The semi-final showcased ten acts qualifying for the grand finale, with Sweden's KAJ emerging as strong favorites to capture the title.
Céline Dion's Heartwarming Message at Eurovision Reinscribes Swiss Legacy
Céline Dion's Heartwarming Message at Eurovision Reinscribes Swiss Legacy
Céline Dion's touching video during Eurovision's return to Switzerland highlights the emotional significance of the event.
Céline Dion made a poignant appearance at the Eurovision Song Contest's first semi-final, delivering a heartfelt pre-recorded message to mark the event's return to Switzerland, the country she graced with victory in 1988. In her message, she conveyed her deep affection for Switzerland, stating, "It will forever hold a special place in my heart." Although she expressed a desire to attend in person, health issues have limited her public appearances in recent years.
The semi-final featured the qualification of ten acts moving forward to Saturday’s grand finale, with Swedish trio KAJ leading the charge with their upbeat track "Bara Bada Bastu," which translates to "Let's Take a Sauna." This accordion-driven comedy number is predicted to have a 40% chance of winning, positioning Sweden for a potential eighth Eurovision title if successful.
Out of fifteen performances in Basel’s St Jakobshalle, the following entrants earned their spots in the final: Norway's Kyle Alessandro with "Lighter," Albania's Shkodra Elektronike with "Zjerm," Iceland's VÆB with "RÓA," and several others, including notable acts from Poland and Ukraine. Unfortunately, the dreams of contestants from Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, and Slovenia were dashed, with Belgium's Red Sebastian's disqualification marking a significant upset, notably on his 26th birthday.
Dion's message, which aired during the voting interval, served as a comforting highlight amidst the competition. Organizers expressed hope that the beloved artist might still make a surprise appearance at the final, noting they remain in contact with her team. Dion poignantly remembered her own win as "life-changing" and expressed gratitude toward the Swiss audience for their unwavering support.
The stage dazzled with impressive performances, including Polish artist Justyna Steczkowska, who performed while suspended mid-air, and Slovenian musician Klemen, adding emotional depth to his act as he dedicated his song to his wife post-cancer recovery. Meanwhile, the vibrant Ukrainian anthem "Bird Of Pray" by Ziferblat carried messages of hope amid ongoing conflict, while other acts showcased a delightful mix of visual flair and innovation.
Amidst all performances, KAJ stood out as the crowd's favorite, embracing the unique sauna culture of their native Finland with a lighthearted vibe that resonated well with the audience. The band admitted feeling the weight of expectations as frontrunners, but promised to focus on enjoying the moment. Excitement continues to build as another semi-final awaits, paving the way for more electrifying performances heading into the grand finale.
The semi-final featured the qualification of ten acts moving forward to Saturday’s grand finale, with Swedish trio KAJ leading the charge with their upbeat track "Bara Bada Bastu," which translates to "Let's Take a Sauna." This accordion-driven comedy number is predicted to have a 40% chance of winning, positioning Sweden for a potential eighth Eurovision title if successful.
Out of fifteen performances in Basel’s St Jakobshalle, the following entrants earned their spots in the final: Norway's Kyle Alessandro with "Lighter," Albania's Shkodra Elektronike with "Zjerm," Iceland's VÆB with "RÓA," and several others, including notable acts from Poland and Ukraine. Unfortunately, the dreams of contestants from Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, and Slovenia were dashed, with Belgium's Red Sebastian's disqualification marking a significant upset, notably on his 26th birthday.
Dion's message, which aired during the voting interval, served as a comforting highlight amidst the competition. Organizers expressed hope that the beloved artist might still make a surprise appearance at the final, noting they remain in contact with her team. Dion poignantly remembered her own win as "life-changing" and expressed gratitude toward the Swiss audience for their unwavering support.
The stage dazzled with impressive performances, including Polish artist Justyna Steczkowska, who performed while suspended mid-air, and Slovenian musician Klemen, adding emotional depth to his act as he dedicated his song to his wife post-cancer recovery. Meanwhile, the vibrant Ukrainian anthem "Bird Of Pray" by Ziferblat carried messages of hope amid ongoing conflict, while other acts showcased a delightful mix of visual flair and innovation.
Amidst all performances, KAJ stood out as the crowd's favorite, embracing the unique sauna culture of their native Finland with a lighthearted vibe that resonated well with the audience. The band admitted feeling the weight of expectations as frontrunners, but promised to focus on enjoying the moment. Excitement continues to build as another semi-final awaits, paving the way for more electrifying performances heading into the grand finale.
