Eurovision 2025 Grand Final: The 10 Acts You Need To Know

The world’s biggest song contest – Eurovision – is on again tomorrow morning (5am AEST), with 26 countries battling it out for the crown in Basel, Switzerland.

In a year filled with plenty of fun novelty-themed entries, pop powerhouses Sweden – represented this year by Finnish comedy act KAJ and their sauna anthem “Bara Bada Bastu” – are heavy favourites to secure a record-breaking eighth title for their adopted country.

But after a sizzling semi-final performance, Finland’s own act Erika Vikman and her sex-positive anthem “Ich Komme” is looming as a dark horse, as are the tender entries from host nation Switzerland, France and Austria.

Australia’s Go-Jo might have crashed out, but there are plenty of fan favourites to get behind including The Netherlands, Albania, Malta and Estonia. Here’s the acts you need to know about:

Sweden: KAJ – “Bara Bada Bastu”

The Finnish comedy trio have charmed everyone since their underdog win over former Eurovision winner Måns Zelmerlöw in Sweden’s national selection contest in March. With a catchy chorus, dance routine and superb staging, they have everything going for them and almost certain to win the public vote. However, the public vote winners at the last two Eurovisions have just missed out on the victory due to a lower amount of jury points. Could KAJ suffer the same fate – or will we be heading back to Sweden for the second time in three years?

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Austria: JJ – “Wasted Love”

This trained opera singer has gained plenty of attention with their ridiculous high notes and EDM breakdown at the end, while their performance will be televised completely in black-and-white. JJ is expected to be a massive hit with the juries, but with “Wasted Love” drawing comparisions with last year’s winner Nemo, the public might not be up for a similar winner two years in a row.

Netherlands: Claude – “C’est La Vie” 

Following the chaos surrounding their disqualification last year, the Dutch could have the ultimate revenge on their hands with this slick pop number. Claude is a Congolese refugee and his song is dedicated to his mum and her advice to always look on the bright side of life despite their struggles. With some intimate staging and a mix of English and French lines, he might just follow in the footsteps of compatriot Duncan Lawrence in 2019 and get healthy scores from the public and the jury to snatch victory.

Switzerland: Zoë Më – “Voyage”

The host nation has emerged as a real shot at back-to-back crowns with this dreamy ballad and its unique staging, which is somehow completed in one ongoing camera shot on stage. If everything goes right technically, look out for Më to be a huge chance at winning the jury vote and be in a strong position to keep the crystal trophy in Switzerland for another year.

Finland: Erika Vikman – “ICH KOMME”

Many Eurovision fans are still smarting after public favourite Käärijä just missed out on securing a long-overdue triumph for the Finns two years ago. But despite the song’s raunchy focus (it translates to ‘I’m Coming’) –  Vickman has a dynamite stage presence and finishes her performance flying on a giant microphone with fireworks coming out the end. Many believe she won the publicly-voted second Semi Final, and she’s now the dark horse to finally right the wrongs from 2023. Get ready Helsinki, your moment might be coming to host in 2026.

Other entries to watch for:

Malta: Miriana Conte – “Serving”

The EBU forced Conte to change her original song title ‘Kant’ for risque reasons, even though it purely just means ‘Singing’ in Maltese. Watch out for her sassy stage performance including bouncing on gym balls and a defiant ‘Diva Not Down’ slogan on the screens at the end.

Estonia: Tommy Cash – “Espresso Machiato”

The outspoken Estonian entrant has caused quite a stir with some of his comments about the EBU – and some Italians have taken offense to what they think is a rip-off of their culture. Full of confidence, He also starts his performance in the “Eurovision Winner’s Cafe”.

France: Louanne – “Maman”

Many saw great things in this tender track from the French songstress from the moment she debuted it on an elevated stage at a rugby game. Dedicated to her late mum and her daughter, with its added sandy-staging, it firms to be a real jury favourite and challenge for the win.

Israel: Yuval Raphael – “New Day Will Rise”

Politics aside, this Nova Festival attack survivor has put together a strong ballad which she sings in both English, French and Hebrew. She’s aided by some magestic staging, but being fourth in the running order (and other external factors) could stop her from a serious tilt at victory.

Albania: Shkodra Elektronike – “Zjerm”

The small Balkan nation has emerged as a surprise fan favourite for its super-authentic track dripping in traditional sounds, putting them in line for its best perfromance in years. It’ll close out the grand final, boding well to last in the memory of viewers.

The Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final airs on SBS at 5am (AEST) tomorrow Sunday, May 18th, hosted by Courtney Act and Tony Armstrong. It will be replayed with extra ‘Access All Areas’ coverage from 7.30pm on the same night. You can also watch anytime on SBS On Demand.