Get the full coverage from the second dress rehearsal of the second semi-final, currently taking place on the Eurovision 2025 stage in Basel. One by one, Norway, Luxembourg, Estonia, Israel, Lithuania, Spain, Ukraine, United Kingdom, Austria, Iceland, Latvia, The Netherlands, Finland, Italy, Poland, Germany, Greece, Armenia, Switzerland, Malta, Portugal, Denmark, Sweden, France, San Marino and Albania, will take the stage. We will be providing updates throughout the rehearsal with all the details received by our editorial team.
Today at 13:30 CET, the first dress rehearsal began ahead of the grand final broadcast, which will take place tomorrow at 21:00 CET (Saturday, May 17). We’re here to report everything happening on stage in real time from Basel.
Make sure to click the refresh button so you can continue following along during the rehearsals!
The show opens with a video featuring the hosts discovering that the trophy has not yet arrived at the Basel arena. The screen displays their journey to find the trophy, accompanied by well-known Eurovision songs. In the end, Eurovision 2024 winner, Nemo, finds the trophy and begins to sing last year’s winning song – “The Code”.
Afterwards, the flag parade begins, with all the contestants taking the stage one by one, each carrying the flag of their country in the order of the performances. San Marino’s representative, Gabri Ponte, was absent from the parade. A live percussion orchestra took the stage after the flag parade and performed live.
Joining hosts Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer for the final is Michelle Hunziker. They take the stage, introduce themselves, the Arena Plus (where around 36,000 people are watching after failing to get tickets to the main hall), and the running order of songs.
The Grand Final – Initial Overview:
1.Norway
Kyle Alessandro enters the competition stage sitting within steps between two walls. The lighting shifts from blue to red-orange, and a bonfire burns at the side of the stage. Journalists in the hall clap along to the rhythm of the song. Two dancers join him, and together with Kyle, they move to the front stage. Flames burn at floor level at the front of the stage, with fire also rising from the stage floor. Kyle sounds vocally strong, except for a very slight inaccuracy before the high note. Another dancer joins to perform acrobatic moves. An excellent opening to the show.
2. Luxembourg
Eurovision winner, France Gall. Five dancers lift her and dance with her. At one point, they all advance together to the front stage. The lighting is pink, and her pink dress transforms into a beautiful silver gown. The vocal performance is not precise, possibly due to lack of sleep after qualifying for the grand final last night.
3. Estonia
Tommy Cash begins his performance off-key from the very first note, staring at a cup of coffee, taking a sip, and then tossing it aside. Around him are four “police officers” (dancers). During the performance, there were sound issues, and for a split second, the singer’s voice could not be heard. The “crazy fan” who storms the stage will also be present in the grand final, dancing together with him. The vocal performance is poor, and it is possible that he will crash in the results.
4. Israel
Yuval Raphael starts her performance with a slightly trembling voice, which is understandable due to a lack of sleep after qualifying for the grand final last night. She begins at the connection between the front and the main stage, walks toward the main stage, circles the chandelier, and climbs the stairs. On “All the pain,” Yuval did not attempt the high note, leaving the performance as it was last night. An excellent vocal performance, her best so far!
5. Lithuania
Katarsis deliver an outstanding vocal performance of their song. The lead singer starts walking toward the front stage, joined by the other band members except for the drummer. A storm-like effect appears on the LED screens behind them. An excellent performance.
6. Spain
Melody starts her performance with some vocal inaccuracies, wearing a black ruffled dress and a hat covering half her face. She removes the hat, and her dancers emerge from the ruffles. She steps out from behind a purple curtain and joins the dancers. She climbs the stairs, hits the high note with great precision to the loud cheers of the many Spanish fans in the hall, and performs the lift at the end of the song. The vocal performance is not precise, and the waterfall fireworks at the end of her song lacked the same effect, since Israel used the same waterfall two songs earlier.
7. Ukraine
Ziferblat begin their performance with one of the backing vocalists singing. At a certain point in the song, only the backing vocalists can be heard, and not the lead singer. It is unclear whether this is because he is singing very softly or due to a technical issue with the microphone. The vocal performance is quite imprecise, the weakest we have seen so far for the Ukrainian entry.
There is a break after the Ukrainian song. The hosts come on stage and showcase a performance by one of them, Sandra Studer, from Eurovision 1991. Afterwards, she performs it live on stage, accompanied by four backing singers. Host Michelle Hunziker delivers a cover of the unforgettable Eurovision song, “(Volare) Nel blu, dipinto di blu” by Domenico Modugno from Eurovision 1958.
8. United Kingdom
Remember Monday take the stage with the audience and a royal set behind them. They move toward the main stage, circling a chandelier on the floor. The vocal performance sounds good, and there is strong applause from the journalists in the hall. The song is unlikely to place high, as it is followed by the Austrian entry, one of the main contenders to win the competition.
9. Austria
JJ starts his performance sitting on what looks like a boat made of cardboard, as a paper boat descends into his hand. The mast and sail rise, and smoke fills the stage floor. The vocal performance is much better than what was heard in yesterday’s semi-final, though there are minor inaccuracies and he does not attempt the high note before the end of the song. JJ’s final placement in the competition will depend solely on his vocal performance in the final, as his delivery varies in every show-and the atmosphere of the performance changes accordingly.
10. Iceland
VÆB and their dancers are dressed in silver outfits, energizing the atmosphere in the arena, even though the performance sounds shrill. Water and geyser elements appear on stage and on the LED screens. While the act looks cool and is sure to excite the audience during the live broadcast, it follows a favorite to win. Especially given the surprise among Eurovision fans that the Icelandic song qualified for the final, it’s hard to believe it will finish above 20th place.
There is a break after the Icelandic entry, during which the hosts introduce the Latvian song as the stage crew prepares the set.
11. Latvia
Tautumeitas deliver a mesmerizing performance, weaving in and out of a curtain made of thin threads, with smoke covering the stage floor. The harmonies are excellent, the choreography is well synchronized, and a tail appears on the LED screen, making it look as if it is attached to them. The vocals sound better than in the second semi-final, and although the song is not among the most popular this year, the stage performance is what got them to the final and will likely save them from finishing in 26th place.
12. The Netherlands
Claude takes the stage with a delay, as the stage crew did not finish setting up in time. He begins with a close-up reminiscent of France’s 2024 Eurovision representative, Slimane, but there are inaccuracies at the start of his performance. In the upbeat section, he leaves the stand where the microphone was placed, joined by two dancers, and they walk to the main stage where three violinists await. After Latvia’s mystical and not very upbeat song, the Netherlands may stand out, though it’s unfortunate that another strong contender follows. Additional inaccuracies are heard during the song, and at the end, he dances in front of a mirror, in which Claude is seen as a child. It’s a shame this part isn’t included in the recap.
13. Finland
Erika Vikman delivers a vocal performance that is not among her best, even losing the rhythm at times. She commands the stage, and the audience cheers for her. She lies down on the floor several times during the song, holds the microphone stand, and at the end, a technical issue prevents her from climbing onto the giant microphone! Erika knows how to perform and is unfazed by the mishap, rallying the crowd. At the end of her performance, the audience applauds her.
Update: Erika is given another chance to perform and takes the stage again! To our surprise, her vocals this time are even better than in the rehearsal just minutes earlier! This time, she climbs onto the giant microphone, which shoots fireworks. An excellent performance and an outstanding performer. Top 5.
14. Italy
Lucio Corsi faces an especially tough task – taking the competition stage after a powerhouse performer like Finland’s Erika Vikman. Lucio plays a giant piano, accompanied by an electric guitarist (who had a slight vocal inaccuracy at the start of the song). Behind them, enormous guitar amplifiers are visible. Lucio gets up from the piano and struggles to put the guitar strap over his shoulder before playing, due to his large shoulder pad. The guitarist joins him, and they sing together into the same microphone. Lucio plays the harmonica live, and the vocal performance sounds perfectly fine. Luckily for Corsi, his song is in a completely different style from Erika’s, and with English subtitles accompanying his lyrics (which may help the audience connect).
15. Poland
Justyna Steczkowska starts her performance with a slight and almost unnoticeable loss of rhythm. Four dancers surround her. During the violin section, Justyna doesn’t manage to pick up the violin from the floor and play it in time. She ascends using two wires, with no other attachments. She then runs toward the dancers and dances with them at the front of the stage at the end of the song. She is simply alive on stage, and deserves to achieve a satisfying placement, at least better than the 18th place she reached at Eurovision 1995.
16. Germany
Abor & Tynna begin their performance with Tynna standing on what appear to be two large speakers, while Abor plays the cello on stage. Tynna’s vocal performance sounds much better than in any of the previous rehearsals we’ve seen. Unfortunately, the performance is not expected to stand out enough, and Germany may once again find itself at the bottom of the scoreboard.
There is a break after the German entry. Hosts Michelle Hunziker and Sandra Studer present a video featuring host Hazel Brugger, along with some behind-the-scenes footage showing the stage crew changing sets between songs, and interviews with several crew members explaining how the magic happens.
17. Greece
Klavdia enters the competition stage on a bridge leading to a rock at the center of the stage. Her powerful voice fills the entire arena. A dancer resembling her joins, and the rock the dancer stands on separates from the one Klavdia is on. Klavdia saves the high note at the end of her song for the jury rehearsal and goes down instead. Finally, the dancer removes Klavdia’s dress, leaving her in a beautiful white gown. An excellent vocal performance, though it is clear she is saving her voice for more crucial rehearsals.
18. Armenia
PARG delivers a powerful and even aggressive performance, running on a treadmill as flames rise from the stage floor. Near the end of the song, it is apparent he is getting tired and out of breath. He hits the high note without any problem. This is not one of the favorites this year and was not even a sure qualifier for the final according to the odds. Therefore, a mid-to-lower table finish seems realistic.
19. Switzerland
Zoë Më delivers a wonderful vocal performance and a complete one-shot show. The lighting and focus effects are simply mesmerizing on screen, and the song’s ending is especially moving as the audience lights up with their phone flashlights. She is climbing in the odds, and deservedly so, with a top 10 finish well within reach.
20. Malta
Miriana Conte starts her performance inside a disco ball that sits within giant lips, and several sexual innuendos are seen during the performance – by Miriana and one of her dancers on the floor, legs spreading on the LED screens, and more. It’s good that the song appears late in the running order, as it is certainly not intended for children. Miriana delivers her best vocal performance so far, better than in any previous rehearsal or show. Between two ballads, she may stand out, but since she is competing for the public vote, it is doubtful she will receive the highest number of points.
21. Portugal
NAPA, who qualified for the final as a complete surprise, deliver a particularly calm performance – in total contrast to the Maltese entry. The vocal performance does not sound like the studio version for some reason, and during the performance, the band members spot Portuguese journalists behind us in the audience and wave to them mid-song. I predict one of the last three places in the final, but after their very unexpected qualification, anything is possible.
22. Denmark
Sissal, in contrast to the Portuguese entry, delivers a visually interesting and eye-catching stage performance. Journalists clap along to the rhythm of the song, and to our great surprise, Sissal does not sing the chorus and asks the journalists in the audience to perform it! She also drops the notes in most of the song and does not perform it like the original. She is saving her voice for tonight’s jury rehearsal and the grand final. It seems someone celebrated well last night after qualifying for the final!
There is a break after the Danish entry. Hosts Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer present the song “Made in Switzerland” which they performed in the first semi-final, and encourage the audience to watch it. Afterwards, they introduce the next country and the favorite to win – Sweden.
23. Sweden
KAJ, the favorite to win Eurovision 2025, begin their performance with the iconic sausage roasting against a backdrop of a sauna, bonfire, and fir trees. The band sings about the sauna as the dancers first chop wood and then appear wrapped in towels. At the end of the song, the lighting shifts from fiery tones to colorful laser effects as the band moves to the front stage. The journalists in the hall are extremely enthusiastic about the song, which is almost certain to win the public vote. Its victory at Eurovision will depend solely on the jury vote. The vocal performance sounds strong, and shouts of “Sweden has won” were even heard from journalists behind us.
There is a break after the Swedish entry. In a video, people across Basel-especially near the EuroClub and Eurovision Village-are shown performing Eurovision songs. Then, the broadcast goes live to the Arena Plus (where around 36,000 people who couldn’t get tickets to the main show are seated), with other hosts singing karaoke with the audience.
24. France
Louane, another potential winner of the Eurovision 2025 grand final, begins her performance by turning over an hourglass and tossing it onto a pile of sand she sits on. Sand pours down on her from the ceiling, and her vocal performance is simply outstanding. She is likely to win, possibly by a wide margin in the jury vote, and in my opinion, in the entire competition. This is the most moving performance of the evening, one that is truly hard to remain indifferent to.
25. San Marino
Gabri Ponte will find it very difficult to achieve a high placement performing after the likely Eurovision 2025 winner. He begins his set at the DJ booth, surrounded by two singers, with another singer and two musicians on the front stage. On the LED screens, Michelangelo’s statue is seen chewing pink gum and blowing a bubble, along with other Italian elements like the Colosseum. There are flames and fireworks on stage. An excellent performance, with the potential to secure San Marino’s best-ever result in the contest (above 19th place).
26. Albania
Skodra Elektronike open their performance with the tremendous charisma of lead singer Beatrice, as she walks from the front stage to the main stage. Geometric shapes in white and red appear on all the LED screens while she performs the vogue dance. Flames erupt on stage, and the male singer delivers the rap segment with great success. Beatrice moves to the front of the stage as more flames shoot up from the floor. A superb vocal performance, an amazing show closer, and a potential top 10 finish.
Thank you for staying with us!
Join us today at 21:00 CET for the second dress rehearsal!
Eurovision 2025: This will be Switzerland’s 65th participation in the Eurovision Song Contest. Switzerland joined the competition in 1956, being one of the seven founding countries, and has won three times over the years. Its most recent victory was at the last Eurovision in 2025, with Nemo’s song “The Code.” This win follows Switzerland’s previous victory in 1988 with the song “Ne partez pas sans moi,” performed by international singer Céline Dion.
