Eurovision is back again, and this year it’s happening in Basel, Switzerland. Honestly, if you’ve never watched it, you’re missing out. It’s not just a singing contest — it’s more like a massive celebration of music, culture, and a whole lot of drama (in a fun way). The 2025 edition already feels pretty special, and the first semi-final that went down on May 13th was packed with excitement.
There were 15 countries performing that night, all hoping to land a spot in the big final coming up on May 17. The energy in the room was wild — each act trying to outdo the next, and the crowd was totally into it.
Here are the 10 countries that made it through:
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Sweden
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Norway
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Albania
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Iceland
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Netherlands
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Poland
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San Marino
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Estonia
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Portugal
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Ukraine
Sweden and Norway, honestly, were on another level. Sweden brought that classic pop energy they’re famous for — kind of like a throwback but still fresh. And Norway’s visuals? Just wow. They really used tech in a way that made their act stand out. Iceland’s folk vibes were also a nice change, and Albania’s emotional ballad really connected with people.
Where to Watch & What’s Coming Next
If you're wondering how to watch Eurovision from wherever you are — it’s actually super easy. In the US, you can catch it live on YouTube or streaming platforms like BBC iPlayer. In the UK, it's being broadcast on BBC One, and they’re doing full coverage — including interviews and behind-the-scenes stuff.
Don’t forget — the second semi-final is happening on May 15, and it’s going to be just as packed. This time, 16 countries are trying to grab the last 10 spots in the Grand Final. Here’s who’s competing:
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Austria
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Lithuania
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Montenegro
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Greece
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Australia
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Latvia
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Serbia
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Czechia
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Spain
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Italy
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Switzerland
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France
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Germany
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United Kingdom
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Ireland
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Finland
A quick note: countries like Spain, Italy, France, Germany, and the UK are already in the final — they’re part of what's called the “Big Five,” which automatically qualify, along with the host country, Switzerland.
Big Moments from Semi-Final 1
Let’s talk about a few of the standout performances:
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Sweden came in hot with a high-energy track and some amazing dance moves. It had that perfect balance of nostalgic Euro-pop and modern flair.
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Norway took a different route, blending music with some really creative digital visuals. A lot of people online are already calling it one of the best performances this year.
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Albania hit everyone in the feels with a raw and emotional ballad. It wasn’t flashy, but it didn’t need to be — the vocals were enough.
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Ukraine did something really special too. Their act was a tribute to their culture and strength. The mix of traditional instruments with a modern beat made it really powerful.
How Voting Works & What’s Coming Up
So, just in case you’re new to how Eurovision works — it’s not just public votes. Each country also has a panel of judges who look at things like vocals, stage presence, and how the whole act comes together. The jury votes get mixed with the public votes to decide who moves on.
This time around, Estonia and Ukraine did great with the public vote, while countries like Poland and San Marino got more love from the jury side.
Now, all eyes are on the Grand Final on May 17. That’s when all the top acts from both semi-finals, plus the automatically qualified ones, will battle it out for the trophy. Expect some unforgettable moments, last-minute surprises, and maybe even a few controversies — it's Eurovision after all.
Let’s see who takes the crown this year. One thing's for sure — it’s gonna be entertaining
