The wait is finally over — the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 kicks off tonight with the First Semi-Final live from Basel, Switzerland! Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, this guide has everything you need to know to enjoy the show: where to watch, what time it starts, who’s performing, how to vote, and what to expect from the stage. Get ready for a night of music, glitter, and surprises as the road to the Grand Final begins!
After the traditional “Te Deum” opening video, viewers will finally get their first full look at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 stage in Basel. The show will open with a unique musical tribute to two iconic winning songs: “Arcade”(Netherlands, 2019) and “The Code” (Switzerland, 2024).
This tribute will feature a distinctly Swiss twist, with both songs performed using yodeling and the alphorn—celebrating the host country’s rich cultural heritage while honoring recent Eurovision history.
Following the performance, the two hosts for the evening, Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer, will officially open the contest and welcome audiences across Europe and beyond to the First Semi-Final of Eurovision 2025.
Fifteen countries will compete tonight for a spot in the Grand Final:
- 🇮🇸 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
Additionally, three countries have automatic spots in the Grand Final but will perform and vote tonight:
- 🇪🇸 Spain – “Esa Diva” by Melody
- 🇮🇹 Italy – “Volevo Essere Un Duro” by Lucio Corsi
- 🇨🇭 Switzerland – “Voyage” by Zoë Më
The voting period for tonight’s First Semi-Final will open exclusively for the countries participating in this semi-final. However, starting yesterday, the Rest of The World voting has already begun, allowing viewers from outside the participating countries to cast their votes.
The voting will close after 18 minutes, so make sure to get your votes in quickly. To vote, visit: esc.vote.
Interval Acts
While the votes are being counted and validated for accuracy, you will first see a video featuring Celine Dion. Following that, Jerry Heil, Marina Satti, iolanda, Silvester Belt, and the ESC Project Orchestra will pay tribute to the iconic “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi”.
New Qualifier Announcement Format
This year, the qualifiers for the Grand Final will be announced in a new and exciting way. Instead of revealing all the countries at once, the hosts will break the announcements into blocks of three countries.
Here’s how it works:
- The hosts will present each block of three countries, and from each block, one country will be announced as having earned its place in the Grand Final.
- This process will continue with additional blocks until all the qualifiers are revealed.
- No country will be part of more than three blocks during this process.
Finally, for the last qualifier, the host will announce the country in the usual manner, just like in previous years, bringing an exciting end to the suspense!
How to Watch the Contest
Starting at 21:00 CET viewers from the participating countries in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest 2025 can watch the First Semi-Final on their respective national broadcaster’s TV channel or via their official web platforms.
For those outside the participating countries, the contest will be available to watch through a private network channel that offers international coverage of Eurovision.
Are #YOU excited about tonight? Tell us your thoughts and let the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 begin! Let us know on our forum, or visit us on Facebook, X(Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and Discord.
