Céline Dion Makes Rare Appearance as Eurovision 2025 Kicks Off in Switzerland
Céline Dion made a brief but emotional appearance during the first semi-final of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, sending a pre-recorded message that paid tribute to Switzerland—the country where her international career began.
“I’d love nothing more than to be with you,” Dion said in the video, aired during the interval of Tuesday’s semi-final in Basel. “Switzerland will forever hold a special place in my heart. It’s the country that believed in me and gave me the chance to be part of something so extraordinary.”
The singer, who won Eurovision in 1988 representing Switzerland, has largely retreated from public life in recent years due to stiff-person syndrome (SPS), a rare neurological condition. Her message ruled out an in-person appearance, despite speculation she might return to the Eurovision stage as the contest comes back to Switzerland following Nemo’s victory in 2024.
KAJ Leads the Pack with Sauna Anthem
Ten acts advanced from Tuesday night’s performances, with Swedish act KAJ emerging as a clear frontrunner with their playful, accordion-fueled anthem Bara Bada Bastu—a comedic tribute to sauna culture. The group, whose name is an acronym of members Kevin, Axel, and Jakob, has been dominating Swedish charts and is now the bookmakers’ top pick to win the grand final.
If they succeed, Sweden will surpass Ireland to become the most successful nation in Eurovision history with eight wins.
Semi-Final Results: Who Qualified
Out of 15 competing acts, the following ten progressed to Saturday’s grand final:
- Norway: Kyle Alessandro – Lighter
- Albania: Shkodra Elektronike – Zjerm
- Sweden: KAJ – Bara Bada Bastu
- Iceland: VÆB – RÓA
- Netherlands: Claude – C’est La Vie
- Poland: Justyna Steczkowska – GAJA
- San Marino: Gabry Ponte – Tutta L’Italia
- Estonia: Tommy Cash – Espresso Macchiato
- Portugal: NAPA – Deslocado
- Ukraine: Ziferblat – Bird of Pray
Notably eliminated were Azerbaijan, Cyprus, Croatia, Slovenia, and Belgium, whose entry by Red Sebastian (Strobe Lights) had been widely tipped as a top contender. His surprise exit coincided with his 26th birthday.
Dion’s Tribute and Surprise Performance
Dion’s message added emotional weight to the night, especially as it segued into a tribute performance of her 1988 winning song Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, covered live on stage by a medley of past Eurovision contestants.
While the legendary singer was unable to attend in person, Eurovision organisers revealed they were “still in close contact with her,” leaving the door open for a possible appearance at the grand final this weekend.
Memorable Moments on Stage
The semi-final featured a blend of poignant storytelling and theatrical flair:
- Justyna Steczkowska (Poland) stunned audiences by singing mid-air, suspended by ropes during her nature-themed ballad.
- Slovenia’s Klemen performed upside down in an emotional tribute to his wife’s battle with cancer, though he failed to secure a final spot.
- Tommy Cash (Estonia) turned heads with his quirky performance of Espresso Macchiato, featuring a faux stage invader mimicking his eccentric moves.
- Ukraine’s Ziferblat received a wave of support for their song Bird of Pray, resonating deeply with the ongoing conflict in their homeland.
- Italy’s Lucio Corsi drew inspiration from David Bowie and Mick Ronson in a glam-rock throwback performance of Volevo Essere Un Duro.
What’s Next?
Ten more countries will compete in the second semi-final on Thursday, with the top acts joining Tuesday’s qualifiers in Saturday’s grand final.
They’ll be joined by the “Big Five”—France, Germany, Spain, the UK, and Italy—who automatically qualify due to their financial contributions to the contest, as well as Switzerland, last year’s winner.
As Eurovision fever builds, all eyes remain on whether KAJ can steam ahead to victory—and whether Céline Dion might surprise fans with a live appearance in the grand finale.