The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest is set to get underway in Switzerland with the first semi-final taking place on May 13, before the final coming up soon on May 17
The Eurovision Song Contest is back in full swing, with the 69th edition set to light up the St. Jakobshalle arena in Switzerland, following their triumph at the 2024 contest with Nemo’s song The Code.
Two semi-finals are scheduled for May 13 and 15, culminating in the grand final on May 17. The trio of live shows will be hosted by Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer, with Michelle Hunziker joining the team for the final showdown.
This year sees a total of 37 countries stepping up to the plate, including Montenegro making a comeback after a two-year hiatus. Unfortunately, Moldova had to bow out due to financial constraints.
Switzerland is playing host for the third time, having previously welcomed the contest in 1956 and 1989. The theme for this year’s musical extravaganza is Unity Shapes Love.
Here’s everything you need to know about the first semi-final, from the running order and start time to how to tune in, reports the Express.
So, what’s the running order for the first Eurovision semi-final?
A line-up of 15 countries will battle it out in the first semi-final, with the running order as follows:.
1. Iceland: VÆB – RÓA.
2. Poland: Justyna Steczkowska – GAJA.
3. Slovenia: Klemen – How Much Time Do We Have Left.
4. Estonia: Tommy Cash – Espresso Macchiato.
5. Ukraine: Ziferblat – Bird of Pray.
6. Sweden: KAJ – Bara Bada Bastu.
7. Portugal: NAPA – Deslocado.
8. Norway: Kyle Alessandro – Lighter.
9. Belgium: Red Sebastian – Strobe Lights.
10. Azerbaijan: Mamagama – Run With U.
11. San Marino: Gabry Ponte – Tutta L’Italia.
12. Albania: Shkodra Elektronike – Zjerm.
13. Netherlands: Claude – C’est La Vie.
14. Croatia: Marko Bošnjak – Poison Cake.
15. Cyprus: Theo Evan – Shh.
Spain, Italy and Switzerland will also be showcasing their tunes during the night, with Spain’s Melody belting out ESA DIVA following Estonia’s performance.
Italy’s Lucio Corsi is set to deliver Volevo Essere Un Duro after Belgium’s act, while Switzerland’s Zoë Më will take the stage with Voyage after Croatia’s performance.
Italy, Spain and Switzerland have already secured their spots in the Grand Final.
When does the first Eurovision semi-final kick off?
The first semi-final is scheduled for Tuesday, 13 May and will be aired in the UK from 8pm, or 9pm CEST (Central European Summer Time).
The programme will run for a total of two hours and 20 minutes, wrapping up at 10.20pm.
How can you watch the first Eurovision semi-final?
For Eurovision enthusiasts in the UK, the first semi-final can be viewed on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Rylan and Scott Mills will provide commentary as they watch the top 10 countries secure their places in Saturday’s Grand Final.
BBC Radio 2 is also your go-to for Eurovision 2025 coverage, with presenter Sara Cox – making a return to the Eurovision commentary box this year – teaming up with Richie Anderson.
For those tuning in from outside the UK, they can catch the action via the official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel.
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