Basel Bulletin: from wisdom teeth to red strobe lights

From wisdom teeth to red strobe lights, that is where it was about this afternoon. All the participants of the first semifinal have their second rehearsal. We have no liveblog from EBU, however we are expecting 30 seconds videos later today. We also have pictures.

🇵🇹 Portugal

Following their first rehearsal in Basel on May 3, Portugal’s Eurovision 2025 representatives, NAPA, have shared insights into their performance and the message behind their song “Deslocado”. Youtube

In a recent interview, NAPA discussed the inspiration behind their song, which reflects their journey from Madeira to Lisbon in search of greater opportunities. They emphasized that the staging aims to translate the song’s message of displacement and longing for home. The band stated, “We wanted the performance to convey the emotional weight of leaving one’s homeland and the hope of finding a new place to belong.” Eurovisionworld

Regarding betting odds, NAPA’s chances of qualifying from Semi-Final 1 are currently estimated at 22%, placing them 14th among the 15 acts in their semi-final. This indicates a challenging path ahead, but the band remains optimistic about connecting with the audience through their heartfelt performance.

đź“· EBU/Corinne Cumming

🇳🇴 Norway

Following his first rehearsal in Basel on May 3, Norway’s Eurovision 2025 representative, Kyle Alessandro, faced an unexpected health challenge. Experiencing escalating pain from a wisdom tooth, he managed to complete his rehearsal with the aid of strong painkillers. Subsequently, he underwent emergency dental surgery to remove the problematic tooth. Advised by medical professionals, Kyle is resting until May 7, leading to the cancellation of scheduled rehearsals and press engagements.

Despite this setback, Kyle remains optimistic about his performance of “Lighter.” The staging draws inspiration from Norwegian medieval times, featuring Viking runestones and fire elements to symbolize resilience and inner strength. Choreography blends Norwegian folk dance with contemporary influences, aiming to deliver a powerful visual impact.

As of early May, Norway’s Eurovision 2025 entry, Kyle Alessandro’s “Lighter,” is positioned 23rd in the overall betting odds, with bookmakers assigning it a winning probability of approximately 0.6%. This placement indicates a modest chance of victory, reflecting a slight improvement from earlier standings. 

đź“· EBU/Corinne Cumming

🇧🇪 Belgium

Following his first rehearsal in Basel on May 3, Belgium’s Eurovision 2025 representative, Red Sebastian, expressed his enthusiasm and vision for the performance. In an interview with EurovisionFun, he described the stage as “the ground where I hope to make history,” highlighting the emotional significance of this moment in his career. He characterized the performance as a “red rave club,” aiming to deliver a powerful blend of energy, light, and style. source: Eurovision Fun.

The staging of “Strobe Lights” features dynamic lighting and choreography, creating an immersive experience that resonates with both the audience and juries. Red Sebastian’s outfit, designed by Bert De Coninck, incorporates his signature red color and complements the song’s vibrant theme. He is accompanied on stage by three backing dancers and backing vocalist Lani Pellegrini, aiming to deliver a cohesive and engaging performance.

data-end=”1206″>Regarding betting odds, as of early May, Belgium’s “Strobe Lights” is considered a dark horse in the competition. Bookmakers have placed the entry at odds ranging between 20/1 and 40/1, indicating a moderate chance of winning.

đź“· Alma Bengtsson/EBU

🇦🇿 Azerbaijan

On social media, Mamagama shared their excitement about the rehearsal. In a recent Instagram post, they expressed gratitude for the support and anticipation for the upcoming performances.

Regarding betting odds, as of May 7, Azerbaijan’s “Run With U” holds an 11th place position in the Semi-Final 1 qualification odds, with a 42% chance of advancing to the Grand Final. This places them just outside the top 10, indicating a competitive but challenging path ahead. In the overall winner odds, Azerbaijan is considered a long shot, with bookmakers offering odds ranging from 200/1 to 750/1, reflecting a modest chance of clinching the title.

đź“· Alma Bengtsson/EBU

🇸🇲 San Marino

Following his first rehearsal on May 3, Gabry Ponte, representing San Marino at Eurovision 2025 with “Tutta l’Italia,” has not made any public comments or given interviews specifically addressing the rehearsal. His social media channels have not featured posts related to the rehearsal. No new interviews discussing it have been published.

However, earlier in April, Ponte expressed his enthusiasm about participating in Eurovision. Ponte stated, “When the invitation from San Marino arrived, I knew I had to go for it. It felt like the perfect opportunity, and I knew it could even lead to Eurovision.” He added, “Now that I’m here, I’m bringing ‘Tutta L’Italia’ to the Eurovision stage with a performance that’s full of energy, passion and, of course, a lot of dancing.” Radio Times

Regarding betting odds, as of May 7, San Marino’s “Tutta l’Italia” is ranked 24th in the overall Eurovision 2025 winner odds, with a winning probability of approximately 9%. In the Semi-Final 1 qualification odds, San Marino is predicted to secure the final spot in the top 10, indicating a competitive but challenging path to the Grand Final.

đź“· Alma Bengtsson/EBU

 

 

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🇨🇾 Blast from the past: Cyprus 2000

We know a lot about Eurovision and we want to share this knowledge with you! Therefore we’d like to bring you a blast from the past. Today, we go back to 2000, when the duo Voice represented Cyprus with the song “Nomiza”. Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest Cyprus debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981 and has become a consistent finalist, yet is still chasing its first victory. The island’s benchmark result came in 2018. Eleni Foureira’s uptempo entry “Fuego” finished second with 436 points, the country’s best placing to date. Earlier, Cyprus had reached the top five with songs such as Anna Vissi’s “Mono i agapi” (1982), Hara and Andreas Constantinou’s “Mana mou” (1997) and Lisa Andreas’ “Stronger Every Minute” (2004).  In recent years Cyprus has relied on internal selections and close collaboration with international songwriters. In 2023, Australian‑Cypriot singer Andrew Lambrou took “Break a Broken Heart” to 12th place in the Liverpool final. Silia Kapsis followed in 2024 with the dance‑pop track “Liar”, qualifying from Malmö’s first semi‑final and finishing 15th overall. In 2025 Theo Evan performed “Shh” in Basel. He narrowly missed qualification in semi‑final one, placing 11th.  đź“· Eleni Foureira, photo EBU/Andres Putting DiagonismĂłs TragoudioĂş GiourovĂ­zion 2000 The Cypriot national selection in 2000 was called DiagonismĂłs TragoudioĂş GiourovĂ­zion. The contest was held on 16 February. Eleven songs competed: Marina Solonos, “Eima akoma edo“, 148 pts, 3rd Annie, “Na m’agapas“, 131 pts, 5th Maria Amman, “Fones“, 87 pts, 10th Marilia Perikleous & Demetris Mouhtadouris, “Trikymia”, 93 pts, 9th Chrystanthos Chrystanthou, “An”, 78 pts, 11th Alexandros Panayi & Christina Argyri, “Nomiza“, 225 pts, 1st Lefki Stylianou, “Antio, loipon“, 94 pts, 8th Antonia Orthanou, “Sti gi eirini“, 100 pts, 7th Marian Georgiou & Kostas Kountos, “Paradeisos“, 145 pts, 4th Giorgos Gavriel, “Volt“, 122 pts, 6th Haroula Pirta, “Ki akoma s’agapo“, 184 pts, 2nd   Voice (Alexandros Panayi and Christina Argyri) Voice was the Cypriot vocal duo formed by Alexandros Panayi and Christina Argyri to represent Cyprus at the Eurovision Song Contest 2000 with the ballad “Nomiza”. Alexandros Panayi Alexandros Panayi (born 1970 in Nicosia) is a Greek-Cypriot singer, composer, lyricist and vocal coach with a long-standing relationship with Eurovision. He first appeared for Cyprus as a soloist in 1995 with “Sti fotia”, returning five years later as half of Voice and co-writer of “Nomiza”. Trained at Berklee College of Music in Boston, he has since worked extensively as a vocal director, producer and backing vocalist for several Eurovision delegations, including Greece’s winning entry “My Number One” in 2005. He has since returned regularly as songwriter, vocal director and mentor for various national and Eurovision projects.  Christina Argyri Christina Argyri (born 1971 in Nicosia) is a singer and actress who studied piano and music theory in Cyprus before also attending Berklee, specialising in jazz performance. Active mainly in theatre, she composes and performs music for stage productions and collaborates with Cypriot ensembles. Beyond Voice, Argyri has appeared as a backing vocalist at Eurovision, notably supporting Cypriot boyband One in 2002, and is also active as a dubbing and voice artist. Nomiza “Nomiza” was the Cypriot entry at the Eurovision Song Contest 2000. Written and composed by Panayi, the song is a dramatic pop ballad that shifts between Greek and Italian lyrics, telling the story of a love the narrator “thought” would last forever.  Musically, “Nomiza” builds from an intimate, slow‑to‑mid‑tempo opening into a bigger, more orchestral climax, showcasing the powerful harmonies between the two vocalists. Its bilingual structure gives it a distinctive Mediterranean flavour compared with other ballads in the 2000 line‑up. The song won the Cypriot national final and was later released as a CD single featuring Greek‑only and Italian versions, including the Italian title “Rosso Vivo”.  On stage in Stockholm, the performance focused on the singers’ interplay, with restrained staging and dark blue visuals reinforcing the emotional tone. In the final, “Nomiza” was performed 11th on the night and finished 21st out of 24 entries, scoring 8 points and relegating Cyprus from Eurovision 2001.  

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Blast from the past
Martijn

🇨🇾 Blast from the past: Cyprus 2000

We know a lot about Eurovision and we want to share this knowledge with you! Therefore we’d like to bring you a blast from the past. Today, we go back to 2000, when the duo Voice represented Cyprus with the song “Nomiza”. Cyprus in the Eurovision Song Contest Cyprus debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest in 1981 and has become a consistent finalist, yet is still chasing its first victory. The island’s benchmark result came in 2018. Eleni Foureira’s uptempo entry “Fuego” finished second with 436 points, the country’s best placing to date. Earlier, Cyprus had reached the top five with songs such as Anna Vissi’s “Mono i agapi” (1982), Hara and Andreas Constantinou’s “Mana mou” (1997) and Lisa Andreas’ “Stronger Every Minute” (2004).  In recent years Cyprus has relied on internal selections and close collaboration with international songwriters. In 2023, Australian‑Cypriot singer Andrew Lambrou took “Break a Broken Heart” to 12th place in the Liverpool final. Silia Kapsis followed in 2024 with the dance‑pop track “Liar”, qualifying from Malmö’s first semi‑final and finishing 15th overall. In 2025 Theo Evan performed “Shh” in Basel. He narrowly missed qualification in semi‑final one, placing 11th.  đź“· Eleni Foureira, photo EBU/Andres Putting DiagonismĂłs TragoudioĂş GiourovĂ­zion 2000 The Cypriot national selection in 2000 was called DiagonismĂłs TragoudioĂş GiourovĂ­zion. The contest was held on 16 February. Eleven songs competed: Marina Solonos, “Eima akoma edo“, 148 pts, 3rd Annie, “Na m’agapas“, 131 pts, 5th Maria Amman, “Fones“, 87 pts, 10th Marilia Perikleous & Demetris Mouhtadouris, “Trikymia”, 93 pts, 9th Chrystanthos Chrystanthou, “An”, 78 pts, 11th Alexandros Panayi & Christina Argyri, “Nomiza“, 225 pts, 1st Lefki Stylianou, “Antio, loipon“, 94 pts, 8th Antonia Orthanou, “Sti gi eirini“, 100 pts, 7th Marian Georgiou & Kostas Kountos, “Paradeisos“, 145 pts, 4th Giorgos Gavriel, “Volt“, 122 pts, 6th Haroula Pirta, “Ki akoma s’agapo“, 184 pts, 2nd   Voice (Alexandros Panayi and Christina Argyri) Voice was the Cypriot vocal duo formed by Alexandros Panayi and Christina Argyri to represent Cyprus at the Eurovision Song Contest 2000 with the ballad “Nomiza”. Alexandros Panayi Alexandros Panayi (born 1970 in Nicosia) is a Greek-Cypriot singer, composer, lyricist and vocal coach with a long-standing relationship with Eurovision. He first appeared for Cyprus as a soloist in 1995 with “Sti fotia”, returning five years later as half of Voice and co-writer of “Nomiza”. Trained at Berklee College of Music in Boston, he has since worked extensively as a vocal director, producer and backing vocalist for several Eurovision delegations, including Greece’s winning entry “My Number One” in 2005. He has since returned regularly as songwriter, vocal director and mentor for various national and Eurovision projects.  Christina Argyri Christina Argyri (born 1971 in Nicosia) is a singer and actress who studied piano and music theory in Cyprus before also attending Berklee, specialising in jazz performance. Active mainly in theatre, she composes and performs music for stage productions and collaborates with Cypriot ensembles. Beyond Voice, Argyri has appeared as a backing vocalist at Eurovision, notably supporting Cypriot boyband One in 2002, and is also active as a dubbing and voice artist. Nomiza “Nomiza” was the Cypriot entry at the Eurovision Song Contest 2000. Written and composed by Panayi, the song is a dramatic pop ballad that shifts between Greek and Italian lyrics, telling the story of a love the narrator “thought” would last forever.  Musically, “Nomiza” builds from an intimate, slow‑to‑mid‑tempo opening into a bigger, more orchestral climax, showcasing the powerful harmonies between the two vocalists. Its bilingual structure gives it a distinctive Mediterranean flavour compared with other ballads in the 2000 line‑up. The song won the Cypriot national final and was later released as a CD single featuring Greek‑only and Italian versions, including the Italian title “Rosso Vivo”.  On stage in Stockholm, the performance focused on the singers’ interplay, with restrained staging and dark blue visuals reinforcing the emotional tone. In the final, “Nomiza” was performed 11th on the night and finished 21st out of 24 entries, scoring 8 points and relegating Cyprus from Eurovision 2001.  

Read More »
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