The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest is just around the corner, and organisers are promising an event full of surprises in Basel, Switzerland. Taking place at the St. Jakobshalle indoor arena, the semi-finals will be held on May 13 and 15, leading up to the grand final on May 17.
Moritz Stadler, co-executive producer of Eurovision 2025, has hinted at unexpected moments being at the core of the show. He mentioned that Eurovision is all about surprises and that they have been working hard to bring their crazy ideas to life for the audience.
Swiss singer Nemo’s victory in the 2024 contest secured Switzerland’s hosting rights for this year. With two previous wins in 1956 and 1988, including Celine Dion’s iconic victory, Switzerland has a strong Eurovision history.
Speculation is rife about whether Celine Dion will make an appearance at Eurovision 2025, especially after her recent performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics opening ceremony. The first batch of 42,000 tickets sold out in just 20 minutes, with a massive 250,000 devices in the waiting queue.
The venue’s stage design is inspired by Switzerland’s mountains and linguistic diversity, incorporating elements of Swiss culture like yodelling, Basel drum corps, dulcimers, and alphorns into the show’s music. Basel, known for its vibrant carnival scene, is embracing the Eurovision excitement and hopes to bring that festive atmosphere to the competition.
With an investment of 35 million Swiss francs ($39 million) into hosting the event, Basel is aiming for a strong economic return similar to Liverpool, which recouped around 60 million euros ($63 million) when it hosted Eurovision 2023.
Security measures are being tightened following protests at the previous year’s contest. Organisers are committed to ensuring a safe and welcoming experience for all attendees. Israel’s representative, Yuval Raphael, a survivor of a past attack, will be competing in Basel.
The stage is set for a memorable Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, with surprises, top-notch performances, and a celebration of diverse cultures from across Europe. Stay tuned for what promises to be an unforgettable musical extravaganza.
