Livid Eurovision fans rage after two countries 'robbed' of a place in Saturday's final - with results branded 'totally unfair'
Tuesday's Eurovision semi-final was as dramatic and entertaining as ever, with a host of talented artists flocking to Basel, Switzerland, to represent their respective countries.
There was a stage invader, a broadcasting malfunction and a wholesome appearance from Eurovision icon Celine Dion, 57, before 10 countries secured their place in Saturday's final.
The acts that qualified were Sweden, Norway, Albania, Iceland, Netherlands, Poland, San Marino, Estonia, Portugal and Ukraine - meaning countries such as Spain, Azerbaijan and Croatia missed out.
But in particular, Eurovision viewers were left gutted after Cyprus and Belgium were booted out of the competition.
The Belgian entry saw Red Sebastian dressed in an all red leather ensemble coordinated with the stage lights to sing the song Strobe Lights in a performance which left viewers impressed.
While Cyprus's representative Theo Evan performed Shh with fans praising the show's 'amazing stage' design.
And after the results were announced, viewers flocked to X to share their disappointment.
Belgium fans fumed: 'I try to be as objective as possible, but I genuinely can't find a single reason for why Belgium didn't qualify!?!?!?!?'
'NO WAY IS THIS A EUROVISION NON QUALIFIER???? JUSTICE FOR BELGIUM #Eurovision
'How did Belgium not make the final? I'm ANNOYED. ROBBED.'
While supporters of Theo Evan's performance for Cyprus argued: 'Ukraine and Portugal qualifying when Belgium and Cyprus didn't?! #Eurovision'
'HOW DID CYPRUS NQ? I WANT A RECOUNT NOW. THEY SHOULD BE IN THE FINAL #Eurovision #Eurovision2025'
'This is the worst Eurovision of the 2020s. Ever since juries were abolished in the semi finals, it's been nothing but a s** show. WE NEED THEM BACK!!!!'
'Cyprus was almost perfect! Amazing staging and performance with Theo and the backing dancers and Theo's vocals were good but he seemed to struggle with the long 'Hush' notes towards the end of his performance, I'll still be shocked if he doesn't qualify tho! #Eurovision2025'
At the end of the show, Celine Dion left fans in floods of tears as she made a rare appearance via video call.
The singer, 57, famously won the contest for Switzerland in 1988 with the winning number Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi.
And making an emotional return to the song contest, Celine shared some advice ahead of the anticipated final.
The songstress also seemingly ruled out an appearance in this year's final after speculation she would be performing amid her battle with stiff person syndrome.
She said: 'I'd love nothing more than to be with you. Switzerland will forever hold a special place in my heart.
'It's the country that believed in me and gave me the chance to be part of something so extraordinary.
'Winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 1988, it was a life-changing moment for me and I'm so thankful for everyone who supported me.
'Now, 37 years later, I know. It's so beautiful and emotional to see Switzerland winning and hosting this incredible event once again.
'To the people of Switzerland, thank you for your love. This night is yours and I hope you feel as proud as I do.'
The singer was diagnosed with the incurable stiff-person syndrome in December 2022.
She made her comeback at the 2024 Paris Olympics after fearing she would never perform again.
The rare disorder rare has side affects that appear as muscle spasms and can impact her singing ability.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the disease affects one to three people per million and ultimately leaves sufferers as 'human statues' as it progressively locks the body into rigid positions, leaving sufferers unable to walk or talk.
The star previously described the condition to NBC News as feeling like 'someone is strangling you,' pointing out the severe muscle spasms and rigidity the disorder causes.
Despite the All by Myself singer's obstacles, she remains committed to finding her way back to preforming — undergoing rigorous physical and vocal therapy five days a week.
At the time of her diagnosis, the star took to Instagram to address fans in a tearful Instagram post revealing that the incurable disease would postpone her European tour at the time.
She said in the clip, 'I've been dealing with problems with my health for a long time, and it has been really difficult for me to face my challenges and to talk about everything that I've been going through.
'Recently, I've been diagnosed with a very rare neurological disorder called the stiff person syndrome, which affects one in a million people.
'While we're still learning about this rare condition, we now know this is what's been causing all the spasms I've been having.'
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