There were 15 of them. 15 countries competing in the first Eurovision semi-final on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 . They all had one and the same goal: to secure their place in the final of the song contest alongside France, Italy, Spain, Germany and the UK. These countries, which make up the famous Eurovision Big 5 - with Switzerland added this year - are automatically qualified and don't need to go through the dreaded semi-final stage.
While many are eagerly awaiting the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest, scheduled for Saturday May 17, 2025, others can't wait to find out the finalists for this 69th edition of Eurovision.
The first of the two semi-finals was broadcast live from Basel on Tuesday evening on Culturebox and on the competition's Youtube page. 15 countries took part: Iceland, Poland, Slovenia, Estonia, Ukraine, Sweden, Portugal, Norway, Belgium, Azerbaijan, San Marino, Albania, the Netherlands, Croatia and Cyprus. So, which countries have qualified for the grand final? Discover the 10 countries selected this Tuesday evening for the final stage!
Unfortunately, Belgium, Slovenia, Azerbaijan, Croatia and Cyprus were not included in this first semi-final and will therefore not be taking part in the grand final on May 17.
The second semi-final is scheduled for Thursday, May 15, and will feature 16 competing countries, including Australia, Montenegro, Ireland, Latvia, Armenia, Austria, Greece, Lithuania, Malta, Georgia, Denmark, the Czech Republic, Luxembourg, Israel, Serbia and Finland. In this second semi-final, the UK, France and Germany will unveil their performances live.
Eurovision 2025 second semi-final on Thursday: here are the favourites
Eurovision continues this week in Basel with the second and final semi-final on May 15, 2025. On this occasion, 16 countries will compete this Thursday, and only 10 of them will have the chance to qualify for the final stage. So, who are the favorites in this second phase? Which candidates do the bookmakers think will make it through to the final? We tell you. [Read more]
On Saturday May 17, 2025, all eyes will be on Basel, Switzerland, for the Eurovision Grand Final. 26 countries will take part in this final stage. Before that, the candidates must compete in two semi-finals. Find out the running order for the second and final semi-final on Thursday, May 15, 2025. [Read more]
Eurovision returns this spring for a new 69th edition! While some of the contenders look like favorites, will France make it to the podium thanks to Louane and her song "Maman"? Join us on Saturday, May 17, 2025 for the Eurovision Grand Final. Find out when and on which channels you can watch the final stage of the song contest live from Basel, Switzerland. [Read more]
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Eurovision 2025 second semi-final on Thursday: here are the favourites
Eurovision 2025: what is the running order for the second semi-final?
Eurovision 2025: when and on what channels will you watch the final?
