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 RĂšV, they shared, “Everything went perfectly! We’re only now realizing that we’re in Eurovision.” The delegation echoed this sentiment; Head of Press RĂşnar Freyr GĂ­slason praised the artists’ work, noting only minor adjustments were needed. Staging director Selma BjörnsdĂłttir added that the duo appeared very comfortable and confident on stage, with results exceeding expectations. (source: RĂ™V)

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.

đź“· 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.

đź“· 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.

đź“· 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.

đź“· 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. 

đź“· 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

đź“· EBU/Sarah Louise Bennett

 

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The slogan of Eurovision 2024 was “United by Music,” but experts warn the contest could be fractured by politics next year. Dr. Paul Jordan, a noted Eurovision expert, observed that the event is becoming “disunited through politics” as the fallout grows. Several broadcasters have yet to announce their stance. For example, Iceland’s RĂšV is deliberating and will decide by next week. More countries could potentially join the boycott before the EBU’s mid-December participation deadline. The loss of multiple major countries is raising concerns about television ratings and the contest’s reach. Eurovision typically draws over 150 million viewers worldwide, but with some national networks refusing to air it, viewership in those markets will vanish. If the audience drops significantly, it will “raise alarm bells” for the organizers. Additionally, many fans and commentators on social media are calling for a broader global boycott of Eurovision 2026, accusing the EBU of a double standard. They note that the EBU swiftly banned Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, so they ask “why should Israel be any different?”. The EBU maintains that Eurovision must stay non-political. That’s hard to maintain, given Israeli President Herzog’s involvement in the contest. As the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna (12–16 May 2026) approaches, the contest’s unity and spirit of inclusivity will be under intense scrutiny. Will the Eurovision community find a way to come together again, or is this rift a sign of lasting changes to come? Only time will tell.

Read More »
December 10, 2025 No Comments
Eurovision 2026
Martijn

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It’s Tuesday, December 9, 2025, and time for another weekly update! This week, the Eurovision world has been rocked by a single major story: the controversy surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 and the adoption of new contest rules. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU)’s decision on December 4 set off a chain reaction of boycotts and debates. As the road to the 70th Contest in Vienna turns turbulent, here are this week’s top stories: Israel Stays in Eurovision 2026 & New Rules Approved EBU Confirms Israel’s Participation At an EBU general assembly in Geneva on December 4, members decided not to hold a vote on Israel’s status, effectively confirming that Israel will remain in the Eurovision 2026 lineup. This came after some broadcasters had called for Israel’s exclusion over the Gaza war and alleged voting irregularities. The EBU decided there was “no need for a further vote”, so the contest will proceed with Israel included. Albeit with additional safeguards in place. The decision ended weeks of uncertainty and affirmed that Israel is cleared to compete next year, despite the controversy. Broadcasters Approve New Contest Rules Instead of voting Israel out, the EBU put forward a package of new rules to reinforce the contest’s neutrality and fairness. Members from 37 countries voted on reforms aimed at “strengthening trust” in Eurovision. 65% of delegates backed these changes. Key measures include the return of an expanded professional jury in the semi-finals and stricter guidelines to discourage any government or third-party from excessively promoting entries to sway the vote. The number of jurors per country will expand (from 5 to 7) with younger members added, and anti-fraud systems will be enhanced to detect suspicious voting. Additionally, audience vote limits are being halved to curb mass voting campaigns. These rule changes were approved in a secret ballot. The are designed to keep Eurovision a “neutral space” for music and prevent a repeat of last year’s controversies. Martin Green Spain, Ireland and Others Withdraw in Protest Following the EBU’s announcement, four countries immediately declared a boycott of Eurovision 2026. Public broadcasters from the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Spain all said they will not send an entry to Vienna in protest of Israel’s inclusion. The Dutch broadcaster AVROTROS stated that under the current circumstances participation “cannot be reconciled with the public values” of their organization. AVROTROS cited Israel’s “proven interference” in the 2025 contest and crackdowns on press freedom during the war. Ireland’s RTÉ deemed participation “unconscionable” given the appalling loss of civilian life in Gaza. Slovenia’s RTV SLO likewise announced a pull-out “on behalf of the 20,000 children who died in Gaza”. They say Eurovision must stand for peace. Spain’s RTVE not only withdrew its delegation but also said it will not broadcast the contest. RTVE Secretary-General Alfonso Morales cited the situation in Gaza and accused Israel of using Eurovision for political aims. This makes it “difficult to keep Eurovision a neutral cultural event”. This marks Spain’s first absence from the contest since 1961. It’s a particularly heavy blow as Spain is one of the Big Five automatic finalists whose participation underpins the event’s funding. Melody, Spain 2025, EBU Mixed Reactions from Across Europe Not all countries are on board with a boycott. Germany had warned it would pull out if Israel were excluded essentially backing Israel’s right to compete. German Culture Minister Wolfram Weimer insisted that “Israel belongs in the Eurovision Song Contest”, opposing any move to bar the country. France also confirmed it will participate regardless of Israel’s presence. French officials rejected the idea of a cultural boycott. Foreign Minister Jean-NoĂ«l Barrot praised the EBU for not giving in to pressure and said he “deeply regrets that several European TV channels made a different choice”. Austria’s ORF, the host broadcaster for 2026, welcomed the decision as well. ORF’s Director-General Roland WeiĂźmann argued the contest “is a competition for broadcasters, not governments”. He emphasized the importance of cultural dialogue and not “burning bridges” between participants. Meanwhile, Israeli officials applauded the outcome. President Isaac Herzog said Israel “deserves to be represented on every stage around the world”. The president expressed hope that Eurovision will remain a venue for music, friendship, and cross-border understanding. Israel’s public broadcaster KAN likened calls to exclude Israel to an unjust “cultural boycott”. They are celebrating the EBU’s decision to keep the country in. Outlook: A Fractured Contest Ahead? Eurovision now faces an unprecedented crisis heading into 2026. The slogan of Eurovision 2024 was “United by Music,” but experts warn the contest could be fractured by politics next year. Dr. Paul Jordan, a noted Eurovision expert, observed that the event is becoming “disunited through politics” as the fallout grows. Several broadcasters have yet to announce their stance. For example, Iceland’s RĂšV is deliberating and will decide by next week. More countries could potentially join the boycott before the EBU’s mid-December participation deadline. The loss of multiple major countries is raising concerns about television ratings and the contest’s reach. Eurovision typically draws over 150 million viewers worldwide, but with some national networks refusing to air it, viewership in those markets will vanish. If the audience drops significantly, it will “raise alarm bells” for the organizers. Additionally, many fans and commentators on social media are calling for a broader global boycott of Eurovision 2026, accusing the EBU of a double standard. They note that the EBU swiftly banned Russia after its 2022 invasion of Ukraine, so they ask “why should Israel be any different?”. The EBU maintains that Eurovision must stay non-political. That’s hard to maintain, given Israeli President Herzog’s involvement in the contest. As the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna (12–16 May 2026) approaches, the contest’s unity and spirit of inclusivity will be under intense scrutiny. Will the Eurovision community find a way to come together again, or is this rift a sign of lasting changes to come? Only time will tell.

Read More »
December 10, 2025 No Comments
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