Azerbaijan 2025: Three artists contending still competing to go to Basel!

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The selection of the Azerbaijan representative for Eurovision is almost over and only three artists remain in the competition.

According to a report from Azeri media Primetime.az, the Azerbaijan broadcaster has filter the list of candidates to only three candidates to represent the country in Basel.

Azerbaijan received 154 artist submissions for their internal selection process.  A panel evaluated the quality of the songs and the final three candidates reported to be in the short list are the following:

  • Mehin Hümbətova
  • Nataone
  • Murad Arif

Azerbaijan has not announced the date to release their artist or song.  However, in 2024 the country was among the last ones to announce their representative in early March.

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Greece: National Final for Eurovision 2025 to be held at the Christmas Theater

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ERT has officially announced that the national final for Eurovision 2025 will take place on January 29. According to recent reports, the Christmas Theater in Athens has been chosen as the venue for this exciting event.

The Christmas Theater, one of Athens’ most modern and impressive cultural venues with a seating capacity of 3,000, will host the event. The national final will feature 12 songs, selected by a special committee from ERT from a total of 187 submissions by artists representing various musical genres.

The finalists will be announced soon, adding to the anticipation and excitement for the big night.

The voting process will involve both the public and two committees: one international and one Greek. Each committee will contribute 25% of the final result, while the remaining 50% will be determined by the public vote.

The production of the national final promises a spectacular stage and outstanding performances, blending Greek identity with international standards. ERT’s goal is to present a song that will stand out on the Eurovision stage in May 2025 in Basel, Switzerland, securing a high ranking on the scoreboard.

For the production of the national final, ERT invited bids from production companies with experience in large-scale music events, aiming for the best possible television outcome. DAM, the music channel under the MAD network, was ultimately chosen to handle the production of the national final.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!
Source: Newsit

Netherlands: Claude will represent the country in Eurovision 2025!

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Another contestant joins the lineup for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, as The Netherlands has officially unveiled their artist. Just moments ago, AVROTROS revealed that Claude has been chosen to represent the country in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, which will take place in Basel, Switzerland.

How Was Claude Selected?

After The Netherlands confirmed their participation in Eurovision 2025 and following Joost Klein’s decision not to return, AVROTROS opened a submission window for artists who wished to represent the country. The window closed on November 22nd, attracting significant interest from the Dutch music scene.

In total, 331 entries were submitted and evaluated by a six-member committee consisting of:

  • Jacqueline Govaert
  • Jaap Reesema
  • Carolien Borgers
  • Hila Noorzai
  • Cornald Maas
  • Sander Lantinga

From these submissions, several artists were shortlisted and invited to perform their songs live in front of the jury to assess their vocal capabilities. Following careful consideration and live auditions, the panel selected Claude to represent The Netherlands in Eurovision 2025.

Claude song will be released at a later stage.

Who is Claude?

The singer-songwriter Claude, originally from Congo, moved to the Netherlands at the age of 13. He recalls that he and his family first encountered the Eurovision Song Contest not long after he had moved, with all of them cheering together as Conchita Wurst won for Austria. A new annual tradition was born and Claude has continued to follow the Eurovision Song Contest ever since.

His love for music developed further and, with his unique voice and talent, Claude managed to conquer the music scene at home in the Netherlands.

His breakthrough came in 2022 with the debut single Ladada (Mon Dernier Mot), which has gone on to amass over 57 million streams. He won the 3FM Award for ‘Best Newcomer’, was named ‘3FM Talent’, and then Qmusic crowned Claude as ‘Best Artist of the Year’. In addition, he also managed to win the hearts of the Dutch public with his participation in the popular Dutch TV program Beste Zangers.

Claude released his debut album in Parler Français in 2024, on which he co-wrote all the songs himself. With it, he’s been able to tour the Netherlands and Belgium with his band. In 2024, Claude also took on the role of Ambassador of Freedom, an honourable appointment that he found meant something extra special to him, due to his own past.

Claude now continues to impress on an international scale. The English-French version of Ladada has charted in over 15 countries, including Italy, where it reached the Top 10. And now with the international release of Layla, Claude strengthened his position as an artist with global allure.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: eurovision.tv

Albania: The jury panel of Festivali i Këngës 63 revealed!

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Tonight, Festivali i Këngës 63 kicks off, with the First Semi-Final. The festival will see thirty artists compete for the opportunity to represent the country at the 69th Eurovision Song Contest.

Few hours before the show, RTSH unveiled the panel of judges who will evaluate the performances throughout the semi-finals and the grand final. The panel is composed of five individuals with diverse backgrounds in music, ensuring a thorough judging process.

The jury members for this year’s edition of Festivali i Këngës are:

  • Merita Rexha Tershana – Pianist
  • Alma Bektashi – Musical Artist
  • Zana Cela – Producer
  • Florent Boshnjaku – Composer
  • Yllnjet Aliçka – Writer

With a diverse mix of expertise, the jury will assess each artist’s performance, in order to determine which contestants will move on to the final stage of the competition.

After tonight’s semi-final and the following second semi-final, the jury will select the entries that will progress to the final of Festivali i Këngës 63. However, the final decision on the winner will be made through a combination of jury votes and public votes. The artist who emerges victorious will also earn the honor of representing Albania in Eurovision 2025.

Festivali i Këngës 63 – The participants

First Night – December 19

  1. Orgesa Zaimi – “I parë”
  2. Erma Mici – “Mbaje”
  3. Luna Çausholli – “Qiell apo ferr”
  4. Ronaldo Mesuli – “N’zemër”
  5. Mihallaq Andrea – “Porositë e babait”
  6. Kejsi Jazxhi – “Kur bota hesht”
  7. Lorenc Hasrama – “Frymë”
  8. Jet – “Gjallë”
  9. Djemtë e Detit – “Larg”
  10. Nita Latifi – “Zemrës”
  11. Martina Serreqi – “Nese qaj”
  12. Alis Kallacej – “Mjegull”
  13. Shkodra Elektronike – “Zjerm”
  14. Kleansa Susaj – “Ta dija”
  15. Ardit Çuni – “Amane”

Second Night – December 20

  1. Mal Retkoceri – “Antihero”
  2. Klea Dina – “Dashuri Ngiej“
  3. Devis Xherahu – “Ka momente”
  4. Vesa Smolica – “Lutem”
  5. Algert Sala – “Bosh”
  6. Gresa Gjocera – “E vërteta”
  7. Frensi Revania – “Rreziko”
  8. Endrik Beba – “Ishe ti”
  9. Epos – “Kurajo dhe Zjarr”
  10. Laurjan Ejlli & Adelina Corraj – “A thu”
  11. Santino De Bartolo – “Kur nata vjen si bora”
  12. Rea Nuhu – “Sot”
  13. Elvana Gjata – “Karnaval”
  14. Stine – “E kishim nis”
  15. Gjergj Kaçinari – “Larg jetës pa ty”

During the first two nights, the thirty competing artists will perform their original songs. The third night, named Nostalgia Night, will feature performances in a non-competitive manner. During the end of the third night, the eighteen finalists will be revealed.

Last year’s televote winner of Festivali i Këngës was Besa with “Zemrën n’dorë”. Besa released an English version titled “Titan” for Eurovision. However, she did not qualify to the Grand Final, finishing 14th in the second semi-final.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: RTSH

Netherlands: Eurovision 2025 representative to be announced today

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In a surprising turn of events, the Dutch public broadcaster has revealed that the artist who will represent the Netherlands at Eurovision 2025 will be announced this afternoon.

The announcement is set to take place at 16:00 CET. The chosen artist will later give an interview on the first channel of Dutch public television at 19:00, during the popular talk show Eva.

Once again, the Dutch broadcaster has opted for an internal selection process. A total of 331 entries were submitted, with a six-member committee selecting the final representative, who will be revealed today.

Who will take on the responsibility of representing the Netherlands after this year’s turbulent journey and the disqualification of Joost Klein from the Eurovision final?

To recap, Joost Klein, the Netherlands’ representative for Eurovision 2024, was disqualified from competing in the final despite initially qualifying. His disqualification followed allegations of controversial behavior involving a production staff member. The case was ultimately dropped due to lack of evidence.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

Sweden: Running order for Melodifestivalen 2025 heats announced

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SVT, Sweden’s national broadcaster, has unveiled the running order for the five heats of Melodifestivalen 2025.

The competition kicks off on February 1 in Luleå, with Albin Johnsén feat. Pa performing the opening song, “Upp i luften” (Up in the Air). Scarlet will close the heats with her song “Sweet n’ Psycho.”

Heat 1: Luleå – February 1

  • Albin Johnsén feat. Pa – “Upp i luften”
  • Maja Ivarsson – “Kamikaze Life”
  • John Lundvik – “Voice of the Silent”
  • Meira Omar – “Hush Hush”
  • Adrian Maceus – “Vår första gång”
  • Linnea Henriksson – “Den känslan”

Heat 2: Gothenburg – February 8

  • Nomi Tales – “Funniest Thing”
  • Schlagerz – “Don Juan”
  • Erik Segerstedt – “Show Me What Love Is”
  • Klara Hammarström – “On and On and On”
  • Fredrik Lundman – “The Heart of a Swedish Cowboy”
  • Kaliffa – “Salute”

Heat 3: Västerås – February 15

  • Greczula – “Believe Me”
  • Malou Prytz – “24K Gold”
  • Björn Holmgren – “Rädda mig”
  • Dolly Style – “YIHAA”
  • Angelino – “Teardrops”
  • Annika Wickihalder – “Life Again”

Heat 4: Malmö – February 22

  • Andreas Lundstedt – “Vicious”
  • Ella Tiritello – “Bara du är där”
  • Tennessee Tears – “Yours”
  • Kaj – “Bara bada bastu”
  • AmenA – “Do Good Be Better”
  • Måns Zelmerlöw – “Revolution”

Heat 5: Jönköping – March 1

  • Arvingarna – “Ring baby ring”
  • Arwin – “This Dream of Mine”
  • Saga Ludvigsson – “Hate You So Much”
  • Victoria Silvstedt – “Love It”
  • Vilhelm Buchaus – “I’m Yours”
  • Scarlet – “Sweet n’ Psycho”

The lineup features several artists with Eurovision history, including Måns Zelmerlöw, winner of Eurovision 2015, and John Lundvik, who represented Sweden in 2019.

Melodifestivalen 2025 will take place across six cities in Sweden, hosted by Keyyo and Edvin Törnblom. The final show will occur on March 8 in Stockholm, with the winner earning the honor of representing Sweden at Eurovision 2025 in Basel, Switzerland.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: SVT

Albania: The First Night of Festivali i Këngës 63 Takes the Stage Tonight!

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December wouldn’t feel complete without Festivali i Këngës, and tonight marks the start of the 63rd edition of Albania’s most celebrated music festival in Tirana. Known for selecting Albania’s representative for the Eurovision Song Contest, this year’s FiK promises intense competition and captivating performances. The winner will earn the honor of representing Albania in Basel, Switzerland, for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in May.

Format

The festival spans four nights, with 30 artists competing for six awards, one of which is directly tied to Eurovision representation.

  • Thursday & Friday: Semi-finals showcase all entries.
  • Saturday: A special “Nostalgia Night”.
  • Sunday: The highly anticipated Grand Final, where the winner will be crowned.

Unlike the previous two editions, this year’s winner, decided by a combined audience and jury vote, will automatically represent Albania in Eurovision 2025. There’s no separate category for Eurovision selection—the grand champion will take the Eurovision stage.

The First Semi-Final

The first semi-final begins tonight at 21:00 CET live from the Pallati i Kongreseve in Tirana. Competing artists for the evening include:

  1. Orgesa Zaimi – “I parë”
  2. Erma Mici – “Mbaje”
  3. Luna Çausholli – “Qiell apo ferr”
  4. Ronaldo Mesuli – “N’zemër”
  5. Mihallaq Andrea – “Porositë e babait”
  6. Kejsi Jazxhi – “Kur bota hesht”
  7. Lorenc Hasrama – “Frymë”
  8. Jet – “Gjallë”
  9. Djemtë e Detit – “Larg”
  10. Nita Latifi – “Zemrës”
  11. Martina Serreqi – “Nese qaj”
  12. Alis Kallacej – “Mjegull”
  13. Shkodra Elektronike – “Zjerm”
  14. Kleansa Susaj – “Ta dija”
  15. Ardit Çuni – “Amane”

The event will be hosted by Enkel Demi and Ornela Bregu.

Special Guests

The opening night will feature two special guests:

  • Slimane, France’s representative for Eurovision 2024.
  • Noizy, one of Albania’s biggest music stars and a trailblazer in the country’s rap scene.

Where to Watch

The first night of Festivali i Këngës 63 kicks off at 21:00 CET. Viewers can watch the show live here.

Eurovision Legacy

Last year, Besa represented Albania with her song “Zemrën n’dorë” (later reworked as “Titan” in English). Despite delivering a powerful performance, she narrowly missed the Grand Final, finishing 14th in Semi-Final 2.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the updates on Albania’s Eurovision journey and more!

Luxembourg: Songs for Luxembourg Song Contest 2025 released!

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Luxembourg seems to be back for good and it’s one step closer to selecting its entry for Eurovision 2025. A few moments ago, RTL, the country’s public broadcaster, revealed the seven songs that will compete in Luxembourg Song Contest 2025! Read more

Italy: The four New Proposals qualified to Sanremo Festival 2025!

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Just moments ago, the final of Sanremo Giovani 2024 concluded. Sanremo Giovani is part of the broader Sanremo Festival framework, where emerging artists are selected to compete in the prestigious event. Through Sanremo Giovani, new singers get the opportunity to showcase their talent and earn a spot in the main Sanremo Festival competition.

This year, the competition was hosted by Alessandro Cattelan (one of the presenters of Eurovision 2022), who was joined in the final by Carlo Conti, also the artistic director of the upcoming Sanremo Festival.

The eight finalists of Sanremo Giovani 2024 were:

  • Mew
  • Vale LP and Lil Jolie
  • Alex Wyse
  • Selmi
  • Angelica Bove
  • September
  • Etra (Area Sanremo)
  • Mary Tomb (Area Sanremo)

The aforementioned artists competed in duels, with the half of them advancing to Sanremo 2025:

  • Vale LP and Lil Jolie (New Proposals)
  • Alex Wyse (New Proposals)
  • September (New Proposals)
  • Mary Tomb (Area Sanremo)

These artists will participate in Sanremo 2025 with new songs that will be announced closer to the event.

Sanremo 2025 – complete lineup

The Sanremo 2025 line-up is now complete and will consist of the following thirty-four artists:

  1. Achille Lauro – “Incoscienti giovani”
  2. Gaia – “Chiamo io chiami tu”
  3. Coma_Cose – ‘Cuoricini’
  4. Francesco Gabbani – ‘Viva la vita’
  5. Willie Peyote – ‘Grazie ma no grazie’
  6. Noemi – ‘Se t’innamori muori’
  7. Rkomi – ‘Il ritmo delle cose’
  8. Modà – ‘Non ti dimentico’
  9. Rose Villain – ‘fuorilegge’
  10. Brunori Sas – ‘L’albero delle noci’
  11. Irama – ‘Lentamente’
  12. Clara – ‘Febbre’
  13. Massimo Ranieri – ‘Tra le mani un cuore’
  14. Emis Killa – ‘Demoni’
  15. Sarah Toscano – ‘Amarcord’
  16. Fedez – ‘Battito’
  17. Simone Cristicchi – ‘Quando sarai piccola’
  18. Joan Thiele – ‘Eco’
  19. The Kolors – ‘Tu con chi fai l’amore?’
  20. Bresh – ‘La tana del granchio’
  21. Marcella Bella – ‘Pelle diamante’
  22. Tony Effe – ‘Damme ‘na mano’
  23. Elodie – ‘Dimenticarsi alle 7’
  24. Olly – ‘Balorda nostalgia’
  25. Francesca Michielin – ‘Fango in paradiso’
  26. Lucio Corsi – ‘Volevo essere un duro’
  27. Shablo feat. Gue, Joshua e Tormento – ‘La mia parola’
  28. Serena Brancale – ‘Anema e Core’
  29. Rocco Hunt – ‘Mille vote ancora’
  30. Giorgia – ‘La cura per me’
  31. Vale LP and Lil Jolie (New Proposals) – TBA
  32. Alex Wyse (New Proposals) – TBA
  33. September (New Proposals) – TBA
  34. Mary Tomb (Area Sanremo) – TBA

Sanremo 2025 – the schedule

  • First Evening: All the artists perform their competing song (top five is revealed in a random order)
  • Second Evening: Half the artists perform their song (top five revealed in random order)
  • Third Evening: The remaining half artists perform their song (top five revealed in random order)
  • Fourth Evening: Covers’ Night, the artists will perform in a duet. The results of this semifinal will NOT be included in the main competition
  • Final: All the artists will perform their competing song. The top five in the combined rankings of all semifinals advances in the Superfinal and gets to perform again. Juries and televote will vote again to decide the winner.

Italian representation in Eurovision 2025

If any of the 24 competitors (along with their respective record labels) want to compete in Eurovision 2025, they must complete a special form by the beginning of the festival’s final night on Saturday, February 15.

If the Sanremo 2025 winner has previously signed the interest form, he will be automatically considered Italy’s representative in the Eurovision 2025. Should he decide not to compete in Eurovision 2025, the festival’s organizing committee will select an artist from among those who have signed the interest form based on its own standards, which may or may not include the final score ranking.

Although originally scheduled from February 4 to February 8, eventually the festival was postponed, a week later. Therefore, it will take place from February 11 to February 15 in the small Ligurian town.

The winner of Sanremo’s Music Festival in 2024 was the debutant Angelina Mango with her song “La Noia“, who ultimately gained the right to represent Italy in Eurovision 2024, placing seventh in the Grand Final.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news! 

Italy: The song titles of the Sanremo 2025 entries revealed!

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As tonight marks the final of Sanremo Giovani 2024, during which four new artists will be added to the Sanremo 2025 lineup, Carlo Conti and Alessandro Cattelan revealed the song titles of the entries competing in the 75th Sanremo Festival.

The artists competing in Sanremo 2025, along with their song titles, are:

  1. Achille Lauro – “Incoscienti giovani”
  2. Gaia – “Chiamo io chiami tu”
  3. Coma_Cose – ‘Cuoricini’
  4. Francesco Gabbani – ‘Viva la vita’
  5. Willie Peyote – ‘Grazie ma no grazie’
  6. Noemi – ‘Se t’innamori muori’
  7. Rkomi – ‘Il ritmo delle cose’
  8. Modà – ‘Non ti dimentico’
  9. Rose Villain – ‘fuorilegge’
  10. Brunori Sas – ‘L’albero delle noci’
  11. Irama – ‘Lentamente’
  12. Clara – ‘Febbre’
  13. Massimo Ranieri – ‘Tra le mani un cuore’
  14. Emis Killa – ‘Demoni’
  15. Sarah Toscano – ‘Amarcord’
  16. Fedez – ‘Battito’
  17. Simone Cristicchi – ‘Quando sarai piccola’
  18. Joan Thiele – ‘Eco’
  19. The Kolors – ‘Tu con chi fai l’amore?’
  20. Bresh – ‘La tana del granchio’
  21. Marcella Bella – ‘Pelle diamante’
  22. Tony Effe – ‘Damme ‘na mano’
  23. Elodie – ‘Dimenticarsi alle 7’
  24. Olly – ‘Balorda nostalgia’
  25. Francesca Michielin – ‘Fango in paradiso’
  26. Lucio Corsi – ‘Volevo essere un duro’
  27. Shablo feat. Gue, Joshua e Tormento – ‘La mia parola’
  28. Serena Brancale – ‘Anema e Core’
  29. Rocco Hunt – ‘Mille vote ancora’
  30. Giorgia – ‘La cura per me’

Four additional artists will be added to the lineup following the conclusion of Sanremo Giovani 2024, while they will perform different songs in Sanremo 2025

Sanremo 2025 – the schedule

  • First Evening: All the artists perform their competing song (top five is revealed in a random order)
  • Second Evening: Half the artists perform their song (top five revealed in random order)
  • Third Evening: The remaining half artists perform their song (top five revealed in random order)
  • Fourth Evening: Covers’ Night, the artists will perform in a duet. The results of this semifinal will NOT be included in the main competition
  • Final: All the artists will perform their competing song. The top five in the combined rankings of all semifinals advances in the Superfinal and gets to perform again. Juries and televote will vote again to decide the winner.

Italian representation in Eurovision 2025

If any of the 24 competitors (along with their respective record labels) want to compete in Eurovision 2025, they must complete a special form by the beginning of the festival’s final night on Saturday, February 15.

If the Sanremo 2025 winner has previously signed the interest form, he will be automatically considered Italy’s representative in the Eurovision 2025. Should he decide not to compete in Eurovision 2025, the festival’s organizing committee will select an artist from among those who have signed the interest form based on its own standards, which may or may not include the final score ranking.

Although originally scheduled from February 4 to February 8, eventually the festival was postponed, a week later. Therefore, it will take place from February 11 to February 15 in the small Ligurian town.

The winner of Sanremo’s Music Festival in 2024 was the debutant Angelina Mango with her song “La Noia“, who ultimately gained the right to represent Italy in Eurovision 2024, placing seventh in the Grand Final.

Stay tuned t0 EurovisionFun for all the news!