Eurovision 2025 is being held in Basel, Switzerland, for a 69th edition under high tension. The European Song Contest is not limited to vocal performances. It also reflects deep political, cultural, and geopolitical issues. Each year, national preferences subtly influence the point tally. Moreover, historical friendships and old disputes play an important role.
Since 1957, nearly 108,000 points have been awarded. A quarter of them went to a neighboring country. Thus, Sweden remains the most favored country by its Nordic neighbors. But geographical proximity is not enough. Common culture, shared language, or a similar music industry also weigh heavily in the balance.
Over the decades, Eurovision has become a unique barometer of contemporary Europe. Musical trends intersect with identity currents, aesthetic choices clash with diplomatic interests. A microphone extended to the whole world, for an evening where every voice counts.
Votes revealing regional dynamics
Some votes are emblematic of geopolitical blocs. The countries of the former USSR, as well as those of the former Yugoslavia, often favor each other. Greece and Cyprus, for example, generously exchange their points: an average of 18.4 against 19.2 each year since 2016. Conversely, the conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia results in an almost electoral silence.
Asymmetries also mark the history of the contest. Germany, thanks to its large Turkish diaspora, has given many more points to Turkey than vice versa. The same phenomenon appears in the votes of France for Portugal. Indeed, it awards three times more points than it receives.
These votes, far from being anecdotal, tell the intimacy of peoples. They weave invisible connections, implicit recognitions, sometimes voluntary omissions. Eurovision then becomes a fragmented mirror of Europe, reflecting its solidarities and wounds.
Louane, the French voice in the final
Louane will represent France with the ballad maman. Her performance during the second semi-final was praised. Cork fell around her, in a sober and poetic staging. She will perform in 24th position, a place considered favorable according to experts. Voting is done via the official app, the site esc.vote, or by SMS.
With popularity gained since the film La Famille Bélier, Louane embodies a generation connected to its emotions. Her fragile voice, gentle gaze, and sincere stage presence could touch the European audience. The choice of the song maman resonates like an intimate letter sent to the continent.
Among the favorites are the Austrian JJ, Finnish artist Erika Vikman, and the British group Remember Monday. Ukraine, after its symbolic victory in 2022, is once again in the running, supported by strong European solidarity. The group Kalush Orchestra, winner three years ago, left a lasting impression on the collective imagination.
A stage of tribute and suspense
The possible presence of Céline Dion, winner of the 1988 edition for Switzerland, is shrouded in mystery. An emotional video message broadcast during the first semi-final leaves room for doubt. Suffering from stiff person syndrome, the Quebec singer has not confirmed her attendance but expresses her attachment to the contest.
For many, her possible appearance would be a moving tribute. Céline Dion embodies a link between the old and the new continent, between Francophone tradition and global success. Her voice, recognizable among all, also symbolizes the vocal excellence that Eurovision always claims.
An increasingly political contest
The invasion of Ukraine by Russia in 2022 had disrupted the balance. Russia was excluded, Ukraine triumphed thanks to a massive public vote. These events remind us that Eurovision, beyond entertainment, is also a diplomatic stage. The choices of juries and the public reveal preferences, solidarities, but also persistent tensions.
In 2019, the choice of Madonna as a guest had already sparked controversy. Her dancers displayed the Israeli and Palestinian flags in the same tableau. Eurovision is watched by 180 million viewers: a platform where the implicit often equals the manifest.
Basel: capital for a night, symbolic capital
This Saturday, May 17, the spotlight will be on Basel. 26 countries will try to convince both professionals and European citizens. The Swiss city, bordering France and Germany, embodies the complexity of Europe. A cultural crossroads, a haven of neutrality, Basel embodies the paradox of this Europe that doubts itself but persists in singing together.
Behind the glitter and catchy refrains, it is also a certain idea of Europe that is at stake. A Europe of music, peoples, and shared identities. A Europe in search of harmony, on a stage where every voice tries to find its place.