With fans from more than 80 countries arriving in Basel, Switzerland, for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), the city is prepared not only to host the world’s largest live music event, but also to unlock a wave of economic, cultural, and social benefits.

BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — Competition in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest kicked off Tuesday, with sauna-loving Swedish entry KAJ gaining a place in the final and five countries going home after the first of two semifinals of the pan-continental music extravaganza.

Contestants from Malta, Sweden, Estonia, and the Netherlands are among those favored to win Eurovision this year.

The Eurovision Song Contest is here! The 69th annual music competition event features nearly 40 countries starting on Tuesday, May 13. Want to watch Eurovision 2025? Here’s what you need to know. When Is Eurovision Song Contest 2025?

Countries from across Europe — and a few beyond, like Israel and Australia — have sent an act to Eurovision. The performers will take the stage at St. Jakobshalle arena in semifinals on Tuesday and Thursday that will choose 20 acts to go through to the final.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is in full swing. Occurring in three rounds, the First Semi-Final was held on May 13, the Second Semi-Final will be on May 15 and the Grand Final will take place on May 17. Each round streams exclusively on Peacock.

The city at the crossroads of France, Germany and Switzerland gears up amid global tensions over diversity and inclusion.

Klavdia from Greece performs the song “Asteromata” during the dress rehearsal for the second semi-final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Klavdia from Greece performs the song “Asteromata” during the dress rehearsal for the second semi-final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest,

The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 has officially begun, with the first semi-final sending 10 lucky acts through to the next round in Basel, Switzerland. Not every Eurovision entry makes it through to the grand final - most acts need to qualify from one of the two semi-finals to secure their coveted place in the line-up.

Pro-Palestinian protesters have planned to walk the streets of Basel "silently" to demonstrate against Israel's participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Dances in costume perform during an interval during the first semi-final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Melody from Spain performs the song “ESA DIVA” during the first semi-final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest,