Eurovision 2025: Lust, opera and political tensions collide as Austria, Finland and Israel secure final spots
BASEL, May 16 — Austria's operatic JJ, Israel's competitor Yuval Raphael and Finland's leather-clad lust queen made it through to the Eurovision Song Contest final after wowing TV viewers with their performances yesterday.
Sixteen countries battled in the second semi-final for the last 10 places in tomorrow's showpiece final.
Yesterday's event brought more of the drama and kitsch that the world's biggest live television music event is used to.
Austria, Israel and Finland were the bookmakers' favourites to qualify from the show in St Jakobshalle arena in Basel, and voters across Europe and beyond duly sent them into to the final, when 160 million to 200 million TV viewers are expected to tune in.
Armenia, Denmark, Greece, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg and Malta also made it through.
French-Australian singer Marty Zambotto known as Go-Jo representing Australia with the song 'Milkshake Man' performs during the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, at the St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel May 15, 2025. — AFP pic
Australian social media powerhouse Go-Jo opened yesterday's show with Milkshake Man, a song dripping in innuendo and 1970s glam vibes.
But there was a shock as he crashed out, as did competitors from the Czech Republic, Georgia, Ireland, Montenegro and Serbia.
Erika Vikman, representing Finland, performs 'ICH KOMME', during the second semi-final of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel May 15, 2025. — Reuters pic
'Ich Komme'
Austria's JJ performed Wasted Love, a personal song of unrequited emotions which combined high-pitched operatic vocals and modern beats.
'I was excited, I was also in my feels, feeling everything that we wrote, all of the emotions that we had in the song, and just very happy to have finally performed in front of Europe,' he said.
Finland's Erika Vikman has been gaining momentum during Eurovision week and closed yesterday's show in memorable fashion with Ich Komme.
The leather-clad performer's raunchy song is about falling into the trance of lust — and finished with the singer riding a golden microphone suspended in the air.
And as she awaited the viewers' verdict, she tried a Swiss fondue, dripping hot melted cheese on the floor.
Maltese diva Miriana Conte's performance of Serving featured a giant pair of lips, a glitter ball, furs and fans, and ended with her bouncing around on a rubber ball.
Georgia's Mariam Shengelia brought snow queen vibes to her dramatic ballad Freedom.
But it was not enough to see her through.
Israeli singer Yuval Raphael representing Israel with the song 'New Day Will Rise' performs during the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, at the St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel May 15, 2025. — AFP pic
Protests over Israel's participation
Israel's participation in Eurovision 2025 has drawn protests over the war in Gaza.
Raphael survived the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the Gaza war, hiding beneath bodies as Hamas gunmen attacked a music festival, killing hundreds.
'The second I went on stage, I saw a few friends of mine in the audience and my heart just went silent, and I'm like, 'just enjoy: you have one of the most incredible experiences in life; just enjoy the moment'. And that's what I did,' she said.
Protesters hold Palestinian flags as they march on the day of the dress rehearsal 2 for the second semi-final of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, May 14, 2025. — Reuters pic
Outside the arena, dozens of protesters milled about on Thursday with Palestinian flags on their shoulders.
Elsewhere in Basel, dozens attended a rally in support of Raphael, waving large Israeli flags.
At the final dress rehearsal, six demonstrators who disrupted Raphael's performance with oversized flags and whistles were ejected, the host broadcaster said.
A fan wearing fantasy glasses attends the second semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, at the St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel May 15, 2025. — AFP pic
Hot pink and sequins
Some 6,500 hyped-up Eurovision fans filled the arena, dressed to the nines in leopard print, sequinned dresses and even hot-pink zebra stripes.
Austrian fan Marcel Fina said JJ had every chance to win the final.
'Definitely, it's a very good song. It's unique, it's special, that's what you need for Eurovision. He sings incredibly, and we have very good chances this year,' he told AFP.
Twenty-six countries will take part in Saturday's show.
Sweden are the overall hot favourites to win Eurovision, followed by Austria, then Netherlands, France, Finland and Israel, according to the bookmakers.
Comedy trio KAJ — from Finland but representing Sweden — are making their competitors sweat with their song Bara Bada Bastu, about the joys of having a sauna.
They came through Tuesday's first semi-final, as did Estonia's Tommy Cash with his Italian-accented Espresso Macchiato and Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, who first appeared at Eurovision in 1995. — AFP
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Malay Mail
3 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Clint Eastwood slams Austrian paper for publishing ‘entirely phony' 95th birthday interview
VIENNA, June 4 — An Austrian newspaper came under fire yesterday after Hollywood star Clint Eastwood said an alleged interview with him published by the paper to mark his 95th birthday was 'entirely phony'. The row was sparked by a purported interview with the Oscar-winning actor and director carried by the German-language Kurier newspaper Friday. In the interview, which was picked up widely by American media over the weekend, Eastwood criticises a lack of fresh ideas in the current film industry as 'we live in an era of remakes and franchises'. 'I long for the good old days when screenwriters wrote films like 'Casablanca' in small bungalows on the studio lot. When everyone had a new idea,' he was quoted as saying. 'My philosophy is, do something new or stay at home,' it adds. In a statement to Deadline magazine published Monday, Eastwood said 'I thought I would set the record straight'. 'I can confirm I've turned 95. I can also confirm that I never gave an interview to an Austrian publication called Kurier, or any other writer in recent weeks, and that the interview is entirely phony,' he added. On Tuesday evening, the editorial team of the Vienna-based Kurier said its freelancer Elisabeth Sereda had compiled the interview by citing from 'a total of 18' round table conversations with Eastwood. But since the article was published as an interview and not as a profile, the daily said it would cut ties with the author. 'Even though no quotes have been fabricated, the interviews are documented and the allegations of falsification can be refuted, we will not be working with the author in the future because transparency and our strict editorial standards are paramount to us,' Kurier said in a statement published on its website. The newspaper had recently published interviews by Sereda with celebrities such as Jude Law and Elton John. — AFP
Malay Mail
a day ago
- Malay Mail
Nicholas Saputra surprise, Siti Nurhaliza and Amy Search spotted in crowd as Melly Goeslaw dazzles at third Malaysia concert
KUALA LUMPUR, June 3 — Indonesian singer Melly Goeslaw's third concert in Malaysia in three years proved to be yet another resounding success. Some 6,000 fans turned up to watch her perform at her recent concert 'Ada Apa Dengan Melly...? Prom Nite' at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil here. They were there not just to watch Melly perform but to relive the magical moments of their youth through her songs which are synonymous with Indonesian film soundtracks. Known as Indonesia's Lady Gaga due to her unique fashion sense, Melly proved that music is more than mere entertainment — it is a language of emotion that unites two nations. Melly's opening number was 'Ku Bahagia', after which she took the audience on a journey through time, touching on themes of adolescence, first love and unrequited love. 'I'm grateful for this special opportunity and for being accepted by the Malaysian audience. Thank you for still listening to and feeling my music. Even though we speak different languages, we are united through the heart,' she said. As a tribute to her singer friends in Malaysia, Melly also performed a medley of iconic local songs such as 'Janji Manismu' (by Datuk Aishah), 'Aku Cinta Padamu' (Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza) and 'Isabella' (Search), creating a deeply meaningful moment. In a touching display of support, Siti Nurhaliza and Datuk Amy Search, who were both seated among the audience, rose to their feet and sang along with Melly. National songstress Datuk Seri Siti Nurhaliza (right) and legendary rock singer Datuk Amy Search (left) also graced the 'Ada Apa Dengan Melly…? Prom Nite' concert by Indonesian music queen Melly Goeslaw at Axiata Arena Bukit Jalil last Saturday. — Bernama pic That magical moment became even more perfect with the appearance of Indonesian actor Nicholas Saputra, famed for his role as Rangga in the Indonesian film 'Ada Apa Dengan Cinta', who delivered a heartfelt poetry recital. In addition to melancholic ballads, Melly energised the crowd with upbeat numbers like 'Pencinta Wanita', 'Hey Ladies' and 'Tak Tahan Lagi', with the performance further enlivened by a special collaboration with rising Indonesian singer Dhinda Ghania. Popular Malaysian singer Aina Abdul also captivated the audience with her powerful solo performance of 'Cinta'. Throughout the two-and-a-half-hour concert, Melly, who is also a composer, appeared in four avant-garde outfits, each showcasing the bold and unique elements synonymous with the Indonesian diva. Towards the end of the concert, Melly shared a heartfelt wish: 'Allow me to keep coming here (to Malaysia) every year.' The concert was a fitting complement to the two concerts she had held in Malaysia previously — 'Ada Apa Dengan Melly (Back To School)' in 2023 and 'Ada Apa Dengan Melly & Friends (Malam Graduasi)' in 2024. — Bernama
Malay Mail
5 days ago
- Malay Mail
Fifth Harmony comeback soon? Report says reunion imminent but without Camila Cabello, documentary and tour in the works
LOS ANGELES, May 30 – American girl group Fifth Harmony is reportedly planning a reunion — minus original member Camila Cabello — The Hollywood Reporter wrote, citing sources. The group, formed in 2012 on The X Factor USA, is said to be preparing for a comeback involving Normani, Ally Brooke, Dinah Jane and Lauren Jauregui ahead of the 10th anniversary of their 2016 album 7/27 and hit single 'Work From Home'. Insiders revealed that the plans include a documentary chronicling their return and a potential tour, though specific dates and details remain under wraps. Fifth Harmony rose to fame with multi-platinum albums Reflection and 7/27, and scored massive hits with 'Work From Home' featuring Ty Dolla $ign and 'Worth It' featuring Kid Ink. Cabello departed the group in 2016 to pursue a solo career, relinquishing rights to the group name as the remaining members continued as a quartet and released a self-titled album in 2017. In 2018, the group went on indefinite hiatus to allow each member to focus on solo projects; they are no longer signed to Epic Records. Cabello has since achieved significant solo success with chart-toppers like 'Havana' and 'Señorita', while Normani has found acclaim with singles such as 'Motivation' and 'Love Lies'. Speculation about a reunion grew after all four members publicly supported Normani's debut album Dopamine last year, though reports at the time downplayed the rumours. The upcoming reunion is reportedly being spearheaded by Will Bracey, husband of Ally Brooke and COO of the Justin Bieber family office. Bracey has not commented on the matter, and representatives for Normani, Jane, and Jauregui could not be reached.
