France: Louane will represent the country in Basel!

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It is now official! The rumors that Louane would take over the French representation in Basel, which had been circulating for the past week, have now been confirmed. Louane will compete for France in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, according to a recent announcement from France Télévisions, while the aforementioned announcement took place during the broadcast of The Voice France.

 

The rumors indicating Louane’s potential participation

Following Louane’s recent decision to postpone all of her April and May 2025 concerts, there have been speculations that she may be selected by the French public broadcaster to represent France in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. Many have interpreted her decision to cancel her entire tour during that time as an indication that she is getting ready for the big competition. This is in line with France’s recent strategy of choosing well-known and established performers for Eurovision, like Slimane (2024), La Zarra (2023), and Barbara Pravi (2021), in an attempt to boost the nation’s power in the competition.

Meanwhile, her new album is expected in the coming days and it is expected to include her Eurovision 2025 entry.

Who is Louane?

French singer and actress Anne Edwige Maria Peichert, better known by her stage name Louane, is twenty-eight years old. Since her debut on The Voice France in 2013, Louane has captured audiences with her distinct voice and touching performances. Her performance in the critically acclaimed movie “La Famille Bélier” later brought her fame as an actress, and she was honored with the César Award for Most Promising Actress. With hits like “Avenir” and “Si t’étais là,” her music career took off, and her albums sold platinum.

Louane’s participation is raising hopes for an outstanding performance in the 2025 contest since she has the artistic background and talent to represent France at Eurovision.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

source: leparisien

EXCLUSIVE: The 5 members of the Greek National Final jury revealed!

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With the Greek national final just around the corner, Eurovisionfun exclusively reveals the final two members of the Greek jury, which will determine 25% of tonight’s results.

Journalist Giannis Poulopoulos initially disclosed three of the five jury members on the show “Super Katerina” a week ago:

  • Michalis Hatzigiannis, a well-known singer and composer, who represented Cyprus in Eurovision 1998.
  • Fotis Sergoulopoulos, a television presenter with a noted passion for music and the Eurovision Song Contest.
  • Giannis Christodoulopoulos, an award-winning composer recognized for his contributions to the Greek music industry.

According to exclusive information, the five-member jury is completed by two accomplished women from the artistic and television sectors:

  • Jenny Melita, a journalist and presenter with a dynamic presence in the media. She has Eurovision experience, as she served as the Greek commentator for the 2023 contest, alongside Maria Kozakou.
  • Margarita Mytilinaiou, a seasoned radio producer with a long career in the music industry and in-depth knowledge of Greek and international music.

This Greek jury will account for 25% of the overall score in the national final, with another 25% coming from an international jury, and the public vote holding the most weight at 50%. The international jury will include members from France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Belgium and Norway.

The 12 finalists will perform in the following order: RIKKI, Thanos Lamprou, Kostas Ageris, Andy Nicolas, Klavdia, Konstantinos Christoforou & Kostas Karafotis, Georgina Kalais & John Vlaseros, BARBZ, Evangelia, Dinamiss, Nafsica, and Xannova Xan.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all updates regarding the Greek national final!

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Italy: The stage for Sanremo 2025 has been revealed!

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RAI has unveiled the stage for Sanremo 2025, which will be ready to welcome the 34 artists from February 11 to 15.

The stage has been designed by Riccardo Bocchini, who was also the designer for Sanremo 2015, 2016, and 2017.

Riccardo Bocchini explains that the stage was designed with the concept “The elegance of simplicity and harmony”:

A 360-degree stage capable of changing appearance and proposing different atmospheres for each song, with simplicity that hides the complexity of a project that combines graphics and lighting, technology and “engines”. It will rotate in three dimensions, all with a minimalist design, aiming for the purity and elegance of the visuals: the elegance of a harmonious stage that will embrace the audience, conveying emotions, and the elegance of the form that, through electromechanical movements, will transform to serve the songs, even disappearing completely.

A Techno-Party hall that extends, along with the orchestra on the sides, towards the audience and hides many surprises:

The detail, plasticity, and elegance of the architectural lines will embrace the technological mechanisms with their harmonious movements. The entirely innovative video and stage lighting systems will be primarily at the service of the television images: “visual games” will greet the audience. The “Tecno Lampadari”, “Sipari”, and “Tende tecnologie” will descend from above, and the “Scala” will move in various technological configurations.

Sanremo 2025 Festival Program

  • First Night: All artists will perform their songs – the Top 5 will be revealed in random order.
  • Second Night: Half of the artists will perform their songs – the Top 5 will be revealed in random order.
  • Third Night: The remaining artists will perform their songs – the Top 5 will be revealed in random order.
  • Fourth Night: The night of covers, where artists will perform in duets. The results of this night will not be included in the main competition.
  • Final Night: All artists will perform their songs. The Top 5 from the combined semi-final rankings will reach the Superfinal, where each artist will perform their song again. The juries and the public will vote again to determine the winner.

Representation at Eurovision 2025

If any of the participants (along with their record labels) wish to compete in Eurovision 2025, they must fill out a special form before the start of the final night, Saturday, February 15.

If the winner of Sanremo has signed this form, they will automatically be considered Italy’s representative for the competition. If they decide not to participate, the Sanremo organizing committee will select an artist from those who have signed the form, according to its own criteria, possibly regardless of the final ranking.

Although originally scheduled to take place from February 4 to 8, the festival has been postponed and will now be held from February 11 to 15.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all updates!

Source: RAI

Sweden: Käärijä as Interval Act in Heat One of Melodifestivalen 2025!

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With two days to go until Heat One of Melodifestivalen 2025, SVT has  announced that Käärijä and Hooja will be performing as an interval act during the show this Saturday.

Käärijä represented Finland at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023 with “Cha Cha Cha” where he finished 2nd. They will be debuting their new song “San Fransisco Boy” on stage in Luleå.

Also, earlier SVT, the Swedish national broadcaster, has unveiled the Melodifestivalen 2025 stage design. For 2025 SVT has come up with a recycled stage. The Melodifestivalen 2025 stage has been created byViktor Brattström and Fredrik Stormby the same team behind last year’s Melodifestivalen stage.

SVT’s official press release reads:

“When Melodifestivalen 2025 starts, viewers will be greeted by a completely new look, but this year’s stage is basically a re-use. When SVT’s team, consisting of set designer Viktor Brattström and lighting and video designer Fredrik Stormby, created last year’s stage, the starting point was that the design and construction would work over time.     

Recycling is this year’s watchword, but some new features will still be included in this year’s stage design. Just like last year, large parts of the scenography are made up of LED surfaces, and completely new video content has been developed to fill the walls and floors, thereby creating a completely new feeling. The two angled LED walls with integrated fixtures and the 72 square meter LED floor offer opportunities to create unique acts and a spectacular experience for both audience and viewers.    

Like last year, lighting and video designer Fredrik Stormby is behind the expressions in the LED screens.  

Also new this year is that the walkway on the parquet floor, which is used for the “winners’ walk” and as a playing area for the program hosts, will be expanded and become a natural place in the middle of the sea of ​​​​audience.”

The schedule for the six shows of the Melodifestivalen 2025 tour:

  • Heat 1: Saturday 1 February 2025, Coop Norrbotten Arena, Luleå
  • Heat 2: Saturday 8 February 2025, Scandinavium, Göteborg
  • Heat 3: Saturday 15 February 2025, ABB Arena Syd, Västerås
  • Heat 4: Saturday 22 February 2025, Malmö Arena, Malmö
  • Heat 5: Saturday 1 March 2025, Husqvarna Garden, Jönköping
  • Final: Saturday 8  March 2025,Strawberry Arena, Stockholm

Source: SVT

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all updates regarding Sweden’s participation in the contest!

 

 

Eurovision 2025: The director of the show defends the accessibility of the Tickets.

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The number of tickets for Eurovision 2025 in Basel has caused tension among internet users and contest funs. In particular, there have been complaints on social media that there were no ticket packages available for OGAE national team members, while others have shown their dissatisfaction with the application process via ticketing platform Ticketcorner. The event director defended the number of tickets available for persons with disabilities this year. As Martin Green said, referring to the St. Jakobshalle, with a maximum capacity of 12,400 people :

 

I checked in with the organisers about this. It is a smaller arena, there’s no doubt about that, but the balance with what they’re doing with other places around the city is good.

The director also mentioned other venues where activities around Eurovision will take place, such as a 34,000-seat stadium next to the arena for “Arena Plus” and the Eurovision Village, which will be indoors, making it more accessible for many, which is an important move. In addition, Eurovision 2025 organizers have confirmed that to make the show accessible to all, induction loop systems, audio description and speech-to-text conversion services for hearing and visually impaired fans will be available.

We should say at this point that tickets are on sale from January 29 on Ticketcorner.

 

Source: The Euro Trip

Are you looking forward to Eurovision 2025? Tell us in the comments how important do you think accessibility to Eurovision is?

 

For all the news about the contest, stay tuned to Eurovision Fun!

Greece: Betting Odds Just Hours Before Ethnikós Telikós 2025!

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With just a few hours left until Greece selects its representative for Eurovision 2025, anticipation is at an all-time high. As expected, bookmakers are in a frenzy, offering odds on who will clinch victory in the Greek national final.

Klavdia: The Clear Favorite

Heading into tonight’s final, Klavdia has firmly established herself as the front-runner. Initially, she was not the top choice, but over time, her song “Asteromata” has gained significant traction. Her odds currently stand between 1.35 and 1.48, with the lowest provided by Novibet (1.35) and Stoiximan placing her slightly below 1.50. This cements her status as the clear favorite to represent Greece in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest.

Following behind in second place is Evangelia, who initially led the race after the song releases. However, momentum for her entry “Vále” has waned, with odds now ranging between 3.40 and 3.50. While still a strong contender, the gap between Evangelia and Klavdia remains significant.

Klavdia vs. Evangelia: A Two-Horse Race?

The main battle for victory seems to be between Klavdia and Evangelia. However, Dinamiss have made a surprising surge. The sister duo, performing “Odyssey,” has climbed four places in the betting odds and now sits comfortably in third place. Their odds currently range between 8.00 and 10.00, reflecting their increasing popularity in the days leading up to the final.

Meanwhile, BARBZ, once seen as a possible challenger to Klavdia and Evangelia, has dropped to fourth place. Initially offered at 6.50, her odds have now skyrocketed to between 11.00 (Novibet) and 20.00 (Stoiximan), suggesting a diminished likelihood of victory.

How the Other Contestants Rank

  • 4th: BARBZ (11.00 – 20.00)
  • 5th/6th: Xannova Xan & Konstantinos Christoforou & Kostas Karafotis (21.00 – 35.00)
  • 7th: Kostas Ageris (25.00 – 40.00)
  • 8th: Andy Nicolas (31.00 – 55.00)
  • 9th: Nafsica (46.00 – 55.00)
  • 10th: Thanos Lamprou (46.00 – 80.00)
  • 11th/12th: RIKKI & Georgina Kalais ft. John Vlaseros (50.00 – 80.00)

A Night to Remember

Greece’s national final will take place on January 30th, live from the Christmas Theater in Athens. Eurovision legends Helena Paparizou and Sakis Rouvas will host the evening’s festivities, ensuring a spectacular show for fans.

The winner and Greece’s representative for Eurovision 2025 will be determined by:

  • 25% International Jury Vote
  • 25% Domestic Jury Vote
  • 50% Public Vote

Will the bookmakers’ predictions hold true, leading to a Klavdia victory? Or will we see a surprise upset? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Greece: Ethnikós Telikós 2025 Takes Place Tonight!

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A historic night is ahead! After a decade, Greece is once again selecting its Eurovision representative through a national final. Ten years after the last Greek national selection in 2015, the long-awaited return of Ethnikós Telikós is finally here, fulfilling the wishes of countless Greek and international Eurovision fans.

At 21:00 CET, live from the Christmas Theater in Athens, Greece will crown its next Eurovision act—the artist who will follow in the footsteps of Marina Satti and represent the country in Basel, Switzerland, at Eurovision 2025.

The Finalists

Following an extensive selection process, ERT has chosen twelve artists to compete for Greece’s Eurovision ticket. Here’s the official running order for tonight’s show:

1️⃣ RIKKI – Elevator (Up and Down)
2️⃣ Thanos Lamprou – Free Love
3️⃣ Kostas Ageris – Gi Mou
4️⃣ Andy Nicolas – Lost My Way
5️⃣ Klavdia – Asteromata
6️⃣ Konstantinos Christoforou & Kostas Karafotis – Paradeisos
7️⃣ Georgina Kalais & John Vlaseros – High Road
8️⃣ BARBZ – Sirens
9️⃣ Evangelia – Vále
Dinamiss – Odyssey
1️⃣1️⃣ Nafsica – Unhurt Me
1️⃣2️⃣ Xannova Xan – Play It!

The Voting Process

The winner of the Greek National Final and the country’s representative for Eurovision 2025 will be determined by a combined vote:

  • 50% Public Vote (via phone and SMS)
  • 50% Jury Vote (split equally between a domestic and an international jury)

Both five-member juries will score the 12 competing songs using the Eurovision point system. Meanwhile, the public vote will be translated into a similar points scale, with 24 points awarded to the most-voted song, 20 points to the second place, and so on.

Unlike typical Eurovision-style voting reveals, the full breakdown of scores will not be announced during the live show. Instead, at the end of the voting, only the Top 3 artists will be announced. These three will take the stage for the final winner’s announcement, securing their place at Eurovision 2025 in Basel. The full voting details will be made available by ERT at a later stage.

Star-Studded Show & Special Guests

Hosting Ethnikós Telikós 2025 are Sakis Rouvas and Helena Paparizou, two legendary Greek Eurovision icons. With their incredible Eurovision history, they are set to bring a spectacular and nostalgic atmosphere to the show, performing classic Eurovision hits and their own contest entries.

The national final will also feature special guest performances, including:
Marina Satti, Greece’s 2024 Eurovision representative, performing her song “ZARI”
Theo Evan, Cyprus’s Eurovision 2025 entrant, delivering an exclusive cover of a past Cypriot Eurovision hit

How to Watch

The Greek National Final kicks off at 21:00 CET and is expected to last around three hours. Fans can watch it live via:
✔ ERT1 (Greece)
✔ ERT World (International Audience)
✔ Eurovision’s YouTube Channel

You need to sign up on ERTFLIX (it’s free) to watch the Greek Final on ERT World.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates on Greece’s road to Eurovision 2025!

 

Spain: Benidorm Fest 2025 Continues Tonight with the Second Semi-Final!

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One of the most eagerly anticipated national selections for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest continues tonight as the curtain rises on Benidorm Fest 2025. The event will determine Spain’s representative in Eurovision this May.

For the fourth consecutive year, Benidorm Fest serves as Spain’s selection method, a format that has significantly boosted its popularity over the past three years. Spanish broadcaster RTVE continues to ride the wave of success, maintaining this tried-and-tested approach.

The Format

Benidorm Fest 2025 will feature two semi-finals, each hosting eight competing entries. The top four acts from each semi-final will advance to the grand final.

The winner of Benidorm Fest 2025, and Spain’s Eurovision 2025 representative, will be decided by:

  • 50% Jury Vote: Comprising eight members—four Spanish and four international experts.
    Spanish Jury Members:

    • Roberto Santamaría (Director, Radio Nacional de España)
    • Javier Llano (Head of Music Programming, CADENA 100)
    • Jaime Acero (Content Director, TelevisaUnivision)
    • Claudia Orellana (Founder & Director, Son Buenos)

    International Jury Members:

    • Oksana Skybinska (Head of Ukraine’s Eurovision delegation)
    • Maja Tokic (Executive Producer of Croatia’s Dora national selection)
    • Twan van de Nieuwenhuijzen (Eurovision 2023 Head of Contest & former Dutch delegation lead)
    • Mariangela Borneo (Director of International Projects & Festivals, RAI Italy)
  • 25% Polling Panel: Feedback collected via an app-based survey.
  • 25% Public Vote: Via telephone calls and SMS.

Benidorm Fest 2025 Schedule

  • Semi-Final 1: January 28
  • Semi-Final 2: January 30
  • Grand Final: February 1

Finalists

From Tuesday’s first semi-final, four artists have qualified for the grand final of the Benidorm Festival which will take place on Saturday. These artists are:

Tonight’s Second Semi-Final

Eight artists will compete tonight for one of four spots in Saturday’s grand final. Here’s the lineup for the second semi-final:

  1. Mel Ömana – “I’m A Queen“
  2. Henry Semler – “No lo ves“
  3. DeTeresa – “La pena“
  4. J Kbello – “V.I.P.“
  5. Carla Frigo – “Bésame“
  6. Mawot – “Raggio di sole“
  7. Celine Van Heel – “La casa“
  8. Melody – “Esa diva“

The show will take place at Palacio de Deportes L’Illa in Alicante, with hosts including Eurovision 2014 alum Ruth Lorenzo, joined by Paula Vázquez and Inés Hernand.

You can watch tonight’s semi-final at 22:45 CET here.

Looking Back at Last Year

The winners of Benidorm Fest 2024, Nebulossa, represented Spain with their song Zorra at Eurovision 2024 in Malmö, finishing 22nd in the grand final.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all updates on Spain’s journey to Eurovision 2025!

Sweden: Listen to the song snippets of the first Heat of Melodifestivalen 2025!

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As usual a few days before every Heat, the Swedish national broadcaster, SVT, published snippets of all six competing songs of the first Heat of Melodifestivalen 2025.

You can listen the song snippets of the competing songs down below, by clicking the song title:

In the meantime, you can read through the lyrics of all six competing songs of this heat here.

The first Heat will take place on Saturday, February 1st at Coop Norrbotten Arena in Luleå.

The schedule for the six shows of the Melodifestivalen 2025 tour:

  • Heat 1: Saturday 1 February 2025, Coop Norrbotten Arena, Luleå
  • Heat 2: Saturday 8 February 2025, Scandinavium, Göteborg
  • Heat 3: Saturday 15 February 2025, ABB Arena Syd, Västerås
  • Heat 4: Saturday 22 February 2025, Malmö Arena, Malmö
  • Heat 5: Saturday 1 March 2025, Husqvarna Garden, Jönköping
  • Final: Saturday 8  March 2025,Strawberry Arena, Stockholm

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all updates regarding Sweden’s participation in the contest!

Austria: JJ (Johannes Pietsch) will represent the country at Eurovision 2025!

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Austria’s national broadcaster, ORF, has announced that JJ (Johannes Pietsch) will represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, in Basel, Switzerland.

Who is JJ (Johannes Pietsch)?

Johannes Pietsch is just 23 years old, with roots from the Philippines and Austria. JJ is already making waves in the classical music world. He is a countertenor and has significant experience in television shows, having participated in “Starmania 21” and The Voice UK.

He is a rare vocal talent, and with his performance, it is suggested that he will combine timeless artistry with modern energy. JJ aims to create a memorable moment at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest.

Stefanie Groiss Horowitz, Program Director at ORF, is excited about the artist’s selection for Austria:

JJ is an exceptional talent! With him, we are sending a unique artist to Basel who brings his own magic to the Eurovision Song Contest stage, blending captivating pop and classical music.

JJ’s song will be released in March.

What do you think of JJ (Johannes Pietsch)? Let us know in the comments!

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all updates regarding Austria’s participation in Eurovision 2025!