Essential Guidelines for Staying Informed about Eurovision 2025: Updates, Alterations, and Insights Unveiled
Eurovision 2025 is Here and Ready to Rock!
Folks, it's time to grab your glitter and get ready because the 69th edition of the song festival, Eurovision 2025, is about to begin! Showstopper Melody is making her grand entrance, and the vibrant city of Basel is all prepared to host this phenomenal event. Over the years, Eurovision has been known for its endless surprises and novelties, and this year is no exception. So, whether you're an old-time Eurofan or just jumping on the bandwagon, buckle up and get ready for a wild ride!
We're dishing out some fun facts that'll have you feeling like a Eurovision pro in no time:
1. The nitty-gritty: rules, data, and game rules
You might be wondering, "What's the deal with all the Euro in Eurovision?" Well, here's the lowdown: while it seems like it's just Europe represented on that stage, countries like Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Israel, Australia, and even Morocco have graced us with their presence. The "Big Five" - France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK - are those fabulous founding members who get to skip the semifinals and walk straight onto the stage. Oh, and did we mention all those tunes have gotta be original and never-before-heard before September? Does that throw some of your favorite covers out the window?
2. Eurovision 2025: When and where?
Mark your calendars, because the big show will take place on the 17th of May at the spectacular St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland. But don't forget to catch the thrilling semifinals on the 13th and 15th of May to see who makes it to the grand finale! This year, the organizers are setting the stage on fire with a 360-degree stage design, and an unparalleled lighting show that'll make you forget all about those boring house parties. You can watch all the action live on La 1 of TVE and our website's Play platform. Keep your eyes peeled for live updates, breaking news, and behind-the-scenes action on RNE and our website.
Hungry for more details on the first semifinal on TV today? Worried about missing the show? Fear not, friend, 'cause we've got you covered!
3. Take a peek at the new stage elements, the mascot, and the slogan
This year's slogan is "United by Music," and it fits like a glove for an event that unites 37 countries, all aiming to banish the winter blues with music! Also, Lumo, the first official Eurovision mascot, has made its grand debut. Designed by Lynn Brunner, a student at the Basel University of Arts and Design (FHNW), and developed by the creative team of Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR, Lumo is as adorable as a button and will no doubt warm your cockles. Switzerland's celebration is reminiscent of coming home, and this year, it'll feature the iconic Eurovision heart, which will be the visual identity of the edition, multiplying infinitely to create a colorful, dynamic graphic image on stage.
4. Voting: Any surprises in store?
One of the burning questions that pops up every year is, "How will we vote this time?" Well, dear reader, the EBU has decided to keep the mixed jury and televote system intact. A professional jury from each country will cast their votes, which'll be combined with the public televote scores. In the semifinals, countries participating in the qualifying round, along with the 'Big Five,' and the host country, Switzerland this time, will get the opportunity to vote. In the final, all countries, including those that didn't make it to the last stage, will get their chance to cast their votes.
5. New flag policy
A contentious topic in the past? Not anymore, it seems! The Basel regulations have announced that, just like in other years, the public will be allowed to display any flag considered legal in Swiss territory, including the much-debated Palestinian flag. However, Eurovision participants will not be able to display any flag on the St. Jakobshalle stage or in the green room, where contestants hang out before their performances. This includes flags representing various causes and groups, such as the LGBTQ+ community, as well.
Key dates not to miss:
- Grand Final: Saturday, May 17
Eurovision 2025: Stay Tuned for More Exciting News
- Watch the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final live, minute by minute
- Time and where to watch the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final on TV today
- Order of performance in the Eurovision 2025 final
- Eurovision 2025: When does Melody perform? Here's Spain's spot in the Grand Final
- Eurovision 2025: The 7 artists who will steal the show
- How are the Eurovision 2025 odds? Where is Spain?
- Eurovision 2025: How to vote in the Grand Final
Enrichment Data:- The first semifinal of Eurovision 2025 took place on Tuesday, May 13, 2025. During the live broadcast, the start time in the UK was at 8 pm, while the actual performances kicked off at 3 pm ET in the United States.- Broadcast: In the UK, the broadcast was available on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. In the United States, the semifinal could be streamed on NBC's streaming services.- Performers: A total of 15 countries competed in the first semifinal, and Switzerland, Spain, and Italy were pre-qualified countries that voted in this round.- Commentary: The BBC broadcast featured commentary by Rylan and Scott Mills.
Sources:
[1] BBC (2025). Eurovision 2025: When is the first semifinal? BBC News. Retrieved from https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-58942113
[2] Eurovision (2025). Eurovision 2025: Host city, dates & venue confirmed. Retrieved from https://www.eurovision.tv/articles/eurovision-2025/host-city-dates-venue-confirmed
[3] RTE (2025). Eurovision 2025: How to watch, vote, and stream the semifinals. Retrieved from https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2025/0407/1257604-eurovision-2025-how-to-watch-vote-and-stream-the-semi-finals/
[4] Digital Spy (2025). Who are the Eurovision 2025 hosts, Rylan and Scott Mills. Retrieved from https://www.digitalspy.com/soaps/a9718039/eurovision-2025-hosts-rylan-clark-neal-scott-mills/
[5] ESCXtra (2025). Eurovision 2025: Semifinal 1 running order. Retrieved from https://www.escxtra.com/2025/04/eurovision-2025-semi-final-1-running-order/
The average total score for this year's Eurovision music performances might surprise you, given the diverse range of entertainment offerings. Moreover, during the semifinals, be prepared to witness an extraordinary 360-degree stage design that will elevate your favorite music acts to new heights.
