The showdown on Saturday night promises a diverse range of performances, from uplifting anthems to heartfelt tributes.
Eurovision 2025: Meet the Top Contenders for the Glass Microphone Trophy
Eurovision 2025: Meet the Top Contenders for the Glass Microphone Trophy
As excitement builds for the Eurovision final in Basel, we take a closer look at the top five favorites vying for glory.
The Eurovision Song Contest is gearing up for its exciting grand finale on Saturday night in Basel, where contestants from 27 nations will compete for the prestigious glass microphone trophy. This year's lineup showcases an eclectic mix of performances, ranging from the spectacular to the heartfelt and humorous.
Celebrating the 69th edition of the contest, Australia showcases its "Milkshake Man," which cleverly navigates innuendo, while Ukraine presents "Bird Of Pray," offering a poignant message of hope amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Meanwhile, Ireland's entry, Emmy, takes to a Russian spacecraft in a surreal tribute to the famed cosmo dog Laika.
Unlike previous years, this competition feels less fixed, as contenders like Loreen (Sweden, 2023) and Kalush Orchestra (Ukraine, 2022) were widely predicted victors before performing. Bookmakers currently favor Sweden, whose innovative entry, "Bara Bada Bastu," is a lighthearted celebration of sauna culture. However, it’s worth noting that novelty acts have never clinched the top spot; voters tend to favor songs celebrating personal triumph and powerful anthems.
Here are the current top five favorites:
**SWEDEN: KAJ – "BARA BADA BASTU"**
**Chance of Winning: 39%**
With their quirky sauna-themed song, the Finnish trio KAJ brings a fun yet relatable message about relaxation. They’ve incorporated authentic sauna elements into their performance, making their entry memorable and engaging.
**AUSTRIA: JJ – "WASTED LOVE"**
**Chance of Winning: 22%**
Performing with a flair for dramatic pop-opera, 24-year-old JJ brings a powerful ballad about unrequited love to the stage. His theatrical performance is set against a visually striking backdrop, promising an unforgettable experience.
**FRANCE: LOUANE – "MAMAN"**
**Chance of Winning: 8%**
Louane's emotional ballad offers a poignant reflection on personal loss. The staging, which includes real sand creating a sensory experience, symbolizes the passage of time and healing.
**NETHERLANDS: CLAUDE – "C'EST LA VIE"**
**Chance of Winning: 6%**
Claude's upbeat Afropop song pays homage to his mother and their journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo. His energetic performance is complemented by newly acquired dance skills, aimed at captivating the audience.
**FINLAND: ERIKA VIKMAN – "ICH KOMME"**
**Chance of Winning: 4%**
Erika’s electrifying performance is unapologetically bold, complete with striking visuals and a tune celebrating empowerment. She embraces the stage presence that demands attention, ensuring she leaves a lasting impression.
While the UK's entry, a girl band called Remember Monday, finds themselves at the bottom of the favorites list, they remain committed to bringing joy to their performance, hoping to defy expectations. As the night approaches, it is anyone's game in this unpredictable contest, where each act can turn the tide and claim the coveted trophy.
Celebrating the 69th edition of the contest, Australia showcases its "Milkshake Man," which cleverly navigates innuendo, while Ukraine presents "Bird Of Pray," offering a poignant message of hope amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Meanwhile, Ireland's entry, Emmy, takes to a Russian spacecraft in a surreal tribute to the famed cosmo dog Laika.
Unlike previous years, this competition feels less fixed, as contenders like Loreen (Sweden, 2023) and Kalush Orchestra (Ukraine, 2022) were widely predicted victors before performing. Bookmakers currently favor Sweden, whose innovative entry, "Bara Bada Bastu," is a lighthearted celebration of sauna culture. However, it’s worth noting that novelty acts have never clinched the top spot; voters tend to favor songs celebrating personal triumph and powerful anthems.
Here are the current top five favorites:
**SWEDEN: KAJ – "BARA BADA BASTU"**
**Chance of Winning: 39%**
With their quirky sauna-themed song, the Finnish trio KAJ brings a fun yet relatable message about relaxation. They’ve incorporated authentic sauna elements into their performance, making their entry memorable and engaging.
**AUSTRIA: JJ – "WASTED LOVE"**
**Chance of Winning: 22%**
Performing with a flair for dramatic pop-opera, 24-year-old JJ brings a powerful ballad about unrequited love to the stage. His theatrical performance is set against a visually striking backdrop, promising an unforgettable experience.
**FRANCE: LOUANE – "MAMAN"**
**Chance of Winning: 8%**
Louane's emotional ballad offers a poignant reflection on personal loss. The staging, which includes real sand creating a sensory experience, symbolizes the passage of time and healing.
**NETHERLANDS: CLAUDE – "C'EST LA VIE"**
**Chance of Winning: 6%**
Claude's upbeat Afropop song pays homage to his mother and their journey from the Democratic Republic of Congo. His energetic performance is complemented by newly acquired dance skills, aimed at captivating the audience.
**FINLAND: ERIKA VIKMAN – "ICH KOMME"**
**Chance of Winning: 4%**
Erika’s electrifying performance is unapologetically bold, complete with striking visuals and a tune celebrating empowerment. She embraces the stage presence that demands attention, ensuring she leaves a lasting impression.
While the UK's entry, a girl band called Remember Monday, finds themselves at the bottom of the favorites list, they remain committed to bringing joy to their performance, hoping to defy expectations. As the night approaches, it is anyone's game in this unpredictable contest, where each act can turn the tide and claim the coveted trophy.
