UK's Remember Monday take the stage at Eurovision rehearsal. BBC
The Eurovision Song Contest is back, and this year it takes place in Basel, Switzerland. Fans from across the world will watch countries compete with new songs and exciting performances.
What Is Eurovision?
Eurovision is a yearly music contest where countries send their best singers and bands. It started in 1956 and is now a huge TV event watched by millions. The theme for 2025 is "Welcome Home," marking the contest’s return to the country where it began.
Each song in Eurovision must be original and under three minutes. Singers must perform live—no lip-syncing or auto-tune allowed. Only six people can be on stage at once, including singers and dancers.
When and Where to Watch
The final show happens on Saturday, May 17, at the St Jakobshalle arena in Basel. It starts at 8 PM British Summer Time and will be on TV and online. Graham Norton will host the live broadcast. You can also listen on the radio, with hosts Scott Mills and Rylan Clark. Inside the arena, other presenters will share the live experience with the audience.
Who’s Competing?
This year, 37 countries take part. Montenegro is back after missing last year, while Moldova withdrew due to money and travel problems. Australia, though far from Europe, joins every year since 2015 because it was invited for the contest’s 60th anniversary. Israel also competes because it is part of the broadcasting group behind Eurovision.
Russia remains banned due to its actions in Ukraine.
Why Switzerland?
Switzerland hosts Eurovision because its singer, Nemo, won the contest last year with the song "The Code." Nemo will perform again this year as a guest, despite saying last year’s contest did not support artists enough. This is the third time Switzerland hosts Eurovision. The Swiss entry this year is Zoë Më with her song "Voyage."
Who Makes the Final?
Five countries—called the "big five"—automatically enter the final because they give more money to the contest. These are the UK, Italy, Spain, France, and Germany. Switzerland also gets a spot as last year’s winner.
Other countries must qualify through semi-finals held on May 13 and 15. From the first semi-final, 10 countries qualified, including Sweden, Ukraine, and the Netherlands. The second semi-final will decide the last 10 finalists.
Meet the UK’s Entry
The UK is represented by Remember Monday, a country-pop trio made up of Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull, and Charlotte Steele. They will sing "What The Hell Just Happened." The band formed in school and appeared on a popular TV singing show in 2019. Two members also performed in famous West End musicals.
Remember Monday hopes to do better than the UK’s recent entries, which did not rank highly.
Controversy Around Israel’s Entry
Israel’s contestant this year is Yuval Raphael. Her participation has caused debate because more than 70 former Eurovision singers called for Israel to be banned over political reasons. Eurovision says it stays non-political. Yuval Raphael expects some boos during her performance but says she is ready.
How Voting Works
During the final, each country gives two sets of points: one from a jury and one from viewers. Fans can vote by phone, text, or app but cannot vote for their own country. The top song gets 12 points, second gets 10, and others get fewer points. Viewers from non-participating countries also get a combined vote.
Eurovision 2025 promises to be an exciting night of music, drama, and surprises.
