Eurovision 2025: Who Missed Out on Dragons and Saunas?
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After two semifinals in Basel, the finalists of Europe’s main musical ball have been determined. Tears, fire, and Finnish steam: who made it, and who was left behind?
In Basel, where the sauna and dragon have long been considered cultural treasures, two semifinals of the most eccentric European contest—Eurovision 2025—have come to an end. Backstage: cascades of tears; on stage: fire, special effects, and national costumes worthy of a solo exhibition at the Louvre.
Eleven countries were burned on their way to the final. On Tuesday, Slovenia, Azerbaijan, Croatia, Belgium, and Cyprus said goodbye to the contest—perhaps they simply lacked Finnish steam or Scandinavian stamina. On Thursday, they were joined by Australia (unfortunately, kangaroos don’t jump on stage), Montenegro, Ireland, Georgia, Czechia, and Serbia. Now, the musicians from these countries can only dream of a comeback to the winner’s soundtrack.
The final promises to be as colorful as a hostel’s Swedish buffet: 20 countries have received the long-awaited ticket, among them Ukraine—which hasn’t missed a single final since 2003, apparently having found the secret Eurovision beginner’s manual. Joining them are six “automatic” participants—including Germany and the host Swiss, who, it seems, reserved the best seats in advance.
What’s next? On Saturday, Europe will once again unite to argue over taste, argue over politics, argue over just about everything. And, of course, to choose the song of the year and give the world new memes. If you still haven’t decided what to do on Saturday night—turn on the Eurovision broadcast. Who knows, maybe that’s where we’ll see the revival of sauna rock, a dragon battle, and an unexpected trio with an omelet on their heads?
Parmegano
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