Latest news with #JustynaSteczkowska
Wales Online
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Eurovision 2025 fans say 'welcome back Katy Perry' after act's performance
Eurovision 2025 fans say 'welcome back Katy Perry' after act's performance Poland's Justyna Steczkowska took the stage in Basel, Switzerland for this year's Eurovision Song Contest, with many viewers feeling she looks and sounds like Katy Perry Poland's entrant, the esteemed Justyna Steczkowska, caught the attention of many, appearing onstage at the impressive age of 52 (Image: Eurovision on YouTube ) Eurovision 2025 saw viewers enthusiastically greeting Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, with comments spreading across social media saying it was as if Katy Perry herself had made a comeback during the Grand Final. The night in Basel, Switzerland, was full of excitement, with 26 countries performing at St Jakobshalle, all vying for the prestigious glass microphone award. This time, it was Remember Monday flying the flag for the UK with their catchy song What The Hell Just Happened, eliciting a strong buzz across the internet. Eurovision is known not just for its diverse musical showcase but also for turning audiences worldwide into one-night-only music critics, with BBC's commentator Graham Norton leading the charge. Social media platforms were awash with memes and comments, and unsurprisingly, the Eurovision hashtag shot to number one on X, reports the Manchester Evening News. Amidst the array of performances, Poland's entrant, the esteemed Justyna Steczkowska, caught the attention of many, appearing onstage at the impressive age of 52. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter . Justyna, with her extensive music career totting up 19 studio albums and more than 200 recorded songs, took to the stage with her track, Gaja. A particular highlight was when The Voice of Poland judge soared into the air via a harness in a memorable finale to her act. Get all the latest Eurovision 2025 updates here. Article continues below Viewers couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance between Justyna and American singer Katy Perry, both in appearance and musical vibe. X erupted with commentary on the likeness, suggesting Justyna almost channelled Katy Perry, who is, of course, famed for her extraterrestrial-themed travels. @justmase posted: "Katy Perry putting a shift in at Eurovision after landing back from Space #Eurovision." @ant_vore added to the conversation: "Poland thinks shes Katy Perry #eurovision". Justyna Steczkowska representing Poland performing during the rehearsal ahead of Semi Final Round 1 of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest Opening Ceremony at Messe Basel (Image: Getty Images ) @iamantartide remarked: "Close enough, welcome back Katy Perry from Poland #Eurovision2025 #Eurovision." @MDNAsTTPD expressed their bewilderment: "why do people think katy is at the eurovision finale? she's in vegas." @Flanas07 shared their admiration: "Justyna Steczkowska, First of Her Name, Mother of Dragons, Queen of Poland, Conqueror of the Eurovision Stage." @Krm_H67 praised the performer: "The way this 52-year old woman (! ) did an entire workout on stage and still managed to deliver a vocally flawless performance is so ICONIC!". Article continues below Justyna Steczkowska is gracing the Eurovision stage for the second time, having first represented Poland in 1995 where she finished 18th.
The Sun
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Eurovision 2025 Fan reaction to UK act Remember Monday, plus calls for an ‘offensive' act to be disqualified
France is up now - and counting this, only three acts remain in tonight's contest. An incredible moment has seen a stadium filled with thousands of people sing along to iconic song Waterloo. The classic track was released by ABBA in 1974. Hot favourites Sweden - represented by KAJ - performed " Bara bada bastu " . Graham Norton declared the act "might be our winner." Sissal represented their nation with track Hallucination. One fan wrote: "In a fair world, Denmark would win and have a global smash song with this absolute BOP." Another added:" Dare i say that Denmark had one of the best vocals of the night so far." Representing this year's host Switzerland is Zoë Më with track Voyage. As Graham Norton mentioned, the act is especially local as Zoë is from Basel. One viewer commented on X: "Switzerland is so romantic." Another shared: "Switzerland has the voice of an angel." Klavidia took to the stage for Greece with track Asteromata . The performance featured an incredible costume change from long black dress to a constrasting white dress. One fan commented on X: "What a moment. What a voice. What a soul. Klavdia, you already won us!" Abor and Tynna flew the flag for Germany with the song Bonna. In his commentary, Graham Norton branded the act as the "best German entry for a long time." Justyna Steczkowska took to the stage with track Gaja. One fan wrote: " Poland is a vibe. I'm enjoying the staging for this one and her outfit is fab #Eurovision ." Another commented: "The outfit is wild, the song is so dull and basic." Finland's entrant Erika Vikman performed Ich komme - and fans online had a lot to say. One wrote: "idk what erika is saying but GO AWFF QUEEN." Another added: "Finland more like WIN-land!! On ya Erika ya b****y legend!" While a third shared: "And Finland gets my vote #Eurovision." An important voting rule for Eurovision 2025 states you cannot vote for your own country. Voting is open to viewers in all participating countries, as well as the 'Rest of the World' — i.e. non-participating countries. UK's act - girlband Remember Monday performed What the Hell Just Happened? It comes as the trio's result was "revealed" just hours before the final. Show co-host and Eurovision alum Sandra Studer is treating the audience to a performance. She represented Switzerland in 1991, placing fifth place at the time. Sandra quipped, "31 years and four kids ago." Spanish singer-songwriter Melody is representing her nation by performing Esa diva. Graham Norton noted Spain last won the Eurovision Song Contest in 1969 - could this be their year? Alternative rock band Katarsis are representing Lithuania in this year's final. Could the song Tavo akys secure victory for the group? Representing Israel is Yuval Raphael with New Day Will Rise. Following this performance, commentator Graham Norton noted it was a "mixed response" in the crowd. Rapper and singer Tommy Cash is singing Espresso Macchiato for Estonia's entry. Is anyone else craving coffee now? Luxembourg's Laura Thorn has taken to the stage with La poupée monte le son . One fan wrote on X: "I don't understand french at all but this is catchy." First up is Kyle Alessandro for Norway - singing "Lighter". At just 19, he's the youngest performer in tonight's line-up. One fan wrote on X: " Ooo I like Norway's entry #Eurovision ." Another shared: " Norway's song is so kpop coded #Eurovision ." There are some important rules to keep in mind when voting in Eurovision 2025: You cannot vote for your own country's entry Each person is allowed to vote up to 20 times, but only once per act per voting method Voting is open to viewers in all participating countries, as well as the 'Rest of the World' — i.e. non-participating countries In the Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final, all participating countries are eligible to vote, not only those competing in the final itself Votes from the Rest of the World are aggregated and count as one additional set of points. Tonight's hosts are here! Hazel Brugger, Sandra Studer and Michelle Hunziker have come on stage to start off the show. The traditional flag parade introduces all 26 finalists who will be performing! They are all introduced in the order they'll be performing.
News.com.au
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- News.com.au
Sweden, Ukraine and the Netherlands qualify for Eurovision final
Sweden, Ukraine and the Netherlands have qualified for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest. Dutch act Claude Kiambe, 21, went through with his track C'est La Vie, a blend of English and French that promotes a message of dealing with life as it is, as did current favourites KAJ with the Swedish song Bara Bada Bastu, about Nordic sauna culture. The first semi-final of the 2025 contest, taking place in Basel, Switzerland where the competition began in Lugano in 1956, also saw Estonia's Tommy Cash with the silly Espresso Macchiato, which referenced typical Italian phrases, as well as Poland's Justyna Steczkowska with her dramatic Gaja progress.
BBC News
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Eurovision 2025: Céline Dion makes rare appearance as five countries are kicked out
Céline Dion made a rare appearance during the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest with a brief, pre-recorded star won the contest for Switzerland in 1988, and it had been rumoured she would take the stage as the ceremony returns to the country this year. "I'd love nothing more than to be with you," she said in a video, apparently ruling out that possibility. "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."The semi-final saw 10 acts qualify for Saturday's grand finale, including Swedish entrants KAJ, whose song Bara Bada Bastu is the runaway favourite. Their song, an accordion-led comedy number whose title translates to "let's take a sauna", has a 40% chance of winning, according to bookmakers. If the prediction comes true, it would be Sweden's eighth Eurovision title - making them the most victorious country in the contest's history (they are currently tied with Ireland, on seven wins each).Fifteen acts performed at Tuesday's semi-final in Basel's St Jakobshalle. These are the ones who made the Kyle Alessandro – LighterAlbania: Shkodra Elektronike – ZjermSweden: KAJ – Bara Bada BastuIceland: VÆB – RÓANetherlands: Claude – C'est La ViePoland: Justyna Steczkowska – GAJASan Marino: Gabry Ponte – Tutta L'ItaliaEstonia: Tommy Cash – Espresso MacchiatoPortugal: NAPA – DeslocadoUkraine: Ziferblat – Bird of PrayThat means that the Eurovision dreams of Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia and Slovenia have all ended for 2025. Of those, the biggest surprise was Belgium's Red Sebastian, whose rave anthem Strobe Lights had been predicted to finish among the top five. His disqualification came on the day of his 26th more acts will progress to the main competition after Thursday's second semi-final. The "Big Five" countries, who contribute the most financially to the competition (France, Germany, Spain, the UK and Italy) qualify automatically, as do last year's winners, Switzerland. Dion's video message came during the ceremony's interval, as votes were being she was unable to be there in person, it was a coup for organisers. The singer has stepped away from the limelight in recent years due to health issues related to stiff-person syndrome (SPS), a neurological condition that causes muscle spasms and makes it difficult for her to a four-year break, she made an emotional comeback at last summer's Paris Olympics, singing Edith Piaf's classic Hymne à l'Amour from the Eiffel Tower. Speculation over a potential Eurovision appearance has been mounting since Swiss singer Nemo won the 2024 her video, Dion said it was "beautiful and emotional" to see the young singer lift the trophy, and recalled that her victory in 1988 "was a life-changing moment for me". "To the people of Switzerland, thank you for your love," she continued. "This night is yours and I hope you feel as proud as I do."After repeating her message in French, several former Eurovision contestants appeared on stage to cover Dion's winning song from 1988, Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi (Don't Leave Without Me).However, organisers said they had not given up hope of the star appearing at the final this weekend. "We are still in close contact with her," they said in a statement. Tuesday's semi-final opened with Icelandic group VÆB, two brothers with the unregulated energy of former Irish entrants Jedward. They were followed by Polish star Justyna Steczkowska, who hung precariously above the stage on two ropes, as she sang her witchy hymn to mother earth, acrobatics continued with Slovenian musician Klemen, who was suspended upside down during his ballad How Much Time Do We Have Left?The song was a tribute to his wife, who has recently recovered from cancer, but the emotional performance wasn't enough to clinch him a position in the a lighter note was Estonia's Tommy Cash, whose quirky anthem Espresso Macchiato was interrupted by a "stage invader" - actually a dancer who replicated his noodle-limbed dance moves. The arena was awash with Ukranian flags for Ziferblat, whose prog-pop anthem Bird Of Pray is a message of hope and resilience to families separated by the country's ongoing war with Lucio Corsi brought 70s glam rock vibes with his track Volevo Esse Un Duro, which even featured a visual call-back to David Bowie and Mick Ronson's iconic 1972 performance of Starman on Top Of The singer Marko Bošnjak was all black eyeliner and sinister energy for his kill-your-enemies anthem Poison Cake, while Dutch singer Claude took the opposite approach, brimming with positivity throughout his upbeat performance of C'est La Swiss singer Zoë Më was bathed in a sea of mobile phone lights as she performed Voyage , an understated and rather beautiful plea for kindness and understanding. However, KAJ were the artists to beat - with the entire audience stomping along to their goofy sauna anthem ("Damn it, turn up the heat!")The song, performed in the Vörå dialect, is a radical departure from Sweden's tried and tested formula of slick pop anthems. It was the surprise winner at the Melodifestivalen, the hotly-contested show that selects the country's Eurovision entry, and has gone on to top the Swedish pop charts for 11 to the BBC, the band - who are actually from the Swedish-speaking part of Finland - said it was strange to enter the contest as the presumed favourite."We are feeling the pressure a bit," they admitted, "but we're gonna go out there, have fun, bring the steam, bring the sauna culture, and we'll see how far it goes."
Time of India
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Eurovision 2025 Semi-Finals: Schedule, lineups, how and where to watch
The first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 began in Switzerland's Basel on Tuesday, May 13. A total of 37 countries are performing in the two-part semi-finals, with the next one scheduled for Thursday, May 15. According to BBC, the top 10 countries from each of the two semi-finals will reach the Eurovision Grand Final, which will take place on Saturday, May 17. In the highly-anticipated finals, a total of 26 countries will perform, looking forward to the Eurovision 2025 champion. Among these are the Big Five nations -- France, Germany, Italy, the UK, and Spain. They already have a guaranteed spot in the finals. Apart from them, host country Switzerland is also up in competition due to Nemo's victory during last year's event. Eurovision 2025: First semi-final order As per the official details, the running order for the first semi-finals is as follows: 1. RÓA (VÆB, Iceland) 2. GAJA (Justyna Steczkowska, Poland) Live Events 3. How Much Time Do We Have Left (Klemen, Slovenia) 4. Espresso Macchiato (Tommy Cash, Estonia) ESA DIVA (Melody, Spain) 5. Bird of Pray (Ziferblat, Ukraine) 6. Bara Bada Bastu (KAJ, Sweden) 7. Deslocado (NAPA, Portugal) 8. Lighter (Kyle Alessandro, Norway) 9. Strobe Lights (Red Sebastian, Belgium) Volevo Essere Un Duro (Lucio Corsi, Italy) 10. Run With U (Mamagama, Azerbaijan) 11. Tutta L'Italia (Gabry Ponte, San Marino) 12. Zjerm (Shkodra Elektronike, Albania) 13. C'est La Vie (Claude, Netherlands) 14. Poison Cake (Marko Bošnjak, Croatia) Voyage (Zoë Më, Switzerland) 15. Shh (Theo Evan, Cyprus) Also Read : Cannes film festival 2025 update: Do not miss these top 10 must-watch movies this year Eurovision 2025: First semi-final schedule The first semi-finals went underway at 8 PM (local time) on May 13. It is on iPlayer and BBC One as well as Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. Three among them (Italy, Spain and Switzerland) are automatically qualified for the finals round. Eurovision 2025: Second Semi-Final order The second semi-final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 will be from 8 PM onwards on May 15. The running order is as follows: 1. Milkshake Man (Go-Jo, Australia) 2. Dobrodošli (Nina Žižić, Montenegro) 3. Laika Party (EMMY, Ireland) 4. Bur Man Laimi (Tautumeitas, Latvia) 5. SURVIVOR (PARG, Armenia) 6. Wasted Love (JJ, Austria) What The Hell Just Happened? (Remember Monday, UK) 7. Asteromáta (Klavdia, Greece) 8. Tavo Akys (Katarsis, Lithuania) 9. SERVING (Miriana Conte, Malta) 10. Freedom (Mariam Shengelia, Georgia) maman (Louane, France) 11. Hallucination (Sissal, Denmark) 12. Kiss Kiss Goodbye (ADONXS, Czechia) 13. La Poupée Monte Le Son (Laura Thorn, Luxembourg) 14. New Day Will Rise (Yuval Raphael, Israel) Baller (Abor & Tynna, Germany) 15. Mila (Princ, Serbia) 16. ICH KOMME (Erika Vikman, Finland) Out of these, three countries (France, Germany and the UK) have already made it to the finals. Also Read : Oswaldo Cabrera injury update: Will New York Yankees' baseman play this season? In recent times, there have been multiple protests regarding Israel's participation. From the country, Yuval Raphael, who is a survivor of the October 7, 2023 attack, is scheduled to sing. FAQs 1. Who are the presenters for the semi-finals of Eurovision 2025? Eurovision experts Rylan and Scott Mills are doing commentary for the semi-finals. 2. Who are the hosts for Eurovision Song Contest 2025? In the finals, hosts Hazel Brugger, Michelle Hunziker and Sandra Studer will present the event.
