ESC 2025: As Eurovision fever sweeps across Europe, fans in Switzerland are gearing up for one of the biggest entertainment events of the year — the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.
With 37 countries battling for a spot in the Grand Final, the excitement is already building ahead of Saturday, 17 May, when 26 acts will light up the stage in hopes of winning the coveted title.
But before the big night, all eyes are on the two thrilling Semi-Finals that determine which countries will earn their place in the final showdown.
When Are the Eurovision 2025 Semi-Finals?
The Eurovision Semi-Finals are taking place this week, with two live shows airing on:
- Tuesday, 13 May 2025 – First Semi-Final (Already concluded)
- Thursday, 15 May 2025 – Second Semi-Final (Live at 8 PM CEST)
Both events are broadcast live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer, with audio coverage available on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. In Switzerland, fans can also tune in via SRF, RTS, and RSI channels.
Which Countries Have Qualified So Far?
First Semi-Final – 13 May 2025 (Top 10 Qualified):
- Iceland – VÆB with RÓA
- Poland – Justyna Steczkowska with GAJA
- Estonia – Tommy Cash with Espresso Macchiato
- Ukraine – Ziferblat with Bird of Pray
- Sweden – KAJ with Bara Bada Bastu
- Portugal – NAPA with Deslocado
- Norway – Kyle Alessandro with Lighter
- San Marino – Gabry Ponte with Tutta L’Italia
- Netherlands – Claude with C’est La Vie
- Azerbaijan – Mamagama with Run With U
Countries like Slovenia, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, and Albania missed the cut, while Italy, Spain, and Switzerlandautomatically qualify for Saturday’s Grand Final.
Second Semi-Final – Thursday, 15 May: Running Order
Here’s the official line-up for the Second Semi-Final:
- Australia – Go-Jo with Milkshake Man
- Montenegro – Nina Žižić with Dobrodošli
- Ireland – EMMY with Laika Party
- Latvia – Tautumeitas with Bur Man Laimi
- Armenia – PARG with SURVIVOR
- Austria – JJ with Wasted Love
- Greece – Klavdia with Asteromáta
- Lithuania – Katarsis with Tavo Akys
- Malta – Miriana Conte with SERVING
- Georgia – Mariam Shengelia with Freedom
- Denmark – Sissal with Hallucination
- Czechia – ADONXS with Kiss Kiss Goodbye
- Luxembourg – Laura Thorn with La Poupée Monte Le Son
- Israel – Yuval Raphael with New Day Will Rise
- Serbia – Princ with Mila
- Finland – Erika Vikman with ICH KOMME
France, Germany, and United Kingdom will not compete in the Semi-Final but will be voting — and all three automatically qualify for the Grand Final.
Switzerland’s Role in Eurovision 2025
As the host country, Switzerland is guaranteed a place in the Grand Final. Following Nemo’s victory in 2024, the pressure is on to deliver another standout performance. Representing Switzerland in 2025 is Zoë Më with her evocative track Voyage — a performance fans are eagerly awaiting.
Swiss audiences were also eligible to vote during the First Semi-Final, adding to the local excitement and participation.
Meet the Hosts & Commentators
Hosting duties for the Semi-Finals and Grand Final are shared by a talented trio:
- Hazel Brugger – A Swiss-German comedian and presenter known for her witty charm.
- Sandra Studer – A Eurovision veteran who represented Switzerland in 1991 and now returns as host.
- Michelle Hunziker – One of Switzerland’s most recognized TV personalities with an international profile.
UK coverage will feature Rylan and Scott Mills providing commentary, while Sara Cox and Richie Anderson will take over the airwaves on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.
Don’t Miss: UK’s Performance Debut
UK’s entrant Remember Monday will give their first live performance of What The Hell Just Happened? during Thursday’s Semi-Final — offering fans a taste of what’s to come in the Grand Final.
Where to Watch Eurovision 2025 in Switzerland
- TV: SRF, RTS, RSI, BBC One (for international coverage)
- Online: BBC iPlayer, Eurovision.tv (official stream)
- Radio: BBC Sounds, Radio SRF 3, RTS La Première