Eurovision's Unforgettable Showdown: A Wild Ride Through the Contest's Most Outlandish and Heartfelt Entries
Eurovision 2025's Top Picks: Our Site's Culture Section Loves These Sauna Anthems and Space Canine Entries
The Eurovision Song Contest is gearing up for its 69th year, returning to Switzerland, the country that hosted the very first contest in 1956. After last year's dramatic edition filled with political protests and sudden dismissals, this year promises to bring chaos, controversy, and an abundance of camp.
Political tensions persist, with concerns raised by Slovenia, Spain, Iceland, and Ireland regarding Israel's participation. In addition, 72 former Eurovision contestants have signed an open letter advocating for the country's ban.
Beyond the headlines, there's the Eurovision eccentricity that keeps us hooked. Case in point: Malta's entry, Miriana Conte, faced a challenge when the EBU considered her song "Kant" to be too similar to a four-letter English term.
This year's contest also boasts the highest number of non-English entries since the language rule was scrapped in 1999.
After painstakingly listening to all 37 entries, we've handpicked some standouts that are worth your attention. These songs could either clinch the trophy or become beloved cult favorites among Eurovision enthusiasts.
Go-Jo - Milkshake Man (Australia)
Australia nailed this year's assignment with Go-Jo's "Milkshake Man"— a bold, flirty, and innuendo-filled pop gem. This catchy tune is perfect for the 69th edition of the contest!
With lines like "I can tell you want a taste of the milkshake man," the song is campy, addictive, and lighthearted—a breath of fresh air amidst Eurovision's occasional attempts at global peace.
Lactose-intolerant viewers can celebrate dairy-based representation as the 29-year-old singer croons about chocolate, vanilla, and lactose-free options, accompanied by a caramel banana. Give it a few listens, and by finals time, you'll likely be craving a taste of the Milkshake Man. Drink responsibly! Theo Farrant
Emmy - Laika Party (Ireland)
Laika, the Soviet space dog, is the subject of Norwegian singer Emmy's Eurovision entry for Ireland. This spin on Laika's tragic tale offers the pooch an optimistic ending she truly deserved. Eurovision enthusiasts will appreciate the nostalgic 2000s Europop sound that reminds us of gulping squash during school discos.
Emmy, 24, has been participating in international song contests since she was 15, but this is her first time at Eurovision. The inspiration for "Laika Party" came after a family quiz discussion about Laika's story. "It made me think of how incredibly sad her story was," she told Eurovisionworld. "And that made me want to write her a happy scenario instead."
While less dark than Bambi Thug's 2024 Irish entry, "Laika Party" maintains an emotional depth thanks to its Scandinavian sound. The song's central lyric, "I Hope Laika never died and that she spins around us still," carries a powerful emotional punch. Amber Bryce
JJ - Wasted Love (Austria)
Austria hopes to secure its third Eurovision win with JJ, a 23-year-old Austrian-Filipino countertenor who could follow in the footsteps of Conchita Wurst's triumph in 2014. With "Wasted Love," JJ offers a soaring popera anthem about the torment of unrequited feelings.
"Wasted Love" is a genre-bending masterpiece. The ballad opens with a delicate exploration of emotional turmoil before transitioning into an increasingly heartfelt, high-pitched complainte, and eventually morphing into an explosive EDM finale. The range on display here is truly extraordinary—a testament to Eurovision-worthy pop magic! David Mouriquand
Ziferblat - Bird of Pray (Ukraine)
Ukraine is on a hot streak at Eurovision, with wins in 2022, a sixth-place finish in 2023, and third place in the previous year. "Bird of Pray" by Ziferblat explores the emotional toll of war, focusing on separation, grief, and hope. In this case, hope is symbolized by a bird.
"Bird of Pray" combines ethereal female vocals, group chants of hypnotic Ukrainian vocals, and a moody prog rock backing. The chorus then shifts into grand, musical theatre territory before culminating in an anime-soundtrack-worthy climax. "Fly. Bird. I'm begging you. Begging you, please just live" the lead vocalist pleads. This powerful song is a standout in a year filled with too many forgettable pop hits. Theo Farrant
KAJ - Bara Bada Bastu (Sweden)
Finnish comedy music group KAJ from Sweden delivers an ode to the sauna with "Bara Bada Bastu." This entertaining tune is the first Swedish-language song to be performed at the contest since 2012.
Saunas are deeply rooted in Nordic culture as a way of life, featuring in ritualistic, spiritual, and communal practices. This quirky and unapologetically funny tribute is a refreshing change of pace for Sweden, which has previously favored polished pop anthems. With synchronized dancers in towels and sauna hats, this song promises to warm you up just by watching! Amber Bryce
Claude - C'est La Vie (Netherlands)
Claude Kiambe, originally from the Democratic Republic of Congo, is the Netherlands' representative this year. Known for hits like "Ladada (Mon Dernier Mot)," Claude brings an authentic, powerful voice to Eurovision.
"C'est la vie" shows off his emotional range, with autobiographical inspiration as he sings about his mother. Like Australia's "Wasted Love," this song starts as a piano-led ballad before bursting into a Caribbean zouk dance track. This catchy tune encourages viewers to "focus on the brighter side" of the world, offering a much-needed message of positivity in these challenging times. David Mouriquand
- Wiwibloggs, a popular Eurovision news site, has probably discussed the catchy and innuendo-filled pop gem "Milkshake Man" by Go-Jo, Australia's entry for this year's Eurovision Song Contest.
- Emmy's entry for Ireland, "Laika Party", is a 2000s Europop-inspired song that tells an optimistic version of the tale of Laika, the Soviet space dog. This song is one that Eurovision enthusiasts will appreciate.
- JJ's entry for Austria, "Wasted Love", is a genre-bending anthem about unrequited feelings that showcases the impressive range of the Austrian-Filipino countertenor.
- Ziferblat's entry for Ukraine, "Bird of Pray", explores the emotional toll of war and is a standout in a year filled with many pop hits. Its chorus shifts from ethereal female vocals to grand, musical theatre territory.
- Finnish comedy music group KAJ from Sweden's entry, "Bara Bada Bastu", is an ode to the sauna and a refreshing change of pace for Sweden at the Eurovision contest.
- Claude Kiambe, the Netherlands' representative this year, is known for hits like "Ladada (Mon Dernier Mot)". His entry, "C'est la vie", is an autobiographical song that encourages viewers to focus on the brighter side of the world.
