Anticipation for the Last Installment of "Eurovision": Expatriate Representation from Russia, Flag Restrictions on Ukraine, and Intensified Anti-Russian Outbursts
Hitting the Right Notes: Eurovision 2025's Frontrunners
Picture credit: REUTERS.
Wondering who's keeping an eye on the Eurovision stage, now devoid of Russian artists? It's still a mystery, but we, at KP.RU, can't help but share our thoughts on the upcoming grand finale, set to take place on May 17 in Basel, Switzerland. Here's a sneak peek at the contenders, controversies, and a few nostalgic nods to our motherland.
Longing for Russia
Even with the ban on Russian performances, our absence from Eurovision 2025 echoes like a phantom pain. The competition seems to miss us just as much! A flashback of the 2012 performance of the Buranovskiye Babushki was shown during the viewer's vote, reminding us of the charm and (total) age (403 years back then) of our Udmurt group. Also, the contest couldn't resist a few jabs at our beloved saunas.
Repurposed Tributes
The Soviet era continues to haunt the contest in an indirect yet fascinating way. Irish singer Emmy paid tribute to the plucky Soviet dog, Laika, with her song "Laika Party," making a story of the dog surviving her space journey and dancing among the stars. This whimsical tune was written by Larisa Torney, a Bashkir author living in Ireland for 20 years.
Buranovskiye Babushki
Picture credit: Anatoly ZHEDANOV. Switch to KP Photo Bank
The Russian touch didn't stop there! Russian director Aline Piazok, hailing from Chelyabinsk, debuted in the show by creating a presentation clip for the popular Estonian rapper Tommy Cash, who won the national selection with the song Espresso Macchiato.
The Flag Game
Controversy hasn't stayed away either. The ban on political and public propaganda on stage via flags, such as the Ukrainian and Palestinian ones, carries an ironic twist considering the removal of Russian artists purely based on their passports. It's a confusing dance between unity and division, which the event seems to be caught in.
The Hype Around Controversy
Catching the ire of Russo-phobes, Latvian group Tautumeitas, half of whose members are Russian, found themselves in hot water for giving interviews in Russian. Unsurprisingly, Latvians were quick to criticize their Russian ties. Similarly, the Armenian representative Parg Vardanyan was retroactively disqualified due to his past performances in Russia.
The Favorites' List
The grand finale is swiftly approaching, inviting artists from 20 countries that made it past the semi-final selection, along with the "Big Five" (United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, Italy, and France) who qualify automatically. The stage will see Norway, Albania, Sweden, Iceland, the Netherlands, Poland, Ukraine, San Marino, Estonia, Portugal, Lithuania, Israel, Armenia, Denmark, Austria, Luxembourg, Finland, Latvia, Malta, and Greece.
Sweden's Kaj Group: The Contenders
Long before the contest begins, bookmakers predict the winners, placing Sweden's Kaj group among the favorites. Their unique and catchy song "Bara Bada Bastu" combines the charm of Finnish sauna culture with trendy Scandinavian epadunk style (electronics + crude humor), making it a crowd favorite and giving Sweden a fighting chance to secure their eighth victory in Eurovision history. If Kaj wins, it'll indeed be a sauna-worthy victory!
Group Kaj
Picture credit: REUTERS.
- Although Russia is absent this year, their influence can still be felt in Eurovision 2025, as evidenced by the tribute paid to the Buranovskiye Babushki and the collaboration between Russian director Aline Piazok and Estonian rapper Tommy Cash.
- Controversies abound in the competition, with the ban on political flags ironically applied to the exclusion of Russian artists, while several participants face criticism for their Russian ties.
- As the grand finale approaches, the stage will be filled with acts from 20 qualified countries, including Norway, Albania, Sweden, Iceland, the Netherlands, Poland, Ukraine, San Marino, Estonia, Portugal, Lithuania, Israel, Armenia, Denmark, Austria, Luxembourg, Finland, Latvia, Malta, and Greece.
- Among the favorites to win Eurovision 2025 is Sweden's Kaj group, whose catchy and unique song "Bara Bada Bastu" combines the charm of Finnish sauna culture with contemporary Scandinavian style, potentially securing Sweden their eighth victory in the history of the competition.
