We chat with EMMY at House of Helvetia in Basel. Despite singing about the famed Russian space dog Laika (the star of her song "Laika Party"), she admits to owning a kitty cat. She says that all animals are welcome to her "Laika Party" — but not animals that eat other animals. She also discusses her Irish co-writer, her brother Ereland, and how Ire…

JJ's "Wasted Love" has consistently been near the top of the Eurovision 2025 betting odds since its reveal in Austria. But will this emotional ballad get lost in a sea of jury favourites? Combining Filipino telenovela with Austrian classical opera, JJ has crafted a song like no other this year. In this episode of "What Really Happened at Eurovision…

We chat with Sissal at House of Helvetia in Basel. The "Hallucination" singer discusses how she is currently obsessed with a man who may or may not know her name; how she can deal with particular hate comments, but will NOT accept people questioning her character; how her two daughters put everything in perspective; what it's like to be from the Fa…

We chat with Australia's Eurovision star Go Jo at House of Helvetia in Basel. The "Milkshake Man" singer breaks down his on-stage prop (it's a giant blender and not a milkshake) where he performs an incredibly quick costume change. He introduces us to his partner, who is also one of his backing dancers, discusses growing up off-grid in the Australi…

ADONXS — Czechia’s Eurovision 2025 singers — explains his staging concept for "Kiss Kiss Goodbye" during our interview at the House or Helvetia. He explains the flower of Adonis on his mic stand; why he rubbed SPF all over his body; and why he included his iconic dance break. He also gets emotional explaining his music video, which refers to his fa…

Claude Kiambe will sing for The Netherlands at Eurovision 2025. Born in the Congo before fleeing to Europe aged 9, Claude is recognised for his merging of languages in much of his music. But does his song C'est La Vie have what it takes to rouse audiences all over Europe? In this episode of What Really Happened at Eurovision? Professor Joe Bennett,…

Luxembourg’s Eurovision 2025 singer Laura Thorn tells us all about her song “La poupée monte le son.” She explains how the lyrics demonstrate a woman’s growth — from being treated like a puppet or a doll to standing on her own and taking up space for herself. She also discusses the Ukrainian creative team behind her staging and doll hours; what it’…

"Zjerm" singers Shkodra Elektronike — that's Kolë Laca and Beatriçe Gjergji — gave us a very entertaining interview at the House of Helvetia in Basel. Among other things, they discuss the legend of Rozafa, the unique culture of their home region Shkodër, Kolë's recent virality (for not following the typical chord progressions in songs), and how the…

Justyna Steczkowska — one of Poland's most loved singers — has returned to the Eurovision Song Contest thirty years after her first appearance. She tells our William Lee Adams about how she has grown and evolved musically and spiritually since finishing 18th. Some of this growth was prompted by personal traumas, including the loss of her parents an…

NAPA’s band members — Diogo Góis, Francisco Sousa, João Guilherme Gomes, João Lourenço Gomes, and João Rodrigues — join us on stage at the House of Helvetia. The band, formerly known as Men on the Couch, explain how their song “Deslocado” speaks of dislocation and the experience of so many people from their home island of Madeira. We also discuss t…

“Poison Cake” singer Marko Bošnjak stopped by the House of Helvetia for an interview in front of a live audience. Croatia’s ESC singer tells us that the lyrics and angry sound were a way to fight back against negativity and hate, including people who called him a Satanist for liking Lady Gaga. He said the song has resonance with his current situati…

We chat with Finland's Eurovision 2025 superstar Erika Vikman. She will perform "ICH KOMME" in the Second Semi-Final in Basel. Among other things, we discuss her many tattoos — including the one she wants to get removed; what it’s like singing on top of that giant microphone; and her reaction to Finnish President Alexander Stubb's comments that he …

What does Miriana Contes 'Serving' have in common with songs by Kesha, the Ying Yang Twins and 17th century Algerian folk music? In this episode of "What Really Happened At Eurovision?" William and Freddy dissect the Arabian riff — a motif that plays in one of Eurovision 2025's most talked about songs. Professor Joe Bennett from the Berklee College…

Remember Monday — the UK’s Eurovision 2025 group — tell us what the hell happened during their gorgeous music video shoot. They also explain the difference between performing on the West End and at Eurovision, discuss the strength of their sisterhood and reveal the five matching tattoos they share. The group consists of Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hul…

We met up with the meme queen of the year, Sissal from Denmark, to talk about the now infamous group chat on Instagram, her new plans for staging and not least a little surprise message from her childhood crush! Featuring: Simon: http://instagram.com/simonfalkdkBy Wiwibloggs

Gabry Ponte from San Marino discusses his life and career — including producing Eifel 65's international mega-ht "Blue" — at Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam. We also discuss his staging plans for "Tutta L'Italia" in Basel. Interviewer: http://instagram.com/williamleeadamsBy Wiwibloggs

We chat with Croatia's Eurovision star Marko Bošnjak ahead of Eurovision In Concert in Amsterdam. He discusses the challenge of coming out in a conservative country and how he plans to completely change his Eurovision staging in Basel. Featuring: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadamsBy Wiwibloggs

Eurovision 2025 favourite J.J. from Austria discusses the writing process behind "Wasted Love" at Eurovision in Concert 2025 in Amsterdam.By Wiwibloggs

Louane — France's Eurovision 2025 singer — discusses her song "maman" during our interview at Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam. She describes how she got her daughter to sing the final note "maman" of her song, and how her daughter offers the most honest criticism of anyone. She also shares her safe space during these busy days leading to Eurovis…

We react to all of the performances from Eurovision in Concert 2025. Who gave the best live performance? Which act improved the most? Which acts failed to deliver? We share our thoughts on the showers, growers and more from the show in Amsterdam.By Wiwibloggs

Our reaction to the Semi-Final 1 running order of Eurovision 2025. Iceland's Vaeb will open the show, while Cyprus' Theo Evan will close it. Among other things, we discuss how the start position could impact who qualifies; why Poland's Justyna was put in second position (the so-called "death slot"); why producers have Cyprus performing last; and so…

We react to the Semi-Final 2 running order for Eurovision 2025. Producers have Australia's Go-Jo opening the show and Finland's Erika Vikman closing it. We ask why Montenegro is in the death slot (second position); suggest that producers wanted to spread out the riskqué sexy acts (Australia, Malta, and Finland), ; and suggest Israel benefits hugely…

William's reaction to the sauna song "Bara Bada Bastu" — Sweden's Eurovision 2025 entry from KAJ. The Swedish-speaking Finns rode a wave of momentum to win Melodifestivalen 2025. We review their live performance from the national final. Is it surprising the international jury place them second? Does it escape the "joke entry" label? And will the fe…

It was a nailbiting final in Melodifestivalen in Sweden, but in the end the victory went to the sauna boys! We caught KAJ for their initial reaction to winning and how they are gonna bring the heat to Eurovision. Featuring: Simon - http://instagram.com/simonfalkdkBy Wiwibloggs

Måns Zelmerlöw was the bookmakers' heavy favourite to win Melodifestivalen, but in the end he finished second by only a seven point margin to eventual winners KAJ. We caught up with Måns for a quick reaction after tonight's final, and he tried to cope with not winning. Featuring: Simon - http://instagram.com/simonfalkdk…

Our reaction to "Wasted Love" — JJ's Eurovision 2025 song for Austria. JJ (full name Johannes Pietsch) mixes opera with pop and techno, all delivered in his gorgeous countertenor voice. We review his music video and discuss his artistry, presence, vocals, the song's touching lyrics and the scope for drama and staging in Basel. Can Austria qualify f…

Our reaction to Serbia's Eurovision 2025 song "Mila" from Princ. We review the live performance from the Pesma za Evroviziju final (PZE 2025). 00:01 Introduction 00:41 Live reaction 03:39 Review & Analysis 09:04 Readers comments Featuring: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams Deban: http://instagram.com/deban_deban…

Our reaction to "Baller" — Abor & Tynna's Eurovision 2025 song for Germany. We watch their live performance from the final of Chefsache ESC — the country's national selection. We review the artist's vocal capabilities, the staging, the song and more to ask: Can Germany win Eurovision again? #Eurovision #Chefsache 00:01 Introduction 00:28 First reac…

Our reaction to "C'est la Vie" — Claude's Eurovision 2025 song for The Netherlands. We review the song's simple, but touching French-language lyrics, which convey a story of strength and perseverance. The singer — full name Claude Kiambe — was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and fled with his mother at the age of 9. The song is a tribu…

It was a thrilling final tonight in DMGP 2025 in Herning, where the big favourite Sissal ended up taking the trophy with one point margin. We caught her after the show for her initial reaction to winning - and she promises to do everything she can to get Denmark back into the Eurovision final. Featuring: Simon - http://instagram.com/simonfalkdk…

Is "Milkshake Man" a joke entry? We react to Go-Jo's Eurovision 2025 song for Australia. SBS Australia says the lyrics are empowering and uplifting, but the highly suggestive music video, which is full of innuendo, may have viewers reading it differently. We review Go-Jo's (real name Marty Zambotto) chances of qualifying for the grand final. "Milks…

They weren't expecting anything, but now KAJ have qualified directly to the final of Melfest. We got a quick reaction from the Finn-Swedes after their sauna turned on the heat in Malmö Arena in heat 4. They are ready to turn up the temperature even more in Stockholm in 2 weeks.By Wiwibloggs

William reacts to "Gaja" — Justyna Steczkowska's song for Poland at Eurovision 2025. Justyna won Poland's national final Polskie kwalifikacje with 39% of the televote. William reviews her live performance, asks whether she can qualify for the final, and discusses the staging, her voice and beauty. Do you think this is Poland's best-ever Eurovision …

Our reaction to Latvia's Eurovision 2025 group Tautumeitas with the song "Bur man laimi." We filmed this two days after they won Supernova 2025 — Latvia's super competitive national final for Eurovision. Can they advance from the semi-final with their ethereal, Latvian-language song? We review their chances. 00:01 Introduction 00:45 Reaction 03:44 …

William's reaction to Lucio Corsi's Eurovision 2025 song "Volevo essere un duro." Lucio — who came second place at Sanremo 2025 — agreed to sing at Eurovision after Sanremo winner Olly said no to producers and declined his chance to go to Eurovision. We review the song's chances, Lucio's poetic lyrics, and the staging...and explain his white face p…

Our reaction to Parg's Eurovision 2025 song for Armenia — SURVIVOR. The song, written by Melodifestivalen songwriters Thoams G:son and Peter Boström, has strong Melfest vibes. But is it too generic for Eurovision? We review its rock sound, Parg's stage presence and vocals, and whether Armenia can qualify for the final. We watch the live performance…

William and Deban share their reaction to "Tavo akys" — Katarsis' Eurovision 2025 song for Lithuania. They review the life performance from the Eurovizija.LT national selection and share their thoughts on the alt rock sound, the staging, the singer's intensity and his vocals. Can Lithuania make the Eurovision final? 00:01 Introduction 00:33 Reactio…

Let's react to "Espresso Macchiato" — Tommy Cash's Eurovision 2025 song for Estonia. We review his live performance at Eesti Laul and William, who was part of the international jury, shares how he reached his decision. Will Tommy's slapstick comedy, use of Italian language, and viral dance moves help him quality for the final? We review his chances…

It has been 10 years since he won Eurovision. And now Måns Zelmerlöw is back to compete on home soil in Malmö in Melfest. Although he's the current favourite to win Melodifestivalen 2025 and sing at Eurovision, he says he does NOT expect to win. Featuring: Simon - http://instagram.com/simonfalkdkBy Wiwibloggs

Our reaction to "Lighter" — Norway's Eurovision 2025 song from Kyle Alessandro. The 18-year-old singer won Melodi Grand Prix 2025 with a song inspired by his mother's battle with cancer. We review his staging, choreography, costume and voice. Can Norway qualify from the semi-final with this? We share our thoughts. 00:01 Introduction 00:49 Kyle's re…

Has Olly confirmed for Eurovision 2025? No, not yet. But here's our reaction to the Sanremo 2025 winner's "Balorda nostalgia" — potentially Italy's ESC 2025 song. Would this make the Top 10 at Eurovision? We review its chances. 00:01 Introduction 01:23 "Balorda nostalgia" lyrics 02:15 Reaction 05:26 Review & Analysis 11:16 Readers' comments Featuri…

France has confirmed that Louane will sing for the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. In her first English-language interview since the announcement, the “Avenir” hitmaker teases her entry, which she compares to the a screaming face emoji because it’s so surprising. Louane’s parents passed away when she was a teenager. She tells us how th…

William and Lucy react to the full results of Ireland's Eurosong 2025. EMMY ("Laika Party") won the national jury and televote to finish in first place ahead of runner-up Samantha Mumba ("My Way"), who won the international jury vote. 00:44 EMMY - Laika Party 07:19 Samantha Mumba - My Way 10:34 Bobbi Arlo - Powerplay 14:10 Reylta - Fire 16:58 Niyl …

Will Malta's Eurovision 2025 song "KANT" be disqualified — or make changes — over its provocative lyrics? We discuss the world play at the heart of the controversy and ask whether the EBU should make Miriana Conte change the lyrics.By Wiwibloggs

We react to Klavdia's live performance of “Asteromata” at Ethnikós Telikós 2025 — Greece's national selection for Eurovision. William and Deban review her voice, staging and song. Can Greece make the Eurovision final?By Wiwibloggs

Our reaction to Melody and "Esa Diva" — Spain's Eurovision 2025 song and the winner of RTVE's Benidorm Fest 2025. Melody's live performance and staging showcase a "more is more" attitude. We review whether the staging, dancers, choreography, key changes and dynamic story cohere — and whether it needs to be tidied before the grand final. Is this a s…

Our reaction to Red Sebastian and his Eurovision song "Strobe Lights" — the winner of Belgium's Eurosong 2025 national final. We discuss whether the live performance lives up to the betting odds hype; Red Sebastian's vocals and choreography; and whether this song can qualify or even win the Eurovision Song Contest. 00:01 Introduction 01:18 Reaction…

Our reaction to Klemen Slakonja and his song "How Much Time Do We Have Left," the winner of Slovenia's EMA 2025 national selection for Eurovision. We discuss the song's meaning and lyrics: Klemen's wife lives with an auto-immune disorder and the song celebrates his love and her perseverance. We review the staging, whether the song's meaning comes t…

The Eurovision 2025 semi-final allocation draw has taken place in Basel, Switzerland. Which countries sing in which semi-final — and in the first half or second half? We review the draw and react to what what it might mean. 00:26 Eurovision 2025: Semi-Final 1 countries FIRST HALF Sweden Ukraine Slovenia Iceland Estonia Poland Portugal SECOND HALF N…

Who should win Greece's Eurovision 2025 national selection? Deban, Georgia and William named their Top 3 favourites in the Greek song contest. GREEK FINALISTS Andy Nicolas – “Lost my Way” Barbz – “Sirens” Evangelia – “Vále” Nafsika – “Unhurt me” Dinamiss (Ελένη και Μαρια Ντίνα) – “Odyssey” Θάνος Λάμπρου – “Free Love” RIKKI – “Elevator (Up and Down)…