With fans from more than 80 countries arriving in Basel, Switzerland, for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), the city is prepared not only to host the world’s largest live music event, but also to unlock a wave of economic, cultural, and social benefits.

BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — Competition in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest kicked off Tuesday, with sauna-loving Swedish entry KAJ gaining a place in the final and five countries going home after the first of two semifinals of the pan-continental music extravaganza.

The Eurovision Song Contest is here! The 69th annual music competition event features nearly 40 countries starting on Tuesday, May 13. Want to watch Eurovision 2025? Here’s what you need to know. When Is Eurovision Song Contest 2025?

Céline Dion surprised Eurovision 2025 fans with a special appearance to share a pre-recorded message during the annual song contest, which she previously won for Switzerland in 1988.

Contestants from Malta, Sweden, Estonia, and the Netherlands are among those favored to win Eurovision this year.

The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals will be held on Tuesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 15 at Basel’s St Jakobshalle indoor arena. The final, held at the same venue, will take place on Saturday, May 17. Each show will begin at 8pm BST (9pm CEST).

Pro-Palestinian protesters have planned to walk the streets of Basel "silently" to demonstrate against Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.