After a successful return to Eurovision, Luxembourg is gearing up for its national selection for Eurovision 2025. The country will once again host the Luxembourg Song Contest to choose its representative for the competition in Basel.
A Competitive Selection Process
Following the closing of the submission window and the conclusion of the casting phase, Luxembourg’s national broadcaster RTL launched an extensive evaluation process. This led to a longlist of approximately 79 songs and 53 artists who were initially considered for the contest.
The next step in the selection process was a series of auditions, where an international jury carefully assessed the talent. After three days of evaluations, the jury narrowed down the contenders to just seven finalists.
The Finalists Revealed
Today, RTL officially announced the seven finalists for the Luxembourg Song Contest, which will take place on January 25 at the Rockhal venue in Esch-Uelzecht. The seven acts that will compete for the coveted spot representing Luxembourg at Eurovision 2025 are:
- Laura Thorn: A fresh face in the public eye, Laura is currently a teacher at the Esch/Alzette Conservatory of Music. With extensive training in music theory, piano, cello, keyboard, chamber music, and dance from a young age, Laura is deeply rooted in the music world. She completed her studies with a master’s degree in music theory, music pedagogy, and pop singing from IMEP in Namur.
- One Last Time: A rising name in the pop-rock scene, One Last Time consists of Andrea Galleti, Jonathan Fersino, Tom Sagramola, Alessandro Sorbello, and Barbara Salvi. Formed in its current lineup in 2021–22, the band has performed at numerous clubs, concerts, and festivals. They gained public recognition through their participation in the last LSC and are set to release their debut album in 2025, following the completion of their first self-composed tracks.
- Luzac: Originally trained as an educator, Luzac’s passion for music emerged early on with violin lessons. Immersed in the world of urban pop, he began his career writing and composing primarily for other artists. However, the release of his debut single J’y arriverai in 2021 marked a turning point, as he shifted focus to his own music. Since then, he has dedicated himself to songwriting and publishing, all while building momentum for his first album.
- Rhythmic Soulwave: This is a group of 6 musicians from various backgrounds who met at the Luxembourg Conservatory. Rhythmic Soulwave brings together six musicians with diverse cultural backgrounds who met at the Luxembourg Conservatory. The group features Luxembourgish members Mael Fontana, Leopold Strauβ, and Angela Aguilera Caballero; Spanish bassist Diego Lucero; Hungarian guitarist Zakar Lörinc; and Cuban-Hungarian vocalist Carmen Carbonnell Suarez. Their eclectic sound blends influences from jazz, Latin American music, classical traditions, and pop rock, offering a truly international musical experience.
- MÄNA: A fresh talent emerging in the Luxembourgish music scene, MÄNA is a student at the Regional School of Music in Dudelange, where she has honed her skills on the violin and flute. She continues to play the flute in an orchestra while expanding her repertoire to include modern singing, performing both solo and with orchestras. Alongside her studies to become a teacher, MÄNA released her debut single Stay in 2023.
- Rafa Ela: A well-known voice, Rafa Ela is familiar not only to LSC fans but to a wider audience as well. Having participated in Luxembourg’s Next Popstar (2016) and Top Voice Luxembourg (2018), she regularly performs at restaurants and clubs. After a successful duo performance with Angy last year, Rafa Ela is now taking on the LSC 2025 adventure solo.
- ZERO POINT FIVE: The seventh candidate is ZERO POINT FIVE, one of Luxembourg’s most popular live acts, known for electrifying performances at concerts and festivals. Their sound, blending pop, folk, and country, has been captivating audiences since the band was formed in 2009. Currently made up of three members – Federico (Kiko) Menichetti, Gilles Saracini, and Christophe Reitz.
Luxembourg Song Contest 2025 although being in its second edition sees the return of two artists who participated in the inaugural edition. Specifically, One Last Time also competed in previous’ edition final, without making it to the SuperFinal. Also, Rafaela returns solo and claims the Luxembourgish representation in Basel.
The songs participating in LSC 2025 will be released in mid-December.
How Were the Finalists Chosen?
The selection of finalists was handled by a five-member international jury, who judged the candidates during the audition phase. The jury members, all of whom have notable experience in Eurovision or the music industry, played a vital role in selecting the acts who will advance to the televised competition.
The jury panel included:
- Diogo Fernandes – TV producer from Portugal
- Eldar Gasimov – Singer, representing Azerbaijan at Eurovision 2011
- Marie Myriam – Singer, representing France at Eurovision 1977
- Poli Genova – Singer, representing Bulgaria at Eurovision in 2011 and 2016
- Niamh Kavanagh – Singer, representing Ireland at Eurovision 1993
With the finalists now set, the event will be held at the Rockhal, in Esch-Uelzecht, on January 25, 2025.
Tali was Luxembourg’s pick for Eurovision 2024 in Malmö with her song “Fighter”, finishing thirteenth.
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Source: RTL