.
"We need more compassion, we need more empathy, we need to listen to each other, we need to try and understand each other instead of talking about each other, we need to talk with each other and I think that is really important and I hope that tonight can be a way of remembering that."
Basel, the third largest city in Switzerland by population, was chosen after a "competitive city bid process that examined facilities at the venue, local infrastructure and the ability to accommodate thousands of visiting delegations, crew, fans and journalists from around the world", the EBU said.
Martin Osterdahl, executive supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, said: "The EBU is thrilled that Basel has been selected as the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.
"The contest was born in Switzerland in Lugano back in 1956 and it's great to be bringing it back to its birthplace almost 70 years later."
🇨🇭 Brace yourself for Basel - host of Eurovision Song Contest 2025! 🎤🎉
— EBU (@EBU_HQ) August 30, 2024
✨ Read more here: https://t.co/gOkkoIux7d#PublicServiceMedia #ESC2025 #EurovisionSongContest #Switzerland pic.twitter.com/xN4JRicswV
He added: "Basel’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe makes it the ideal setting for an event that celebrates the power of music to connect people across borders.
"With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, Basel reflects the spirit of the Eurovision Song Contest.
"The city’s exceptional St Jakobshalle venue and outstanding hospitality will ensure a memorable experience for delegations, artists and fans alike.
"Following contests in the Italian and French speaking parts of the country in 1956 and 1989 we’re also excited to bring the Eurovision Song Contest to German Switzerland for the very first time.
"Together with host broadcaster SRG SSR and the city of Basel we will create a spectacular celebration of music on the banks of the River Rhine that resonates far beyond the stage."
