Eurovision band Ziferblat of Ukraine sings their national anthem with Ukrainian people during a family meeting in a park in Basel as part of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest week, in Basel, Switzerland, Thursday, May 15, 2025. Credit: AP/Martin Meissner BASEL, Switzerland — Ukraine’s musicians can’t escape war, even at the Eurovision Song Contest.

The grand final of this year's Eurovision Song Contest takes place on Saturday, May 17, in Basel, Switzerland. It's an annual celebration of melody, rhythm, fabulousness and glitter.

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BASEL, Switzerland — Most contestants at the Eurovision Song Contest are seeking as much publicity as possible. Israel’s Yuval Raphael is keeping a low profile.

Céline Dion surprised Eurovision 2025 fans with a special appearance to share a pre-recorded message during the annual song contest, which she previously won for Switzerland in 1988.

Tonight's show in Basel sees performances from 18 of the 37 countries taking part, including the bookmakers’ favourite, KAJ.

Finnish politicians have long used saunas, relaxed but exposing, as an ideal setting for hard talks, a practice known as “sauna diplomacy.” KAJ wear drab suits onstage in tribute to Urho Kekkonen, a long-serving Finnish president who famously deployed the technique in talks with Finland’s overbearing neighbor the Soviet Union.

Australia’s Eurovision hopes have been dashed after singer Marty Zambotto, known by the stage name Go-Jo, was ousted from the competition in a shock finish to a hotly contested second semi-final in Basel,