As the countdown to the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 reaches its final hours, excitement is palpable for the grand final taking place in Basel. With 26 countries set to compete for the highly sought-after glass microphone trophy, bookmakers have indicated a distinct unpredictability in this year’s lineup, moving away from the preordained outcomes of previous contests featuring artists like Loreen and Kalush Orchestra.
Among the frontrunners, Sweden's Kaj, with their quirky entry "Bara Bada Bastu," currently tops the favorites list. This Finnish act is known for promoting sauna culture through their upbeat, accordion-led track, a novelty that has ironically never clinched the winning title. KAJ's fun-filled performance, complete with sauna props, aims to sparkle on stage despite historical voter tendencies leaning towards more empowering pop anthems.
Austria's JJ makes waves with his heartfelt ballad "Wasted Love," a pop-opera twist representing themes of unreciprocated affection. The Vienna State Opera performer aims to make a lasting impression, comparing the experience of performing at Eurovision to a sold-out show at the opera—a much larger audience awaits him there.
France's Louane presents a poignant piece titled "Maman," reflecting on loss and the passage of time. Embracing her late mother's memory, the song takes listeners through a narrative of grief turned into resilience and hope, symbolized through a unique sandstorm staging that underscores the emotional intensity of her performance.
Next on the list is Claude from the Netherlands, whose entry "C'est La Vie" celebrates life's beauty amidst adversity, drawing from his mother's inspirational advice. This vibrant Afropop and chanson mix adds a refreshing flair to the competition, especially with Claude’s recent rise to fame following a hit single in 2022.
Lastly, Finland's Erika Vikman challenges norms with the audacious "Ich Komme," which unabashedly addresses themes of sexuality. A standout dance performance accompanies her energetic song, promising to be a memorable moment on the Eurovision stage, even with ongoing discussions about costume censorship.
Despite the competitive lineup, the UK's entry, Remember Monday, finds itself as a dark horse, with aspirations of moving from a predicted low finish to potentially rising up. The girl band's fun musical theater vibes contrast the more serious tones of their competitors, setting the stage for an unpredictable evening of performances.
As the competition unfolds, fans await which artist will take home the trophy, with expectations high and excitement mounting for a night filled with music, emotion, and spectacle.
