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Eurovision 2025 kicks off in Basel with Poland’s Justyna Steczkowska in semi-final spotlight

13.05.2025 14:00
The first semi-final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest begins tonight, Tuesday 13 May, as artists from across Europe ompete for a place in this weekend's grand final, with 37 countries taking part in the competition overall.
Polands Justyna Steczkowska (C-L) poses on the turquoise carpet during the opening ceremony of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, 11 May 2025. The 69th edition of the song contest takes place in Basel with its semi-finals scheduled for 13 and 15 May, and a final on 17 May 2025.
Poland's Justyna Steczkowska (C-L) poses on the turquoise carpet during the opening ceremony of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in Basel, Switzerland, 11 May 2025. The 69th edition of the song contest takes place in Basel with its semi-finals scheduled for 13 and 15 May, and a final on 17 May 2025. Photo: PETER SCHNEIDER

This year’s contest is hosted by Switzerland, with the city of Basel welcoming delegations and fans from throughout the continent and beyond.

Representing Poland is singer Justyna Steczkowska, performing her song “Gaja” in tonight’s semi-final.

Poland's Justyna Steczkowska (C) performs the song 'Gaja' during the dress rehearsal and preview show of the first semi-final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Basel, Switzerland, 12 May 2025. Photo: GEORGIOS KEFALAS Poland's Justyna Steczkowska (C) performs the song 'Gaja' during the dress rehearsal and preview show of the first semi-final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) in Basel, Switzerland, 12 May 2025. Photo: GEORGIOS KEFALAS

Steczkowska’s appearance marks a special return - exactly 30 years after her previous Eurovision performance in 1995, when she finished 18th in Dublin. She will take the stage as the second act of the evening, following Iceland’s entry.

The semi-finals are scheduled for 13 and 15 May, with the grand final set for Saturday, 17 May. In total, 37 countries are participating in this year’s edition of Eurovision.

Tonight’s live show begins at 21:00 Central European Summer Time (CEST) and will be available not only on Poland's public television but also online via TVP VOD and the official Eurovision YouTube channel.

Viewers will decide which acts advence to Saturday's grand final through a public vote. However, Polish audiences cannot vote for their own entry, as Eurovision rules only allow fans to support performers from other countries.

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Source: IAR/YouTube.com/@EurovisionSongContest/X/@EurovisionNewZ/@eurowizja_org