Australia’s Go-Jo is among the 37 artists competing for the Eurovision trophy in Basel, Switzerland. The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest kicks off this Sunday with a “turquoise carpet” parade featuring participants from all 37 nations. The competition officially starts on Tuesday with the first semi-final eliminating five countries. Another six nations will be eliminated in the second semi-final on Thursday, leading up to the Grand Final in Basel on Saturday, 17 May. This year’s lineup includes returning contestants, a professional opera singer, a suggestive reference, and even a dance anthem about a deceased space dog, making it quite diverse. To help you navigate through the entries, here is a categorized guide to all 37 songs in the contest.
In the realm of left-field pop bangers, UK’s Remember Monday presents “What The Hell Just Happened?”, an energetic pop anthem with elements reminiscent of Queen and the Beatles. Swedish representatives KAJ offer “Bara Bada Bastu”, a catchy ode to the sauna endorsed by Abba’s Bjorn Ulvaeus. Austria’s JJ brings “Wasted Love”, an operatic ballad with a techno twist, while Ireland’s Laika Party delivers a trance-pop tribute to a space dog. Luxembourg’s Laura Thorn revives a classic sound with “La Poupée Monte Le Son”, empowering lyrics echoing a message of self-empowerment.
Furthermore, Estonia and San Marino pay homage to Italian culture with their entries. San Marino’s “Tutta L’Italia” celebrates various aspects of Italian life, from football to vineyards, while Estonia’s tribute, “TITLE”, adds to the Italian-themed lineup.
The Eurovision Song Contest promises a diverse array of performances and styles, from catchy pop tunes to emotional ballads and quirky tributes, ensuring an entertaining and memorable event for fans worldwide.
“Blue by El 65 is a lively blend of dance beats, traditional accordion tunes, and Calabrian folk dances. However, the staging may be its weak point, with Gabry confined to his DJ decks while the anonymous singers hide their faces behind masks. Estonia’s Espresso Macchiato, performed by Tommy Cash (the sole Eurovision contestant featured on a Charli XCX track), is a quirky take on Italian stereotypes, with the catchy line: ‘Life is like spaghetti, it’s tough until you make it.’ Moving on to more risqué performances, a trio of artists, including Malta’s Miriana Conte, attempt to slip suggestive content past the censors with a pulsating club track named ‘Serving.’ Despite the controversy, Miriana’s bold stage presence and powerful vocals hold our attention, even if the song itself is filled with Euro-pop clichés. Australia’s Go-Jo keeps the innuendos flowing with his suggestive lyrics, while Finland’s Erika Vikman delivers a joyous anthem celebrating pleasure and ecstasy. Additionally, three songs at Eurovision this year are inspired by the impact of cancer, each offering a heartfelt reflection on loss and resilience.”
Alessandro and his mother both experienced a challenging time when she was diagnosed with cancer in autumn 2023. Fortunately, she is now in remission, but her words of resilience, “Never lose your light,” inspired Alessandro’s entry for Eurovision. The resulting pop song by Kyle, titled “I’m my own Lighter,” conveys a message of overcoming adversity. Comedian Klemen Slakonja, known for his impressions of political figures, penned a heartfelt ballad, “How Much Time Do We Have Left,” after his wife battled bone marrow cancer. The emotional performance includes dancers lifting Klemen upside down to symbolize the disorientation they felt upon receiving the diagnosis. Despite the challenges, Klemen’s wife survived and joins him on stage for a touching moment at Eurovision.
In the diverse lineup of this year’s Eurovision, contestants are moving away from the typical club bangers and exploring different sounds. Artists like Red Sebastian, Sissal, and Germany’s duo Abor & Tynna offer a mix of rave-inspired tunes and dance anthems. Meanwhile, Væb’s energetic song “Róa” and Melody’s pumping house track “Esa Diva” showcase unique styles that stand out. Azerbaijan’s Mamagama bring a smooth pop sound with a traditional saz riff in “Run With U.”
Another group making waves in the competition is Shkodra Elektronike, an Albanian duo based in Italy blending ethnic and electronic music. Their song “Zjerm (Fire)” envisions a world of peace and harmony through cross-cultural understanding, offering a unique perspective on global unity.
In a mysterious world where the scent of oil could resemble lilac (a concept that remains unfamiliar to many), the Eurovision competition showcases a diverse range of emotive performances from talented artists around the globe.
Greece’s entry, Asteromáta, delves into history and nostalgia as Klavdia eloquently expresses the enduring connection between refugees and their homeland. Through a poignant ballad that seamlessly weaves together traditional Greek and Pontic influences with exquisite orchestration, she poignantly sings of the indelible memories of one’s sacred roots.
A contrasting upbeat vibe is brought by Dutch artist Claude, who found solace in Eurovision as a young refugee from the tumultuous civil conflict in the Democratic Republic of Congo. His song, C’est La Vie, pays homage to his mother’s resilience and optimism in the face of adversity. Infused with a blend of chanson and French-Caribbean zouk, this lively anthem radiates a sense of liberation and joy, positioning Claude as a strong contender for a top 10 finish.
The influence of mysticism and dark aesthetics is evident in the diverse lineup of performers, including Polish songstress Justyna Steczkowska, who incorporates Slavic magic and haunting melodies into her performance of Gaja. Marko Bošnjak from Croatia presents a melodramatic piece, Poison Cake, driven by eerie synths and unsettling chants, drawing inspiration from his personal struggles with online harassment.
Latvian group Tautumeitas captivates with their ethereal composition, Bur Man Laimi, a harmonious blend of folk traditions and enchanting vocal arrangements reminiscent of Björk and Enya. In contrast, Cyprus’s Theo Evan adds an air of mystery with his enigmatic song Shh, promising a revelation of hidden truths on the Eurovision stage.
The competition also sees a rise in gothic pop anthems, such as Czechia’s Adonxs with Kiss Kiss Goodbye, exploring themes of familial absence and introspection. Meanwhile, Lithuania’s Katarsis presents a somber rock ballad, Tavo Akys, reflecting on the decay of foundations in a powerful crescendo.
Armenia’s Parg brings a touch of rock inspiration with Survivor, while Serbia’s Princ offers a heartfelt ballad titled Mila. Each artist brings a unique perspective and emotional depth to the Eurovision stage, promising a captivating and diverse showcase of international talent.
Despite their efforts, the songs lack the strength to make it through the semi-finals. The 70s rock throwbacks include Lucio Corsi, Napa, and Ziferblat. Italy’s Lucio Corsi presents a glam rock ballad, “Volevo Essere Un Duro,” reflecting on his past experiences of bullying and embracing his vulnerability. Napa from Portugal brings a 70s vibe with “Deslocado,” a soft rock song about migration. Ukraine’s Ziferblat impresses with “Bird Of Pray,” combining elements of 70s new wave, birdsong, and hope for a peaceful reunion.
Moving on to the ballads, Israel’s Yuval Raphael shines with “New Day Will Rise,” a poignant piano ballad in English, French, and Hebrew, seemingly inspired by real-life events. Georgia’s Mariam Shengelia faces criticism for her alleged ties to an authoritarian party, despite her song “Freedom” advocating for individual freedoms. Montenegro’s Nina Žižić addresses domestic abuse in “Dobrodošli,” a refined orchestral ballad that falls slightly short. Lastly, defending champions Switzerland’s Zoë Më presents “Voyage,” a delicate self-penned song with a plea for peace.
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