First Eurovision semi-final kicks off as Netherlands returns after controversy
Rumours have been swirling that Eurovision icon Celine Dion might grace the stage again, as Switzerland gears up for the celebration, promising a festive food and drink street, 250 hours of thrilling live music, and the much-anticipated Eurovision Village.
Their selection for 2025 is Basel-born songbird Zoe Me, who penned Voyage in Scotland, collaborating with Scottish songstress and ex-X Factor contender Ili, real name Emily Middlemas, and Theo Adams, the creative mastermind behind Olly Alexander's mesmerising Dizzy act in 2024.
In conversation with PA, Me expressed her aspiration to be a "good host". She said, "the main goal for me is reaching people's hearts and maybe changing their lives for the better" through the power of her songs.
The Netherlands will be back for the Eurovision semi-final tonight after their act was kicked out of the competition just days before the final last year.
Dutch artist Joost Klein was disqualified after Swedish police began an investigation into a complaint of "threatening" behaviour made by a female member of the production crew after an incident following his performance during the semi-final.
The investigation was later closed by Swedish prosecution authorities.
This year, The Netherlands are being represented by Claude, who will perform the song 'C'est La Vie'.
This year, former Eurovision stars including Ireland's victor Charlie McGettigan and the UK's Mae Muller, who finished second to last in 2023, have penned a letter demanding a ban on Israel's public broadcaster Kan, accusing Israel of committing "genocide" in Palestine.
Just last week, Irish demonstrators, including The Crying Game actor Stephen Rea, advocated for an RTE boycott of the event. The Irish broadcaster has reached out to the EBU for a broader discussion about Israel's participation.
Meanwhile, approximately 1,300 police officers are expected to be on duty in Basel this week, bolstered by additional forces from the Swiss Armed Forces, federal police and neighbouring countries – Germany and France.
The Basel for Palestine activists displayed Palestinian flags near the Eurovision opening event, the Turquoise Carpet, on Sunday. More protests are planned for Saturday in the city centre at 7pm as the activists protest against Israel's controversial participation in the competition.
Among the favourites to win this year include a group from Finland's Swedish-speaking minority who will be representing Sweden.
The group, KAJ, will perform their upbeat comical song Bara Bada Bastu is inspired by Nordic sauna culture. It will even mark the first time since the 90s that Sweden enters a song in Swedish.
Other contenders include Dutch entry Claude Kiambe's C'est La Vie, Austrian singer JJ's Wasted Love, and French singer Louane's ballad Maman.
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