The first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is set to take place tonight in Basel, Switzerland, marking the official start of one of Europe’s most celebrated music events. The atmosphere in the St. Jakobshalle arena is electric, with fans from across the continent gathering to witness the spectacle.

What to Expect Tonight

A total of 15 countries will perform in this semi-final, all vying for one of the 10 coveted spots in the Grand Final, which will take place on Saturday. As always, tonight’s show promises dazzling performances, elaborate stage productions, and a blend of musical styles that reflect the diversity of the continent.

While the full line-up includes both fan favourites and debut artists, all eyes are particularly on Sweden, which enters the competition this year as the top favourite to win. Following their recent string of successes and high production values, Sweden’s entry is expected to dominate the televote and jury rankings.

Sweden: The One to Watch

Sweden’s representative this year is already generating significant buzz. With slick choreography, polished vocals, and a track that blends pop with deep emotional undertones, many bookmakers and fans believe Sweden is not only a shoo-in for qualification but also a frontrunner to take home the trophy once again.

Who Will Qualify?

While the official results will only be revealed during tonight’s broadcast, predictions and odds suggest that the following 10 countries are most likely to qualify for the Grand Final based on current fan polls, rehearsals, and betting odds:

1. Sweden 🇸🇪 – The undisputed favourite.
2. Ukraine 🇺🇦 – Consistently strong entries and diaspora support.
3. Norway 🇳🇴 – A powerful ballad with stunning visuals.
4. Israel 🇮🇱 – Upbeat and energetic, with strong vocals.
5. Finland 🇫🇮 – A unique act mixing electronic beats with native flair.
6. Serbia 🇷🇸 – Haunting vocals and deep cultural themes.
7. Portugal 🇵🇹 – A beautiful, poetic entry that stands out.
8. Austria 🇦🇹 – Catchy and modern with mass appeal.
9. Czechia 🇨🇿 – Energetic stage presence and strong fan base.
10. Ireland 🇮🇪 – Making a surprise comeback with a fresh, contemporary sound.

These predictions are based on current fan reactions and pre-show odds, but Eurovision is always full of surprises — dark horses can and do emerge.

Where to Watch

The semi-final will be broadcast live across Europe and available for international streaming via the official Eurovision YouTube channel. The show starts at 21:00 CEST, and viewers will be able to vote for their favourites if their country is participating in this semi-final or is one of the pre-qualified nations voting tonight.

Stay tuned for a full recap and analysis once the results are in!