Eurovision 2025 has transformed Basel into a kaleidoscope of sequins and somber realities. The Swiss city’s beloved St Jakobshalle arena — typically a temple of pop escapism — now stands as a poignant reminder that even music’s grandest celebrations can’t escape the shadows of war.
Just hours before their scheduled performance, Ukrainian rock band Ziferblat received devastating news. Their backing vocalist, Khrystyna Starykova, learned that Russian shells had reduced her home to rubble. The 19-year-old’s determination to perform despite her personal tragedy speaks volumes about the extraordinary resilience that’s become something of a Ukrainian trademark these past few years.
“It’s difficult when you’re losing your flat while you need to stay calm to celebrate here,” guitarist Valentyn Leshchynskyi shared, his voice catching slightly. Performing alongside his twin brother Daniil and drummer Fedir Khodakov, the band’s pink bell-bottomed suits and prog-rock sound offer a stark contrast to the weight of their circumstances.
Meanwhile, the competition delivered its usual dose of heartbreak — albeit of a different variety. Irish sensation Emmy Kristiansen’s space-themed “Laika Party” crashed back to Earth during semifinals, leaving devoted fans shell-shocked outside the arena. “So heartbroken, really heartbroken,” the Horgan family managed between tears, their Irish flags drooping in the cool Basel evening.
The qualification rounds have sparked their share of surprises. Finland’s leather-clad provocateur Erika Vikman and Malta’s powerhouse Miriana Conte have emerged as unexpected favorites, while Austria’s JJ and Israeli vocalist Yuval Raphael continue to dominate betting odds. Doctor Who’s Ncuti Gatwa’s last-minute replacement by Sophie Ellis-Bextor as UK spokesperson sent social media into overdrive — though whispers of Celine Dion’s possible appearance have somewhat stolen that thunder.
For Ziferblat, whose “Bird of Pray” carries unmistakable phoenix imagery, Eurovision represents more than just another music competition. “We have two missions,” Valentyn explains, adjusting his vintage-inspired collar. “Sure, we want to finish strong on Saturday. But more importantly? Europeans need to remember what’s happening back home.”
The competition’s cultural significance peaked during Vyshyvanka Day, when Ukrainian contestants gathered in Basel’s parks wearing traditional embroidered shirts — a powerful symbol of their nation’s enduring spirit. “This is a day that is gathering all Ukrainians together,” Valentyn observed, his words carrying extra weight in light of Russia’s continued absence from the competition.
As Basel braces for Saturday’s grand finale, this year’s Eurovision serves as a reminder that even amid rhinestones and key changes, real-world drama finds its way into the spotlight. Perhaps that’s exactly what makes it such compelling viewing — this peculiar alchemy of glitter and grit, where pop anthems and political statements share the same stage.
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