Eurovision 2025: Preview of Semi Final One

I ask myself, it is boredom, procrastination, or just something else that leads me to put pen to paper this year for a preview of this year’s Eurovision. Of course, we know don’t we. It’s none of the above, probably just the fact the contest is a little later this year. I’ve already expressed a lot of my opinions on the soon to be defunct ESC Fan TV. However, it’s been a while since I’ve committed what I really feel to the online world in print… so without further ado here are my thoughts on Eurovision Semi Final One! Eurovision aficionados please note that yes, I know there are 3 automatic qualifiers also performing in this semi final – however, I’ve decided to spare you all my thoughts on these for a later post.

Odds to qualify have been taken from SkyBet and are correct at time of publication (Thursday, May 8th).

Iceland (To qualify:13/8)
Opening this year’s semi final is the lovely Vaeb with the song Roa. Dressed in silver, this is quite a happy track and extemely infectious. Dubbed as the Icelandic Jedward, these two will win you over with their cheeky attitude and catchy song. Evoking the Celtic fiddle, the catchy verse gives way to some Icelandic rap and some generic bouncy beat with a fiddle in the background. I could almost be in the Emerald Isle! The main issue though is that whilst this is catchy, there are far more catchy tunes in this semi final…

Poland (To qualify: 11/4)
The first thing I notice about Poland’s entry isn’t the music, but the costumes. Potentially having not got the memo from last year, this generic dance number has a number of backing dancers in some suggestive leather clothing. Both male and female, they dance around Justnya as the ethno-dance beat increases. This is not without its chances, however if I listen to it carefully enough it sounds a little dated these days – does the mid-noughties want it’s ethnic beats back? I’d also suggest it’s not memorable enough…

Slovenia (To qualify: 13/8)
If ever there was a song which I think deserves the title of sleeper hit of 2025 it is this. Klemen sings ‘How much time do we have left together’ a song written when his wife was diagnosed with cancer. I’ve seen this at the Amsterdam Preview Party and this I hope will surprise many people next Tuesday night. It is a song that touches a nerve for many I suspect, and the beauty of it lies in the simplicity of the tune and the conviction with which it is sung. It will drive you to tears, and hopefully we’ll see it in the Grand Final on Saturday 17th.

Estonia (To qualify: 1/33)
And so, dear reader, we move from the sublime to the ridiculous. In true Eurovision style this is another catchy comedy song which I am sure will capture people’s imagination. Espresso Macchiato with it’s ‘Mia Amore’ hook, fast choruses and not so serious vibe is a great bundle of fun. Certainly whilst singing it to one Eurofan (sorry, Donna!) she saw the funny side – more because she was drunk though. You see, some don’t like this – and I don’t know why! All I see is a guy with a great sense of humour, having fun on stage. What else would you call a guy who went around Amsterdam wearing a badge that said Eurovision 2025 winner….

Ukraine (To qualify: 1/33)
It’s very difficult to underestimate Ukraine after some incredibly solid results over the last 3 years. Having won in 2022, they have gone on to two more top ten finishes, including the bronze medal at last year’s outing in Sweden. Let’s not also forget they also have the rare accolade of being the only country to qualify from every semi final they have competed in (yes, even Sweden didn’t make it one year!). This year they have sent an entry called ‘Bird of Pray’ by Ziferblat. It’s a different style of entry to what you are used to from these guys with retro alternative rock being the order of the day, and a blend of 1960s/90s fashion hitting the eyes. The song is quite pleasant with a chorus that clearly wants to fly. It’s got a good beat and the lyrics punch themselves out before it slows down to a chorus that is in English. However, it doesn’t take away from the fact it’s probably one of the weakest songs in the semi final in my humble opinion. Arguably I would suggest that this could be the year we don’t see Ukraine in the final….

Sweden (To qualify: 1/100)
You can never underestimate Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest. At 150/1 Kaj were rank outsiders to win Melodifestivalen with their track ‘Bara Bada Bastu’ but they prevailed and in the process prevented pre-contest favourite Mans Zelmerlow from returning to the contest with a song most thought would win the whole thing. And let’s face it – I think Sweden’s chances of winning are all the higher for it! This isn’t a novelty song, this is a comedy song. Encouraging people to take a sauna, this has a witty dance, fabulous lyrics and an incredibly catchy hook. I was overjoyed to see it go through to Basel, and this is surely going to be up there on the Saturday night scoreboard. Sorry Mans, Europe doesn’t want a revolution at the moment – in these dark times, we just want fun!

Portugal (To qualify: 11/4)
It’s 8 years since Salvador gave Portugal it’s first ever victory, and alas this song won’t give the Portuguese a second. Some have compared this entry to being given a warm hug, something that is quite comforting. The issue with this song is the fact that its slow, melancholic flavour is going to be in distinct contrast to both Nordic countries that go before and after it. It’s pleasant, you can hum along. However, once you’ve listened to it I can guarantee you will probably forget it. Talented singer, nice enough song – but unlike the relatability of a country like Slovenia, this unfortunately could be totally forgotten on the night. Perhaps its biggest plus point is Spain is amongst the countries voting in this semi final…

Norway (To qualify: 1/8)
Where do I begin? Having been to Oslo to watch this year’s MGP final I have a soft spot for this year’s Norwegian entry. Like Slovenia, this is another track inspired by a battle with cancer. This track coming about from the advice the singer, Kyle, was given when his Mum was diagnosed. I feel I’m channeling Terry Wogan a little when I say that this song has choreography to die for, and whilst for some the idea of ‘I’ll be my own lighter’ suggests a misunderstanding about the meaning of the word within the English language, I think the sentiment is something everyone can get on board with. Self empowerment, being your own strongest supporter are very much the power of this song. The pyrotechnics in this song if kept the same from MGP are also very impressive. Will it win? Probably not. Will it qualify? It would be a shame if it didn’t.

Belgium (To qualify: 2/5)
I have my euro-friend Eline to thank for the explanation behind Red Sebastian’s ‘Strobe Lights’. For those wondering, the song is a reflection of the 1990s culture of raving in Belgium – and for those wondering further, I think with lyrics such as ‘Alice show me your hand, take it to wonderland’ we can safely assume that a song about 90s rave culture is also going include some not so subtle lyrics about the drugs consumed at such events. Red Sebastian does not disappoint in this song – the colour scheme is everything to expect it to be. Having seen this performed in Amsterdam, I would say the diction needs to be clearer although subsequent videos suggest this has been sorted. It would be lovely to see Belgium back in the final this year having missed out last year – I just hope the staging mistakes of last year have been learned.

Azerbaijan (To qualify: Evns)
Where do I begin? This is my friend Jo’s favourite song of the whole thing. The song starts off with a retro 70s vibe that puts me in mind of Daft Punk’s ‘Get Lucky’ before going more solid 80s into the chorus which features a nice guitar piece. It’s perfectly OK and charming and will appeal to some elements of the fandom – but for me I just don’t feel it ever really gets going. It evokes the idea of Get Lucky, but musically doesn’t have enough depth or oomph to see it through for me.

San Marino (To qualify: 4/9)
I’m going to throw it out there and say this is the best San Marino entry ever. This doesn’t however mean that it isn’t flawed. The artist is down as Gabry Ponte – the guy behind Eiffel 65 and the infamous ‘Blue (da ba dee). The tune is fantastically catchy with ‘Tutta L’Italia’ bound to be sung at full drunken volume at many a Euroclub event. It evokes a chant almost in a drunken football cheering state. Verging on the schlager side of things in part – the main issue with this will be the staging. A DJ (Gabry) with his full decks on stage being flanked by 2 rather static singers is going to struggle to qualify even though listening to the studio version qualification should be a foregone conclusion.

Albania (To qualify: 1/20)
This has scored incredibly well with some elements of the fandom. It almost reminds me of the silent infectious catchiness of ‘Dinle’ from Turkey 1997 (yes, there is one for the yoof!). It quickly goes into a solid, likeable beat with a ethno-dance style. There is a spoken interlude around two thirds of the way through that breaks up the song before it goes into a pretty vocal solo and returns to its beat. It’s got strong qualification chances, but could also get lost in a crowd of comedy and sentimentality. Does it do enough to stand out? Time will tell.

Netherlands (To qualify: 1/100)
You will either love or hate this. I am definitely in the love camp. It blends very simple English and very simple French with a ‘la la la’ hook which will stay in your head for hours. It blends sentimentality at times with a dance beat that pulls you along. ‘It goes up, it goes down, it goes round and around’ is hardly going to win awards for the best lyrics. However I’m not convinced that unless the song demands it (like Slovenia) people spend a lot of time listening to the lyrics. This is a song for music. Performed well, qualification should be an absolute certainty.

Croatia (To qualify: 4/1)
‘Come and take a bite of my poison cake’ begs Marco from Croatia. This is a song that is sugar and spice and all things nice at one moment, generic Eurovision the next and then leans into rock. It is clear that the writers may have taken inspiration from the controversial but supremely staged ‘Doomsday Blue’ from Ireland last year. However, this one doesn’t entirely hit the mark because the changes aren’t extreme enough to have as big of an impact. It’s very competently performed, and Marko is an absolute sassy sweetie to meet – but as with most of these the staging will be a real determining factor as to whether it goes forward to the Grand Final. I wouldn’t be surprised either way.

Cyprus (To qualify: 1/5)
Dark, electronic and mysterious is how I would describe the opening to this curious track by Theo. Called ‘Shh’ I almost think it should be called ‘Hush’ for the amount of times it repeats itself. It’s going to be a clear Euroclub favourite. This song started as a bit meh for me, but it’s really grown on me. It’s got a dramatic side that just hits right. That including it’s electronic dance beat throughout gives this depth and a punch that should easily get it through to the Grand Final – even if Greece aren’t in this semi final. It works – and should do very, very well.

Prediction/Wish list
I predict we will see: Slovenia, Sweden, Norway, Belgium, San Marino, Albania, Netherlands, Croatia, Cyprus and…. Estonia in the final. To clarify these are my latest predictions because I’m not going to lie I think this is going to be one hell of a close semi final. It would not be a shock to see countbacks on the results of this when they are eventually revealed after the final!