Eurovision 2025 Grand Final Lights Up Switzerland Stage/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 grand final dazzled in Basel, Switzerland, showcasing musical diversity and political undertones. Artists from 26 countries competed amid controversy over Israel’s participation due to the Gaza conflict. Favorites include Sweden’s sauna-inspired trio KAJ and Austria’s operatic JJ.
Eurovision 2025 Grand Final: Quick Looks
- Eurovision 2025 grand final took place in Basel, Switzerland.
- 26 finalists competed after narrowing from 37 total entries.
- Sweden’s sauna anthem by KAJ is the bookmakers’ top pick.
- Austria’s JJ and France’s Louane also favored to win.
- Israel’s entry stirred protests amid ongoing Gaza war concerns.
- Eurovision emphasizes unity but struggled with political tensions.
- Audience can wave any legal flag, easing 2024’s restrictions.
- Guest performances include past fan-favorites and last year’s winner.
- Rumors swirled about a surprise Celine Dion appearance.
- Contest featured songs in 20 languages, reflecting growing diversity.
Eurovision 2025 Grand Final Lights Up Switzerland Stage
Deep Look
Eurovision 2025 Grand Final Dazzles in Basel Amid Celebration and Controversy
BASEL, Switzerland — The Eurovision Song Contest, the globe’s most-watched music spectacle, brought its glittering, flamboyant energy to a dramatic climax in Basel, Switzerland, on Saturday evening. With 26 countries battling for musical glory in front of an estimated global audience of 160 million, the final unfolded as a vivid blend of sonic creativity and political tension.
Sweden’s eccentric trio KAJ leads the pack with their viral sauna celebration song, “Bara Bada Bastu.” Their campy tribute to Scandinavian steam culture is a clear favorite among bookmakers. Hot on their heels is Austria’s JJ with “Wasted Love,” a soaring mix of pop and opera that has captured hearts across Europe.
France’s Louane with the emotional “maman,” Dutch balladeer Claude with “C’est La Vie,” and Finland’s Erika Vikman with her risqué “Ich Komme” round out the top contenders. Also turning heads is Estonia’s Tommy Cash, whose high-energy number “Espresso Macchiato” offers caffeinated chaos that Eurovision fans adore.
Yet, beyond the lights and spectacle, the competition has once again found itself embroiled in controversy over Israel’s inclusion amid the country’s war in Gaza. Israeli contestant Yuval Raphael’s “New Day Will Rise” has gained substantial public support — but also drawn protests calling for Israel’s removal from the lineup.
Raphael’s supporters gathered in Basel’s cathedral square to back her performance and counter opposition. “It would be such a strong statement against antisemitism if she won,” said Zurich resident Rebecca Laes-Kushner. “This is supposed to be about music, not about hate.”
Stage Set for Unity — But Political Shadows Linger
Eurovision prides itself on being apolitical and inclusive. This year, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) reaffirmed that stance, issuing a stricter code of conduct emphasizing values of diversity, equality, and universality. Participants were reminded to avoid overt political messaging during performances and public appearances.
Despite the effort, politics loomed. Pro-Palestinian demonstrators planned protests in Basel, about two miles from the arena, mirroring similar unrest during last year’s contest in Sweden. In 2024, tensions led to the expulsion of Dutch contestant Joost Klein following backstage conflict.
Still, Eurovision director Martin Green remained optimistic. “Our aim this year was to re-establish a sense of unity, calm and togetherness,” he told reporters. “All 37 delegations, in difficult times, have behaved impeccably.”
For the artists, the focus remains on performance. “The world always seeps in,” admitted Axel Åhman of Sweden’s KAJ. “But our main focus is the music. We’ve trained for this moment all our lives.”
Backstage Vibe: Flags, Diversity, and Star Power
After 2024’s controversial ban on non-national flags, organizers eased restrictions. Audience members are now free to wave any flag that complies with Swiss law, including Palestinian flags. Performers, however, are still restricted to displaying only their national flags.
Musically, the contest is more diverse than ever. Songs in 20 languages were performed this year, including entries in Ukrainian, Albanian, Icelandic, Latvian, and Maltese. Eurovision historian Dean Vuletic notes the contest’s increasing depth. “We’ve seen a shift from formulaic English pop to songs with social and political commentary,” he said.
The night wasn’t just about competition. A celebratory guest performance by nonbinary Swiss singer Nemo, the 2024 Eurovision champion, added star power. Fans were also treated to a duel between two returning legends: Croatia’s Baby Lasagna (runner-up in 2024) and Finland’s Käärijä (second place in 2023). Rumors even swirled about an appearance by Celine Dion, who famously won Eurovision in 1988 representing Switzerland. While Dion did not perform, she sent a heartfelt video tribute.
A Showcase of Europe’s Evolving Identity
Eurovision 2025 proved once again that the contest is more than just a music competition — it’s a reflection of Europe’s cultural and political climate. With a growing embrace of linguistic and thematic diversity, this year’s final showcased how Eurovision continues to evolve with its audience.
Whether fans were cheering for a sauna anthem, an operatic power ballad, or a politically charged anthem, the essence of Eurovision — unity through music — still pulsed through the glitter and lasers.
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