Celine Dion Set to Make a Spectacular Return as Guest at Eurovision 2025

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Celine Dion is gearing up for a dynamic return to the stage, as it is rumored she will appear as a guest at Eurovision 2025.

According to the Daily Mail, speculation has been rising about a special appearance at the contest following her performance at the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics, although there is no official confirmation from the organizers or her representatives. Dion, who had retired due to health issues and Stiff-Person Syndrome, remains an iconic figure for Eurovision fans.

Her participation in the 1988 contest with Switzerland and the song “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi” was a milestone in her career, earning her first place with just one point ahead of the UK’s entry. Her performance at the time captivated the audience, paving the way for her international acclaim, especially in Europe.

Her potential guest appearance in 2025 would be a tribute to her Eurovision legacy and an opportunity for fans to enjoy her once again on one of the most significant stages in music.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: Daily Mail

Eurovision 2025: The reasons behind Basel’s selection as the host city!

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A few days ago it was announced that Basel will host the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, since the selection process had come down to either Basel or Geneva. Behind this choice, there were some particular reasons which gave Basel the opportunity to be the host city.

Reto Peritz, the Co-Executive Producer for Eurovision 2025, in an interview with the swiss newspaper Blick, explained the three pillars the choice of Basel was based upon: the venue, the availability and the cities’ plans around the Contest.

Regarding the venue, Peritz mentioned that:

“With the Halle Saint-Jacques, Basel has a concert hall that has already proven itself. Geneva had a generous exhibition hall with plenty of space with Palexpo, but the entire infrastructure would have had to be installed there. Basel does have a smaller venue, but the “Arena Plus” concept and the integration of the St. Jacques stadium compensate for this.”

As for the stadium’s availability, Basel is able to make it available for a week longer, in comparison to Geneva.

Lastly, the creativity of the bids submitted by each city seem to have played their distinctive part. More specifically, Peritz noted:

“Not only are there plans for a fan zone, but the whole city of Basel is turning into a place dedicated to Eurovision as well.”

The organizers ultimately aim to create a Contest that will be supported by the Swiss population and they will be proud of, while they will also highlight their cultural diversity with its unique characteristics.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is set to take place on the 13th, 15th and 17th of May in Basel, Switzerland.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the upcoming news!

Source: Blick

Eurovision 2025: With “Arena Plus”, the hosts offer new possibilities to eurofans

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Swiss organizers have revealed details of Arena Plus, which will offer new viewing options for fans of the competition who will be attending Basel and will not be able to secure a ticket for St. Jakobshalle, where the Eurovision 2025 live shows will take place.

The city of Basel is ready to use the stadium St. Jakob-Park, which has a capacity of 20,000 spectators. Called “Arena Plus”, the St. Jakob-Park will effectively function as a second arena for Eurovision 2025, where eurofans will be able to watch the shows live, as was the case at Eurovision 2016 in Stockholm. In Stockholm, the Tele 2 Arena hosted side events during the Grand Final, while the main events took place at the Globen Arena.

The St. Jakob-Park is the largest football stadium in Switzerland and can accommodate around 20,000 spectators. The stadium in question is located next to the Eurovision 2025 venue, St. Jakobshalle. Additionally, it is home to Basel’s local team, Basel FC.

The Swiss plan is similar to the one implemented in Stockholm in 2016. That is, those of the friends of the contest who will travel to Basel for Eurovision 2025 and will not be able to secure a ticket, will be able to watch the show in St. Jakob-Park and live a Eurovision experience as close as possible to what the spectators will experience inside the arena where the final will take place.

From the municipality of Basel they emphasize:

A strong argument in the application and in the assessment by the SRG was the idea of ​​setting up an “Arena Plus” in the adjacent St. Jakob-Park football stadium on the final day. On the one hand, this will create additional capacity in the show arena, given the limited number of seats for ESC standards, and on the other hand, the ESC in Switzerland can come up with an innovative concept.

The “Arena Plus” is intended to offer as many fans as possible the opportunity to experience the ESC up close. Regardless of the hall capacity, tickets for the main show in the hall are a rare, expensive commodity. Many fans from all over the world therefore travel without show tickets and want to be as close to the action as possible.

Many Basel residents will also not receive tickets for the shows and would like to be able to take part in “their” ESC. The “Arena Plus” is more than just a public viewing. 

The stadium is intended to have a festival atmosphere with family offerings and concerts by former ESC stars.

During the show, the “Arena Plus” will be integrated into the main show via mutual live connections.

The “Arena Plus” is organized under the responsibility of the host city. The costs, in the order of CHF 2.5 million, can probably be fully covered by ticket, catering and hospitality revenues. The “Arena Plus” should therefore be cost-neutral for the canton. FC Basel is supporting the project, and the stadium will be available for the UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 on time and in the required quality.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: city of Basel

Eurovision 2025: Céline Dion as a guest star is possible!

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The appearance of the world-class Canadian singer Céline Dion is considered possible according to a person from the production of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

As per the Swiss newspaper Basler Zeitung the producers of Eurovision 2025 in Basel are flirting with the idea of ​​Céline Dion appearing as a guest on the stage of the contest.

In his statements, the co-producer of the competition Reto Peritz said:

“Of course this is an issue for us. Actually, we want to put talent in the foreground at the ESC and not let them overshadowed by world-famous stars. But of course, it also has its appeal to have such a name on the show.”

Céline Dion and Switzerland share a special story around the Eurovision Song Contest. She represented Switzerland in 1988 with “Ne partez pas sans moi” and won, bringing the competition the following year to the country and specifically to Lausanne.

However, when asked if Céline Dion herself has been asked about this particular appearance at Eurovision 2025, Mr Peritz did not elaborate.

https://youtu.be/VXLWfXmlXPc

Source: Basler Zeitung

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

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Eurovision 2025: All you need to know about the coming season

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The Eurovision Song Contest never stops for a certain amount of fans, including us in Eurovisionfun, as well as you, our beloved readers. The 1st of September, is the crucial day, after which, any released song, is eligible to compete in the Contest. To put it simply, any song that is released, starting today, can be a potential participating song in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, which is set to take place on the 13, 15 and 17 of May in Basel, Switzerland. Read more

The reaction of Basel’s executive council members to finding out that their city is going to host Eurovsion 2025!

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SRG SSR shared the moment of Basel’s executive council’s reaction to hearing that the city is going to host the Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

A few hours after the much-anticipated revelation that Basel had been chosen to host Europe’s biggest music competition, Switzerland’s national broadcaster shared footage of the reaction of members of the city’s executive council.

The competition is going to take place in St. Jakobshalle on 13, 15 and 17 May 2025. 

Don’t miss tonight’s LIVE TALK at 22:00 EET  to comment together on the city’s announcement for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest as well as all the latest news of the week!

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

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Basel Announced as Host City for Eurovision 2025!

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Basel has been officially selected as the host city for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, as announced just moments ago by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Swiss public broadcaster SRG-SSR.

Selection Process

Forty days ago, Basel and Geneva emerged as the two finalist cities in SRG-SSR’s selection process to determine the host for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, set to take place in Switzerland next May. After weeks of anticipation, the mystery has been solved, and Basel will welcome the biggest televised event in Europe next spring.

Dates

The 69th Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled for the second/third week of May. The first semi-final will be held on Tuesday, 13th May, the second semi-final on Thursday, 15th May, and the grand final will take place on Saturday, 17th May.

Venue

The contest will be hosted at St. Jakobshalle, an arena located in Münchenstein, near Basel. Primarily used for indoor sports and concert events, St. Jakobshalle originally opened in September 1976 with a capacity of 9,000 people. Following renovations, the venue can now accommodate up to 12,400 spectators and has hosted numerous concerts and sports events, including the Swiss Indoors men’s tennis tournament.

Statements

Martin Österdahl, Executive Supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest said:

”The EBU is thrilled that Basel has been selected as the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. The Contest was born in Switzerland in Lugano back in 1956 and it’s great to be bringing it back to its birthplace almost 70 years later.’

Basel’s strategic location at the crossroads of Europe makes it the ideal setting for an event that celebrates the power of music to connect people across borders.

With its unique blend of tradition and innovation, Basel reflects the spirit of the Eurovision Song Contest. The city’s exceptional St.Jakobshalle venue and outstanding hospitality will ensure a memorable experience for delegations, artists and fans alike.

Following Contests in the Italian and French speaking parts of the country in 1956 and 1989 we’re also excited to bring the Eurovision Song Contest to German Switzerland for the very first time.

Together with Host Broadcaster SRG SSR and the city of Basel we will create a spectacular celebration of music on the banks of the River Rhine that resonates far beyond the stage.’

Conradin Cramer, President of the Government of Basel said:

‘It is a great honour for Basel to be able to host the world’s biggest live music event! We are looking forward to this fantastic opportunity to present Basel to the world as a cosmopolitan city of culture in the heart of Europe. As an open city in the border triangle of Germany, France and Switzerland, we overcome borders of all kinds every day. This fits in perfectly with the Eurovision Song Contest. We are already looking forward to welcoming our guests from all over Europe: welcome to Basel!’

Reto Peritz and Moritz Stadler, SRG SSR’s Joint Executive Producers of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, added:

‘We were impressed by the quality of the cities’ applications! All 4 cities, and especially Geneva and Basel in the final round, fought for the title of “Host City” with creative approaches and a very constructive approach. Such commitment is by no means a matter of course. Our thanks therefore go to all the cities that applied. We look forward to working with you to make the ESC an unforgettable experience for the whole population.’

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6ff8tNCY2M

What Do You Think?

How do you feel about Basel being chosen as the host city for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest? Share your thoughts in the comments!

Source: Eurovision.tv

Netta predicts the host city of Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

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With only a few hours left until the announcement of the host city for Eurovision 2025, there is a tradition that has been built up over the last few years, and we couldn’t miss out.

We’re talking about Eurovision 2018 winner, Netta. Fans of the contest are now relying on her, to know which city won’t host the Contest, having predicted it wrong every time.

It is now a tradition to wait for Netta’s decision on the respective host city. Netta’s previous (wrong) predictions were:

  • For 2019 she predicted Jerusalem, in the end the host city was Tel Aviv
  • For 2021 she predicted Amsterdam, in the end the host city was Rotterdam
  • For 2022 she predicted Rome, in the end the host city was Turin
  • For 2023 she predicted Manchester, in the end the host city was Liverpool
  • For 2024 she predicted Stockholm, in the end the host city was Malmö

This year, a day before the official announcement, Netta posted a video announcing her prediction:

@netta This time I’m getting it right #eurovision ♬ original sound – Netta Barzilai

The two candidate cities are Geneva and Basel. With Netta choosing Geneva, it’s only natural that the Contest will take place in Basel. There are only a few hours left until the announcement, and let’s see if Netta guesses wrong for the sixth time!

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, in Switzerland!

“Basel has a better chance of hosting Eurovision 2025” says the RTS contest’s commentator

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Jean-Marc Richard, who has been commentating on the Song Contest for French-speaking Swiss television station RTS for over 30 years, believes that Basel has a better chance of hosting the event than the other candidate city, Geneva. He told the news agency Keystone-SDA that interest in the Eurovision Song Contest is greater in German-speaking Switzerland.

It is true that the response in French-speaking Switzerland has increased since Fribourg’s Gjon’s Tears came third in 2021. However, German-speaking Switzerland is closer to English and the entertainment formats of Eurovision.

If Basel wins the bid, the St. Jakobshalle will become the main venue for the Eurovision 2025, according to President of the Government Conradin Cramer. The government estimates the costs at CHF 30 to 35 million.

However, if Geneva becomes the venue for the world’s biggest singing competition, the Palexpo exhibition center right next to the airport would become the venue. According to city president Christina Kitsos, the costs here are estimated at around CHF 30 million.

The future venue can count on a huge advertising effect. After all, 163 million people watched the three live TV shows from Malmö in Sweden last May – according to Swiss television, almost 800,000 in Switzerland alone.

On Friday it will be announced which of the two cities will host the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. At ten o’clock cet, the award will be communicated via the official channels of the Swiss national broadcaster and contest’s official social media.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: m&k

Switzerland: 431 songs for Eurovision 2025!

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The submission of songs to Switzerland’s internal selection for Eurovision 2025 has ended. A total of 431 songs were submitted, four more than last year.

The host of Eurovision 2025 Switzerland has already started the process of selecting the song and the artist, who will represent the country at home next May.

According to what Swiss public television announced earlier, 431 songs were submitted for Eurovision 2025. As in previous years, the entry will be selected through a multi-stage selection process involving both audience and expert panels.

In addition to a Swiss audience jury, an international audience jury will also take part in various rounds of selection to determine which artist will represent Switzerland and with which song. These audience panels will be supplemented by a 25-member international jury of experts, members of which have already participated in jury duty at some point for their respective countries at the Eurovision Song Contest. The featured song will be announced early in the new year.

Switzerland was represented this year by Nemo with The Code, taking first place in the competition and bringing Eurovision 2025 to Switzerland for the third time. The city that will host the 69th Eurovision Song Contest will be announced on August 30, at 11.00 Greek time.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: swissinfo