Latest news with #Nepartezpassansmoi
Mint
18-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
Eurovision 2025: Austria's JJ triumphs at 69th edition in Switzerland with haunting ballad ‘Wasted Love'
JJ of Austria was crowned the winner of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, held in Basel's St. Jakobshalle arena, marking an emotional victory for the singer and a triumphant return of the contest to its birthplace. The Austrian artist moved audiences with his haunting, falsetto-laced ballad 'Wasted Love,' which he reprised in a celebratory encore performance enhanced by a techno remix. Visibly overwhelmed as confetti rained down, JJ teared up during his acceptance, exclaiming in disbelief at the result. The competition saw intense fluctuations during the national jury voting — which accounts for 50% of the overall vote — with Austria and host nation Switzerland repeatedly swapping the top position. While Sweden, Finland and France had been considered frontrunners, Israel unexpectedly surged ahead with a staggering 297 viewer votes, briefly overtaking the favourites. However, Austria ultimately secured victory with a 79-point lead. In a surprising turn, Switzerland received zero points from the public vote. Featuring entries from 37 countries, this year's Eurovision continued its tradition of show-stopping performances filled with elaborate lighting, vibrant choreography, and theatrical staging. The grand final followed semi-finals that began on 13 May and opened with a pre-recorded message from 1988 winner Céline Dion, who celebrated the 'beautiful' return of the contest to Switzerland. Dion, who won for Switzerland with 'Ne partez pas sans moi,' made her first virtual appearance at Eurovision since revealing in 2022 her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome, a rare neurological condition. The modern-day spectacle, now broadcast globally and streamed live in the United States via Peacock since 2021, maintains its ethos of inclusivity and creativity. Director Martin Green praised the host city's efforts to embrace the contest's roots: 'They've closed streets. They've got a brilliant [Eurovision] village. I think there's going to be a real party atmosphere – they've really lent into Switzerland being where the first Eurovision Song Contest was staged. So, it's come home.' Yet, this year's edition was not without controversy. Irish broadcaster RTÉ called for a discussion regarding Israel's participation amid the ongoing war in Gaza. Over 70 former Eurovision artists also signed an open letter demanding Israel's removal from the competition. In response to the decision to retain Israel as a participant, Green stated, 'If we see people gathered on stage through song, perhaps it is a reminder that it is possible to get along. That may be a romantic vision, but it's one I believe. I've worked on Olympics and major sporting events, and I do believe that there needs to be that space to show that another way is possible.' Eurovision, which began in 1956 under the guidance of Swiss television executive Marcel Bezençon, returned to Switzerland this year for the first time since its inception — a full-circle moment for what has become one of the world's most beloved musical competitions.
Winnipeg Free Press
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Winnipeg Free Press
BBC report of Céline Dion's jet landing in Basel fuels Eurovision excitement
TORONTO – Rumours that Céline Dion might swoop into Switzerland for the Eurovision Song Contest reached new heights today. BBC News reports that the Quebec superstar's private jet was spotted on the tarmac in Basel, the Swiss city hosting this year's televised pop song competition. It's unclear whether she was aboard, but several recent media reports have suggested Dion would appear at the Grand Final on Saturday Some have speculated she may sing, or she could just be celebrated in the country she helped win the Eurovision prize early in her career. Dion won the 1988 contest representing Switzerland with the song 'Ne partez pas sans moi,' an experience she's credited with helping to propel her career. But the singer's appearance this year has been less certain due to her ongoing battle with stiff person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder that causes sudden and severe muscle spasms. She's played with fan expectations in recent weeks, posting photos on her Instagram of her past Eurovision experiences, and recording a message that aired during Tuesday's first semifinal where she apologized for not being present. 'I'd love nothing more than to be with you in Basel right now,' she told the crowd before former Eurovision contestants took the stage to perform a cover of her winning song. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. 'Switzerland will forever hold a special place in my heart.' This report by The Canadian Press was first published May 16, 2025.
Daily Mirror
15-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Remember Monday star fights tears live on air ahead of Eurovision semi-final
With just days to go until the Eurovision final, Richard Arnold headed to Basel with Good Morning Britain. This morning he was talking to UK hopefuls Remember Monday, and things got emotional for member Charlotte as the host surprised her with a heart warming video. Charlotte, who is a former deputy head of sixth form, was seen fighting tears as Richard showed her a video of her students singing their Eurovision final song What The Hell Just Happened? Halfway through the interview, Richard said: "Charlotte, we've got a special message for you," as Charlotte responded: "I was a deputy head of a Sixth Form and they are like my second family, they're amazing!" Richard then responded: "Well if you look at this I think you'll feel that they feel the same." The GMB host then played a video of a number of students singing their hit song, What The Hell Just Happened? in a choir, as Charlotte was seen fighting back tears. "Awww, I just love them, look at them!" she gushed. "I hope that I inspire them by doing this. I love them!" Elsewhere in the interview, the girls announced they were feeling anxious ahead of Saturday night's grand final. "Today is the first time we've felt a little bit anxious because it's real now!" Despite not competing in tonight's semi-final, will mark the first performance on the Eurovision stage from the band, as a preview of what's to come on Saturday. The first semi-final, which took place on Tuesday saw ten acts progressing to the final. Kyle Alessandro (Norway), Shkodra Elektronike (Albania), KAJ (Sweden), VÆB (Iceland), Claude (Netherlands), Justyna Steczkowska (Poland), Gabry Ponte (San Marino), Tommy Cash (Estonia), NAPA (Portugal) and Ziferblat (Ukraine) all made it through. However, it meant Klemen (Slovenia), Red Sebastian (Belgium), Mamagama (Azerbaijan), Marko Bošnjak (Croatia) and Theo Evan (Cyprus) didn't qualify, and won't be performing during Saturday's final. Elsewhere, fans were overjoyed during the semi-final when they were surprised with a message from superstar Celine Dion. The star, who won Eurovision for Switzerland in 1988, shared a message prior to a special performance of her winning song Ne partez pas sans moi by other artists. The singer told fans that her experience in the contest had been "life-changing moment" and she shared: "I'd love nothing more to be with you."
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Celine Dion, 57, Makes Unexpected Appearance Amid Life-Changing Health Struggles
Since she was diagnosed with Stiff Person Syndrome several years ago, Celine Dion has stayed mostly out of the spotlight — so it was a big surprise when she made a video appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland this week. In a video shared to YouTube by the BBC, Dion, 57, who won Eurovision for Switzerland in 1988 with 'Ne partez pas sans moi," could be seen addressing the audience from a large video screen at the back of the stage. 'Dear Eurovision family and contestants. I'd love nothing more than to be with you in Basel right now," the Grammy winner began. "Switzerland will forever hold a special place in my heart," she continued. "It's a 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 was a life-changing moment for me and I'm so thankful for everyone who supported me.' Dion went on to say that it was "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," she added. Dion also included a special message in French, saying, 'Music unites us, not only this evening, not only at the moment. Wonderful. It is our strength, our support and our support in the moments where we need it. I love you all, Europe and the rest of the world, of course. Kisses, I love you.' As CNN reported, Dion announced she would be taking a career hiatus following her 2022 diagnosis with Stiff Person Syndrome, a rare neurological disorder. Fans were thrilled last summer when she performed at the Olympic closing ceremony, which sparked rumors that she might appear in person at this year's Eurovision contest; however, her video message was still a big hit with viewers. "I just love her," one person commented on the above YouTube video, with others calling the clip "amazing" and "elegant."
Daily Mirror
13-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mirror
Eurovision fans emotional as they predict Celine Dion twist ahead of grand final
Celine Dion made a cameo during the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 tonight in a video message amid speculation she will return for the grand final A special message was shared for fans of the Eurovision Song Contest by Celine Dion in the first semi-final this week. The singer shared her pride over having once won the contest in the video, which left some fans emotional. There has been speculation that Celine, 57, could perform in the grand final of the contest in Basel, Switzerland, on Saturday. It would mark her return to Eurovision after taking her career to new heights when she won the international competition with the Ne partez pas sans moi in 1988. Celine was representing Switzerland when she won more than 30 years ago. That marked the last time that the country, which has won three times overall, topped the leaderboard prior to Nemo's victory with the Code last year. She's enjoyed a successful career since competing in the contest but has taken a step back from performing since announcing in 2022 that she'd been diagnosed with stiff-person syndrome (SPS) in 2022. It's described as a rare neurological disorder, with symptoms said to include muscle stiffness and spasms. She however made a 'comeback' at the Olympics in Paris last year, where she performed on top of the Eiffel Tower. Organisers of this year's Eurovision in Switzerland paid tribute to Celine tonight whilst celebrating their own history in the contest. Fans were also treated to a video message from Celine, which appeared to have been pre-recorded. Celine said in the short video: "Dear Eurovision family and contestants, I'd love nothing more than to be with you in Basel right now. Switzerland will forever hold a special place in my heart. It's a 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 was a life-changing moment for me, and I'm so thankful for everyone who supported me. Now, 37 years later, 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." Celine's message was followed by a cover of her winning song by Jerry Heil, iolanda, Marina Satti and Silvester Belt, who all competed in Eurovision last year. It was among the performances during the interval in the first semi-final. Some fans shared that they were emotional after seeing the video message tonight. One person wrote on X: "Why am I genuinely crying at Celine." Another said: "Aw Celine Dion. I'm not crying, you are." A third wrote on the platform: "Oh I'm getting emotional watching the Celine Dion message." One person said: "Not me starting to sob when Celine Dion's message started." Another wrote: "Celine Dion's message made me cry." A sixth said: "Celine Dion's recorded message for everyone was very heartfelt. Thank you [Celine]." There's still speculation that Celine could appear in the grand final following the message. One fan wrote: "Celine is so performing in the final like its so obvious." Another viewer said: "Celine will be in the final trust #Eurovision2025." One post on the platform this evening read: "Important note: Celine Dion says 'I'd have loved nothing more than to be with you in Basel right now', but does not expressly say she won't be performing this year as has been reported. Not saying that she *will*, but I think the jury is still out." Others shared hope that it's a possibility. One fan said: "Would it be possible that Céline Dion could be doing a special appearance in the Grand Final? I still have hopes." Someone else said: "What an amazing nod to Celine Dion, here's hoping she can make it for the final on Saturday." Another questioned: "Anyone still reckon Celine Dion is actually gonna be there on Saturday night?" Even before the video message aired there was speculation that it's a build-up to her return. One fan wrote this morning: "Is there any chance the Celine Dion video is a red herring and she may still appear in person during the final?" Another said: "I think it's now more likely that #Celine will appear in person in grand final." They added: "If a video message was her contribution to ESC Basel, they wouldn't use it at a Tuesday semi-final - they would keep it for Saturday." The sentiment was reflected by fans this evening, with one writing: "Weird that the Celine Dion message is shown during the semi-final and not the final." Another said similarly: "Thought they'd have saved CELINE DION for the grand final." Not everyone seemed convinced that Celine will make another appearance though. One person wrote: "Sorry, no Celine Dion performance. But at least we get this video message." Another said: "Aww, they got Celine - even if it's only via video. Nice." As reported by PA earlier today, amid reports of her video message surfacing in advance, which appeared to rule out a return, a spokesperson for Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR said: "All elements of the first semi-final show were played through and rehearsed intensively. There are currently no changes regarding Celine Dion - we are still in close contact with her." Eurovision continues on Thursday night with the second semi-final at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The grand final will then be broadcast on Saturday from 8pm.
