The countdown is on in Basel as the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 gets underway tonight, promising spectacle, surprises and more than a few sequins.
With 6,500 fans packing into the St. Jakobshalle arena and millions more watching around the world, 15 acts will compete for just 10 coveted spots in Saturday's grand final.
All eyes are on comedy trio KAJ - the unlikely frontrunners representing Sweden - who are hoping their ode to the joys of having a sauna will strike the right note with viewers. Their song, Bara Bada Bastu (Just have a sauna), has captured imaginations online with its quirky dance moves and deadpan delivery, making them the bookmakers’ favourites heading into tonight’s live show.
The trio, who hail from Finland’s Swedish-speaking minority, have leaned into their unassuming image - dour expressions and all. "We are so happy that people can take this sauna theme to heart," said band member Kevin Holmstrom. "We’ve seen a lot of people learn the dance."
They’ll need more than a viral routine to make it through. Tonight’s performance, delivered on a jaw-dropping stage featuring flame jets, 4,500 lights, laser walls and wraparound screens, could make or break their chances.
Estonia’s Tommy Cash will also be hoping his avant-garde anthem Espresso Macchiato gives him the jolt he needs to go further in the competition. "Coffee unites us," he declared. "We can drink it everywhere with everyone."
And then there’s Iceland’s VAEB, the brotherly duo who plan to row their way into the final with ROA, a metaphor-laden track about staying afloat through life’s challenges. "You just keep on rowing," they said of their song’s message.
Also taking to the stage tonight is Poland’s Justyna Steczkowska, making a Eurovision comeback nearly three decades after her 1995 debut - the longest gap between appearances in the contest’s history.
Tuesday’s semi-final marks the first of two nights where Eurovision hopefuls must impress enough to secure a spot in the final. Results are kept under wraps until after the grand final, though three countries will be shown onscreen in a dramatic new reveal format - with only one making it through in each group.
Meanwhile, Ireland’s hopes rest on Thursday’s second semi-final, where 22-year-old Emmy will take to the stage with Laika Party. The Norwegian singer is aiming to win over Europe with her high-energy track inspired by the Soviet space dog Laika and her own childhood dreams of intergalactic adventure.
The big five - the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain - along with host nation Switzerland, are already guaranteed a spot in the grand final.
As Eurovision Executive Supervisor Martin Green put it: "There are 37 incredibly excited, and yet calm, artists in the arena who have had some great rehearsals and can’t wait.
"Let’s share a bit of love this week. I think it’s probably the biggest weapon we have: a bit of love."
Swiss police are considering whether to approve a protest in Basel, amid criticism of Israel's participation in the Eurovision.
Pro-Palestinian protesters had organised a demonstration on Saturday at 7pm local time.
On Tuesday a spokesman for Basel police said "an application for a demonstration is currently still pending", but "no date" for it has been set.
The Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals take place on 13 and 15 May and will be shown live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player from 8pm. The Grand Final takes place on Saturday, 17 May, and will be shown live on RTÉ One and RTÉ Player from 8pm.
