Last night, the Eurovision Song Contest 2nd Semi-Final lit up Basel, Switzerland, with a whirlwind of music, drama, and unforgettable performances. On May 15, 2025, 16 countries battled for just 10 spots in the Grand Final, leaving fans on the edge of their seats. From Austria’s electrifying rock anthem to Israel’s emotional ballad, the St. Jakobshalle arena buzzed with energy. But not every act made it through, and the results sparked cheers, tears, and heated debates online. Let’s dive into the highlights of this dazzling night and what it means for Saturday’s showdown.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2nd Semi-Final Qualifiers: Who Made the Cut?
The results are in, and the 10 qualifiers for the Grand Final are Armenia, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Malta. Austria’s JJ wowed with “Wasted Love,” a high-energy rock performance that had the crowd roaring. Malta’s Miriana Conte bounced onto the stage with “SERVING,” her self-empowerment anthem paired with a quirky red medicine ball. Israel’s Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the 2023 Nova Music Festival attack, delivered a poignant “New Day Will Rise,” earning both applause and controversy. Latvia’s Tautumeitas brought a folk chant, “Bur Man Laimi,” which stood out for its ethereal charm in a sea of club bangers. Finland and Denmark also secured their spots, with acts that blended catchy pop with bold staging.
Sadly, heartbreak hit for six nations. Australia’s Go-Jo, aka Marty Zambotto, opened with the cheeky “Milkshake Man,” complete with giant blenders and costume changes, but failed to win over voters. Ireland’s EMMY, Montenegro, and others joined the list of non-qualifiers, leaving fans gutted. Social media erupted, with some calling Australia’s elimination a shock, while others argued the competition was just too fierce this year.
Eurovision Song Contest 2nd Semi-Final: Drama and Controversy
The night wasn’t without its tensions. Israel’s participation drew protests, with a Palestinian flag spotted during rehearsals, sparking debates about the contest’s inclusivity. Despite calls for a boycott, Yuval Raphael’s performance resonated with many, though some viewers claimed the broadcast muted audience boos. Meanwhile, the UK’s Remember Monday, already qualified as a “Big Five” act, debuted their country-pop track “What The Hell Just Happened?” around a giant chandelier, earning praise for their harmonies. The hosts, Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer, kept the show lively, with Studer closing the night with a nostalgic cover of Italy’s 1990 winner, “Insieme: 1992.”
What’s Next for the Grand Final?
With the Eurovision Song Contest 2nd Semi-Final behind us, all eyes turn to Saturday, May 17, when 26 acts will compete for the crown. Sweden’s KAJ, with their sauna-themed “Bara Bada Bastu,” are bookmakers’ favorites, but Austria, Finland, and France’s Louane, who stunned with a sand tornado effect, are hot on their heels. The Grand Final will also feature reigning champion Nemo, reminding us why they won in 2024 with “The Code.” Expect spandex, sequins, and gale-force wind machines as Basel hosts a party like no other.
Key Moments from the Night
- Standout Staging: Malta’s medicine ball and France’s sand tornado stole the show.
- Surprise Qualifiers: Latvia’s folk chant defied odds in a pop-heavy lineup.
- Heartbreak: Australia and Ireland’s exits left fans reeling.
- Controversy: Protests over Israel’s inclusion added a serious note to the glitz.
This semi-final was a rollercoaster of emotions, proving why Eurovision remains a global phenomenon. Who’ll take the trophy? Tune in to find out!
Call to Action
Don’t miss the Eurovision Grand Final on May 17 at 8 PM BST on BBC One, iPlayer, or the Eurovision YouTube channel. Share your predictions in the comments and join the conversation!