Céline Dion graced the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest with a special video message during its first semi-final, marking its return to Switzerland for the first time since her unforgettable win in 1988. Her heartfelt message resonated with viewers as she expressed her fondness for Switzerland, stating, "It will forever hold a special place in my heart." Although expectations were high for a live appearance, Dion confirmed she could not attend, attributing her absence to health issues stemming from stiff-person syndrome.
The semi-final showcased fifteen acts, with ten qualifying for the grand finale, including KAJ, a Swedish trio whose accordion-led comedic performance, "Bara Bada Bastu," has become the frontrunner with a 40% chance of winning, which would deliver Sweden its eighth Eurovision title. The band's lighthearted song, inviting listeners to enjoy a sauna, contrasts with their country's traditional pop entries.
Amidst an array of performances, the competition witnessed unexpected disqualifications, like Belgium's Red Sebastian, despite high expectations for his rave anthem "Strobe Lights." Contestants from Norway, Albania, Iceland, the Netherlands, and others successfully advanced, while Azerbaijan and Croatia saw their hopes dashed for this year.
Dion's nostalgic message came during the interval, where she reminisced about her own victory and congratulated Swiss singer Nemo, praising the emotional significance of his win. Although organizers indicated they still hope for her appearance in the final, Dion took to repeating her message in French, complemented by former contestants performing her iconic song "Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi."
The evening unfolded with a rich tapestry of performances despite the absence of certain artists. Among them was Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, who gave a haunting performance, while KAJ stood out with their sauna-themed anthem. As the grand finale approaches, excitement builds, with multiple contenders aiming for Eurovision glory.
