Basel, Switzerland – The city is buzzing, the flags are flying, and the countdown is over: the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2025 Grand Final kicks off tonight in Basel. With 26 countries vying for glory, three star hosts lighting up the stage, and a swirl of rumors about a certain legendary surprise guest, tonight promises one of the most electrifying nights in ESC history.

🇨🇭 Host City Basel Welcomes Europe
This year’s Grand Final is a proud moment for Switzerland, the birthplace of Eurovision and the country of its very first and perhaps most famous winner – Celine Dion. Fittingly, the show is in Basel, the cultural heart of the nation, and the Swiss are pulling out all the stops.

Trio of Power: Hunziker, Studer & Brugger
Hosting duties are in the capable hands of three Swiss icons:

Michelle Hunziker – beloved TV queen and Eurovision newbie

Sandra Studer – one of Switzerland’s most respected presenters, herself a former Eurovision participant from 1991

Hazel Brugger – the razor-sharp comedian bringing a dose of wit and edge to the glittering night

This trio is set to bring charm, class, and comedy to the biggest night in European music.

Will Celine Dion Make a Surprise Return?
One question is on everyone’s lips: will Celine Dion perform tonight? With her health improving and this year marking a symbolic return to the country where her Eurovision journey began in 1988, rumuors are running wild. Though no official confirmation has been given, insiders hint at a potential surprise appearance, possibly during the interval act or finale. If it happens, it will be a moment of pure Eurovision magic.

The Finalists: 26 Nations, One Winner
Here’s the full running order for tonight’s Grand Final:

1. 🇳🇴 Norway | Kyle Alessandro – “Lighter”
2. 🇱🇺 Luxembourg | Laura Thorn – “La Poupée Monte Le Son”
3. 🇪🇪 Estonia | Tommy Cash – “Espresso Macchiato”
4. 🇮🇱 Israel | Yuval Raphael – “New Day Will Rise”
5. 🇱🇹 Lithuania | Katarsis – “Tavo Akys”
6. 🇪🇸 Spain | Melody – “ESA DIVA”
7. 🇺🇦 Ukraine | Ziferblat – “Bird of Pray”
8. 🇬🇧 United Kingdom | Remember Monday – “What The Hell Just Happened?”
9. 🇦🇹 Austria | JJ – “Wasted Love”
10. 🇮🇸 Iceland | VÆB – “RÓA”
11. 🇱🇻 Latvia | Tautumeitas – “Bur Man Laimi”
12. 🇳🇱 Netherlands | Claude – “C’est La Vie”
13. 🇫🇮 Finland | Erika Vikman – “ICH KOMME”
14. 🇮🇹 Italy | Lucio Corsi – “Volevo Essere Un Duro”
15. 🇵🇱 Poland | Justyna Steczkowska – “GAJA”
16. 🇩🇪 Germany | Abor & Tynna – “Baller”
17. 🇬🇷 Greece | Klavdia – “Asteromáta”
18. 🇦🇲 Armenia | PARG – “SURVIVOR”
19. 🇨🇭 Switzerland | Zoë Më – “Voyage”
20. 🇲🇹 Malta | Miriana Conte – “SERVING”
21. 🇵🇹 Portugal | NAPA – “Deslocado”
22. 🇩🇰 Denmark | Sissal – “Hallucination”
23. 🇸🇪 Sweden | KAJ – “Bara Bada Bastu”
24. 🇫🇷 France | Louane – “maman”
25. 🇸🇲 San Marino | Gabry Ponte – “Tutta L’Italia”
26. 🇦🇱 Albania | Shkodra Elektronike – “Zjerm”

The Favourites – And a Dark Horse?
According to betting odds and fan polls, the top contenders for the crown tonight are:

🇸🇪 Sweden | KAJ – “Bara Bada Bastu” – A playful yet polished electro-pop entry that’s captured fan hearts.

🇦🇹 Austria | JJ – “Wasted Love” – A cinematic ballad with powerful vocals and staging.

🇫🇷 France | Louane – “maman” – A heartfelt, raw performance that’s both intimate and universal.

But Eurovision always loves a surprise, and many are calling 🇦🇱 Albania’s Shkodra Elektronike this year’s dark horse. Their industrial-ethnic fusion track “Zjerm” has caught fire online and could break through with the public vote. Or will there be a surprise winner?

When and Where to Watch
The show begins at 21:00 CET, broadcast live across Europe and globally via the official Eurovision YouTube channel. Viewers can vote during the show and influence the final outcome — so every voice counts!

A Night to Remember
With an incredible lineup, world-class hosting, and the possibility of a Celine Dion comeback, the ESC 2025 Grand Final is shaping up to be one for the ages.

Will it be Sweden’s party, France’s triumph, Austria’s glory — or Albania’s revolution?

Stay tuned. Europe decides tonight.