Eurovision 2025 final live: Israel takes to the stage to ‘mixed reception’ as Pro-Palestine activists march on song contest – with UK entry appearing to impress the crowd

Suspected favourites KAJ, who’ve taken to the stage as Sweden’s 2025 Eurovision Act, performing their song Bara badu bustu, have made historical past as the first ever Finnish act to signify Sweden at the Eurovision Song contest.

Bara Badu Bustu can also be the first Swedish-language song the nation has submitted since 1998.

Making its Eurovision song contest debut in 1958, the nation is extensively thought of to have produced one among the most profitable Eurovision winners of all time: ABBA, who carried out in 1974 with their now hit entry, ‘Waterloo’.

The nation is the tied nation to have gained the competitors the most occasions, with seven victories beneath their belt (alongside Ireland).

The final Swedish Eurovision winner was Loreen, who woin the competitors in 2023 with her song Tattoo.

The singer turned the first girl to have gained the competitors twice, after having a earlier triumph with her song Euphoria in 2012.

Swedish broadcasters have run the present on all seven events following a victory, with the cities of Stockholm (1975, 2000 and 2016), Gothenburg (1985) and Malmö (1992, 2013 and 2024) all internet hosting memorable Contests.

KAJ from Sweden are performing Bara Bada Bastu which has been tipped as a probable winner.

The group had been initially a comedy trio and actually, they nonetheless are.

Their song interprets to ‘Just take a sauna’ and is a hoot.

The trio dance round a firepit as two lumberjacks put together them a sauna in the forest.

One of them is enjoying the accordian – I’m undecided why, however I believe the efficiency can be the worse wihtout it.

It’s simply the catchiest song of the competitors and you will be buzzing it as you do your store and have a bathe for the subsequent week or so.

The crowd went wild for the key change and it is certinaly obtained a lot of individuals’s votes (and doubtless mine too)

Dupe Zara Larsson with membership-like beats and chord development, add in some lasers and you have a Eurovision hit.

I like it. It’s not groundbreaking however certianly ups the power after Portugal’s fairly lack-lustre entry.

And the electrical blue bodysuit-cape combo is a stroke of genius.

Will it do nicely in the votes? Let us know your ideas in the feedback.

Talk a couple of change of tempo.

NAPA from Portugal take to the stage with Deslocado but it surely fialed ot pack a punch.

The guitar ballad will wrestle to stick in the viewers’s reminiscence following Miriam’s Maltese contribution however typically that is the approach the cookie crumbles.

At least they obtained slightly vacation out of their Euorivions sojourn.

Those watching at dwelling had been blown away by Zoë Më’s efficiency of her song Voyage, with tearful viewers describing the highly effective efficiency as a ‘deserved winner’ for the 2025 Eurovision crown.

Miriana Conte is giving her all for this efficiency and Malta is actually serving.

Dressed in a yellow costume in the center of a pair of parted lips Miriana tells crowds she’s ‘serving kant’.

Costume change? No downside for Miriana as she confirmed off a pink leopard print jumpsuit.

Raunchy dancing? She can try this too – and with yoga balls?

Key change? Don’t fear, she’s already achieved it.

The crowd went wild for the tune and it actually has all the parts wanted to win.

Miriana nonetheless managed to make a splash regardless of her song initially inflicting some controversy.

The entry was initially referred to as Kant, but it surely sounded an excessive amount of like the swearword c**t, so the European Broadcasting Union dominated out her singing it throughout the annual competitors again in March.

The nation the place the music competitors all began in 1956 and in addition the host of Eurovision 2025, it is secure to say Switzerland is a a lot cherished participant.

Achieving a powerful 591 factors in final yr’s competitors with The Code, carried out by Nemo, their win final yr got here 36 years after Switzerland’s earlier win by Celine Dion in 1988, 32 years after their first triumph in 1956 with Lys Assia.

Nemo’s win additionally marked the first time a non-binary performer has gained Eurovision

The very first Eurovision Song Contest was held on Thursday 24 May in 1956 at the Teatro Kursaal in Lugano, Switzerland. Presenting duties had been entrusted to Swiss TV host Lohengrin Filipello, whereas the inaugural winner was Switzerland’s personal Lys Assia, with her song Refrain.

This yr, pop star Zoë Më, 24, will likely be hoping to defend the profitable crown, performing her song, Voyage.

Impressively, the music video for her song was filmed in only one take.

According to Graham Norton, Zoë Më’s efficiency is filmed multi functional take a la Boiling Point or Adolescence – undecided how that works for the viewers in the stadium.

I’m not likely certain the way it’s working for us viewers at dwelling in entrance of our TVs to be sincere.

It’s a mild and candy song from the Basel-born singer and I prefer it.

She has the backing of her dwelling crowd however I do not assume it’s going to be a winner, nonetheless the crowd is stuffed with followers holding up their telephone torches making a fairy-like glow.

As if Eurovision wasn’t laborious sufficient, Armenia’s Parg has determined to run round on a treadmill whereas belting out his song Survivor.

It’s a heavy foot-ball-esque song and the crowd are all jeering alongside so he is clearly doing one thing proper.

The staging and costume is straightforward – all eyes on Parg’s bare, mud-smeared chest, oh, and his sweaty-trying plastic trousers. Rather him than me.

He’s put his all in to the efficiency however I’m exhuasted simply watching him.

Eurovision viewers have speculated Israel’s audio was edited by broadcasters as video has emerged on-line, which seems to present booing and jeering throughout the October 7 survivor’s efficiency throughout the grand final.

The Hamas bloodbath survivor is alleged to have obtained a ‘barely blended reception’, in accordance to commentator, Graham Norton, as video emerged on-line which appeared to present Raphael being booed and jeered from members of the standing viewers.

Klavdia is not any stranger to performing and truly reached the final of The Voice of Greece (the place she was mentored by Eurovision winner Helena Paparizou).

Her emotional balad has spectacular staging with the Greek singer, 22, in an announcement black costume at the finish of what seems to be a jetty.

Unfortunately it is one grungey song with intense staging adopted by one other and solely time will inform whether or not Klavdia will likely be in a position to make an impression following on from Germany.

While followers marvel at the hearth cannons and holograms, a small military of unsung heroes are working behind the scenes at breakneck velocity to pull off the reveals unbelievable set modifications.

So what actually goes on between set modifications? MailOnline takes a glance….

There are simply thirty-5 seconds to get a set of performers off the stage earlier than one other one goes proper of their place.

This consists of ensuring everybody has the proper microphones and earpieces.

Speaking about the set modifications, Richard van Rouwendaal, the affable Dutch stage supervisor, instructed the BBC: ‘We name it the Formula 1 tyre change.

‘Each individual in the crew can solely do one factor. You run on stage with one mild bulb or one prop. You at all times stroll on the similar line. If you go astray, you’ll hit any person.

‘It’s a bit like ice skating.’

The Eurovision stage crew begin preparations for his or her ‘tyre change’ weeks earlier than the precise stay performances.

Every nation collaborating in the song contest will ship a plan of their staging for the crew to map out the transitions.

‘We have about two weeks,’ stated Van Rouwendaal, who’s usually based mostly in Utrecht however is in Basel for this yr’s contest.

Therefore, when it comes to these precise performances, the backstage crew are absolutely conscious of what wants to happen on stage.

Along with stagehands, there are a number of individuals answerable for positioning lights and setting pyrotechnics.

There can also be 10 cleaners who run onto the stage to sweep, mop, and vacuum it between each efficiency.

The cause for it’s because cameras used to movie the song contest are so good that they will even decide up a shoe print on the flooring.

Van Rouwendaal defined how the consideration to element is medical, as each performer has their very own microphone stand set to their top earlier than each efficiency.

Even if an artist decides to put on a unique shoe for the grand final, it is going to trigger an enormous downside.

During the present, there are a number of secret passageways that are used to get the props out and in of imaginative and prescient.

The ‘smuggling routes’ play an important function, particularly when a performer wants a brand new aspect midway via.

Back in 2022, Sam Ryder’s efficiency for the UK noticed him belting out his song earlier than an electrical guitar appeared out of skinny air.

And none apart from Van Rouwendaal managed to put it there.

‘It’s choreographed to the nearest millimetre,’ he stated. ‘We’re not invisible, however we’ve to be invisible.’

Moving 1000’s of components on and off stage inside a stay three-hour broadcast, it comes as no shock that it should be very tense.

This yr, the organiser has gone to nice lengths to guarantee they’ve protected the welfare of their contestants and crew.

This consists of closed-door rehearsals, longer breaks between reveals, and the creation of a ‘disconnected zone’ the place cameras are usually not allowed.

Back in 2008, Eurovision manufacturing star Ola Melzig constructed a bunker beneath the stage, full with a settee, due to the lengthy hours, which might see the workforce pulling up to 20-hour days.

Brother and sister duo Abor & Tynna have taken to the stage singing Baller.

For the efficiency we have been transported to an undergorund Berlin membership with a knock-off German Charli XCX.

It’s not notably memorable however a pleasant-sufficient bop.

Tynna does most of the singing whereas her borther seemingly simply sits down and performs his neon cello – why? I do not actually know.

This is the first German-language entry since 2007 and the duo are little doubt hoping to make an impression.

Guess how outdated Poland’s Justyna Steczkowska is? You will not.

She’s 52 and truly appeared on Eurovision in 1995 in Dublin with a song referred to as Sana however got here 18th.

And I worry her song GAJA could produce comparable outcomes.

The staging is steamy and has obviosuly taken some critical inspiration from Game of Thrones and its spin off House of Dragons with Justyna even flying about the stage in her dragon-themed bodysuit.

It’s a powerful efficiency with a lot of hearth however sounds vaguely Middle Eastern so won’t resonate with critical Eurovision followers.

A fairly entry from Italy’s Lucio Corsi with Volevo Essere Un Duro.

A quite simple song and set-up with the grand Piano and a lone guitarist.

If Bob Dylan entered Eurovision (dressed as the Child Catcher from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang), he would sing this I’m certain – Lucio even sticks a harmonica solo in there for goodness sake!

I’m undecided it is going to blow anybody’s socks off however stranger issues have occurred.

Either approach it is a straightforward pay attention for the midway level of the competitors.

Claude from the Netherlands singing C’est La Vie seems to have blown away social media customers, regardless of the bizzare determination to sing half of the song in French.

The Netherlands has a 12/1 odds on their 21-yr-outdated pop star consultant.

Initially, the nation requested for his or her entrant from final yr, Joost Klein – who was barred from the final after an alleged altercation with a digicam operator — the probability to come again for 2025.

Although he’d already written a song for the contest, he declined, saying his disqualification nonetheless ‘stings’.

It’s grungey, it is possibly slightly bit scary. It’s Erika Vikman singing ICH KOMME for Finalnd.

It’s an odd one however has gone down nicely with followers.

She’s certinaly not shy in her busty black PVC bodysuit and thigh-excessive boots thrusting in tot he digicam – should you’re watching with your mother and father, avert their eyes.

The spotlight? Obviosuly it is Erika using off in to the proverbial sundown on an enormous, hearth spouting microphone.

It will little doubt grow to be a Eurovision traditional.

Next up we’ve Claude from the Netherlands singing C’est La Vie.

The song is a tribute to his mom and may be very lovely.

I’m undecided why Claude is singing half of his song in French. It’s very good and emotional I’ll admit – a traditional chansong but it surely’s not giving: The Netherlands.

A wonderfully acceptable entry – I’m obviosuly approach out right here as the bookies have Claude down as profitable 45/1.

No we’re not in a voodoo ceremony and I do not assume these are witches though you might be forgiven for the confusion with the unusual chanting in the darkness.

Tautumeitas from Latvia are singing Bur Man Laimi and I need to admit I really feel transported to a fairy kingdom by the girlband whose song is deeply rooted in Latvian conventional music.

Am I wowed by it? Yes. Will I keep in mind it after the subsequent song or two/? Probably not.

It would make a superb movie soundtrack although.

A Palestinian flag was noticed in the crowd straight reverse israel’s Yuva Raphael as she carried out.

The protests comes after crowds gathered exterior the stadium in Barfüsserplatz holding indicators calling for ean finish to the battle in Gaza.

Remember Monday’s Eurovision efficiency with their song What The Hell Just Happened has obtained a different response from each these watching at dwelling and in the crowd.

MailOnline’s Hayley Minn, reporting stay from the crowd in Basel, stated that there was ‘nice reception for the UK’, whereas social media customers described the efficiency as ‘wonderful’ and the ‘greatest vocals of the evening thus far’

However, others on-line appeared much less satisfied by the lady group’s extremely anticipated efficiency, with one dubbing the group ‘like Little Mix from Poundland’.

Next up is Iceland with VÆB (pronounced vibe) performing RÓA.

All I can say is it is unbelievable.

If you are questioning what’s occurring, the stage has been rushed by the Icelandic model of Jedward full with platinum hair and an identical outfits.

But the brothers, Hálfdán and Matthías are actually balls of power leaping round the stage to their their distinctly piratical song in full silver tracksuits.

The duo fashioned VÆB after posting a comedy song on TikTok and it did so nicely they really launched it as a single.

The bookies have gotten them as the least probably to win however they may very well be darkish horses – I’ve already obtained it caught in my head.

Warning: this incorporates flashing imagery and strobe results glaore.

Wasted Love by JJ for Austria is an regular song.

JJ, whose actual title is Johannes Pietsch, is a countertenor with an normally excessive voice for a person and this song actually reveals it off.

When he isn’t taking to the Eurovision stage he is acting at the Vienna State Opera and maybe that is the place his skills lie.

I really feel nervous and seasick simply watching him flail about on a dingy with the wind machine on its most velocity.

A frenetic and dramatic efficiency, it is unlikely to have the similar success as Rise Like A Phoenix carried out by Conchita Wurst greater than ten years in the past.

For these watching in the UK, it has grow to be custom to increase a glass to the reminiscence of Terry Wogan when song quantity 9 hits.

Because the former host suggested his successor Graham Norton not to have a drink till he’d hit song 9.

The late Wogan supplied witty commentary for the BBC from 1980 till 2008 and even co-hosted the present in 1998 with Ulrika Jonsson.

Even should you loved Remember Monday’s song What Just Happened, keep in mind that UK viewers are nonetheless unable to vote for his or her entry.

Any votes from the UK for the three-piece lady group won’t depend

The rule is finished out of equity, that means that UK voters can vote for some other nation in tonight’s grand final.

And now it is the time we have all been ready for – Remember Monday has taken to the stage for the UK.

The nation pop band, made up of Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele, all 30, left followers impressed with their efficiency throughout the semi-finals.

And it appears they’ve achieved it once more.

With an R&B take on ABBA however with Bridgerton/Regency clothes, possibly some Queen and a few spectacular harmoniziing, might we lastly be in with an opportunity?

It had every thing Eurovision normally loves – a de-skirting, a key change and a few critically camp staging curtesy of an enormous chandelier.

And the crowd appeared ot take pleasure in it too!

As Israel’s act Yuva Raphael took to the stage, UK presenter Graham Norton stated at the finish of her efficiency: ‘I’m undecided what you may hear at dwelling. Slightly blended reception right here in the corridor.’

A Palestinian flag was pictured held up in the crowd, whereas others watching from dwelling took to social media to specific their outrage at the efficiency.

It comes as dozens of former individuals have referred to as for Israel to be excluded over its conduct in the conflict in opposition to Hamas in Gaza.

And it appears we have been taken again in time to the 70s with Ziferblat, a 3 man group from Ukraine.

And whereas they could be new to the Eurovision stage, they’re no strangers to Eurovision royalty.

In 2019 they appeared on Ukrainian X Factor and had been mentored by none apart from Andriy Danylko in any other case recognized as Verka Serduchka!

Singing Bird of Pray, the trio primarily sing in Ukrainian however in case anybody desires to sing alongside, there’s an English refrain.

Confusingly the song veers between chanting and melodic singing as Ziferblat all tempo about the stage in smoke with eccentric sizzling pink or blue fits designed by Beyonce’s go-to Ukrainian designer.

I’m on the fence about them and it appears so are most, with odds of profitable at a dismal 175/1.

For Spain is Melody, 34, a veteran Spanish pop star with greater than 25 years expertise on the stage after her first primary at…aged 10.

Singing Es Diva, you would possibly have the ability to guess what we’re in for.

Castanets and digital beats are an fascinating mixture and Spain appears to be attempting to fuse conventional Spanish sounds with extra fashionable parts.

I’m an enormous fan of the tulle skirt and fedora which would not look misplaced at Coachella – in case anybody desires some outfit inspiration.

The costume change was – one thing. For a cut up second I feared her backing dancers had rendered poor Melody bare with that flesh-colored physique go well with.

Unfortunately, Melody’s efficiency is nothing new from Spain who sometimes ship alongside a wonderful girl in a barely-there costume.

At least this one got here in on an enormous swing over the viewers.

And taking to the stage subsequent is Katarsis singing Tavo Akys for Lithuania.

The 4-man experimental rock-band (grimaces) are choosing a Hunger Games-themed efficiency apparently with District 12 fashion tunics as they sing about somebody’s… eyes.

Are they Eurovision performers or extras from a publish-apocalyptic TV present? Who is aware of.

One factor is for sure lead singer Lukas Radzevičius’s curatin bangs are outrageous.

There’s positively an power to them however alas I believe they will wrestle to make a lot of an impression on voters.

They would possibly some new followers amongst moody pubescent youngsters although.

Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the Hamas assault on the Nova music competition in 2023, is performing New Day Will Rise.

A controversial entry, the song was initially referred to as to be banned with dozens of former individuals demanding for Israel to be excluded over its conduct in the conflict in opposition to Hamas in Gaza.

But on the stage Yuval appears to have put all that behind her with a dramatic solo efficiency wearing a black cape and belting out the emotional ballad at the high of a crystal-coated staircase.

While the song is little doubt a tear-jerker, the staging and costume remind me of the type of boudoir a spurned mistress might need in Nineteen Eighties.

Israel have beforehand gained 4 occasions and I’m undecided this can lead to a fifth victory.

Up subsequent is a fan favorite and a possible contender for the Eurovision crown.

Espresso Macchiato sung by Tommy Cash is every thing this song contest is about – ridiculous staging, a foolish song and a catchy hook.

Taking to the stage in entrance of a pink curtain with nothing however an espresso cup, Tommy Cash tempts destiny with his staging together with a ‘Winners cafe’ however his confidence shouldn’t be misplaced.

The viewers are usually not as enthusiastic as they had been in the semi-final the place they clapped alongside as Tommy squirmed and shimmed on stage flanked by statuesque bouncers who camply dance round the singer however ti’s certain to do nicely with the public vote.

Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso could have been a song of the summer season but it surely has nothing on this catchy earworm from Estonia.

Statistically performing second is the quickest approach to kill all hope of lifting the coveted Eurovision trophy however little doubt the Luxemburg entry is hoping to break that curse.

The music instructor was apparently in the center of instructing a category when she obtained a textual content asking her to ship a demo in to Eurovision.

Her song selection is an homage to the 1965 Eurovision profitable song ‘Poupée de Cire, Poupée de Son’ sung by 17-yr-outdated French singer France Gall.

Unfortunately Luxemburg’s model is unlikely to have the similar impression on Eurovision historical past but it surely’s a preppy upbeat song and Laura’s vocials are pitch-good and htere’s even a excessive kick – what extra might you need?

Norway is the first to take to the stage, beginning off Eurovision 2025 with much less of a bang and extra of a splutter with their typical Scandinavian moodiness.

Kyle Alessandro performing Lighter has employed not a costumier however a medieval knight who has put him in a go well with of armour it seems.

With a fireplace-themed song and background visuals, Kyle would not look misplaced in a TATA steelworks, smelting away with the better of them.

The 19-yr-outdated is placing his all in to the efficiency as he reassures the viewers he’s his personal lighter however with odds at simply 400/1 in accordance to PaddyPower it appears like his spark may very well be extinguished early on.

Nevertheless, it is a catchy begin to a protracted night and the crowd cherished him.

Presenter Graham Norton is the iconic voice of Britain for tonight’s Eurovision finale, having supplied the BBC’s commentary at each contest since 2009.

However, the grand finale set in Basel itself tonight is being hosted by three Swiss celebrities: Hazel Brugger, Michelle Hunziker and Sandra Studer.

For British Eurovision followers unfamiliar with the three hosts, that is what they’ve to supply to the extremely anticipated singing competitors:

Sandra is nicely accustomed to Eurovision having represented her dwelling nation, Switzerland, again in 1991.

The Swiss TV presenter, 56, and singer wowed audiences with her rendition of the song Canzone Per Te.

Sandra sang in Italian beneath the title Sandra Simó and got here fifth place.

Since impressing on the Eurovision stage, she has constructed a profession for herself in tv and appearing.

In 1994, she returned to Eurovision as Switzerland’s spokesperson and commentator.

Sandra has featured on a spread of Swiss programmes together with Takito, Traumziel, Swiss Award, and einfachluxuriös, whereas additionally appearing on screens in Germany and internet hosting a number of reveals there too.

The 48-yr-outdated Swiss and Italian TV presenter and mannequin, born in Switzerland, shot to fame in the 90s and over the years has performed herself and brought on characters in varied productions.

She’s starred in plenty of movies, together with The Protagonists, Alex l’ariete, Madagascar, Natale a Rio and Amore nero.

Some of her most well-known TV programmes embrace I misteri di Cascina Vianello, La forza dell’amore, Love Bugs and Idol x Warrior Miracle Tunes.

She’s additionally offered and been a contestant in Buona Domenica, Superstar, Telegatto, All Together Now and Striscia la notizia.

An award-profitable Swiss-American comic, slam poet and presenter, the 31-yr-outdated was born in San Diego, California, to a Swiss father and German mom.

Now a star of the German-speaking comedy scene, she has toured extensively to do stand-up, with her present Tropical premiering on (*2025*) in December 2020.

This yr, she is ready to tour with her fourth comedy stage present, Still Awake.

Hazel has additionally usually taken half in Wetten, dass…?, a German Saturday-night TV present which British sport present You Bet! was based mostly on.

Hazel can also be recognized for her work on LOL – Last One Laughing, a German sport present which sees comedians locked in a room for six hours to see who can keep critical – whereas additionally making everybody else snigger.

She has gained varied awards all through her profession, most not too long ago the German Kleinkunstpreis for ‘Best Stand-Up Comedy’ final yr – the jury of which dubbed her ‘the queen of wit’.

Lines at the moment are open and can shut later on in the present however maintain your horses – you have not heard any of the acts but.

You have two and a half hours and 20 votes so use them correctly.

The flag parade is underway and all 26 acts are strutting out on to the stage in the order they are going to be performing in.

The parade was added in 2013 and is a part of a protracted preamble.

For these ready for an precise song they will have to sit tight for nearly 20 minutes however don’t fret, host Graham Norton is already in full swing with his attribute witty remarks.

Tonight stays an essential evening for the two most victorious nations in Eurovision historical past, Sweden and Ireland. Both nations are tied for the most wins, having achieved a respective seven victories over the course of the final 68 competitions.

Sweden’s most up-to-date win was in 2023 with their entry Loreen, who turned the second act (and first girl) to win the sizzling competitors greater than as soon as.

The nation additionally gained with iconic pop group ABBA in 1974, alongside scoring wins in 1984, 1991, 1999, 2012 and 2015.

Meanwhile, Ireland achieved their first win in 1970 with Dana’s All Kinds of Everything earlier than Johnny Logan achieved a victory with the 1980 contest, performing his song What’s Another Year.

Logan additionally gained for his dwelling nation once more in 1987 with Hold Me Now.

Ireland then went on to make three successive wins in 1992, 1993 and 1994, reaching one other momentous win in Oslo in 1996 with Eimear Quinn’s The Voice.

Luxembourg, France, the Netherlands and the UK have all gained 5 occasions.

Last yr’s winner Nemo took to the stage with a powerful rendition of The Code – the song which clinched the win final yr for Switzerland.

1. Norway | Kyle Alessandro – Lighter

2. Luxembourg | Laura Thorn – La Poupée Monte Le Son

3. Estonia | Tommy Cash – Espresso Macchiato

4. Israel | Yuval Raphael – New Day Will Rise

5. Lithuania | Katarsis – Tavo Akys

6. Spain | Melody – ESA DIVA

7. Ukraine | Ziferblat – Bird of Pray

8. United Kingdom | Remember Monday – What The Hell Just Happened?

9. Austria | JJ – Wasted Love

10. Iceland | VÆB – RÓA

11. Latvia | Tautumeitas – Bur Man Laimi

12. Netherlands | Claude – C’est La Vie

13. Finland | Erika Vikman – ICH KOMME

14. Italy | Lucio Corsi | Volevo Essere Un Duro

15. Poland | Justyna Steczkowska – GAJA

16. Germany | Abor & Tynna – Baller

17. Greece | Klavdia – Asteromáta

18. Armenia | PARG – SURVIVOR

19. Switzerland | Zoë Më – Voyage

20. Malta | Miriana Conte – SERVING

21. Portugal | NAPA – Deslocado

22. Denmark | Sissal – Hallucination

23. Sweden | KAJ – Bara Bada Bastu

24. France | Louane – maman

25. San Marino | Gabry Ponte – Tutta L’Italia

26. Albania | Shkodra Elektronike – Zjerm

Pro-Palestine demonstrators have been pictured setting mild to each the US and Israeli flag forward of tonight’s Eurovision final in Basel, Switzerland.

It comes as droves of protesters have at present flocked to Barfüsserplatz in the coronary heart of the Swiss metropolis, which is internet hosting this yr’s Eurovision contest, as one protester is seen with blood smeared throughout her face and a prop, which is alleged to signify a physique bag.

Ahead of tonight’s a lot anticipated grand final, crowds of Palestinian supporters held indicators which learn ‘boycott Israel apartheid’ and ‘no stage for genocide’, as they waved flags and launched flares into the sky.

The music contest, whose motto is ‘united by music,’ has been roiled for a second yr by disputes over Israel’s participationm with dozens of former individuals additionally calling for the nation to be excluded over its conduct in the conflict in opposition to Hamas in Gaza.

Around 4,000 musicians, artist and music trade execs from 5 Nordic nations signed an open letter denouncing the Middle Eastern nation’s entry in the 69th Eurovision song contest in Basel.

Those who signed the assertion, together with some earlier Eurovision winners, dubbed Israel’s involvement in the competitors as a bid to ‘whitewash and divert consideration’ from the Israel’s bombardment of the Gaza strip.

Raphael, 24, is ready to signify Israel with her song New Day Will Rise at this yr’s contest, after surviving the horrific October 7 assaults simply 18 months in the past.

Despite the ongoing stress, her song is presently amongst the favourites to win, in accordance to bookmakers.

Each taking part nation in Eurovision has till mid-March to select their song and artist to carry out it, with the collection of the song and artist achieved via a televised nationwide choice present, inner course of, or through some other methodology.

Successful individuals will then compete at the annual singing competitors, with the contest normally comprising of three stay reveals: The First Semi-Final (Tuesday night), the Second Semi-Final (Thursday night), and the Grand Final (a Saturday evening spectacular).

On the Saturday evening Grand Final, taking part acts who’ve certified will be a part of the ‘Big Five’ broadcasters: the UK, Germany, France, Spain and Italy, alongside the winners from the earlier yr (For 2025, that is Switzerland)

The principal guidelines of participation are the following:

1. Song should be unique and not than three minutes in size.

2. Lead vocals should be carried out stay.

3. There will be no moer than six performers on stage throughout anybody efficiency.

Then, after every present, every competing nation will give two units of factors (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 12) to their all-time favorite songs.

One set of votes is given by a jury of music trade professionals from that paticular nation, whereas one other is given by viewers who’re watching the present in that nation.

You are usually not allowed to vote on your personal nation.

In the semi-finals, solely these nations who took half in that particular present, alongisde non-taking part nations, can vote (alongside with two or three of the ‘Big Five’ already in the Grand Final).

In the Grand Final, all of the competing nations and the ‘remainder of the world’ can vote.

At the finish of the Grand Final, the Eurovision winner is set by the song that has obtained the most factors.

Viewers watching Eurovision tonight can vote through phone, SMS, and thru the official app.

Hopes are rising that music legend Celine Dion might make a shock look tonight.

Celine, who gained for the Swiss in 1988 with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, might take to the St Jakobshalle stage, amid her stepping again from touring due to well being points.

She did seem throughout the first semi-final on Tuesday, the place she despatched a video message saying she desires ‘nothing extra’ than to be in Basel, and recalling her triumph as a ‘life-altering second’.

At a press briefing on Saturday, Eurovision director Martin Green, from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), commented on Celine, saying: ‘My reply was going to be, Father Christmas exist, you will have to wait and see.’

But followers are satisfied she will likely be there in some capability after her personal jet was noticed after reprotedly flying in to Switzerland from Paris.

The UK’s Eurovision entrant Remember Monday have been dealt a big blow forward of tonight’s grand final.

The nation pop band, made up of Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele, all 30, left followers impressed with their efficiency throughout the semi-finals.

However, whereas theories had beforehand surfaced that the group would possibly take dwelling the trophy of the 69th iteration of the annual contest, it seems that the odds are usually not of their favour as they’re extra probably to end in final place fairly than first, in accordance to Ladbrokes.

In a crushing blow to their possibilities of success, they’ve been ranked at simply 66/1 to take dwelling the trophy by bookies, with 9 different nations hovering forward of them.

Their odds of coming in final place are a lot nearer at simply 3/1, whereas the probability of them scoring ‘nul factors’ has been ranked at 12/1.

The UK’s entrant for this yr are Remember Monday, a rustic lady band comprising of trio of greatest pals Laura Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steel, all 30.

They are the first lady group to signify the UK since Precious in 1999.

Having earned a fame for his or her sturdy vocals and completely blended harmonies, the lady group from Farnborough, Hampshire, have entered their song What The Hell Just Happened? for this yr’s competitors.

The group first gained prominence after coming into The Voice UK in 2019, the place they had been coached by Jennifer Hudson and made it to the present’s quarter-finals.

Since their launch, Remember Monday have launched two EPs and 12 singles with their greatest hit but being What The Hell Just Happened?, the tune which followers will likely be keen to see them carry out at the Eurovision final.

Tonight, after nations such as Luxembourg, Israel, Lithuania and Spain hit the stage, Remember Monday and the UK are eighth in line and so probably to be performing round 9pm BST.

Ahead of the massive evening, the group beforehand teased a efficiency filled with ‘drama and theatrics’ overseen by artistic director Ace Bowerman, who has labored with stars like Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, and Blackpink.

It marks the greatest efficiency of the band’s profession to date.

Outside the St Jakobshalle enviornment on Saturday afternoon, British followers are protecting their fingers crossed for Remember Monday.

Devon-based Gary Turner, 50, wearing an union flag go well with alongside his two pals, was cautiously looking forward to the ‘center’, or ‘left-hand’ facet of the rankings board, which might place the UK act removed from the backside.

Ben Bevan, 19, from Grays in Essex, praised the trio, and stated: ‘It’s like an earworm getting caught in your head, you may’t get it out, and I believe at first I used to be a bit sceptical, but it surely’s actually rising on me now so yeah, it is positively one among my faves.’

‘I really like that we’ve, lastly, somebody that may sing,’ stated Sam Bate, 32, from London.

‘I really feel like we have had some points, we have not had the entire bundle, however I really feel we have the entire bundle this yr.’

Finland and Sweden are nicely-recognized foes however their rivalry is normally restricted to sporting arenas.

Now, it appears, it has spilled over to the Eurovision stage.

The rivalry has taken on a brand new dimension as Finland’s president Alexander Stubb has stated he won’t be endorsing his personal nation’s entry.

Rather than waving the Finnish flag for Ich komme (I’m Coming) by Erika Vikman, Mr Stubb will as a substitute be supporting Sweden’s providing, Bara bada bastu (Just Sauna), carried out by KAJ, who’re the truth is from Finland.

According to The Times, the president stated: ‘If KAJ wins Eurovision, in the finish it’s Finland and Vora that win,’ when requested who he needed to life the trophy.

As we get nearer to the begin of the extremely anticipated grand finale, bookies are saying that the music contest is now a two-horse race between Sweden and Austria.

The high favourites for this yr’s competitors are as follows:

Sweden: KAJ – Bara Bada Bastu

Sweden have been the favorite since late February and even moved to odds-on for a report eighth Eurovision triumph final month with dance-pop trio KAJ.

Their entry single, ‘Bara Bada Bastu’ is the group’s first chart-topper, and the first song sung in Swedish entered by Sweden since 1998.

KAJ are the first Finnish act to signify Sweden at the Eurovision, hailing from the coastal city of Vörå, the place Swedish remains to be the principal language.

Austria: JJ – Wasted Love

A groundswell of help for Pop-Opera soprano Johannes ‘JJ’ Pietsch has seen Austria are available in from 3/1, and Sweden drift to 10/11.

Despite Austria’s ending place of twenty fourth final yr, JJ appears to have captured the hearts of followers, and the nation has now been bestowed 11/4 odds.

The 24-yr outdated’s entrant song ‘Wasted Love’ has gained traction for its artistry, ‘lovely vocals’ and ‘charming efficiency’ in accordance to followers.

France is arising third place in the betting, with pop-ballad soloist, Louane, going from 10/1 to 9/1.

Maman is technically a sequel to a 2015 song of the similar title, written in the depths of Louane’s despair. ‘I’ve misplaced my style for enjoyable / I am unable to discover that means’, Louane sang.

The Netherlands: Claude – C’est La Vie

The Netherlands has a 12/1 odds on their 21-yr-outdated pop star consultant Claude.

Initially, the nation requested for his or her entrant from final yr, Joost Klein – who was barred from the final after an alleged altercation with a digicam operator — the probability to come again for 2025.

Although he’d already written a song for the contest, he declined, saying his disqualification nonetheless “stings’.

It could shape up to be unfortunate news for British fans, with statistics suggesting that pop girl group Remember Monday is unlikely to win the competition at 66/1 odds.

The band has recently been warned by the BBC and their own team to steer clear of any controversial topics after old social media posts of theirs backing the Black Lives Matter movement resurfaced.

Tommy Cash is a rapper, singer, visual artist and all-round showman from Estonia.

Previous projects have included going through a McDonald’s drive-thru on horseback and turning up to Paris Fashion Week in pyjamas and a large duvet.

He’s worked with the likes of Charli XCX and even performed at Glastonbury but now the Estonian entry has got himself in to hot water with some Italians who have demanded his song be banned from the competition.

Codacons, the Italian association responsible for consumer rights, has demanded the song be disqualified, calling it offensive and stereotyping.

And politician Marco Centinaio, another among the song’s critics, has said: ‘Those who insult Italy should stay out of Eurovision’.

But it seems not everyone is upset and the performer said his performance was greeted with applause when he took tot he stage on the popular Italian channel LA7.

He said: ‘They loved us. I had so many Italians come up to meet in the street after saying ‘you’re a legend!’

Despite Eurovision’s inception in 1956, the United Kingdom has only won the popular song contest a grand total of five times, with the last victory taking place in 1997.

Past winners of the international song competition who later went on to achieve international stardom include Sweden’s 1974 entry ABBA and Switzerland’s 1988 entry Celine Dion.

The previous UK winners of Eurovision are as follows:

Sandie Shaw – Puppet On A String (1967)

Sandie Shaw, 77, was the first British entry to ever win Eurovision with her song Puppet On A String in 1967, earning her 47 votes.

The Dagenham native, went on to earn thousands from her music and was one most successful British female singers of the 1960s.

She performed her song barefoot at the contest in Vienna, something that was a trademark of hers during the swinging sixties.

After her Eurovision win, she continued making music and even appeared on a lot of British TV programmes such as Ready Steady Go! and Top Of The Pops.

Lulu – Boom Bang-a-Bang (1969)

Lulu was the second British Eurovision winner, who took home the crown just two years after Sandie Shaw in 1969 with her song Boom Bang a-Bang in Madrid.

She shared the crown with Lenny Kuhr from the Netherlands, Frida Boccara from France, and Salomé from Spain, after the voting led to a four-way tie.

The Scottish singer and actress, who was born Marie McDonald McLaughlin Lawrie, went on to have a glittering career spanning six decades.

Her success began before the contest, with her first single hitting the UK Singles Charts in 1964.

Brotherhood of Man – Save Your Kisses For Me (1976)

In 1976, Brotherhood of Man became the first British group to take the Eurovision crown home for the UK with their song Save Your Kisses For Me.

The hit tune became the biggest-selling Eurovision-winning song to date and earned the group some international tours.

Original members of the group included Nicky Stevens, Lee Sheriden, Martin Lee and Sandra Stevens.

Before the competition, which took place in The Hague, they initially found success with their single United We Stand, which was also the name of their debut album – it became a top 20 hit in the UK, Canada, Australia and the US.

They released some more successful singles, including Oh Boy (The Mood I’m In) and Angelo, as well as a second album called B for Brotherhood.

However, going into the eighties, their popularity began to deplete and the hits dried up, before the group eventually split in the 1980s.

Buck’s Fizz – Making Your Mind Up (1981)

In 1981, pop group Bucks Fizz won the competition for the UK, with their catchy song Making Your Mind Up.

Bucks Fizz were formed specially for the Eurovision Song Contest and as a result, they became one of the best-selling UK pop acts of the 80s.

The group was comprised of vocalists Mike, Bobby G, Cheryl Baker and Jay Aston – their banger catapulted to Number One in the UK charts and sold four million copies worldwide.

After winning the contest, they went on to release more hits, including Piece Of The Action and One Of Those Nights, The Land Of Make Believe, and My Camera Never Lies.

Katrina and the Waves – Love Shine A Light (1997)

Rock band Katrina and the Waves were the most recent UK winners of the international competition, having taken home the trophy in 1997 with their song Love Shine A Light in Dublin.

They scored an unprecedented 227 points, giving the band their biggest hit since Walking on Sunshine.

Before the competition, the band had found success with a string of hit singles in the 1980s and 1990s – however Love Shine A Light became their most popular.

The band had toured worldwide with artists such as The Beach Boys, Wham and Fleetwood Mac.

However, things went downhill from here as the group failed to produce another hit and their lead singer Katrina Leskanich, now 64, left in 1998 after some disagreements with the band.

Pro-Palestinian demonstrators take to the streets in Basel ahead of the Grand Final tonight.

Crowds gathered at Barfüsserplatz with signs reading ‘no stage for genocide’ and ‘end the genocide’.

Other protesters carried fake baby body bags covered in red paint as they shouted and walked through the streets.

Flares were let off and masked protestors carried alrge banners and waved Palestinian flags.

The protests through Switzerland’s capital city comes after Israel’s entry Yuval Raphael, saw her preview show interrupted by six pro-Palestinian demonstrators carrying flags.

Under the arena rules, all flags are allowed but there are limits on size, and so the audience members were quickly ejected from the St Jakobshalle arena.

Israel’s participation in Eurovision has been a source of controversy since its invasion of Gaza in October 2023.

King Charles has given the UK’s Eurovision entry the royal seal of approval with a heartwarming video shared on the Royal Family’s official X account.

In the post the king and Queen Camilla shared a clip of the Band of the Irish Guards playing a rendition of their pop trio’s song What The Hell Just Happened? outside Buckingham Palace in the glorious sunshine.

Alongside the video they wrote: ‘ THIS just happened. Wishing Remember Monday the very best of luck in the Eurovision final in Basel this evening!

Hola, Bonjour and Willkommen!

Welcome to MailOnline’s live coverage of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland.

Twenty-six nations will compete in tonight’s final in St Jakobshalle, Basel, to get their hands on the cherished glass microphone, otherwise known as the Eurovision trophy.

The UK will be represented this year by Remember Monday, made up of Lauren Byrne, Charlotte Steele and Holly-Anne Hull, with their song What The Hell Just Happened?

The Hampshire-based trio are the first girl group to perform on behalf of Britain since 1999 when Precious performed in Jerusalem with their song Say It Again.

They will hope to go much better than the country’s entrant last year, Olly Alexander, who finished in a disappointing 18th place with zero points from the public.

Stick with us as we carry you the newest Eurovision information, gossip and response all through the night plus the most eye-catching footage and movies.