Eurovision 2025 commenced with its first semi-final on May 13, 2025, at the St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland. The event featured 15 countries vying for a spot in the grand final, showcasing a blend of musical diversity and cultural flair.
Highlights from the First Semi-Final: Eurovision 2025
Among the standout performances, Sweden’s KAJ delivered a humorous tribute to saunas with “Bara Bada Bastu,” while Estonia’s Tommy Cash energized the audience with “Espresso Macchiato.” The Netherlands’ Claude presented the ballad “C’est La Vie,” aiming to redeem the country’s previous disqualification. Other notable acts included San Marino’s Gabry Ponte and Slovenia’s Klemen.
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Broadcast and Streaming Information
Viewers worldwide had multiple options to watch the semi-final. In the United States, Peacock streamed the event live at 3:00 p.m. ET. UK audiences tuned in via BBC One and BBC iPlayer at 8:00 p.m. BST. Additionally, the official Eurovision YouTube channel provided live coverage in select regions.
Security Measures and Controversies of Eurovision 2025
Heightened security was evident in Basel, with over 1,000 police officers deployed due to tensions surrounding Israel’s participation amidst the Gaza conflict. Israeli singer Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 2023 Hamas attack, represented the nation. The European Broadcasting Union introduced new rules promoting Eurovision’s values, allowing Palestinian flags in the audience but restricting onstage displays to national flags only.
Looking Ahead
The second semi-final is scheduled for May 15, 2025, followed by the grand final on May 17. As the competition progresses, fans eagerly anticipate which acts will secure their place in the final showdown.
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