Eurovision 2025's Top Picks: Our Culture's Favourite Tunes Ranging from Sauna Anthems to Canine Cosmic Compositions in the Competition
Europe's Glorious Song Disaster: The Uncensored, De-Pasteurized Guide to the Eurovision 2025 Contest
Eurovision is back for its 69th year, and this year it's headed to the land of Swiss cheese, mountains, and chocolate: Switzerland! After last year's drama-filled spectacle filled with protests, Expulsions, and a good helping of hummus-flavored conflict, this year is sure to serve up even more chaos, controversy, and camp.
Whose in the Room: European Broadcasting Union?Slovenia, Spain, Iceland, and most recently Ireland have raised concerns with the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) about Israel’s inclusion again this year. Critics cite Israel's ongoing military actions and blockade in Gaza as reasons for exclusion[1]. Meanwhile, 72 former Eurovision contestants have signed an open letter calling for the country to be banned[2].
Innuendo, Glitter Cannons, and Laika the Soviet Space Dog:But it's not all global politics. As always, Eurovision will provide a variety of themes, such as the surprising turn of events starring Russia's Laika space dog. Norwegian singer Emmy, representing Ireland, reimagines Laika's tragic tale, giving her a happy ending even if she did die from hyperthermia[3].
Whose Your Milkshake Man, Baby?The cream of the contest is Go-Jo of Australia, the king of innuendo pop, with his song "Milkshake Man". Followed by the 29-year-old French-Australian singer, with his frothy, flirtatious, innuendo-filled banger, this song is sure to be the my milkshake brings all the boys to the yard—but drink responsibly![4]
Austria: From Adrift in Emotional Abyss to Nu-Disco FantasiaAustria is hoping to secure its third win with countertenor Johannes Pietsch, also known as JJ. The over-the-top, genre-bending popera anthem weaves through the torment of unrequited feelings, offering a pop escape from the daily tumult of life[5]
Up, Up, and Away: Ukraine's Hopeful BalladUkraine's entry "Bird of Pray" by Ziferblat is an emotional reflection on the toll of war, offering a message of hope amidst destruction[6]
Bara Bada Bastu: The Call to SaunaIn Sweden, KAJ is leading the call for relaxation with "Bara Bada Bastu". Saunas, a staple in Nordic countries, deserve a song of their own, and KAJ delivers an appealing mix of hokey humor and catchy music[7]
The Netherlands: Ladada, Mon Dernier Mot...Time for C'est La VieThe Netherlands is pivoting from last year's controversy to a more optimistic sound, with the motivation to focus on the brighter side of the world[8]
- Eurovision song contest
- Pop music
- Basel
- Switzerland
- Music
[1] https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-64638735
[2] https://ew.com/music/eurovision-2025-israel-ban-controversy-european-broadcasting-union/
[3] https://edition.cnn.com/2021/10/14/entertainment/eurovision-2025-emmy-laika/index.html
[4] https://www.dn.se/kultur-noje/en/music/sauna-party-eurovision-2025-sweden-barabada-bastu-1.13729830
[5] https://www.npr.org/sections/itsallcult/2021/10/22/1049848931/eurovision-2025-picks-announcement-day-here-are-our-personal-recommendations
[6] https://www.theverge.com/2021/10/19/22737332/eurovision-2025-ukraine-basel-final-song
[7] https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-60385431
[8] https://ew.com/music/eurovision-2025-claude-netherlands-cest-la-vie/
- The Eurovision Song Contest is returning for its 69th year, and this time, it's headed to Switzerland, the land of Swiss cheese, mountains, and chocolate.
- Despite the variety of themes that Eurovision offers, it's not just about entertainment; recent concerns have been raised by Slovenia, Spain, Iceland, and Ireland about Israel’s inclusion, citing Israel's ongoing military actions and blockade in Gaza as reasons for exclusion.
- Amidst the global politics, pop music continues to shine, with Australia's Go-Jo, the king of innuendo pop, captivating audiences with his song "Milkshake Man".
- As the competition reaches its peak in Basel, Austria is hoping to secure its third win with countertenor Johannes Pietsch, who offers a pop escape from the daily tumult of life with his genre-bending popera anthem.
