What Time Does the Eurovision 2025 Final Start and Who is in It?
Source: BBC
Eurovision 2025: All You Need to Know About the Grand Final
The grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is set to take place on Saturday, 17 May, in Basel, Switzerland. Fans around Europe are excited as the stage is set for a spectacular show, hosted by the ever-charismatic Graham Norton, with broadcasts available on BBC One and BBC Radio 2.
What Are the Key Details of Eurovision 2025?
This year’s contest promises a night filled with entertainment and emotional performances. Below are some of the essential details to note:
- Date: Saturday, 17 May 2025
- Location: St Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland
- Start Time: 20:00 BST
Who is in the Running?
The UK entry this year is a country-pop trio known as Remember Monday, who will be performing their song, “What The Hell Just Happened.” This group, made up of Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull, and Charlotte Steele, is poised to turn around Britain’s recent fortunes in the competition. Their bright harmonies and engaging melodies will surely captivate the audience.
The contest features a total of 37 countries, each showcasing their unique musical style. Notable entrants include:
– Sweden, represented by KAJ with “Bara Bada Bastu”
– Israel, with Yuval Raphael performing “New Day Will Rise”
– Ireland, featuring a strong contender from the talented Miriana Conte
Among the participating nations, the “big five”—the UK, Italy, Spain, France, and Germany—automatically qualify for the final. Switzerland, the host, also gets a direct entry. This year’s competition also sees the return of Montenegro, which last participated in 2022.
Major Performances You Can’t Miss
This year’s edition promises some exciting performances. Notably, the grand final will feature not just the competition entries but also special guest appearances. The previous year’s winner, Nemo, who won the contest with “The Code,” will also grace the stage.
The excitement builds as Eurovision 2025 prepares to capture hearts and ears alike, especially in a year that commemorates the contest’s inaugural hosting in Switzerland back in 1956, under the theme “Welcome Home.”
Why is There Controversy Surrounding Israel’s Entry?
This year, the inclusion of Israel’s contestant has sparked intense debate. Over 70 former Eurovision contestants, including UK’s Mae Muller, have signed an open letter demanding that Israel’s public broadcaster, KAN, be banned from the contest, citing its alleged complicity in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict. This controversy is at the forefront as the evening approaches, with attendees and fans alike closely watching how this will unfold during the live performance.
Yuval Raphael, Israel’s performer, has expressed her anticipation for a challenging reception, admitting, “I’m expecting to be booed during my performance.” The stakes are high, and it remains to be seen how the audience will react.
Understanding the Voting Process
During the grand final, participating countries will award votes in two ways: a jury composed of music experts and popular votes from fans across Europe. Each country selects a Top 10 favorite songs, with the maximum points awarded being 12. Notably, votes from fans in non-participating countries will also be included under a “rest of the world vote,” broadening the scope and influence of the competition.
As excitement builds for the Eurovision grand final, audiences are reminded that every vote counts. It’s not just about the artists; it’s a celebration of culture, music, and unity across borders.
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Eurovision 2025, Eurovision Song Contest, Remember Monday, Basel, live music, international competition, pop music, cultural event, UK entry, voting process