The stage is set, the lights are dazzling, and the anticipation is palpable—the 69th Eurovision Song Contest is culminating in a spectacular finale tonight, May 17, 2025, in the vibrant city of Basel, Switzerland. As 26 countries vie for the coveted title, Basel has transformed into a hub of music, culture, and unity, embodying the spirit of Eurovision like never before.
🏟️ The Heartbeat of Eurovision: St. Jakobshalle
At the center of this grand event is St. Jakobshalle, one of Europe’s most modern arenas, hosting the live shows that have captivated audiences worldwide. Adjacent to it, St. Jakob-Park has been metamorphosed into “Arena Plus,” offering fans an immersive festival experience with live concerts, family-friendly activities, and public viewing areas.
🎉 Basel’s Citywide Celebration
Basel has embraced Eurovision wholeheartedly, with the city pulsating with energy and festivities:
- Eurovision Village: For the first time, this fan hub is hosted indoors at Messe Basel, accommodating up to 12,000 visitors daily. Fans enjoy live performances, DJ sets, food courts, and interactive experiences, all under one roof.
- EuroClub & EuroCafé: Located opposite the Village, EuroClub is the epicenter of nightly parties, featuring performances by Eurovision stars. For a more relaxed atmosphere, EuroCafé offers a cozy spot to unwind with coffee, drinks, and snacks.
- Eurovision Square: From May 10 to 17, Barfüsserplatz transforms into an open-air festival, showcasing diverse musical genres daily, from jazz to hip-hop, celebrating the contest’s rich musical tapestry.
- Eurovision Boulevard & Street: The stretch between Basel SBB and Basel Badischer Bahnhof stations becomes Eurovision Boulevard, adorned with flags, food trucks, and busking zones. Meanwhile, Steinenvorstadt turns into Eurovision Street, bustling with street music and vibrant decorations.
🌍 A Global Stage with Local Flair
This year’s contest features 37 participating countries, with 26 making it to the Grand Final. Notably, Montenegro returns after a two-year hiatus, while Moldova withdrew from the competition.
The contest isn’t just about music; it’s a celebration of diversity and inclusion. Basel has ensured accessibility for all, with live broadcasts featuring audio descriptions, subtitles, and sign language. Moreover, the city has launched the “Basel-Welcome Home” app, providing real-time event updates, interactive maps, and personalized recommendations for visitors.
🎶 Tonight’s Grand Finale: What to Expect
The Grand Final kicks off at 9:00 PM CEST and can be watched live through national broadcasters, the Eurovision YouTube channel, or, in the U.S., via Peacock.
Among the favorites to win are:
- Sweden’s KAJ: A comedic trio with their song “Bara Badu Batsu,” capturing the essence of Nordic saunas.
- Austria’s JJ: Delivering the heartfelt ballad “Wasted Love.”
- France’s Louane: Touching audiences with the emotional “Maman.”
Adding to the excitement, rumors swirl about a surprise appearance by Céline Dion, who won Eurovision for Switzerland 37 years ago. Her private jet’s arrival in Basel has fueled speculation about a potential performance during the final.
📱 How to Vote
Viewers can cast their votes during the show and for 40 minutes afterward using the Eurovision app, phone, or text message. Even audiences in non-participating countries, including the U.S., can vote online or through the app, with their combined votes equivalent to one country’s input.
🏨 Basel’s Economic and Cultural Boom
Hosting Eurovision has significantly boosted Basel’s economy and tourism:
- Hotel Occupancy: Reaching 95%, with a 220% increase in international accommodation searches.
- Transportation: EasyJet increased flights by 13% to accommodate the influx of visitors.
- Economic Impact: An estimated €64 million boost to the local economy.
The city’s streets are adorned with Eurovision-themed decorations, and public transport services have been expanded, offering free rides to ticket holders within designated zones.
🎭 Beyond the Contest: Cultural Initiatives
Basel has leveraged Eurovision to promote cultural and educational initiatives:
- Educational Programs: In collaboration with SRF School, age-appropriate teaching materials on Eurovision are available in Switzerland’s four national languages.
- Youth Engagement: Students from Swiss universities are actively participating in the event’s production, gaining hands-on experience in broadcasting and creative development.
- Community Projects: From children’s choirs performing in retirement homes to urban art installations, the city has embraced the contest’s theme of unity through music.
🌟 Final Thoughts
As the world tunes in to witness the Grand Final of Eurovision 2025, Basel stands as a shining example of how music can unite people across cultures and borders. Whether you’re in the arena, at a public viewing, or watching from home, tonight promises to be an unforgettable celebration of talent, diversity, and the unifying power of song.
