It’s that time of the year again. Time to bring your best shot when it counts the most. Time to scrutinize. Time to serve Kant. Here are my traditional reviews of all the 37 entries for Eurovision Song Contest in Basel.

I wonder if Eurovision has ever been better, when it comes to overall song and performance quality. Gone are the days when you could just as well send a muppet turkey to represent you, because there were always someone singing worse anyway. Further there is great diversity with well produced pop bangers, rockers, ballads, electronic dance music, good old schlager and genuine ethnic vibes. Something for everyone, as it seems.

Nevertheless many state that 2025 is a weak year. Some of them would actually have wanted less diversity, fewer ballads and ethnic vibes and more party bops. That is NOT the way to go! Some simply point at the few realistic winners. Basically, there are two outcomes: Austria wins jury and enough televotes (just as Switzerland last year) or Sweden wins televotes (for once!) and enough jury points (just as Italy 2021). B…b…but what about Netherlands, France, Belgium, Finland, Estonia, Malta and all the other fan favourites? Well, we can always leave 5 percent chance of a total surprise, but they are no realistic winners.

Unfortunately, when Montenegro comes back into the fold, Moldova leaves. Thus we again are left with scarce 37 entries. Let’s hope that we soon again will see at least Moldova, Bulgaria, Hungary and Romania with us.

As always, all judgments and grades are based on performances from national finals (who differ much in budget, production quality and size), pre parties and snippets from repetitions. Some entries still have to be judged largely by studio versions and videos. After the second semi final we will know better who will work in this format or not.

Semi final 1

(In order of appearance. Big five: Spain, Italy, UK, France and Germany and the host country Switzerland are already qualified. More of them below.)

1. Iceland: VÆB – Róa
All who remember Jedward from Eurovision 2011-2012 will recognize the bouncy energy that only a couple of siblings can accumulate. The rehearsals didn’t add anything spectacular though. Foil suits and sunglasses are still the thing. The song is more annoying than captivating and will be a border qualifier at best.
(trending for me: neutral)

2. Poland: Justyna Steczkowska – Gaja
To return to Eurovision after 30(!) years (Justyna represented Poland with the dreamy “Sama” in 1995) is an achievement in itself. Justyna however is as relevant and fresh as ever as an artist. She is also easily one of the most energetic and spectacular performers and flawless singers. The only downside is that she had an even better option last year with “Witcher tarohoro”, which lost with just two jury points to Luna then. “Gaja” is somewhat weaker, basically it lacks a real chorus – it’s just a long scream, but it’s still original and will no doubt qualify easily.
(trending: up)

3. Slovenia: Klemen – How Much Time Do We Have Left
Many saw July Jones and “New Religion” as the given winner of EMA, but the Slovenians wanted otherwise. Klemen’s sensitive ballad won the public votes with almost the double. It has since been widely ignored by Eurovision fans, but actually has a good chance to qualify from this weaker semi final. The rehearsals look promising, where Klemen sings to his beloved wife in a nice, uplifting lighting.
(trending: up)

4. Estonia: Tommy Cash – Espresso Macchiato
One of the most talked about participants are no doubt Tommy Cash. He is a widely popular rapper and figure in Estonia, and also friends with two Eurovision icons of lately: Käärijä and Joost Klein. Although there were many great alternatives in Eesti Laul, Tommy’s victory was safe in the same moment as he signed up. The song is a catchy piece, with lyrics that many interpret as mocking Italian language and culture. Tommy is not a great singer, but a great entertainer and dancer. You either love it or shrug, but he will of course reach the final.
(trending: neutral)

(Spain: Melody – Esa Diva)

5. Ukraine: Ziferblat – Bird of Pray
With a piece of progressive rock (impressively compressed into three minutes) in the vein of Yes or ELO, the Ukrainians are taking a bold step for Eurovision. A great diaspora and some pity votes will of course help, but “Bird of pray” has enough qualities of its own to fly into the final. They should have kept their costumes from Vidbir though.
(trending: neutral)

6. Sweden: Kaj – Bara bada bastu
Over a night the Finnish Swedes went from largely unknown outside Österbotten to a viral phenomenon. Suddenly people were dancing and singing about saunas in Vörå dialect all over the world. Thus Kaj are big favorites to win the televotes. Their success will depend on how they are awarded by the juries. Although there is no reason to suspect that the juries will treat Kaj bad – they are skilled singers and performers – the experts are still expected to give a decent lead for Austria’s JJ. Final? Yes, of course!
(trending: neutral)

7. Portugal: Napa – Deslocado
Portugal had the opportunity to surprise us all with Henka’s heavy rock anthem “I Wanna Destroy You” or at least send a decent ballad with Josh, “Tristeza”, but the juries wanted to play it snooze and send this unbearably boring Madeiran copy of 00:s indie pop.
(trending: neutral)

8. Norway: Kyle Alessandro – Lighter
Neither Wig Wam’s 20th nor Bobbysocks’ 40th anniversary were honored with a return to Eurovision. Instead Norway chose to look ahead with the young talent Kyle Alessandro and his slick, well produced pop gem “Lighter”. I cannot blame them. Final, for sure. I like the Alexander Rybak-esque violin sounds and, obviously, all the fire.
(trending: down)

9. Belgium: Red Sebastian – Strobe Lights
Except for Estonia’s Tommy Cash, Red Sebastian had the first real hype of the season when he comfortably won Belgium’s Eurosong. Many were impressed by his high notes. But the song is just som techno beats with too long build up til the screams. The hype has almost vanished in step with when other entries have been presented and now I even fear that it can be another missed qualification for Belgium, after Mustii’s failure last year. What was supposed to be Sebastian’s gimmic, the red suite and theme, has also been hijacked by: Serbia, Ukraine, Albania and Malta…
(trending: neutral)

(Italy: Lucio Corsi – Volevo Essere Un Duro)

10. Azerbaijan: Mamagama – Run With U
I really liked the authenticity of “Özünle Apar” last year, but this mainstream radio pop seems to have been made to make the least offence possible. Subsequently it vanished quickly into nothing of interest. The rehearsal clip was not impressive either, with weak singing. Will struggle to qualify.
(trending: down)

11. San Marino: Gabry Ponte – Tutta L’Italia
As usual San Marino doesn’t hesitate to search in lost and found for their entries. Not even an interval act from Italy’s Sanremo goes safe. But Gabry Ponte is a well established DJ (remember Eiffel 65 and their 00s hit “Blue”!) and the song is a catchy banger. Should be enough to qualify. Notably the second entry in this semi final that is about Italy, that is not representing Italy.
(trending: neutral)

12. Albania: Shkodra Elektronike – Zjerm
Since it was chosen already in december it has been in my top two. The mix of modern electronic music and ethnic influences is soothing and innovative. It turned out to be a much better and more genuine choice than the favorite in Festivali i Këngës, Elvana Gjata and “Karnaval”. When we put the charismatic Beatriçe Gjergji together with the cooler Kolë Lacaon on the bigger Eurovision stage the performance seems to elevate further, in bright red lighting. Given qualifier.
(trending: up)

13. Netherlands: Claude – C’est La Vie
Netherlands is mentioned as one of the favorites and that puzzles me a bit. Claude is a great talent, but the song is at least 25 years late, “lalala”-schlager at its most dispensable point. The rehearsal clips has not helped to convince me. Nothing spectacular going on there. But of course he will be with us in the final.
(trending: down)

14. Croatia: Marko Bošnjak – Poison Cake
Croatia had at least seven better options in their strong edition of Dora. The people’s choice was ethno punkers Ogenj. There were also Lelek and Magazin with strong songs and performances, attracting more public votes. But the juries wanted Marko Bosnjak and here we are. “Poison Cake” stands out for sure, but not in a good way. It’s more disturbing. Marko’s theatrical performance is a psychotic mix of Mileo’s “You’re Mine” (Melodi Grand Prix 2024) and Bambie Thug’s “Doomsday Blue” from last year. But it doesn’t hold together or lead somewhere.
(trending: neutral)

(Switzerland: Zoë Më – Voyage)

15. Cyprus: Theo Evan – Shh
For long, one of the most anonymous songs to me. A bit of nostalgic 00:s eurotechno, but it never really elevates into something memorable in the video or studio version. However, the rehearsal clip looks more promising, with theatrical choreography, giving me final vibes.
(trending: up)

Qualifiers: Poland, Slovenia, Estonia, Ukraine, Sweden, Norway, San Marino, Albania, Netherlands and Cyprus.

Semi final 2

(In order of appearance. Big five: Spain, Italy, UK, France and Germany and the host country Switzerland are already qualified. More of them below.)

1. Australia: Go-Jo – Milkshake Man
There is a naughty theme this 69th edition of Eurovision Song Contest, that culminates in this second semi final. Australia’s Go-Jo are here to spread his milkshake (lactose free!) and he certainly does it with a bang. A fun and catchy entry that hits you in the right spot. It also turns out to be my favourite Australian entry ever (which doesn’t say that much, unfortunately).
(trending: up)

2. Montenegro: Nina Žižić – Dobrodošli
Yes, it’s a dramatic ballad from the Balkans, but it lacks the nerve of a true Balkan ballad. As the first song to be official for Eurovision 2025 it has had a long time to convince people, but never really managed to make it upwards in the charts. Nina actually came second in Montesong, behind Neonoen’s “Clickbait”, but they decided to withdraw from their spot in Eurovision. Nina also participated in Eurovision in Malmö 2013 together with the hip hop-duo Who See. A dramatic performance can possibly bring some points to the comebacking Montenegro. But enough for the final?
(trending: neutral)

3. Ireland: Emmy – Laika Party
The song is the sweetest bubblegum pop, mixed with a 90’s eurodisco beat and of course the story about the first dog in space, having a party on her own. Norwegian Emmy has had a hard time to make this fly on stage in low budget Eurosong and pre parties, but now she has elevated the staging to fit the bigger task in Basel. And it’s impossible to get the “barabampam” part out of your head anyway.
(trending: down)

4. Latvia: Tautumeitas – Bur Man Laimi
There were really no better options in Supernova since Greta and her “Monster” withdrew. But Tautumeitas chorus song is an odd piece in Eurovision. Beautiful voices, and nice artistic dance, but a bit repetitive after a while and nothing you really go back and listen to again.
(trending: down)

5. Armenia: Parg – Survivor
Parg survived the attack from fan favourite Athena Manoukian and her messy “Daqueenation” in Depi Evratesil. “Survivor” is a powerful (Swedish written) pop anthem and Parg has got so much energy that he needs a treadmill on stage, but the last little something is not really there and Norway’s Kyle Alessandro will probably win the battle between these two male bops.
(trending: neutral)

6. Austria: JJ – Wasted Love
JJ is the huge favourite to take home the jury points – and the whole Eurovision trophy – by a landslide, just as Nemo last year. With his impressively clean operatic voice JJ kills this otherwise mid ballad. But there are questions about his stage presence and ability to attract wider televote support. Austrian delegation has promised some “never seen before” staging. We still don’t know what that means. In the clip we just see JJ under a blanket, showed in black and white. There is still a great risk that the Eurovision spectacle doesn’t leave the alps in 2026.
(trending: neutral)

(United Kingdom: Remember Monday – What The Hell Just Happened?)

7. Greece: Klavdia – Asteromáta
My personal number one since Klavdia won Ethnikós Telikós. It has everything a classic Eurovision entry should have: amazing vocals, beautiful melody, sharp emotions, touching lyrics in own language and strong ethnic vibes. The staging looks very promising, with some similarities to Serbia and Ukraine last year, but Klavdia’s dress is a bit dark and stiff. The chorus gives me goosebumps every time.
(trending: neutral)

8. Lithuania: Katarsis – Tavo Akys
As an echo from Dinosaur Jr. in the 90s, the young Katarsis take on the difficult task to bring introvert, alternative rock into Eurovision. A strong take, but narrow scope of potential interest. A bit repetitive in the end, when Lukas Radzevičius just screams “tavo” over and over again.
(trending: neutral)

9. Malta: Miriana Conte – Serving
Along with Estonia’s Tommy Cash Malta has the most spoken of entry this season. The original title “Kant” (“singing” in Maltese) sounded too alike “cunt” to pass the EBU censorship. Of course an intentional play with words to get attention. Mission accomplished… Still narrow minded of the EBU to grab the bait. Aside from that a song that is mere average pop, but the performance is much upgraded from Malta Eurovision Song Contest, to be even more vulgar. Miriana has her loud advocates, but just as many haters. I settle somewhere in between.
(trending: neutral)

10. Georgia: Mariam Shengelia – Freedom
Mariam Shengelia is not popular among Georgian fans due to allegations that she supports the controversial (Russian friendly) government. Luckily we don’t have to engage too much in all that, since the song, a typical nostalgic Eurovision ballad, is too weak to stand the slightest chance of reaching the final in this strong second semi final. But Mariam is a great singer.
(trending: neutral)

(France: Louane – Maman)

11. Denmark: Sissal – Hallucination
Charming Sissal does her best with this standard pop/dance song, that would probably had struggled to reach the final in Melodifestivalen. Besides from a strong voice and some vibes of “Euphoria” there is not much to write home about. Denmark will struggle to qualify, again.
(trending: neutral)

12. Czechia: Adonxs – Kiss Kiss Goodbye
Along with Netherlands one of the most puzzling fan favourites. It is quite a standard radio pop ballad, with some thrown in electro beats in the end, much like Austria. Nothing spectacular in the rehearsal clip either. Will probably qualify with ease though.
(trending: neutral)

13. Luxembourg: Laura Thorn – La Poupée Monte Le Son
One of the most original songs and performances this year. A nice nod to Luxembourg’s classical winner “Poupée de cire, poupée de son” from 1965, 60 years later, but with a modern, classy bubblegum touch, and a spellbinding performance by the charming Laura Thorn. I really hope it pays off with a ticket to the final.
(trending: up)

14. Israel: Yuval Raphael – New Day Will Rise
Israel goes for the same concept as last year: a young, innocent girl singing a beautiful, emotional ballad, implied – but never mentioned – about the victims of the October 7-terror attacks in 2023. Politics aside, this is as powerful and touching as “Hurricane” and will do almost as good. The switch to Hebrew gives me goosebumps. Youval probably has the strongest female voice this year, together with Klavdia from Greece.
(trending: up)

(Germany: Abor & Tynna – Baller)

15. Serbia: Princ – Mila
In my mind this is the masterpiece of the year, the best Balkan ballad since “Bistra voda” (2009), that miraculously won Pesma za Evroviziju almost out of the blue. For some reason Balkan ballads are frowned upon by Eurovision fans these days as “dated”. But with a great Balkan diaspora, you can never count them out. Princ is a royal singer and performer. I must question the sequence when he is being dragged on the scene with the hair swiping behind him, but just listen to his steady notes! However, with the revamp of the song, he almost tries too hard (Dima Bilan style), which gives a forced feeling.
(trending: neutral)

16. Finland: Erika Vikman – Ich komme
Last but definitely not least we have the Finnish icon Erika, manifesting female power and… orgasm. Thus we complete the unholy trinity of Australia, Malta and Finland in this semi final, pushing the “family show” to its limits. Erika was among the winner favourites until Kaj came and took the limelight. But as yet another strong vocalist and with a passionate scene presence, she will easily make it to the final.
(trending: up)

Qualifiers: Australia, Armenia, Austria, Greece, Malta, Czechia, Luxembourg, Israel, Serbia and Finland.

Final

France, Louane – Maman
France is usual in my top ten, and this year seems to follow the trend, although it’s tough competition, especially among ballads. I wasn’t that impressed the first few times, but “Maman” has grown on me. Especially the bridge is captivating, while the chorus is a slight letdown. Some even suggest that Louane will have a shot at winning. With a dramatic staging, where she stands in a sandstorm, she can definitely end up in top five, but if it’s one thing we know for sure it’s that France has not won in 48 years…
(trending: neutral)

Germany, Abor & Tynna – Baller
The German jury (with Germany’s own Christer Björkman, Stefan Raab, in front) paved the way for Abor & Tynna by eliminating the two biggest threats in the final, Feuerschwanz and Cosby, before the public even had a say. A strange way to handle things, but the result was probably the best outcome. “Baller” stands out as a cool electronic pop/dance track with a catchy chorus. The siblings are charming, but we still need to see a performance when everything falls into place, especially when it comes to Tynna’s vocals. The staging is impressive and cool though.
(trending: up)

Italy, Lucio Corsi – Volevo Essere Un Duro
Lucio came second in Sanremo, but the winner Olly turned down the offer to represent Italy in Eurovision. As always it’s a quality entry from Italy anyway. This soft rock and Lucio’s theatrical performance will secure another decent score, especially with the juries, although it’s a bit anonymous and has not found a way forward in the charts or odds so far.
(trending: neutral)

Spain, Melody – Esa Diva
Spain never cares about any trends or fan wishes. They send what they feel like and this time it was a traditional schlager. The energetic Melody is doing her best to make the most of it, so much that it becomes uncomfortably intense and overplayed. Unfortunately to no avail. “Esa Diva” will struggle to avoid bottom five.
(trending: down)

Switzerland, Zoë Më – Voyage
“Voyage” is maybe the song that has grown the most om me during this season. It has a soft, soothing sound that reminds of Victoria’s “Tears Getting Sober” (Bulgaria 2020). It should have a clear shot at top 10 if the stars are aligning, the performance is right and the juries do their proper job.
(trending: up)

United Kingdom, Remember Monday – What The Hell Just Happened?
I almost feel sorry for UK, who think they at least tried the last two years with Olly Alexander and now Remember Monday. This is a happy-go-lucky tune with nice vocal harmonies, but it has not breached through the buzz during the pre-season. Maybe the juries will like it?
(trending: up)

Watch the national final performances or all the music videos on Youtube.

Listen to all songs on Spotify.

Remember the fallen – those who didn’t make it to Eurovision