📷 Eric Salard, Wikimedia Commons
What the hell just happened? It is not only a song title. It’s also the question we ask ourselves often while
Céline Dion’s Possible Return to the Eurovision Stage
One of the most talked-about possibilities for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel is an appearance by Céline Dion. She won the contest in 1988 for Switzerland and remains one of Eurovision’s most iconic winners. Now that Switzerland is hosting for the first time since her victory, many fans hope to see her return.
Swiss media outlets such as Blick and Le Matin report that negotiations with Dion’s team are underway. According to their sources, the production team and Dion’s representatives have reached a basic agreement. The plan involves a short appearance during the Grand Final on May 17. However, her health remains the biggest question. Dion has been dealing with serious medical issues, and it’s unclear if she will be able to attend or perform.
Organizers have not confirmed anything publicly. Still, they haven’t denied the reports either. SRG SSR, Switzerland’s national broadcaster, said they are “in ongoing talks” with Dion’s team. Leaked rehearsal plans suggest that producers have already included a segment for Dion in the Grand Final. They also plan to honor her legacy during the first semi-final.
Sources say rehearsals already involve a stand-in for Dion. This person has been practicing an entrance with a lift and a live orchestra, hinting that organizers are preparing for a last-minute confirmation. As a backup, they have also recorded a video appearance.
Dion’s return would be both a tribute and a major audience draw. Her 1988 victory remains a highlight in Eurovision history. Whether she appears live or virtually, her presence in Basel would create a powerful link between past and present. All eyes now turn to her decision.
Israel’s Participation Stirs Debate
As the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 gets underway in Basel, Switzerland, one of the most debated issues remains Israel’s participation. The ongoing conflict in Gaza has fueled calls for Israel’s exclusion. Broadcasters, artists, and civil society groups across Europe have voiced concern, citing the humanitarian crisis and fears of politicizing the contest.
In December 2024, Slovenia’s broadcaster RTVSLO took the lead. Spain followed in April. RTVE sent a letter to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), calling for an open discussion about Israel’s place in the contest. The broadcaster acknowledged growing pressure from activist groups and said it had a responsibility to evaluate those concerns.
A week before the contest, criticism intensified. “Artists for Palestine UK” released a petition signed by 72 former Eurovision participants. Among them were Salvador Sobral, winner in 2017, and Charlie McGettigan, co-winner in 1994. The group demanded Israel’s removal from the lineup. Around the same time, Ireland’s National Union of Journalists urged broadcaster RTÉ to push for Israel’s exclusion. RTÉ Director-General Kevin Bakhurst confirmed the broadcaster would request a debate within the EBU. After meeting with Bakhurst, the EBU said it would open a wider discussion among its members “in due course.” In Norway, broadcaster NRK responded to a public letter from 18 artists by stating it would not support a boycott.
The EBU has so far upheld Israel’s participation. It insists Eurovision is a contest for public broadcasters, not governments. A spokesperson acknowledged the political tension but emphasized the contest’s apolitical nature and rules-based framework. Israel’s broadcaster, KAN, remains in good standing.
Israel is represented by Yuval Raphael. Security measures in Basel have intensified amid planned protests. As the contest continues, Israel’s presence remains at the center of public debate, testing Eurovision’s goal of unity through music.
📷 EBU
Voting Results Format Leaked – A New Twist for Semi-Finals
A quiet behind-the-scenes update intended to add suspense has become one of the most talked-about developments of Eurovision 2025. A new format for announcing the semi-final qualifiers was accidentally leaked after a Swiss broadcaster aired rehearsal footage that included pages from the show’s script. What was meant to be a surprise twist is now widely known — and sparking debate among fans and commentators.
Traditionally, after all the songs in a semi-final are performed, the 10 countries qualifying for the final are announced one by one in random order. This method, used for over a decade, builds suspense while keeping results hidden. But in Basel, producers plan to reveal the qualifiers in a new way: by naming three countries at a time and showing them on screen together, then confirming which one has qualified. The remaining two aren’t eliminated — instead, they stay “in play” until the final announcement.
This process will repeat in rounds, with the 10th and final qualifier still revealed as a solo moment. According to leaked documents, the change is designed to stretch the tension and keep viewers and artists guessing throughout. Production notes reportedly state that “no one is eliminated until the end,” a shift meant to maintain hope for each remaining act right up to the last reveal.
Fan reactions have been mixed. Some welcomed the innovation as a way to freshen up a familiar sequence. Others criticized it as emotionally manipulative, especially since the unannounced countries may still appear on camera while waiting. Concerns were raised about added stress for contestants, and some viewers questioned the need to alter a format that wasn’t broken.
As of now, the EBU hasn’t commented officially on the leak. But all signs point to this new system being implemented live in the upcoming semi-finals.
Flag Policy Changes Ignite Controversy
Eurovision 2025’s updated flag policy has triggered a fresh wave of criticism, particularly around how it affects expressions of identity and diversity on stage. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) introduced the changes in an effort to maintain neutrality and reduce political statements during the contest. However, reactions to the update have shown that what counts as “non-political” is far from universally agreed upon.
Under the new rules, only national flags are allowed to be used by delegations during official segments — such as the flag parade, green room shots, and winner announcements. That means no regional flags, no flags from non-participating countries, and, notably, no LGBTQ+ or Pride flags may be carried on stage by performers. At the same time, the policy allows for broader freedom in the audience: viewers are permitted to bring almost any flag into the venue, provided it is legal under Swiss law.
This dual policy has confused and angered some participants and fans. While audience members in Basel can wave rainbow flags or Palestinian flags freely, artists are barred from showing similar symbols on air. In past years, Pride flags have been a visible part of Eurovision’s inclusive atmosphere, particularly in the green room.
The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS, which initially echoed the EBU’s policy, reversed its stance after discussions with LGBTQ+ organizations. It announced it would formally appeal the restriction, arguing that Pride flags represent identity, not politics, and should not be subject to the ban. The broadcaster, which also organizes Amsterdam Pride, said it wants Eurovision to remain a space where artists feel free to express who they are.
The EBU has not made any further adjustments, but with pressure building, this issue could remain at the center of attention during the live shows.
📷 EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett, Nemo with the non-binary flag
