Basel Bulletin: The Big 5 and Switzerland

The Big 5 and Switzerland are on today. We haven’t seen or heard anything so far about them but here they are! They rehearsed today!

EBU has decided to release photo’s of it only the day after. But still we can show you (if available) the national final performance or any other live performance so you got an idea what the artists are capable of. Disclaimer: for the description of the performance, we have to do it with what the EBU tells us.

🇩🇪 Germany

Germany’s first rehearsal for Eurovision 2025 featured Abor & Tynna performing their electro track “Baller.” This is Germany’s first entry in German since 2007. The duo, who are siblings, originate from a musical family based in Vienna. The performance begins with Abor playing a white LED-lit electric cello in front of a tall curtain. As the beat drops, the curtain falls to reveal Tynna standing atop a large 1980s-style boombox prop, about three metres high. She performs the first verse and chorus there before descending to the stage. Four dancers use handheld spotlights to illuminate her as they freestyle around her.

Tynna’s outfit includes black military-style shorts, a crop top, knee-high boots, and leather gloves. The visuals feature intense white and blue strobes, industrial-style graphics, and the word “BALLER” in large LED lettering. For the finale, she dances on the walkway while Abor plays above. The final chorus includes pyrotechnics and a firework display.

🇫🇷 France

France’s Louane rehearsed her song “Maman” for the first time in Basel, presenting a minimalist and symbolic staging. She performs barefoot, wearing a long black lace dress, within a sand-covered circle at the center of the stage. Throughout the song, a steady stream of sand falls from above onto one side of the circle, representing the passage of time.

The performance includes a moment where Louane kneels and clears a patch of sand to reveal a mirror. Her movements are precisely timed with the musical arrangement and camera direction. The lighting builds gradually alongside orchestral strings, culminating in an intense sequence as the drumbeat grows louder.

All visuals are centered around the theme of time, with the hourglass imagery and falling sand reinforcing the song’s message about love, loss, and personal growth. The performance concludes with a wide, backlit shot, highlighting Louane’s stillness as the sand continues to fall.

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

The United Kingdom’s 2025 Eurovision rehearsal features vocal trio Remember Monday performing “What The Hell Just Happened?” The staging begins in a vintage-style boudoir on one side of the stage, designed to evoke the “morning after the night before.” A padded screen with a heart-shaped cut-out frames the trio as they begin the song in corseted dresses—pale blue (Lauren), pink (Holly-Anne), and yellow (Charlotte).

As the chorus hits, the group moves down the catwalk toward the main stage, where a large, tilted chandelier sits—around 2.5 to 3 metres tall—with candles and multi-coloured lighting. This prop represents the chaos referenced in the lyrics.

Throughout the performance, dynamic camerawork follows the trio’s movement, including overhead shots of the LED floor and a sweeping pan over the chandelier. The song concludes with the singers back in the boudoir, framed by the heart cut-out.

Pyrotechnics are expected in future rehearsals but were not included in this run.

🇨🇭 Switzerland

Switzerland’s first rehearsal for Eurovision 2025 features Zoë Më performing “Voyage” in an intimate, cinematic setting. The performance, set entirely in black space with sculptural lighting, is filmed in one continuous handheld shot. There are no cuts, choreography, props, or LED content. Instead, the camera moves gently and closely around Zoë, responding to her presence in real time.

She begins seated and remains alone on stage throughout, wearing an off-the-shoulder black silk dress printed with abstract florals in deep reds, purples, and blues. The performance is shot on vintage Zeiss Super Speed lenses, creating soft highlights and a shallow depth of field that isolates her in the frame.

During the bridge, the quiet atmosphere ruptures with smoke, wind, and overexposed flashes, while the camera continues uninterrupted. As the performance resolves, the audience appears with phone lights raised, before fading to black. The concept focuses entirely on emotional detail and visual restraint.

🇮🇹 Italy

Italy’s first rehearsal for Eurovision 2025 features Lucio Corsi performing his glam rock ballad Volevo Essere Un Duro. The 31-year-old singer-songwriter from Tuscany brings a 1970s aesthetic, both musically and visually, echoing Bowie-era piano ballads. The staging closely follows his Sanremo performance: Lucio begins seated at an extended piano, wearing a bright yellow, giant-shouldered bolero jacket and his signature white face makeup. He is joined on stage by guitarist and co-writer Tommaso Ottomano.

After the first third of the song, Lucio moves to the centre stage with his guitar. New for Eurovision are two large retro speaker props at the back—one square and approximately four metres high, the other slightly smaller. A sepia filter is applied to the broadcast, enhancing the vintage atmosphere, and English subtitles appear on-screen to support accessibility. A harmonica solo precedes the final chorus, one of the few live instrumental moments in this year’s contest.

🇪🇸 Spain

Spain’s first rehearsal for Eurovision 2025 features Melody performing her uptempo track Esa Diva. Known for her long-standing career in Spanish pop, Melody presents a completely reimagined staging compared to her Benidorm Fest performance. Previously seen elements such as the swing, throne, and neon pink visuals are no longer present. Instead, the new staging introduces a more refined and structured concept.

The performance is now divided into three distinct acts, each marked by a specific visual theme. First, Act One uses purple lighting and graphics. Then, Act Two shifts to red tones, adding intensity. Finally, Act Three transitions into pure white, blending with a mountain backdrop projected on the LED screen.

Throughout the performance, Melody is joined by five dancers—three male and two female—who perform different routines for each act. Additionally, her outfit features a black corseted design with sharp shoulders and hips, paired with a fedora and thigh-high boots. The performance opens in silhouette and concludes with a powerful, high-energy final dance sequence.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Related news

Eurovision Song Contest 2026 - Banner
Eurovision 2026

Vienna 12 points: Eurovision first semifinal is tonight!

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 gets under way tonight with the first semi-final. And the opening act will have you tearing up straight away, for several different reasons. We follow a couple watching the Eurovision Song Contest through the ages. There is a shock element in it, but you will just have to see that for yourself. Then “L’amour est bleu”, Luxembourg’s 1967 entry, starts playing. And yes, Vicky Leandros herself appears on stage! The songs are introduced through postcards in which the participating artist walks through their country like a giant. 🇲🇩 MoldovaThe Moldovan entry is pure joy. There is no other way to put it. Satoshi manages to bring the house down. He clearly knows exactly how to do it. And although most of what we see is already familiar, there is still a surprise in store. Just like in 2013, we will see Aliona Moon in a huge dress. A nice nod for true Eurovision fans. 🇸🇪 SwedenThere is a lot of red in the Swedish performance. She is, of course, wearing her face mask. With four dancers and vocal support from Melanie Wehbe, she delivers an act that is almost identical to the one at Melodifestivalen. There have been some question marks over whether Felicia would reach the final, but it certainly will not be because of her vocals: they are solid. 🇭🇷 CroatiaWatch out: one of the women is floating! Of course, she is not really floating, but thanks to an optical illusion it looks as if she is hovering half a metre above the ground, while she is only loosely holding on to a pole with one hand. Like a true Andromeda, she is the focal point of the performance, with the other singers around her. The vocals are beautiful and leave a very deep impression on everyone. 🇬🇷 GreeceAkylas brings the house down. In his orange outfit with furry boots, jacket and distinctive cat-ear hat, the man in sunglasses delivers a powerful act. Computer games are playing in the background, but this time in a much more stylised way than during the national final. And it also has to be said: Akylas proves himself not only to be a born entertainer, but also a pretty good singer. 🇵🇹 PortugalCante Alentejano, regional singing at the Eurovision Song Contest: it is not new, but it certainly stands out. The men of Bandidos do Cante stand neatly in a row. Portugal does not bring a flashy act, but it does bring truly outstanding vocal quality. And because this song is so different from all the other entries, it comes across even more strongly. 🇬🇪 GeorgiaWith yellow-and-black suits as a reference to 2008 and large portraits of themselves as robots, the three of them do not manage to pull it off. Because although the song does have potential, the vocals really were not good in places. That’s a pity, because we can see the effort the Georgians put in it. Reaching the final will likely be hard. 🇮🇹 ItalyYou see a groom getting ready for the wedding ceremony. Along the way, he makes some rather striking dance moves. Eventually, he waits among his friends until the bride arrives. In the middle of it all stands Sal Da Vinci, singing his cheerful song. Sal leaves a strong impression. Every aspect of an entry, vocals, song and staging, needs to be right. Italy has clearly understood that. 🇫🇮 FinlandLinda and Pete are still standing completely apart from each other at the start of the act. By the end, they are together. Naturally, there is a lot of fire, which also fits the lyrics of the song. And the fact that Linda plays the violin live is, of course, unique. Since the orchestra was abolished in 1999, no one has had such a large live instrumental role in a song. A winner? 🇲🇪 MontenegroThe Montenegrins have pulled out all the stops to bring a spectacular act to the stage. And they have clearly succeeded. Just look, for example, at the singer’s hairstyle: it is striking. But the singing and dancing act, featuring four dancers with white collars, is also convincing. Who knows, Montenegro may even do well enough to finally secure another place in the final. 🇪🇪 EstoniaAfter 21 years, Vanilla Ninja are back on stage. There had previously been doubts about the vocals, but now they are fine. However, Vanilla Ninja do not manage to convince. The song is already somewhat old-fashioned, but it is possible to elevate a song with a great act. We know that from both Eurovision’s present and its past. Unfortunately, the ladies have not done that. 🇮🇱 IsraelThe Israeli singer has been given a song with which a place in the final would be possible under almost any circumstances. Noam Bettan is not the best singer of the evening, nor the best entertainer, and he does not have the strongest act either. But it is all good enough to finish in the top ten tonight, at least. 🇩🇪 GermanyWith many Germans in the audience, Sarah Engels is loudly cheered. We see Sarah Engels lying on a raised platform; later, she gets up. She is surrounded by female dancers. Naturally, there is plenty of fire, but then again, the song is called “Fire”. The vocals are fine. Still, this entry is no more than average. The frequent comparison with “Fuego” therefore does not really hold up. 🇧🇪 BelgiumEssyla had a false start. That has continued to haunt her, and tonight that will prove to be unfair. Because Essyla really does deliver a strong act. A dress with a long train, which she sheds halfway through, a fairly nice dance routine and even snow on stage complete the overall picture. And most importantly: the vocals are fine too. 🇱🇹 LithuaniaThere is nothing wrong with the song. There is nothing wrong with the singer either. But whether the audience will understand the act, in which Lion Ceccah steps out of a huge cape and is completely

Read More »
Eurovision Song Contest 2026 - Banner
Eurovision 2026
Martijn

Vienna 12 points: Eurovision first semifinal is tonight!

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 gets under way tonight with the first semi-final. And the opening act will have you tearing up straight away, for several different reasons. We follow a couple watching the Eurovision Song Contest through the ages. There is a shock element in it, but you will just have to see that for yourself. Then “L’amour est bleu”, Luxembourg’s 1967 entry, starts playing. And yes, Vicky Leandros herself appears on stage! The songs are introduced through postcards in which the participating artist walks through their country like a giant. 🇲🇩 MoldovaThe Moldovan entry is pure joy. There is no other way to put it. Satoshi manages to bring the house down. He clearly knows exactly how to do it. And although most of what we see is already familiar, there is still a surprise in store. Just like in 2013, we will see Aliona Moon in a huge dress. A nice nod for true Eurovision fans. 🇸🇪 SwedenThere is a lot of red in the Swedish performance. She is, of course, wearing her face mask. With four dancers and vocal support from Melanie Wehbe, she delivers an act that is almost identical to the one at Melodifestivalen. There have been some question marks over whether Felicia would reach the final, but it certainly will not be because of her vocals: they are solid. 🇭🇷 CroatiaWatch out: one of the women is floating! Of course, she is not really floating, but thanks to an optical illusion it looks as if she is hovering half a metre above the ground, while she is only loosely holding on to a pole with one hand. Like a true Andromeda, she is the focal point of the performance, with the other singers around her. The vocals are beautiful and leave a very deep impression on everyone. 🇬🇷 GreeceAkylas brings the house down. In his orange outfit with furry boots, jacket and distinctive cat-ear hat, the man in sunglasses delivers a powerful act. Computer games are playing in the background, but this time in a much more stylised way than during the national final. And it also has to be said: Akylas proves himself not only to be a born entertainer, but also a pretty good singer. 🇵🇹 PortugalCante Alentejano, regional singing at the Eurovision Song Contest: it is not new, but it certainly stands out. The men of Bandidos do Cante stand neatly in a row. Portugal does not bring a flashy act, but it does bring truly outstanding vocal quality. And because this song is so different from all the other entries, it comes across even more strongly. 🇬🇪 GeorgiaWith yellow-and-black suits as a reference to 2008 and large portraits of themselves as robots, the three of them do not manage to pull it off. Because although the song does have potential, the vocals really were not good in places. That’s a pity, because we can see the effort the Georgians put in it. Reaching the final will likely be hard. 🇮🇹 ItalyYou see a groom getting ready for the wedding ceremony. Along the way, he makes some rather striking dance moves. Eventually, he waits among his friends until the bride arrives. In the middle of it all stands Sal Da Vinci, singing his cheerful song. Sal leaves a strong impression. Every aspect of an entry, vocals, song and staging, needs to be right. Italy has clearly understood that. 🇫🇮 FinlandLinda and Pete are still standing completely apart from each other at the start of the act. By the end, they are together. Naturally, there is a lot of fire, which also fits the lyrics of the song. And the fact that Linda plays the violin live is, of course, unique. Since the orchestra was abolished in 1999, no one has had such a large live instrumental role in a song. A winner? 🇲🇪 MontenegroThe Montenegrins have pulled out all the stops to bring a spectacular act to the stage. And they have clearly succeeded. Just look, for example, at the singer’s hairstyle: it is striking. But the singing and dancing act, featuring four dancers with white collars, is also convincing. Who knows, Montenegro may even do well enough to finally secure another place in the final. 🇪🇪 EstoniaAfter 21 years, Vanilla Ninja are back on stage. There had previously been doubts about the vocals, but now they are fine. However, Vanilla Ninja do not manage to convince. The song is already somewhat old-fashioned, but it is possible to elevate a song with a great act. We know that from both Eurovision’s present and its past. Unfortunately, the ladies have not done that. 🇮🇱 IsraelThe Israeli singer has been given a song with which a place in the final would be possible under almost any circumstances. Noam Bettan is not the best singer of the evening, nor the best entertainer, and he does not have the strongest act either. But it is all good enough to finish in the top ten tonight, at least. 🇩🇪 GermanyWith many Germans in the audience, Sarah Engels is loudly cheered. We see Sarah Engels lying on a raised platform; later, she gets up. She is surrounded by female dancers. Naturally, there is plenty of fire, but then again, the song is called “Fire”. The vocals are fine. Still, this entry is no more than average. The frequent comparison with “Fuego” therefore does not really hold up. 🇧🇪 BelgiumEssyla had a false start. That has continued to haunt her, and tonight that will prove to be unfair. Because Essyla really does deliver a strong act. A dress with a long train, which she sheds halfway through, a fairly nice dance routine and even snow on stage complete the overall picture. And most importantly: the vocals are fine too. 🇱🇹 LithuaniaThere is nothing wrong with the song. There is nothing wrong with the singer either. But whether the audience will understand the act, in which Lion Ceccah steps out of a huge cape and is completely

Read More »
Follow Us: