SAUNAS, SPACE DOGS and strobe lights – Eurovision 2025 is shaping up to be a noisy, lively edition. 

The Eurovision Song Contest is truly the annual party for Europe, Australia (yes, Australia!) and the world.

Every May, one of the most watched televised events in the world boasts over 150 million viewers and acts as a showcase for many countries’ artists and music industries.

The results can also be analysed as a reflection of the mood of Europe in the broader context of culture, politics and current affairs. As a proud fan of the contest, this is something that I love to explore and digest every year, along with my unique playlists.

This year’s contest will take place in Basel, Switzerland, thanks to winning Swiss artist Nemo in 2024. Switzerland actually hosted the first edition of the song contest back in 1956. The competition was set up in that post-war period with the aim of helping unite the continent through music.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) – which is, essentially, an umbrella organisation for public broadcasters – has seen economic crises, wars and geo-political controversies unfold in the backdrop of Eurovision’s history since then, and the 69th edition this year will be no different.

Switzerland's Nemo, who claimed last year's trophy in Malmo. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Eurovision was the longest running annual TV music event until its cancellation in 2020 due to the Covid pandemic.

At the start of the following year, as we endured further prolonged lockdowns, I waited in eager anticipation to see what European voters would respond to in the 2021 contest. 

Europe was sending a variety of songs in the midst of the pandemic. But neither sadness nor fun seemed to provide the required antidote for the continent’s woes and isolation.

Instead, Europeans ordered a strong dose of Italy’s Måneskin - the youthful, glam-rock band who emoted pure angst and frustration. The mood clearly resonated with viewers, who were eager to........

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