Eurovision 2025: Ten countries qualify to the grand final in Basel

After a night of fun and excitement live from Basel, Switzerland – we now have the first ten qualifiers for the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final!

Tonight’s show was broadcast live from St. Jakobshalle and was hosted by Swiss comedian Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer who represented the host country at Eurovision 1991. Viewers were treated to an energetic opening medley of numerous Eurovision winning numbers featuring choreography, alphorns and traditional instruments, and you guessed it! Yodeling.

During tonight’s semi-final a total of 15 acts were competing for the chance to perform at Saturday night’s grand final, with ten qualifying spots being up for grabs. The running order for the semi-final was established prior to the show and was as follows:

• 🇮🇸 Iceland – “Róa” by Væb
• 🇵🇱 Poland – “Gaja” by Justyna Steczkowska
• 🇸🇮 Slovenia – “How Much Time Do We Have Left” by Klemen
• 🇪🇪 Estonia – “Espresso Macchiato” by Tommy Cash
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine – “Bird of Pray” by Ziferblat
• 🇸🇪 Sweden – “Bara bada bastu” by KAJ
• 🇵🇹 Portugal – “Deslocado” by Napa
• 🇳🇴 Norway – “Lighter” by Kyle Alessandro
• 🇧🇪 Belgium – “Strobe Lights” by Red Sebastian
• 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan – “Run with U” by Mamagama
• 🇸🇲 San Marino – “Tutta l’Italia” by Gabry Ponte
• 🇦🇱 Albania – “Zjerm” by Shkodra Elektronike
• 🇳🇱 Netherlands – “C’est la vie” by Claude
• 🇭🇷 Croatia – “Poison Cake” by Marko Bošnjak
• 🇨🇾 Cyprus – “Shh” by Theo Evan

Ten Acts Advanced to the Grand Final

While Europe voted, viewers were treated to an interval act titled “Made in Switzerland” that featured a guest appearance from three time host Petra Mede (Eurovision 2013, 2016, and 2024). There was also a message from Celine Dion that was followed by a cover of her 1988 winning song “Ne partez pas sans moi” by Jerry Heil (Ukraine 2024), Silvester Belt (Lithuania 2024), Marina Satti (Greece 2024) and Iolanda (Portugal 2024).

Then it was revealed that the following ten countries had earned enough points from the public televote and had qualified for the 2025 Eurovision Grand Final:

• 🇳🇴 Norway – “Lighter” by Kyle Alessandro
• 🇦🇱 Albania – “Zjerm” by Shkodra Elektronike
• 🇸🇪 Sweden – “Bara bada bastu” by KAJ
• 🇮🇸 Iceland – “Róa” by Væb
• 🇳🇱 Netherlands – “C’est la vie” by Claude
• 🇵🇱 Poland – “Gaja” by Justyna Steczkowska
• 🇸🇲 San Marino – “Tutta l’Italia” by Gabry Ponte
• 🇪🇪 Estonia – “Espresso Macchiato” by Tommy Cash
• 🇵🇹 Portugal – “Deslocado” by Napa
• 🇺🇦 Ukraine – “Bird of Pray” by Ziferblat

That means that 🇧🇪 Belgium, 🇸🇮 Slovenia, 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan, 🇭🇷 Croatia, and 🇨🇾 Cyprus failed to qualify and have been eliminated from the contest. As is Eurovision tradition, they will still participate in both the jury and public votes for the final.

Halves drawn after the semi

Immediately following the conclusion of the semi-final each of the ten qualifying acts and the automatic qualifiers drew their halves for Saturday’s final. As a reminder, Switzerland drew for their performance order at the Head of Delegation meeting in March and will perform 19th.

First Half

• Iceland 🇮🇸
• Spain 🇪🇸
• Ukraine 🇺🇦

Second Half

• Albania 🇦🇱
• Portugal 🇵🇹
• Switzerland 🇨🇭 (performing 19th)

Producer’s Pick

• Estonia 🇪🇪
• Italy 🇮🇹
• Netherlands 🇳🇱
• Norway 🇳🇴
• Poland 🇵🇱
• San Marino 🇸🇲
• Sweden 🇸🇪

The second semi-final will be broadcast on Thursday May 15th at 21:00 CET, and will feature 16 acts competing for the remaining 10 spots in the Grand Final.

What do #YOU think about the list of qualifiers from tonight’s semi-final? Let us know on social media @ESCUnited or on our forum page now!