The excitement for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest is building, set to kick off this Sunday with a vibrant “turquoise carpet” event featuring contestants from all 37 participating countries. The real competition commences on Tuesday with the first semi-final, where five countries will bid farewell, followed by another elimination round on Thursday. The Grand Final is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, in Basel, Switzerland.
Participants span a vast array of musical styles and themes—from returning artists and opera singers to intriguing references (like a dance track dedicated to a space dog). To make sense of this eclectic gathering, I've organized the entries into thematic categories.
**Pop Anthems and Rave Tracks**
UK's Remember Monday, with their high-energy anthem "What The Hell Just Happened?", takes a bold approach by weaving in elements reminiscent of iconic British music legends. However, they could face challenging competition from Sweden's catchy track "Bara Bada Bastu," celebrating sauna culture, endorsed by Abba's Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Austria’s JJ with the operatic "Wasted Love."
In a slightly darker tone, Ireland offers "Laika Party," a tribute to the unfortunate fate of a space dog, while Luxembourg's Laura Thorn brings an empowering twist with "La Poupée Monte Le Son," rejecting manipulation by others.
**Cultural Themes and Celebrations**
Eurovision also showcases tributes to Italian culture this year with songs from San Marino and Estonia. San Marino’s danceable "Tutta L'Italia" celebrates the country's delights, while Estonia’s "Espresso Macchiato" humorously tackles Italian stereotypes.
**A Dose of Innuendo**
Not shy of risqué themes, Malta’s Miriana Conte delivers with "Serving," initially stirring controversy over its suggestive lyrics before being edited for broadcast standards. Australia's Go-Jo follows suit with "Milkshake Man," not so subtly inviting interpretations of his lyrics. Finland's Erika Vikman embraces pleasure with the spirited track "Ich Komme," filled with euphoric beats and cheeky stage imagery.
**Heartfelt Reflections**
Three entrants this year poignantly reflect on the impact of cancer on their lives. France’s Louane captures the heartbreak in "Maman," while Norway's Kyle Alessandro, inspired by his mother's cancer battle, delivers a hopeful message in "My Own Lighter." Klemen Slakonja of Slovenia channels his poignant experience into “How Much Time Do We Have Left," expressing the turmoil faced during his wife's diagnosis.
**Diverse Soundscapes and Styles**
With bouncy tunes, Belgium's Red Sebastian embraces rave culture in "Strobe Lights," while Germany pitches in with "Baller," hoping for a miraculous turnaround after years of challenging results. Meanwhile, the Icelandic duo Væb leans into dance-rap with their energetic entry.
**Ballads and Emotional Depth**
As always, an emotional arena is marked by entries like Israel’s Yuval Raphael with "New Day Will Rise," reflecting on the tragedy faced during the past year, and Georgia's Mariam Shengelia’s stirring “Freedom,” tackling critical themes of choice and love.
**Goth and Glam Themes**
Lastly, a haunting vibe comes from Poland’s Justyna Steczkowska, invoking magic spells in "Gaja," and Croatia's Marko Bošnjak, who channels his pain into "Poison Cake."
In this blend of humor, emotional depth, and catchy hooks, Eurovision 2025 promises an unforgettable experience. From heartfelt ballads to upbeat anthems, it seems this year encapsulates all facets of human experience. Don't miss the enthralling performances that await in Basel!
Participants span a vast array of musical styles and themes—from returning artists and opera singers to intriguing references (like a dance track dedicated to a space dog). To make sense of this eclectic gathering, I've organized the entries into thematic categories.
**Pop Anthems and Rave Tracks**
UK's Remember Monday, with their high-energy anthem "What The Hell Just Happened?", takes a bold approach by weaving in elements reminiscent of iconic British music legends. However, they could face challenging competition from Sweden's catchy track "Bara Bada Bastu," celebrating sauna culture, endorsed by Abba's Bjorn Ulvaeus, and Austria’s JJ with the operatic "Wasted Love."
In a slightly darker tone, Ireland offers "Laika Party," a tribute to the unfortunate fate of a space dog, while Luxembourg's Laura Thorn brings an empowering twist with "La Poupée Monte Le Son," rejecting manipulation by others.
**Cultural Themes and Celebrations**
Eurovision also showcases tributes to Italian culture this year with songs from San Marino and Estonia. San Marino’s danceable "Tutta L'Italia" celebrates the country's delights, while Estonia’s "Espresso Macchiato" humorously tackles Italian stereotypes.
**A Dose of Innuendo**
Not shy of risqué themes, Malta’s Miriana Conte delivers with "Serving," initially stirring controversy over its suggestive lyrics before being edited for broadcast standards. Australia's Go-Jo follows suit with "Milkshake Man," not so subtly inviting interpretations of his lyrics. Finland's Erika Vikman embraces pleasure with the spirited track "Ich Komme," filled with euphoric beats and cheeky stage imagery.
**Heartfelt Reflections**
Three entrants this year poignantly reflect on the impact of cancer on their lives. France’s Louane captures the heartbreak in "Maman," while Norway's Kyle Alessandro, inspired by his mother's cancer battle, delivers a hopeful message in "My Own Lighter." Klemen Slakonja of Slovenia channels his poignant experience into “How Much Time Do We Have Left," expressing the turmoil faced during his wife's diagnosis.
**Diverse Soundscapes and Styles**
With bouncy tunes, Belgium's Red Sebastian embraces rave culture in "Strobe Lights," while Germany pitches in with "Baller," hoping for a miraculous turnaround after years of challenging results. Meanwhile, the Icelandic duo Væb leans into dance-rap with their energetic entry.
**Ballads and Emotional Depth**
As always, an emotional arena is marked by entries like Israel’s Yuval Raphael with "New Day Will Rise," reflecting on the tragedy faced during the past year, and Georgia's Mariam Shengelia’s stirring “Freedom,” tackling critical themes of choice and love.
**Goth and Glam Themes**
Lastly, a haunting vibe comes from Poland’s Justyna Steczkowska, invoking magic spells in "Gaja," and Croatia's Marko Bošnjak, who channels his pain into "Poison Cake."
In this blend of humor, emotional depth, and catchy hooks, Eurovision 2025 promises an unforgettable experience. From heartfelt ballads to upbeat anthems, it seems this year encapsulates all facets of human experience. Don't miss the enthralling performances that await in Basel!
