Pop Heist has enlisted the hosts of the podcast Eurovangelists to provide their guidance and expertise at the forefront of our coverage of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. You can follow their on-the-ground reactions from Basel over on Instagram at @eurovangelists — and keep coming back to Pop Heist for more Eurovision 2025.
One of the quirks of modern Eurovision is that with 37 countries competing this year, two semi-finals are held the Tuesday and Thursday before the Grand Final on Saturday. These semi-finals will whittle down the field to a more manageable 26: ten qualifiers from each semi-final, and six more comprised of the previous year's winning country and the Big Five. The Big Five are the five countries who contribute the most money to the European Broadcasting Union (the EBU) to support Eurovision, and they're about who you'd expect: Germany, France, Spain, Italy, and the United Kingdom.
On top of that, each semi has the interesting wrinkle that only viewers from the countries that are participating can vote, including the three pre-qualified countries who preview their songs in that particular semi. All of us Americans and any other countries not competing in Eurovision are also allowed to weigh in, counting as one additional mega-country known as Rest of World.
So with that in mind, we're taking a look at each semi-final (and perhaps a peek ahead at the Grand Final) to see who'll be moving forward, and who will be dreaming of next year for their big shot at that coveted Eurovision Song Contest trophy.
SEMI-FINAL 1
Streaming on Peacock on May 13 at 3 p.m. ET
THE MORTAL LOCKS
Estonia - Tommy Cash - "Espresso Macchiato"
Regardless of how you feel about Tommy Cash's provocative persona and his antics on and off-stage, he's more or less guaranteed to ride his popularity to the Grand Final.
Sweden - KAJ - "Bara Bada Bastu (Simply Sauna)"
The Finnish boys repping Sweden & saunas are one of the favorites to win the whole contest, so they ought to sail through the semis without even breaking a sweat.
Poland - Justyna Steczkowska - "Gaja (Gaia)"
Mother is mothering, and Mother Earth is moving out of the semis with no trouble. Justyna has set a new record for longest gap between Eurovision appearances (30 years!), and she's only gotten better in the interim, so she's got nothing to worry about (other than her death-defying stage show).
THE SAFE BETS
San Marino - Gabry Ponte - "Tutta L'Italia (All of Italy)"
Despite entering what was the theme song to Italy's national final Sanremo this year, San Marino's odds for qualification are looking good. But then again, when you're in a semi with a pan-Italian unity song and Italians can vote for you, you're probably punching your ticket to the Grand Final.
Albania - Shkodra Elektronike - "Zjerm (Fire)"
Albania's had a pretty rough time at Eurovision since their fifth place finish in 2012, but Zjerm is the first song they've sent in years that's got most of Europe behind it. Plus, it didn't fall victim to Albania's usual move of rewriting their song in English to broaden the appeal. This techno jam with a message will make it to the big show.
The Netherlands - Claude - "C'est La Vie (That's Life)"
Claude is already a very popular Dutch artist and a talented performer with a heartfelt tribute to his mother and her struggle to build a new life. It's hard to imagine he won't find himself at the Grand Final with a strong performance of this moving song.
Norway - Kyle Alessando - "Lighter"
Kyle's only nineteen years old, but he blends a good pop track with solid vocals and polished dance moves. The young pro isn't likely to win it all this year, but we're betting he'll make it through the semis and we'll see him again in Norway's future.
Belgium - Red Sebastian - "Strobe Lights"
The protege of a past Belgian competitor, Red Sebastian's club anthem has the beats and the belts to make it through. He'll be the first in a trend of very high notes being held for a very long time, but there's no mistaking the skill required.
THE BUBBLE
Iceland - VÆB - "Róa (Row)"
The highly energetic blonde bros of VÆB put us in mind of Ireland's Jedward of yesteryear, but they've got a good sense of humor and their staging at Songvakeppnin was fairly solid. Hopefully it's enough to propel their boat to the Grand Final.
Ukraine - Ziferblat - "Bird of Pray"
This is one of the most unique songs from this year's pack of competitors that some think is too unusual to resonate with voters. But two things to consider: many Ukrainians are displaced and now living abroad in Europe where they are free to vote for their home country, and Ukraine has never missed qualification in their entire history with the contest since 2003.
Azerbaijan - Mamagama - "Run With U"
Azerbaijan's clearly having more fun this time around than in years past with this upbeat tune, but is it enough to stand out? Fingers crossed the televoters decide to run with them.
Cyprus - Theo Evan - "Shh"
Theo is another excellent dancer throwing down in Semi 1, and his vocals on the recording are strong. But the song isn't the best Cyprus has sent in recent memory, plus we were underwhelmed by his mild performance of the normally high energy Eurovision classic "Fuego" at the Greek national final.
THE NON-QUALIFIERS
Croatia - Marko Bošnjak - "Poison Cake"
Poison Cake's tonal shifts make it a little tough to swallow, if you'll pardon the expression. While we love Marko as a person and a performer, this dessert feels a bit undercooked.
Slovenia - Klemen - "How Much Time Do We Have Left"
We're glad everyone's okay in Klemen's family, but this song about his wife's diagnosis with cancer is, it must be said, a snooze. Even in a year light on male ballads, it's hard to imagine people picking up their phones to vote for this one.
Portugal - NAPA - "Deslocado (Displaced)"
This one hurts, as NAPA's song about Portuguese diaspora is both touching and very listenable, but its relaxed vibe doesn't necessarily fit the assignment of "Eurovision hit." But it's worth noting Portugal tends to send a lot of songs that don't cleanly fit the Eurovision formula: for them, it's more about celebrating their country's talent.
SEMI-FINAL 2
Streaming on Peacock on May 13 at 3 p.m. ET
Due to an uneven number of participants, Semi-Final 2 has one more competitor, but no extra slot for a qualifier, making it an even tougher draw for most. Let's start with those who have nothing to worry about.
THE MORTAL LOCKS
Austria - JJ - "Wasted Love"
Whether this is going to be too much opera to truly contend as a Eurovision winner is a question for the Grand Final, not the semis. JJ can, amazingly, sing this high note live, and vocal acrobatics this good make people take notice.
Finland - Erika Vikman - "Ich Komme (I'm Coming)"
Yeah, she's coming. It's a double entendre that's hard to miss, but the facts remain: Erika's had the Grand Final in her sights for five years, and she's not about to disappoint now. Not when she's so close!
Malta - Miriana Conte - "Serving"
Miriana has been a better provocateur to the EBU this year than even Tommy Cash. Combine that with what is sure to be another outrageous stage show and there's no doubt she's going to serve herself a ticket to the top of the semis.
THE SAFE BETS
Greece - Klavdia - "Asteromata (Starry-Eyed)"
Klavdia's emotional ballad about her ancestors' hardship will be undeniable for Eurovision juries in the Grand Final, but we think televoters will go for it as well thanks to Klavdia's vocal strength and the passion with which she delivers it.
Israel - Yuval Raphael - "New Day Will Rise"
The betting odds have Yuval breezing through the semis above "Serving" and other songs with more heat on them, which feels like a higher ranking than how things will actually shake out. Still, we suspect she'll make it through without much trouble.
(You may also ask why Israel is in Eurovision — there's a Eurovangelists episode about that too)
Luxembourg - Laura Thorn - "La Poupée Monte Le Son (The Doll Turns Up the Volume)"
A tribute to a Eurovision winner from 60 years ago from the country that sent it 60 years ago — and it's actually fun? Apparently the stage show has been completely reworked since January, and that fresh coat of paint might put the odds on Laura's side.
THE BUBBLE
Denmark - Sissal - "Hallucination"
Sissal's voice alone should take her to the Grand Final, but Denmark's had a rough go in recent years. Denmark hasn't qualified since the 2010s, but this song with strong vibes of Loreen — the winningest woman in Eurovision history — is one of their best in a while.
Czechia - ADONXS - "Kiss Kiss Goodbye"
ADONXS has proven he's a great dancer as well as a fine singer, but this song hasn't made much of a stir so far. But, if we see a great stage show buoyed by his dance skills, ADONXS could be saying "Kiss Kiss Hello" to the next round.
Australia - Go-Jo - "Milkshake Man"
Is this song very dumb? Yes. Is it too dumb to win the Grand Final? Yes. Is it too dumb to go to the Grand Final? No. But it ain't a guarantee.
(You may ask why Australia is in Eurovision — there's a Eurovangelists episode about that)
Lithuania - Katarsis - "Tavo Akys (Your Eyes)"
This is another song that doesn't quite fit the Eurovision aesthetic, but the people who like Katarsis' post-punk sound really like it. That rabid fandom could be exactly what they need to move forward in a crowded semi.
Latvia - Tautumeitas - "Bur Man Laimi (A Chant for Happiness)"
The vocal harmonies are irresistible from these singers, but Tautumeitas might miss the Grand Final because again, it's not a typical ESC track. We're hoping the positive vibe and lushness of the sound put them over the line, but it's not as sure a thing as we'd like.
Montenegro - Nina Žižić - "Dobrodošli (Welcome)"
Montenegro's back for only the second time since 2019, and Nina's back for the first time since 2013. Nina's ballad is beautiful and well-sung, but it's in the tougher of the two semis and it's up against another ballad that might be slightly stronger. Godspeed, you cyberpunk angel.
THE NON-QUALIFIERS
Ireland - Emmy - "Laika Party"
How popular is a song about a dead dog? We're about to find out!
Armenia - Parg - "Survivor"
Compared to last year's entry that dazzled with a fresh, authentic take on traditional Armenian music, "Survivor" feels generic by comparison. It's not bad, per se, but it's a tough semi to not stand out in.
Georgia - Mariam Shengelia - "Freedom"
Those that know about Georgia's political situation can't get behind it, and those that don't still don't connect with it. It's also got the thankless task of being the third female ballad of the night, and also the least compelling.
Serbia - Princ - "Mila (Dear)"
Perhaps there'll be an audience craving a ballad by a regret-stricken hunk, but there's too many other better songs to vote for. We at least hope Mila takes him back — but if not, Princ seems like he'll be just fine.
BIG FIVE & HOST COUNTRY PREDICTIONS
Spain - Melody - "Esa Diva"
Melody is another capital-P Performer in a year of big female Performers. Will she upstage Erika Vikman, Miriana Conte AND Justyna Steczkowska? Probably not, but we're betting she holds her own and places somewhere around 15th.
Italy - Lucio Corsi - "Volevo Essere Un Duro (I Wanted to Be a Tough Guy)"
While a '70s throwback song might feel a bit out of place at ESC 2025, it is good, and Italy frequently does well with this sort of yearning, romantic ballad. We're guessing just shy of Top 10 — 11th maybe.
Switzerland - Zoë Më - "Voyage"
What a beautiful and tender song ... that is also lucky it has a free pass to the Grand Final. It's hard to see this getting past either Semi, but it will likely score some jury points for its gentle arrangement, so we're thinking 17th.
United Kingdom - Remember Monday - "What the Hell Just Happened?"
It's hard to pin down this one, as it changes moods multiple times within its frenetic three minutes. But it's clear the girls of Remember Monday have a good combo of vocal talent, so we're gonna say lucky 13.
France - Louane - "Maman (Mom)"
An emotional ballad about motherhood is right in France's wheelhouse for the Contest, and Louane is the kind of singer who can really sink her teeth into this song. Assuming we don't see her suspended on a platform with questionable support like the song's debut, we're wagering Top 10, but not Top 5.
Germany - Abor & Tynna - "Baller"
The big question here is Tynna's vocals, and it's hard to know how "Baller" will do without knowing how she's sounding. She's been plagued by laryngitis all pre-party season, and that's a tough hurdle for any singer to overcome. Even with a song that's not all about vocal theatrics, we think if she can sing: left side of the scoreboard. If not: right side.
BONUS PREDICTION
The last time Switzerland won Eurovision was 1988, when an unknown 20 year old singer positively crushed a French power ballad and took the Contest by a single point. That's the explosive start of Celine Dion's iconic career, and now Eurovision is back in Switzerland for the first time since her victory. Sadly, Celine has been dealing with the effects of stiff person syndrome, a rare autoimmune condition that would make performing considerably more difficult. But rumors have been swirling about Celine at rehearsals in Basel, leading some to believe she might be an interval act at the Grand Final.
So the question becomes: is Celine part of the show? And if so, is it just making an appearance, or is it putting on a performance like she did at the 2024 Paris Olympics? Our guess is she's definitely on stage at some point to wish performers well and stand alongside fan and fellow Swiss winner from last year Nemo, but a rendition of "Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi"? We'll have to cross our fingers for that one.
- Celine Dion appearance odds: 90%
- Celine Dion performance odds: 30%
The Eurovision 2025 Grand Finals begin live on Peacock on May 17 at 3 p.m. ET. In the meantime, follow Eurovangelists' Eurovision adventure on Instagram and look for more Eurovision content on Pop Heist!
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