Eurovision 2025 Kicks Off: Semi-Final Allocation Draw Sets the Stage for Basel’s Big Show
The Kunstmuseum Basel was the chosen venue for the highly anticipated Semi-Final Allocation Draw of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. On Tuesday, the Swiss city not only received the baton from Malmö as the host city but also determined the fate of the 37 participating countries. With a meticulous and thrilling draw, Basel made it clear that it is ready to host one of the world’s largest music spectacles.
The ceremony, hosted by Jennifer Bosshard and Jan van Ditzhuijzen, began with the official handover of the host city insignia. Catrin Nilson, President of Malmö City Council, passed the torch to Conradin Cramer, President of the Basel-Stadt Cantonal Government. This symbolic gesture marked the start of a new era for Eurovision, which returns to Switzerland after Nemo’s victory in 2024 with The Code.
Semi-Final 1: A clash of titans
The first semi-final, scheduled for May 13, promises to be a spectacular showdown. In the first half, the following countries will perform:
- 🇸🇪 Sweden
- 🇺🇦 Ukraine
- 🇸🇮 Slovenia
- 🇮🇸 Iceland
- 🇪🇪 Estonia
- 🇵🇱 Poland
- 🇵🇹 Portugal
In the second half, the stage will belong to:
- 🇳🇱 Netherlands
- 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan
- 🇦🇱 Albania
- 🇸🇲 San Marino
- 🇧🇪 Belgium
- 🇨🇾 Cyprus
- 🇭🇷 Croatia
- 🇳🇴 Norway
Switzerland, Italy, and Spain will vote in this semi-final. With countries like Sweden and Ukraine in the mix, the competition promises to be fierce.
Semi-Final 2: Pure diversity and talent
The second semi-final, set for May 15, is equally thrilling. In the first half, the following countries will take the stage:
- 🇦🇹 Austria
- 🇱🇹 Lithuania
- 🇦🇲 Armenia
- 🇲🇪 Montenegro
- 🇬🇷 Greece
- 🇮🇪 Ireland
- 🇦🇺 Australia
- 🇱🇻 Latvia
In the second half, the competitors will be:
- 🇨🇿 Czechia
- 🇮🇱 Israel
- 🇲🇹 Malta
- 🇫🇮 Finland
- 🇩🇰 Denmark
- 🇱🇺 Luxembourg
- 🇬🇪 Georgia
- 🇷🇸 Serbia
Germany, France, and the United Kingdom will vote in this round. With Greece and Finland on the list, this semi-final promises to be just as exciting as the first.
The Grand Final: May 17
The 20 countries that advance from the semi-finals will join the six pre-qualified nations (Switzerland, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) in the grand final on May 17. Basel is ready to welcome thousands of fans and artists for an event that promises to be unforgettable.
