- Author: Jens Maier
- Estimated Reading Time: 6 Min
Preferred Choices: Sauna, Mama, or Erika (the Racy One)? These are the Top Picks for Basel. - Hot tub, Mother or X-rated Erika?
Sweden's on a hot streak at Eurovision! With four victories in the past 15 years, they might just take home the trophy again in 2025, making it their eighth win. If KAJ, the charismatic band behind the sauna tune "Bara Bada Bastu," snags the win, they'd make history by surpassing Ireland, which has seven titles to its name. Bookies in the UK already have Sweden marked as the favorite, with KAJ leading the pack over Austria and the Netherlands. But as we all know, there's always room for surprises at Eurovision!
More Surprises Than a Magician's Hat
Remember Red Sebastian from the first semifinal last year? Despite being a fan favorite, his techno beat "Strobe Lights" didn't impress the viewers, landing him a spot out of the competition. Just goes to show, the betting odds can sometimes lead astray! So, let's dive in and see who else is shaking things up in Eurovision 2025:
1. Sweden: "Bara Bada Bastu" by KAJ
KAJ—consisting of Kevin Holmström, Axel Åhman, and Jakob Norrgård—may have started as comedy act darlings, but they're no joke when it comes to music. Hailing from Finland's Swedish-speaking minority, they've captured our hearts with their funny, bilingual sauna anthem "Bara Bada Bastu." Amidst a world full of chaos and crises, KAJ's sauna number offers pure escapism. And while some might write them off as just a fun act, Sweden's reputation for polished performances is hard to deny. They might just sweep the sympathizing votes in Basel!
2. France - "Maman" by Louane
France hasn't tasted victory at Eurovision in a whopping 48 years. In 2025, Louane, the 28-year-old singer representing France with "Maman," might just change that. A heartfelt ballad about her late mother, Louane's touching performance is sure to tug at the heartstrings. But she's not just a powerhouse vocalist; she can also work a crowd, often posing for selfies with adoring fans. With a grand production and a story that resonates, Louane's sure to make an impact in Basel!
3. Finland: "I'm Coming" by Erika Vikman
Erika Vikman's performance of "I'm Coming" is not for the faint of heart. The explosive and risqué number has the Eurovision Broadcasting Union (EBU) keeping a close eye to ensure it doesn't veer into the obscene. But it's Vikman's unique style, celebrating female confidence and passion, that really sets her apart. Fans are torn between appreciation and criticism, setting the stage for an exciting voting dynamic in Basel!
4. Austria: "Wasted Love" by JJ
JJ—AKA Johannes Pietsch—is an unexpected gem in Eurovision 2025. The 24-year-old countertenor is the son of an Austrian IT specialist and a Filipino cook, balancing classical music with pop and techno elements in his soulful performance of "Wasted Love." JJ's vocal range is nothing short of marvelous, effortlessly weaving between staccato strings and operatic arias. His performance leaves audiences breathless, but some might find it too intellectual or over the top. Time will tell!
5. Netherlands: "C'est la vie" by Claude
After last year's scandal and disqualification, the Netherlands is determined to do better in 2025. Singer Claude Kiambe embodies feelings over noise and heart over anger, resonating with viewers after a challenging year. With "C'est la vie," Claude reminds us of the beauty in acceptance, experimenting with French, English, and Dutch lyrics in a seamless blend. While his vocals might be pushed to their limits, his captivating performance is bound to leave an impression in Basel!
Dark Horses: The Underdogs with a Chance
Some countries flying under the radar could surprise us with strong performances at Eurovision 2025. Look out for these rising stars:
- Albania: Led by the duo Shkodra Elektronike and their hybrid electro-folk song "Zjerm," they've got the potential to win over fans in Basel, capitalizing on the German love for marching music.
- Estonia: "Espresso Macchiato" with singer Tommy Cash is a fun, unconventional choice, with Cash's spaghetti-legged dance already leaving a memorable impression.
- Israel: Represented by Yuval Raphael, a Nova festival terror attack survivor, Israel's emotional appeal and powerful "New Day Will Rise" could earn them a surprising standing in the competition[3][4].
Where Will Germany Stand with "Baller" by Abor and Tynna?
Germany's fans in Basel are filled with optimism and anticipation. The duo Abor and Tynna's performance of "Baller" in the second semi-final has garnered mixed reviews, but one thing is certain: they pack a punch. With Stefan Raab’s guidance, they're becoming more confident with each rehearsal, leaving fans excited to see what they can bring to the table. Winning over viewers might be more important for Abor and Tynna than impressing the judges, so keep an eye on them as Eurovision 2025 unfolds!
"In the realm of music and pop-culture, Sweden's charismatic band KAJ continue to shine, with their catchy tune "Bara Bada Bastu" being a strong contender for Eurovision 2025. This isn't just the entertainment of a comedy act; it's the polished, captivating performance that Sweden is known for, which could potentially sweep sympathy votes in Basel. In another corner of the stage, France's Louane might just end France's 48-year drought with her heartfelt ballad "Maman." Despite different musical styles and genres, it's fascinating to see how sports and football have found their way into the mix - a controversial number from Finland's Erika Vikman, and JJ from Austria, who blends classical music with pop and techno elements. These artists remind us that Eurovision isn't just about the music; it's about stories, emotions, and the unique blend of cultures that European-leagues, such as the premier-league, strive to preserve.
As the countdown to Eurovision 2025 begins, let's not forget about the underdogs. Keep an eye out for Albania, Estonia, and Israel, who might just surprise us with strong performances and unique offerings. Lastly, Germany's very own Abor and Tynna with their song "Baller" are worth watching. Their unique style, guidance from Stefan Raab, and growing confidence could be the key to winning over viewers' hearts in this year's Eurovision competition.
So, as we eagerly await Eurovision 2025, reminder that there's always room for surprises, just as in music or football, "♪ I'm not going to let you go ♪"
