Basel Bulletin: Rehearsals, statements and odds

Rehearsals, statements and odds: that is what it is all about today. 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.

🇮🇸 Iceland

Following their first rehearsal in Basel, Icelandic duo VÆB expressed immense satisfaction with their performance. Speaking to RÚV, they shared, “Everything went perfectly! We’re only now realizing that we’re in Eurovision.” The delegation echoed this sentiment; Head of Press Rúnar Freyr Gíslason praised the artists’ work, noting only minor adjustments were needed. Staging director Selma Björnsdóttir added that the duo appeared very comfortable and confident on stage, with results exceeding expectations. (source: RÙV)

VÆB’s performance features a two-part white wooden boat, dynamic LED visuals with neon red and blue geometric landscapes, and silver-themed costumes for both the duo and their backing dancers. The staging aims to enhance the song’s narrative and visual appeal. Currently, Iceland ranks 36th in the betting odds for Eurovision 2025.

📷 EBU/Corinne Cummings

🇵🇱 Poland

Following her first rehearsal in Basel, Poland’s Eurovision 2025 representative, Justyna Steczkowska, shared her excitement about the performance. She described the experience as “electrifying,” emphasizing the powerful staging and intricate choreography. Justyna highlighted the visual elements, noting the dynamic LED displays featuring cosmic imagery, including spinning planets and elemental visuals like water, lightning, and lava, which aim to convey the song’s theme of creation and transformation.

According to betting odds, Poland has an 80% chance of qualifying from Semi-Final 1, indicating strong support for Justyna’s entry.

📷 EBU/Corinne Cumming

🇸🇮 Slovenia

In a press conference with RTV SLO, Klemen discussed the intense preparations for his performance of “How Much Time Do We Have Left.” He revealed that he has been practicing daily handstands against a wall to acclimate himself to being upside down during the performance, aiming to prevent dizziness and ensure a smooth execution of the staging concept.

Regarding the song’s message, Klemen emphasized its deeply personal nature, inspired by his wife’s battle with illness. He expressed a desire for the audience to perceive the song as a positive message, focusing on love and resilience in the face of adversity.

As for the betting odds, Slovenia is currently ranked 28th in the Eurovision 2025 betting odds, indicating a modest chance of winning the contest.

📷 EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

🇪🇪 Estonia

Following his first rehearsal in Basel on May 3, Estonia’s Eurovision 2025 representative, Tommy Cash, shared his reflections in various interviews. He expressed enthusiasm about the performance, stating, “We’re excited and getting ready,” and noted that the stage visuals had impressed even seasoned professionals. source: ERR

In a recent interview, Tommy discussed the controversy surrounding his song “Espresso Macchiato,” which some have criticized for perpetuating Italian stereotypes. He responded by saying, “I love Italy and have the utmost respect for the country,” emphasizing that he never intended to offend.

Regarding betting odds, Estonia’s position has seen some fluctuation. Initially, after the selection of “Espresso Macchiato,” Estonia rose from seventh to fourth place in the betting tables. However, as of now, Estonia’s odds have stabilized at a 9th place, ranging between 13 and 15 times the bet, indicating a modest chance of winning the contest.

📷 EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

🇺🇦 Ukraine

Following their first rehearsal on May 3 in Basel, Ukraine’s Eurovision 2025 representatives, Ziferblat, have shared insights into their performance and recent events impacting the band.

On May 6, Khrystyna Starykova, a member of Ziferblat, revealed that her home in Myrnohrad was partially destroyed by a Russian missile strike. She shared images of the damaged building on social media, expressing her sorrow and stating, “I dreamed so much of returning home.” Fortunately, her family and friends are safe. Khrystyna emphasized her commitment to performing at Eurovision, stating she would do so “for the good of our country” and to demonstrate the resilience of the Ukrainian people. source: ElHuffPost

Ziferblat’s performance of “Bird of Pray” features a blend of alternative rock with traditional Ukrainian elements, presented in both Ukrainian and English. The staging, directed by Maria Korostelova, is described as a significant departure from their national selection performance, aiming to convey the song’s themes of separation and hope. Designer Ivan Frolov, known for his work with previous Ukrainian Eurovision acts, has crafted the band’s outfits.

Also Eurovision Universe talked to Ziferblat:

As of early May, Ukraine’s odds of winning Eurovision 2025 have fluctuated. Initially among the top contenders, Ukraine has since moved to 11th place in the betting odds. Current odds for Ukraine’s victory range between 66/1 and 80/1, indicating a moderate chance of winning.

📷 EBU/Corinne Cumming

🇸🇪 Sweden

Following their first rehearsal in Basel on May 3, Sweden’s Eurovision 2025 representatives, KAJ, have been actively engaging with media and fans. The trio, known for their comedic-folk-pop style, is representing Sweden with the song “Bara Bada Bastu,” marking the country’s first Swedish-language entry since 1998.

In a recent interview, KAJ discussed the inspiration behind their song and performance. They emphasized the importance of bringing a sense of joy and cultural identity to the Eurovision stage, stating, “We wanted to create something that resonates with our roots and brings a smile to people’s faces.” The group also highlighted their unique position as a Finnish-born trio representing Sweden, aiming to bridge cultural connections through music. source: Sortiraparis

On social media, KAJ has been sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of their Eurovision journey. A recent Instagram reel from May 3 humorously posed the question, “Can Basel handle the sauna heat?” referencing their song’s theme and their energetic performance. The post garnered significant attention, with over 22,000 likes and numerous comments from fans expressing excitement for their act. source: Instagram

Regarding betting odds, KAJ is currently a strong contender in the Eurovision 2025 lineup. As of early May, they are leading in both the betting odds and the Eurovoix Model, indicating a high probability of success in the competition. source: Eurovoix

📷 EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

Martijn
May 7, 2025
12:56 pm
2025, Basel, Estonia, Iceland, Poland, rehearsals, Slovenia, Sweden, Ukraine

Martijn

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