Sandra Studer, host of Eurovision 2025, candidly shares her personal opinion on Israel’s performance – surprising many with her honesty and musical preferences.
Sandra Studer, host of Eurovision 2025, surprises in a new interview with a rare display of candor: the Israeli song was one of her favorites this year. She also noted that the Swiss entry touched her deeply – yet, to her dismay, her own country’s song received zero points from the European audience.
Studer’s musical preference for the Israeli entry comes during a season marked by political tensions surrounding Israel’s participation. Her comments join other voices calling to refocus Eurovision on its artistic and humanistic values.
The Host Loved Israel’s Song – and So Did the Audience
As millions of viewers worldwide tuned in to the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final, a rare moment of connection emerged between the evening’s host and the audience’s choice. According to Studer, she “really loved the Israeli song,” and it turned out she was not alone: the Israeli entry was crowned first place in the public vote – a dramatic and rare achievement, especially against a backdrop of political controversy.
In her interview with a Spanish-Catalan radio station, Studer also expressed her fondness for the Italian and Swiss songs, and shared her shock and sadness when she had to announce that the Swiss entry received zero points from the audience:
“My heart broke. It’s a song I loved very much, and I did not expect this result.”
Personal Affinity Amid Political Drama
Studer’s appreciation for Israel’s song is notable, given the political opposition to Israel’s participation this year. The 2025 contest took place under the shadow of boycott calls, protests in European cities, and restrictions on flags and political statements in the venue.
Amid this tense climate, Studer – one of the competition’s most recognizable faces this year – chose to praise the Israeli entry and elevate its musical merit, regardless of the surrounding media noise. In doing so, she joins a line of professionals who preferred to focus on performance quality rather than political stances.
A Host with Eurovision Experience and Insight
Studer is not just any television host – she herself represented Switzerland in Eurovision 1991 under her mother’s surname, “Simo”, finishing fifth with the song “Canzone per te” (translated as: “A Song for You”). She is fluent in Catalan and connected to Barcelona’s music scene through her family. Since then, she has shaped Swiss culture as a host, actress, and singer. Her Eurovision journey includes hosting national selections, awarding Swiss jury points, and serving as a commentator. Thus, hosting Eurovision was a natural role for her.
Unlike many hosts who maintain strict neutrality, Studer did not hesitate to share her feelings, creating a sense of connection with viewers. Her choice to praise Israel – a country at the center of political debate this year – highlights her preference for music over provocation.
In the End, Music Prevailed
While the Swiss song that Studer favored finished without audience support, the Israeli entry took the opposite path – winning the hearts of both the host and the public. These moments remind us why Eurovision was created: not to argue, but to sing, to be moved, and to connect.
Eurovision 2025: The 69th Eurovision Song Contest was held in the city of Basel, Switzerland, on May 13, 15, and 17. This was the third time Switzerland hosted the competition, the last being in 1989 in Lausanne. The host venue was St. Jakobshalle, with a capacity of 12,400. This was Basel’s first time hosting the contest.
