LAST UPDATE | 13 May 2025

TEN COUNTRIES HAVE qualified for the finals of the Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, tonight. 

They are Norway, Albania, Sweden, Iceland, the Netherlands, Poland, San Marino, Estonia, Portugal and Ukraine. 

The bookies had made Sweden favourites ahead of the contest and had also given short odds on the Netherlands, Ukraine and Estonia. 

Estonian singer Tommy Cash’s performance of his madcap song Italian-themed Espresso Macchiato made quite the impression, particularly on RTÉ commentator Marty Whelan, who described Cash as “mad as a March hare”. 

Sweden brought their much-hyped tribute to sauna culture, while another non-Italian act had a song about… Italy. San Marino’s Tutti L’Italia is a celebration of all things Italian – from football to Renaissance art. 

San Marino and Iceland were among the surprise qualifiers from tonight’s lineup, considering the bookies had both heading for the exit ahead of the show. 

Claude from the Netherlands performs the song C'est La Vie Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Another ten acts will qualify from the second semi-final on Thursday, with the Grand Final set to take place this Saturday. 

The so-called ‘Big Five’ – France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK – automatically qualify for the final, alongside host nation Switzerland. 

In honour of the hosts, former Switzerland contestant Celine Dion appeared on screen in the arena with some words of encouragement for tonight’s act and thanks for the Swiss support she’s had over the years. 

Former Eurovision Song Contest winner Celine Dion Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

The annual contest is being staged, once again, under tighter than usual security amid protest over the inclusion of Israel in the contest, due to the country’s ongoing bombardment of Gaza. But there were no apparent disturbances during tonight’s show. 

Hosts Hazel Brugger, left and Sandra Studer in Basel tonight Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

About 1,300 Swiss police officers are on duty in the city, with more forces drafted in from the military, federal police and the neighbouring countries of Germany and France ahead of the two semi-finals tonight and on Thursday, and the grand final on Saturday. 

Gabry Ponte from San Marino performs the song Tutta L'Italia at the Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Both Ireland and Israel are due to perform in the Thursday show. 

You’ll find our full guide to this week’s shows here.