The first semi-final of Eurovision 2025 showcased diverse performances, but it was Sweden's KAJ who emerged as a strong contender with their quirky sauna-themed anthem.
**Céline Dion's Heartfelt Message Highlights Eurovision Semi-Final as Sweden's KAJ Steals the Show**
**Céline Dion's Heartfelt Message Highlights Eurovision Semi-Final as Sweden's KAJ Steals the Show**
Céline Dion’s emotional tribute marks Eurovision’s return to Switzerland while Sweden secures a spot in the grand finale.
In a touching pre-recorded message, Céline Dion graced the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest, expressing her sentiments as the iconic event touched down in Switzerland for the first time since her historic win in 1988. Although she could not attend due to ongoing health challenges, Dion’s affection for Switzerland shone through. "It's the country that believed in me and gave me the chance to be part of something so extraordinary," she stated.
The semi-final event saw 15 contestants compete, with 10 securing a place in Saturday’s grand finale. Leading the charge was the Swedish group KAJ, whose playful song "Bara Bada Bastu," translating to "let's take a sauna," thrilled audiences and secured a substantial betting edge for the win. Featuring upbeat accordion melodies and humorous lyrics, the song has garnered a 40% win probability, positioning Sweden to potentially clinch their eighth Eurovision title.
The performers who made it through included competitors from Norway, Albania, Iceland, the Netherlands, Poland, San Marino, Estonia, Portugal, and Ukraine. Alas, the hopes of Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, and Slovenia ended in the semi-finals, with Belgian contestant Red Sebastian’s anticipated track "Strobe Lights" narrowly missing out on qualification.
Dion’s message echoed through the venue during the voting interval, brilliantly timed as she reminisced about her own life-changing Eurovision triumph. Last summer, she made a heartfelt return to the spotlight by performing at the Paris Olympics, delighting fans with Edith Piaf's "Hymne à l'Amour." Organizers remain hopeful that Dion may still surprise the audience with her presence at the grand finale.
The semi-final set the stage for an array of vibrant performances – from Icelandic duo VÆB's energetic opening to Polish artist Justyna Steczkowska's dramatic aerial act. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian entry Ziferblat delivered a resonant anthem that captured the spirit of resilience amidst ongoing conflict.
Despite the wide array of talent, it was KAJ’s lively sauna anthem that truly resonated with the crowd. With a nod to their Finnish roots, the band expressed delight at being in a favored position but acknowledged the accompanying pressure. "We are feeling the pressure a bit," they revealed. "But we’re gonna go out there, have fun, bring the steam, bring the sauna culture, and we'll see how far it goes."
As anticipation builds for the final, many wonder whether Dion's heartfelt video message will lead to a surprise appearance this weekend.
The semi-final event saw 15 contestants compete, with 10 securing a place in Saturday’s grand finale. Leading the charge was the Swedish group KAJ, whose playful song "Bara Bada Bastu," translating to "let's take a sauna," thrilled audiences and secured a substantial betting edge for the win. Featuring upbeat accordion melodies and humorous lyrics, the song has garnered a 40% win probability, positioning Sweden to potentially clinch their eighth Eurovision title.
The performers who made it through included competitors from Norway, Albania, Iceland, the Netherlands, Poland, San Marino, Estonia, Portugal, and Ukraine. Alas, the hopes of Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, and Slovenia ended in the semi-finals, with Belgian contestant Red Sebastian’s anticipated track "Strobe Lights" narrowly missing out on qualification.
Dion’s message echoed through the venue during the voting interval, brilliantly timed as she reminisced about her own life-changing Eurovision triumph. Last summer, she made a heartfelt return to the spotlight by performing at the Paris Olympics, delighting fans with Edith Piaf's "Hymne à l'Amour." Organizers remain hopeful that Dion may still surprise the audience with her presence at the grand finale.
The semi-final set the stage for an array of vibrant performances – from Icelandic duo VÆB's energetic opening to Polish artist Justyna Steczkowska's dramatic aerial act. Meanwhile, the Ukrainian entry Ziferblat delivered a resonant anthem that captured the spirit of resilience amidst ongoing conflict.
Despite the wide array of talent, it was KAJ’s lively sauna anthem that truly resonated with the crowd. With a nod to their Finnish roots, the band expressed delight at being in a favored position but acknowledged the accompanying pressure. "We are feeling the pressure a bit," they revealed. "But we’re gonna go out there, have fun, bring the steam, bring the sauna culture, and we'll see how far it goes."
As anticipation builds for the final, many wonder whether Dion's heartfelt video message will lead to a surprise appearance this weekend.
