The ultimate of this 12 months’s Eurovision Music Contest in Basel, Switzerland, was as soon as once more a vibrant mixture of dance anthems, highly effective ballads, and a unusual assortment of novelty pop from throughout Europe. As we approached the 2025 competitors, I discovered myself and not using a clear favorite, which was a change from earlier years. The ultimate felt like an open taking part in subject, the place I sensed the strongest efficiency of the night time would finally take house the prize. Thus eclipsing all of the pre-event hype and betting odds. Irrespective of how the outcomes performed out, I at all times stay up for sharing my private highlights from this unimaginable annual worldwide televised music competitors.
“Lighter” by Kyle Alessandro (Norway)
Photograph by Thor Håkan Ulstad
What an intense expertise for a nineteen-year-old! Kyle Alessandro, representing Norway, stepped onto the stage because the opening act of the ESC grand last—making historical past because the youngest artist ever to signify the nation. His music, “Lighter,” is an electrifying, anthemic electro-pop gem. Although sung with spectacular confidence, the observe itself lacked distinct originality and memorability. But, the extraordinary staging greater than compensated for these shortcomings. A solitary flickering flame ignited into a wide ranging show, engulfing the stage in a fiery ring, simulating a wildfire that quickly unfold round Kyle and his gifted dancers. This dramatic visible made for a very spectacular kickoff to the present.
Early efficiency slots are notoriously powerful in relation to leaving an enduring affect on voters and the viewers, and it’s an actual disappointment that “Lighter” didn’t obtain the popularity it deserved within the voting. Nonetheless, Kyle executed his efficiency with ability and charisma, and I’m genuinely excited to see the place his post-Eurovision journey takes him.
“Serving” by Miriana Conte (Malta)
From the very starting, Maltese artist Miriana Conte made her intentions unmistakably clear: she got here to Eurovision to slay! With audacity and aptitude, she unleashed her cheeky anthem, the irresistibly iconic “Serving“. All through the Eurovision journey, this observe shortly captured the hearts of followers, rising as a standout favorite. Miriana’s technique of pushing boundaries and leaving little to the creativeness was virtually flawless—till the EBU intervened, insisting on a minor however important lyric change. However this diva was unshaken. Her boundless charisma teamed with putting visible parts ensured that the essence of “Serving” remained intact. Indubitably, Miriana has caught the eye of the RuPaul Drag Race fandom. (Presumably a part of a grander scheme she envisaged). Miriana for Mighty Hoopla 2026? It’s not only a risk; it’s a foregone inevitability, I really feel!
“Wasted Love” by JJ (Austria)
Photograph by Pavla Hartmanová
On sheer vocal mastery alone, the Austrian singer-songwriter JJ (aka Johannes Pietsch) clearly stood out among the many Eurovision opponents.
His popopera fashion isn’t solely highly effective but in addition refreshingly distinctive. Seamlessly transitioning between pop and opera, JJ makes it seem easy. His efficiency of “Wasted Love” was nothing in need of breathtaking. The putting distinction and his achieved falsetto actually take your breath away; it’s a masterclass in vocal excellence. This was solely heightened by the dramatic monochrome staging, which added an additional layer of affect. For my part, nobody can rival the extraordinary vocal prowess that JJ shows. I discovered my winner on this efficiency, and it appears Europe agreed, voting JJ because the champion of Eurovision 2025. Even after the victory was sealed, his winners efficiency remained astonishing. Deeply emotional, JJ delivered one more spellbinding present, that includes his mesmerising falsetto. This was definitive proof that Europe made the fitting selection.
“Hallucination” by Sissal (Denmark)
Denmark actually introduced their A-game by sending Sissal to Eurovision in Basel, and I consider she was undeniably the standout feminine vocalist of the occasion. It’s totally perplexing why the Eurovision viewers neglected “Hallucination.” I merely can’t fathom the general public’s judgment of this unimaginable observe and efficiency. The putting similarities to Loreen‘s music have been inconceivable to overlook. And you’d suppose that the Eurovision viewers would rally behind Sissal’s banger due to that. However for causes I can’t perceive, Europe didn’t embrace the concept of somebody delivering such a incredible homage to Loreen (maybe they simply have a desire for the unique). This sentiment was painfully clear within the lack of help for this uplifting pop anthem, as Sissal’s mesmerising efficiency was shamefully ignored. It’s disheartening to see Eurovision be so harsh to you, Sissal. Simply know that EQ Music Weblog stands by you. You might be an absolute pop queen!
“Survivor” by PARG (Armenia)
This 12 months’s Eurovision Music Contest in Basel, Switzerland, overflowed with highly effective anthems, however none captured consideration fairly just like the Armenian consultant, PARG. This exceptional observe “Survivor” is a stirring declaration of power and resilience, seamlessly mixing with PARG’s distinctive pop-rock vocal fashion. From the very first notice, this commanding efficiency pierced by way of the dazzling show of vibrant lights and swirling smoke, guaranteeing PARG remained the centre of consideration. It was a mesmerising journey from begin to end, solidifying PARG’s standing as a standout contender on this competitors. For anybody searching for an artist who embodies the identical magnetic charisma as Måneskin’s Damiano David, look no additional than PARG—an unforgettable musical power destined for greatness.
This was an absolute blast! Make sure you mark your calendars for the center of Could 2026. Let’s come collectively once more to dive into one other thrilling Eurovision recap from the Grand Ultimate in Austria subsequent 12 months.