Eurovision Song Contest 2025: Spotlight on Leading Contenders

This year's contest showcases an eclectic array of artists and messages, blending entertainment with heartfelt themes.

The Eurovision Song Contest is set to illuminate the city of Basel this Saturday night as 27 countries compete for the prestigious glass microphone trophy in its 69th edition. Enthusiasm is high, with the finalists embodying a captivating mix of the spectacular, the whimsical, and the deeply sincere.

Among this year’s entertaining lineup, expectations are particularly high for a few entries. The Australian act, "Milkshake Man," stands out with its cheeky humor, while Ukraine's entry, "Bird Of Pray," delivers a poignant message of resilience amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Meanwhile, Ireland's contestant, Emmy, entertains with her dance, featuring a Russian spacecraft, paying tribute to Laika, the famous cosmonaut dog.

This year's competition appears more unpredictable than in prior years, where favorites like Loreen (Sweden, 2023) and Kalush Orchestra (Ukraine, 2022) were clear frontrunners before even taking the stage. Bookmakers currently place Sweden and its eccentric performance of "Bara Bada Bastu" atop the list of contenders. However, the challenge remains: a novelty act has never clinched the top spot, as voters lean towards powerful narratives of love, resilience, and stunning pop anthems.

As excitement brews, we caught up with the top six contenders predicted to steal the show:

**SWEDEN: KAJ – BARA BADA BASTU**
- Chance of winning: 39%
- Language: Swedish
- Genre: Epadunk
- Spotify streams: 43.9 million

Representing Sweden is KAJ, a comedic trio hailing from Vörå, Finland. Their energetic entry celebrates sauna culture through an accordion-led tune that speaks to the universal joy of relaxation. They'll perform on stage amidst a vibrant sauna setting, complete with dancers and a lively atmosphere.

**AUSTRIA: JJ – WASTED LOVE**
- Chance of winning: 22%
- Language: English
- Genre: Pop-opera
- Spotify streams: 6 million

JJ, an opera singer by day, brings an emotionally charged ballad reflecting on unreturned love. His captivating performance features him clinging to a sailing boat, expressing his artistic prowess shaped by past masterpieces, while also preparing for the spectacular Eurovision stage.

**FRANCE: LOUANE – MAMAN**
- Chance of winning: 8%
- Language: French
- Genre: Torch Song
- Spotify streams: 6.9 million

Louane's heartfelt ballad draws inspiration from personal loss, capturing the emotional struggle of grief. The striking performance includes visually stunning elements, emphasizing the beauty of memory and resilience as she honors her late mother.

**NETHERLANDS: CLAUDE – C'EST LA VIE**
- Chance of winning: 6%
- Language: French and English
- Genre: Chanson
- Spotify streams: 17.2 million

Claude, the Netherlands' hopeful, expresses gratitude and joy through his song "C'est La Vie," an homage to his mother's wisdom. Balancing upbeat rhythms with sincere storytelling, he aims to deliver a performance that embodies hope and resilience.

**FINLAND: ERIKA VIKMAN – ICH KOMME**
- Chance of winning: 4%
- Language: Finnish, German
- Genre: Eurodance
- Spotify streams: 11.8 million

Erika Vikman’s dance track, unabashedly addressing themes of empowerment, stands out for its theatrical flair. Her bold presentation and commanding performance leave a lasting impression, with a party atmosphere that's hard to forget.

**UNITED KINGDOM: REMEMBER MONDAY**
- Chance of winning: 1%
- Language: English
- Genre: Musical theatre
- Spotify streams: 3.1 million

Adding a refreshing twist, the UK act Remember Monday aims to charm audiences with their musical theater backgrounds. Their buoyant performance hints at a nostalgic vibe, inspiring hope and fun, despite historical expectations for UK entries.

As the final approaches, viewers are eager to see which artist will leave Basel victorious, navigating emotional landscapes with exceptional talent and compelling storytelling at the heart of their performances.