Unnecessary provocation: Tommy Cash, Estonia’s representative at Eurovision 2025, and Joost Klein, released a single with controversial lyrics. Is the Estonian’s participation in jeopardy?

Is it an amusing song or a dangerous provocation? Tommy Cash, Estonia’s representative at Eurovision 2025, and Joost Klein, the Dutch representative who was eliminated from Eurovision 2024, have surprised everyone with a new collaboration featuring provocative lyrics that push boundaries in every way. Cash, always known for his bold and politically charged musical style, chose to collaborate with Joost, and together they released a song that causes controversy with each line, both in the music and political worlds.

Lyrics such as “Fuck the EBU” (referring to the European Broadcasting Union), which appears right at the start of the song, leave no room for ambiguity: the song calls for rebellion against the European broadcasting system, and even against societal and political norms of our time. Listen to the song:

The immediate backlash was swift. Many within the audience view the song as crossing boundaries. The lyrics include provocative lines and new political questions like “I want to fly to Kyiv and go to Moscow,” “I want to vote for Kamala and I also want to vote for Donald Trump.” The lyrics intentionally present cognitive dissonance, describing the creators’ internal dilemmas, whether talking about political votes or personal lifestyles, raising questions about the song’s intent.

The song blends defiance with humor, and the artists state so in the song: “The song is funny, it’s not that deep.” But the issue is that this script might lead to legal issues with the EBU. Some consider the lyrics a direct challenge to Eurovision and its legal framework that governs the Eurovision institutions. Will this song harm Tommy Cash when it comes time to face the consequences? It’s possible. For now, Cash’s performance video is unavailable on Eurovision’s official YouTube page. The video is only available on the Estonian national broadcaster’s YouTube page – by chance, or not.

Quotes from the song:

Some of the most controversial lines from the song:

“Fuck the EBU, I don’t want to go to court. The less get less, and the more get more.”
*”I would love McDonald’s, but I’ll never go back there. I know I’m white, but I’d like to be **.”
“Do you ever think the world will be so safe, that people won’t die and there won’t be AIDS?”
“I want to smoke a cigarette, but also hit the fade. I love to keep it straight, but I also love it gay.”

Among all the lines, this seems to be an attempt to express political and class frustrations with a touch of satire and humor. Despite this, some see the song as an unwise move in the battle of artists within the music industry. The risk for Tommy Cash, and especially for Joost Klein, who was eliminated from last year’s competition, could lead to significant consequences.

The EBU’s legal system is obligated to monitor content that could harm the competition’s image and reputation, and this song raises the question of whether there are limits that could violate agreements between participating countries and the union. If the song’s words and statements reach the public in the wrong way, it could pose a threat to Cash’s participation in Basel.

“Espresso Macchiato” is the name of the song that will be performed by singer Tommy Cash, who will represent Estonia in the first semi-final of Eurovision 2025 on May 13 in Basel, Switzerland. The song was written by the singer himself along with Johanness Naukkarinen, who wrote “Cha Cha Cha” performed by Käärijä at Eurovision 2023 representing Finland and finishing second. This is Tommy Cash‘s first song in the competition. The song is performed in English and Italian.

Tommy Cash opens the performance dressed in a suit and tie, drinking from a coffee cup, with a note attached to him that reads “I love Eurovision”. With interesting and peculiar dance moves, he is accompanied by dancers dressed in black resembling bodyguards. The performance is serious on one hand but mocking on the other, in line with the spirit of the song and Tommy Cash‘s style. He brings a satirical spirit as he performs the entire song with a serious expression on his face and those of the dancers accompanying him.

The song is a rhythmic and unique track that combines hip-hop with a humorous and wild style. It describes an extravagant and exaggerated lifestyle, with lyrics full of funny and absurd imagery. Tommy Cash uses his distinctive style to criticize and ridicule consumer culture and the pursuit of luxury, all on an energetic and captivating beat that makes the song enjoyable and addictive.

The singer won the Estonian national selection held tonight (Saturday) and competed against fifteen other contestants. Tommy Cash advanced to the superfinal, after reaching the first place in the juries’ vote and the first place in the public vote in the first round.

Eesti Laul 2025 was held in Tallinn at the Unibet Arena, hosted by Eda-Ines Etti and Karl Kivastik. The winner of the national selection was determined in two stages: a vote split 50% by a jury and 50% by public vote determining the three finalists, followed by a superfinal round with 100% public vote.

Tommy Cash – Who Are You?

Tommy Cash, a 32-year-old rapper and producer born in Tallinn, Estonia. He is known mainly for his humorous music style and the provocative music videos that accompany his songs. He began his music career in 2012 and has released many singles over the years in various languages such as Estonian, English, Russian, and Ukrainian. Tommy has toured extensively throughout Europe and collaborated with many well-known artists such as Russia’s Eurovision 2020 representatives Little Big, and American singer Oliver Tree. In 2023, he released the song “It’s Crazy It’s Party” with Finland’s Eurovision 2023 representative, Käärijä. The song was very successful, as both have a very similar music style and vibe.

Eurovision 2025: This will be Estonia’s 30th participation in Eurovision. Estonia joined the contest in 1994 and achieved its best result in Eurovision 2001 when singers Tanel Padar, Dave Benton and 2XL, won first place with the song “Everybody”.