🎤 Eurovision 2025: The Top Songs That Lit Up Basel
Austria wins big, Finland brings fire, and politics share the stage with pop
The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest has wrapped up in Basel, Switzerland, and as always, it was a dazzling celebration of music, diversity, and culture. With performers from across Europe and beyond bringing their unique styles to the stage, this year's contest was as unpredictable as it was entertaining.
🏆 Austria’s JJ Crowned the Champion
‘Wasted Love’ Wins Hearts With Operatic Pop Fusion
In a night full of standout performances, it was Austria’s JJ who took home the Eurovision crown with the genre-bending ballad “Wasted Love.” The song blended pop melodies with operatic vocals, creating a dramatic and emotional performance that connected with both the audience and the jury.
JJ's heartfelt vocals and cinematic staging elevated “Wasted Love” into a true Eurovision moment — one that will be remembered for years to come.
🥈 The Best of the Rest: From Espresso to Electro
🥈 2nd Place: Israel – Yuval Raphael, “New Day Will Rise”
Yuval’s uplifting and emotional performance focused on resilience and unity. The lyrics spoke to hope in uncertain times and drew attention due to the geopolitical tension surrounding Israel’s participation this year.
🥉 3rd Place: Estonia – Tommy Cash, “Espresso Macchiato”
Known for his edgy and artistic flair, Tommy Cash brought humor, absurdity, and high fashion with this coffee-themed electro-pop anthem. It was a love-it-or-hate-it act that stuck in viewers’ minds — and clearly earned high marks.
🏅 4th Place: Sweden – KAJ, “Bara Bada Bastu”
This feel-good sauna-themed number combined catchy melodies with quirky staging. Sweden's love for self-parody met Eurovision's flamboyance in perfect harmony.
🎖️ 5th Place: France – Louane, “Maman”
Louane moved the audience with a soft, emotional tribute to motherhood. Her simple performance and raw vocals were a refreshing contrast to the night’s more theatrical entries.
🔥 Other Fan Favorites That Didn’t Win
Some acts didn’t make the top five but won massive audience support across Europe.
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Finland – Erika Vikman, “Ich Komme”: A bold Eurodance entry delivered with retro vibes and fierce confidence. It was campy, catchy, and instantly viral.
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Australia – “Milkshake Man”: A goofy and joyful performance that leaned into absurdity — complete with cartoon milkshakes on stage. The internet loved it.
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Albania – Shkodra Elektronike, “Zjerm”: A moody, intense Balkan ballad that offered powerful vocals and traditional instrumentation.
🎭 The Politics Behind the Music
Eurovision often reflects not just pop culture, but the political landscape too. This year, Israel’s presence was at the center of significant protest, due to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Demonstrators outside the venue raised concerns over allowing Israeli participation, turning the event into a reflection of broader tensions.
Despite this, the show continued as a symbol of Eurovision’s founding message — using music as a bridge across cultures and borders.
🧭 What Made Eurovision 2025 Special?
This year’s show offered a mix of genres rarely seen on the same stage: opera-pop, Balkan folk, EDM, protest ballads, and novelty tracks — all under one roof.
The combination of stunning visuals, cultural references, and truly bizarre moments reminded everyone why Eurovision is a global phenomenon. It’s not just a music competition — it’s a mirror of Europe’s cultural heartbeat.
🏁 Final Thoughts: A Contest That Keeps Evolving
Yeah… so this is what really happened when Israel preformed 🇵🇸 #Eurovision #ESC2025 #Eurovision2025 pic.twitter.com/vM30c20WrO
— Alex K Phillips (@Alexkphillips) May 17, 2025
Eurovision 2025 gave us laughs, tears, political tension, and unforgettable performances. Austria’s win felt well-earned, but the real winner, as always, was the sense of shared celebration. From silly pop tracks to haunting ballads, the contest once again proved its power to bring people together.
With the curtains closed in Basel, fans already look ahead to Eurovision 2026. Wherever it lands, one thing’s for sure — it’ll be big, bold, and beautifully strange.
