Eurovision’s headed to Basel this year, and the pre-show buzz has already taken over corners of the internet where fans obsess over national selections, leaked demos, and strange costume teases. It’s early, but if you know where to look — and who to listen for — the storylines are already taking shape. If you’re also the type to follow the numbers, FIRST.com is worth a glance — tracking how artists and rumors are shifting the betting odds before the stage is even built.
So—who’s actually showing up? Let’s start with what we know.
This Year’s Confirmations
France is sending Louane with “Maman.” It’s stripped-down, emotional, and exactly the kind of song that juries tend to love. She’s a household name in France, and her selection makes sense: lean into sincerity, let the voice do the heavy lifting.
Italy has gone in the opposite direction. Lucio Corsi brings a glammy, tongue-in-cheek vibe with “Volevo essere un duro” — it’s playful, offbeat, and sounds like it came from a different era. It probably won’t please everyone, but that’s the point.
Germany has Abor & Tynna with “Baller”, which blends pop hooks with sharp production and just enough edge to make it interesting. It feels modern, but it’s not trying too hard.
Spain’s Melody enters the picture with “Esa diva,” a high-energy anthem that’s likely to live or die on staging. On the other side of the spectrum, Remember Monday are representing the UK with “What the Hell Just Happened?” — a country-pop track with some bite and better harmonies than you might expect from a group with this little exposure.
Sweden took a gamble by sending KAJ, a group delivering their entry “Bara bada bastu” in Finnish — yes, seriously — and leaning into satire. If anyone can turn something that strange into a moment, it’s Sweden.
Finland’s back with Erika Vikman, this time singing “Ich komme,” and Ukraine are going in a more experimental direction with Ziferblat and “Bird of Pray,” which already has fans split.
So, About Those Rumors
No Mahmood. No Slimane. No Alyona x Jerry Heil. All of them were rumored — none of them showed up. Fan circles love to throw names around, and this year was no different: Freya Ridings, Alessandra Mele, and even Rammstein got pulled into the conversation at some point. None made it past gossip stage.
As usual, the fun comes from watching the wild guesses crash into the actual announcements.
Odds Watch (aka The Chaos Meter)
Based on current betting boards, here’s where things stand in mid-April:
- Sweden (KAJ) – 18%
- France (Louane) – 15%
- Ukraine (Ziferblat) – 13%
- Italy (Lucio Corsi) – 11%
- United Kingdom (Remember Monday) – 9%
Take these with a grain of salt. Odds shift fast once rehearsals start. Last year, the leaderboard flipped during week one. It happens every time.
Some people stick to form (jurors like ballads, televoters want bangers). Others bet on chaos — or novelty. Eurovision gives you both. It’s not just about picking a winner anymore. You can bet on who qualifies from semis, who wins the jury vote, or who shows up wearing gold boots.
Basel Steps In
This is Switzerland’s first time hosting since 1989. Basel beat out cities like Zurich and Geneva, and it’s the kind of choice that makes you think they’re aiming for a fresh feel. No legacy to protect, just a blank slate.
Eurovision’s weird. That’s why people watch. It’s sincerity in sequins one minute, and then something completely unhinged the next. And once in a while, it delivers a performance that cuts through all of it.
This year might just have one of those. Basel’s up. Let’s see what they do with it.
Key Takeaway
Eurovision 2025 isn’t about safe bets — it’s shaping up to be a year where bold choices, unexpected voices, and risky performances might just steal the whole show. Basel’s stage is set for chaos, charm, and maybe something unforgettable.
