Céline Dion Sends Warm Message as Sweden's KAJ Secures Eurovision Final Spot

The Eurovision semi-final showcased vibrant performances, with KAJ's unique song capturing audience attention and qualifying for the final.

Céline Dion made a rare appearance during the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest with a touching, pre-recorded message. Celebrating the contest's return to Switzerland, where she won in 1988, she expressed her fondness for the country. “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,” she stated, while wishing she could be there in person.

During this semi-final, a total of 10 acts were chosen to advance to the grand finale on Saturday, including the Swedish trio KAJ. Their amusing song, "Bara Bada Bastu," blends accordion melodies with catchy lyrics, humorously inviting listeners to experience sauna culture. Bookmakers have placed them as favorites to win, predicting a 40% chance of taking home the coveted title. Should they triumph, Sweden would mark its eighth Eurovision victory, solidifying its position as the contest's most successful country.

The 15 performances that night featured artists from various nations, but the disqualification of five countries, notably Belgium's Red Sebastian and his anticipated rave anthem, added unexpected drama. Participants from Norway, Albania, Sweden, Iceland, and others successfully progressed to the final, while five others faced elimination.

Dion's message aired during the floating voting interval, as excitement mounted. Though she has faced health struggles due to stiff-person syndrome, the message marked a significant moment for Eurovision's audiences, many of whom remember her impacting win. She reflected on her emotional victory in 1988, expressing gratitude to Switzerland.

In tribute, several former Eurovision participants performed her iconic winning song, "Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi." Organizers of the event remained hopeful for a surprise appearance from Dion during the grand final as they keep communication lines open.

The semi-final showcased a variety of talent, from Iceland’s energetic duo VÆB to Poland's daring aerial act by Justyna Steczkowska, capturing the audience's imagination. The performances ranged from emotional tributes to quirky anthems, but KAJ’s fun, sauna-themed performance stood out, igniting enthusiasm from the audience. The band shared their hopes of enjoying the moment while embracing the pressures of being front-runners in the competition.