Tonight marks the beginning of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, broadcasting live from St. Jakobshalle Arena in Basel, Switzerland. With 15 countries opting for 10 spots in the Grand Final, Semi-Final 1 sets the stage for an exciting week of music, staging, and spectacle.
The world’s most beloved music contest returns to Swiss soil for the first time since Céline Dion’s legendary win in 1988, thanks to Nemo’s victory last year with “The Code”. Eurovision 2025 brings fresh energy, new talent, and innovative performances — and it all starts tonight.
Who’s Performing Tonight in Eurovision 2025 Semi-Final 1?
Fifteen countries will perform in tonight’s show. The lineup, determined by a combination of draw and production needs, features some of the most anticipated and daring entries of the year. From electronic chaos to emotional ballads, viewers can expect a dynamic and diverse show:
| Running Order | Country | Artist | Song |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Iceland | VÆB | “RÓA” |
| 02 | Poland | Justyna Steczkowska | “Gaja” |
| 03 | Slovenia | Klemen | “How Much Time Do We Have Left” |
| 04 | Estonia | Tommy Cash | “Espresso Macchiato” |
| 05 | Ukraine | Ziferblat | “Bird of Pray” |
| 06 | Sweden | KAJ | “Bara Bada Bastu” |
| 07 | Portugal | NAPA | “Deslocado” |
| 08 | Norway | Kyle Alessandro | “Lighter” |
| 09 | 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” |
Additionally, three of the pre-qualified countries — Spain, Italy and Switzerland — will perform their songs live as part of the show’s lineup, though they are not competing tonight. These countries will also cast votes during the broadcast.
How Does the Eurovision 2025 Semi-Final Work?
- Start Time: 21:00 CEST / 3:00 PM EST / 12:00 PM PDT
- Location: St. Jakobshalle, Basel
- Voting: Televote only — no jury influence.
- Viewers from participating countries in this semi-final can vote, along with Spain, Italy and Switzerland, and an international “Rest of the World” audience.
The ten most voted acts will qualify for the Grand Final. In a format update for 2025, the announcement of the qualifiers will feature a dual-screen presentation for the first nine, while the tenth spot will be revealed using the classic tension-building method.
Hosts and Interval Acts: What Else to Expect Tonight
The show will be hosted by Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer, who will be joined in the Grand Final by Michelle Hunziker. The opening act will include Swiss cultural elements like yodeling, alphorns, and reinterpretations of past Eurovision winning songs:
- “Tattoo” (Sweden 2023)
- “Arcade” (Netherlands 2019)
- “Waterloo” (Sweden 1974)
- “The Code” (Switzerland 2024)
The interval act, titled “Made in Switzerland”, is set to blend satire and nostalgia. It will include appearances by Eurovision legends such as Petra Mede, and fan favorites from 2024 like Marina Satti, Jerry Heil, Iolanda, and Silvester Belt, culminating in a rendition of “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi” — Switzerland’s 1988 winning song, introduced by a video message from Céline Dion herself.
How to Watch Eurovision 2025 Semi-Final 1 Live
📺 In the United States
Eurovision 2025 will be streamed live in the U.S. via Peacock, available to Premium and Premium Plus subscribers.
- Start Time:
- 3:00 PM ET
- 2:00 PM CT
- 12:00 PM PT
🇺🇸 Note: The broadcast will likely be commentary-free, similar to recent years. For the full Eurovision experience, viewers can also tune into the official YouTube livestream provided by the EBU with no commentary.
🌐 Worldwide
If you’re outside a participating country:
- Watch live and free on the Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel (no commentary).
📻 Radio Broadcasts
Various European broadcasters will also carry the show via radio — including BBC Radio 2 (UK), Yle X3M (Finland), and Radio Val 202 (Slovenia).
When Are the Next Shows?
- Semi-Final 2: Thursday, May 15, 2025
- Grand Final: Saturday, May 17, 2025
Each show airs live at 21:00 CEST / 3 PM EST / 12 PM PDT and can be streamed via Peacock (US) and YouTube (Global).
Eurovision 2025 Semi-Final 1 Quick Facts
- 🏟️ Venue: St. Jakobshalle, Basel, Switzerland
- 📺 Where to Watch in the US: Peacock (streaming)
- 📅 Date: Tuesday, May 13, 2025
- ⏰ US Time: 3 PM EST / 12 PM PDT
- 📊 Voting: 100% public vote
- 🌍 Eligible to Vote Tonight: Participating countries + Italy + Switzerland + Rest of the World