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.

📷 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. 

📷 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.

📷 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.

📷 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.

📷 Alma Bengtsson/EBU

 

 

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Weekly Update

It’s time for your weekly update about Eurovision. This week brings announcements from across Europe, from new concerts to official bids and selection plans. Here’s everything you need to know. 🇮🇹 Eurofesta brings Eurovision to Italy For the first time, Italy will host its own large-scale Eurovision concert. Eurofesta will take place on August 31 in the city of Trieste. Over 30 Eurovision artists will perform on one stage in this brand-new outdoor event. The show promises a mix of past winners, fan favourites, and recent participants. With so many big names involved, fans are in for an unforgettable night. The full lineup and ticket information are now available on the official Eurofesta website. 🇳🇱 Het Grote Songfestivalfeest returns to Amsterdam One of the most popular Eurovision concerts is back. On November 14, Het Grote Songfestivalfeest returns to the Ziggo Dome in Amsterdam. The event will once again bring together Eurovision legends from past and present. This year’s show already includes names like Kaleen, Käärijä, and Johnny Logan. Many more acts will follow. Fans can expect a spectacular evening full of iconic Eurovision hits. You can find all details and tickets at the official event site. 📷 EBU/Chloe Hashemi 🇦🇹 Innsbrück officially bids for Eurovision 2026 Innsbrück has officially announced its bid to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The city joins others in Austria, including Vienna and Graz, in the race to welcome Europe’s biggest music show. According to ORF Tirol, the city is confident. Innsbrück highlights its experience with major events and the Olympiahalle as a suitable venue. Mayor Johannes Anzengruber said the city can offer “heart and competence” to organize a unique contest. The final decision on the host city will be made in August. 📷 Michael aus Halle, Wikimedia Commons 🇱🇺 Luxembourg holds Eurovision songwriting camp Luxembourg is working hard on its Eurovision comeback. Last week, a songwriting camp took place at Rockhal, where 45 artists and producers joined forces to write new songs. The camp was organised in collaboration with the national broadcaster. Participants came from all over Europe, including past Eurovision contributors. Each day, they created new tracks, some of which may end up in national finals—or even Eurovision itself. More details are available in the RTL Luxembourg article. 🇸🇲 San Marino questions its future Eurovision involvement San Marino’s future at Eurovision is under review. SMRTV Director Roberto Sergio announced they are “seriously considering not participating” without clearer voting transparency. He said they’re talking to the EBU and fellow microstates. The decision about Eurovision 2026 participation will come after those talks. Source is this announcement on X. 📷 EBU 🇬🇷 Greece announces national final for 2026 Big news from Greece: ERT has confirmed that the country will return to a national final for Eurovision 2026. After several years of internal selections, Greece is opening up the process once again. The plan includes two semifinals and a grand final, scheduled early next year. According to Ieidiseis, the selection will take place during a special Eurovision week. With a strong result in 2025, Greece is now building momentum. The broadcaster hopes that this new format will engage more fans and deliver another strong Eurovision entry. That’s all for this weekly update. Stay tuned to EurovisionUniverse.com for more news and developments as we march toward the next Eurovision season. Each week brings something new – and as this update shows, preparations for 2025 and even 2026 are already in full swing across Europe! Share

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