As the grand final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 takes place in Basel, 26 nations are ready to compete for the prestigious trophy. This year feels refreshingly unpredictable compared to past contests, as bookmakers once again revisit the favorites. Currently leading the charge is Sweden with their quirky entry "Bara Bada Bastu," but as history shows, novelty acts rarely capture voter hearts. Instead, powerful pop anthems with themes of resilience tend to rise to the top. Here’s a closer look at the top five contenders making headlines this year.
Eurovision 2025 Final: Meet the Top Contenders for Victory
Eurovision 2025 Final: Meet the Top Contenders for Victory
With the final fast approaching, the buzz around Eurovision 2025 is building as we highlight the frontrunners vying for the title.
**SWEDEN: KAJ - BARA BADA BASTU**
Chance of Winning: 39%
Language: Swedish
Genre: Epadunk
Spotify Streams: 43.9m
Representing Sweden, the comedic collective KAJ offer a unique ode to sauna culture with "Bara Bada Bastu." Celebrated for their light-hearted lyrics and catchy accordion riffs, they bring their Finnish vibe to the Eurovision stage. "The sauna is pure,” says member Kevin Holmström, highlighting the cultural importance of relaxation and community.
**AUSTRIA: JJ - WASTED LOVE**
Chance of Winning: 22%
Language: English
Genre: Pop-opera
Spotify Streams: 6m
JJ, a rising star from Vienna's State Opera, takes a heartfelt dive into unreciprocated love with "Wasted Love." His powerful counter-tenor combined with an electronic twist creates an emotionally charged performance set on a dramatic sailing boat. “Eurovision has been a dream since I saw Conchita win,” he expresses, hinting at his aspirations for victory.
**FRANCE: LOUANE - MAMAN**
Chance of Winning: 8%
Language: French
Genre: Torch Song
Spotify Streams: 6.9m
Louane’s emotional ballad "Maman," inspired by her late mother, explores themes of loss and resilience against the backdrop of stunning sandstorm visuals. The heartfelt connection to her daughter's presence during the performance adds a layer of poignancy, as she aims for a heartfelt victory for her mother’s memory.
**NETHERLANDS: CLAUDE - C'EST LA VIE**
Chance of Winning: 6%
Language: French and English
Genre: Chanson
Spotify Streams: 17.2m
Claude’s "C'est La Vie" radiates joy and perseverance, directly inspired by his mother’s journey from Congo to safety in Europe. His energetic blend of Afropop strives to inspire and uplift, embodying a message of hope that connects deeply with audiences. “I want to bring her life lessons to the world,” he states, brimming with gratitude.
**FINLAND: ERIKA VIKMAN - ICH KOMME**
Chance of Winning: 4%
Language: Finnish, German
Genre: Eurodance
Spotify Streams: 11.8m
Erika Vikman boldly declares her anthem "Ich Komme" celebrates empowerment and sexuality. With its electrifying beats, she transforms the stage into her playground. Despite censorship challenges regarding her costume, Erika embraces her identity and performance, ready to showcase her artistry without limitations.
As viewers eagerly anticipate the results from Basel, the competition remains fierce and unpredictable. Each performer brings a unique story and a chance for a memorable night, without overshadowing the spontaneous spirit that Eurovision embodies. The final results will soon reveal who will take home the coveted glass microphone trophy.
Chance of Winning: 39%
Language: Swedish
Genre: Epadunk
Spotify Streams: 43.9m
Representing Sweden, the comedic collective KAJ offer a unique ode to sauna culture with "Bara Bada Bastu." Celebrated for their light-hearted lyrics and catchy accordion riffs, they bring their Finnish vibe to the Eurovision stage. "The sauna is pure,” says member Kevin Holmström, highlighting the cultural importance of relaxation and community.
**AUSTRIA: JJ - WASTED LOVE**
Chance of Winning: 22%
Language: English
Genre: Pop-opera
Spotify Streams: 6m
JJ, a rising star from Vienna's State Opera, takes a heartfelt dive into unreciprocated love with "Wasted Love." His powerful counter-tenor combined with an electronic twist creates an emotionally charged performance set on a dramatic sailing boat. “Eurovision has been a dream since I saw Conchita win,” he expresses, hinting at his aspirations for victory.
**FRANCE: LOUANE - MAMAN**
Chance of Winning: 8%
Language: French
Genre: Torch Song
Spotify Streams: 6.9m
Louane’s emotional ballad "Maman," inspired by her late mother, explores themes of loss and resilience against the backdrop of stunning sandstorm visuals. The heartfelt connection to her daughter's presence during the performance adds a layer of poignancy, as she aims for a heartfelt victory for her mother’s memory.
**NETHERLANDS: CLAUDE - C'EST LA VIE**
Chance of Winning: 6%
Language: French and English
Genre: Chanson
Spotify Streams: 17.2m
Claude’s "C'est La Vie" radiates joy and perseverance, directly inspired by his mother’s journey from Congo to safety in Europe. His energetic blend of Afropop strives to inspire and uplift, embodying a message of hope that connects deeply with audiences. “I want to bring her life lessons to the world,” he states, brimming with gratitude.
**FINLAND: ERIKA VIKMAN - ICH KOMME**
Chance of Winning: 4%
Language: Finnish, German
Genre: Eurodance
Spotify Streams: 11.8m
Erika Vikman boldly declares her anthem "Ich Komme" celebrates empowerment and sexuality. With its electrifying beats, she transforms the stage into her playground. Despite censorship challenges regarding her costume, Erika embraces her identity and performance, ready to showcase her artistry without limitations.
As viewers eagerly anticipate the results from Basel, the competition remains fierce and unpredictable. Each performer brings a unique story and a chance for a memorable night, without overshadowing the spontaneous spirit that Eurovision embodies. The final results will soon reveal who will take home the coveted glass microphone trophy.
