The world’s biggest music competition returns to BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds this May. Ahead of the Eurovision Grand Final (Saturday 17 May), where 26 countries will perform to be crowned the new Eurovision 2025 champion, there are two live Semi-Finals (Tuesday 13 May and Thursday 15 May) for Eurovision fans to review all 37 countries competing in the Eurovision Song Contest.
The top ten countries from each Semi-Final will make it through to Saturday’s Grand Final. In Thursday’s Semi Final 2, viewers will also be treated to the first performance on the Eurovision stage from the UK representatives, Remember Monday.
Switzerland plays host to the 69th edition of Eurovision, one of the longest-running and most-watched non-sporting events in the world, following the country's victory in 2024 in Malmö, Sweden with Nemo who performed The Code.
Our star-studded and knowledgeable commentary and presenting team this year for both Semi-Finals across BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds are: Richie Anderson, Sara Cox, Rylan and Scott Mills.
- Semi-Final 1: Tuesday 13th May - with live commentary on BBC One from Rylan and Scott Mills and live commentary on Radio 2 from Richie Anderson and Sara Cox.
- Semi-Final 2: Thursday 15th May - with live commentary on BBC One from Rylan and Scott Mills and live commentary on Radio 2 from Richie Anderson and Sara Cox.
Eurovision fan, Sara Cox, makes her return to the Eurovision Song Contest commentary booth having previously commentated on the Eurovision Semi-Finals alongside Scott Mills in Dusseldorf (2011), Baku (2012) and for Rotterdam (2021).
During Thursday’s Semi-Final, the nation will get their first chance to cheer on the UK’s act, Remember Monday, who will showcase their impressive vocal skills as they perform ‘What The Hell Just Happened?’. The band are a trio of best friends, Charlotte, Holly and Lauren, and Eurovision marks the biggest gig of their lives. Their Semi-Final performance will give Eurovision fans across the world a first look at their highly anticipated staging, as overseen by creative director, Ace Bowerman. Ace has helped shape the live stage performances of some of the world’s most influential artists including Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran and Black Pink to name a few.
UK viewers will also be able to vote for their favourites in Thursday’s Semi Final. As one of the Big Five countries (United Kingdom, Spain, Germany, France, Italy), the United Kingdom gains automatic access to Saturday’s Grand Final. Switzerland is also guaranteed a place in the Final due to them being hosts this year.
Each Semi-Final will feature performances from the Big Five, and treats from former Eurovision legends. Announced so far are past Swiss performers including: Paola del Medico (Switzerland 1969 and 1980), Peter Reber (Switzerland 1971, 1976, 1979 and 1981) Luca Hänni (Switzerland 2019) and Gjon’s Tears (Switzerland 2020 and 2021) who will all celebrate Switzerland’s rich Eurovision legacy. Tribute will also be paid to last year’s winner, Nemo, and their memorable win at Malmö 2024, which brought the Eurovision Song Contest back to Switzerland.
This Eurovision will be the most accessible yet for our audiences with live Audio description and live signing available on BBC iPlayer and the Red Button.
For the latest information on the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2025, follow @bbceurovision on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
The BBC’s Eurovision Song Contest 2025 coverage is a BBC Studios Entertainment production, commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC. The Executive Producer and Head of Delegation is Andrew Cartmell and the Assistant Head of Delegation is Lucy Youngman. The Creative Director for BBC Studios Entertainment North is Pete Ogden and Suzy Lamb is the Managing Director of Entertainment & Music at BBC Studios.
The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Ruby Kuraishe.
- The Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals air on Tuesday 13 May and Thursday 15 May on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.
- The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 across the BBC
GC2
Meet our Eurovision 2025 Experts
Scott Mills and Rylan
Scott Mills
Scott says: “I cannot wait to be back in the commentary booth with Rylan, who will no doubt have perfected every dance routine for all 37 countries. We’ll be cheering on Remember Monday… who I’ve already agreed to get matching tattoos with if they place in the Top 5 in the Final! And I’m so excited to be taking my Breakfast Show international as we broadcast from the heart of the contest in Basel for the whole week. Eurovision is a true celebration of diversity and I love sharing that with everyone - to do that for the first time on the UK’s biggest Breakfast Show is a dream!”
If you could perform at Eurovision yourself, what would your stage name be, what would be the name of your song and what would your performance look like?
I would probably team up with Rylan, who always threatens that one day he will be the UK entry! We would probably be called something awful like, The Commentary Kings. It wouldn't be a serious act, it would be novelty, probably, a bit like Windows 95 man last year. I imagine some kind of trance song or Euro disco song from the early 2000s and Rylan would want it to be called something like Touch My Fire, although I think Javine has already done that, hasn't she? Maybe Light My Fire, it'll be something about fire!
I wouldn't really sing. I just kind of like to be in the background and Rylan would take the vocals. People go up to Rylan every year (but I am yet to be there to witness it!), anyway wherever we are in the world and say “good luck for your performance” because they think he’s one of the acts - mostly due to the sequinned catsuit or whatever he’s wearing that night! If you dress like a Eurovision contestant people will think you are one!
You’ve been a Eurovision fan forever, tell us the essentials you would have if you were throwing a Eurovision party? Food, dressing up, drinks, scoring cards etc?
The essentials for a Eurovision party are; everyone should dress up and you can be from any Eurovision era. For instance, a couple of years ago, when we had the contest in Liverpool, Rylan and I dressed up as Verka Serduchka, a previous Ukrainian entry, who is a Ukrainian drag persona in a silver outfit who always goes around with her mum. I was the mum, Rylan was Verka. There are pictures online and we even went on The One Show like that!
Scoring cards are essential. Preferably, everyone brings food from various countries, some paella, some feta cheese, whatever you want, maybe some mussels or snails for France, for the Eastern European countries, like, Czechia and Serbia, you could have some pork neck and cabbage, which they do enjoy there. Do have drinks, but don't let anyone get too drunk because then everyone just talks over it and it ruins your Eurovision experience, because it's serious business! And if you have more drinks, then you'll just forget about the scoring which is really important.
If you’re judging a Eurovision performance, what are the top things you’re looking for to make you give an act douze points?
If you're judging a Eurovision performance, the things I'm looking for are, on the stage itself I quite like a lot of drama and theatrics. It is about the song because it's a song contest, so the song has to be good. Everyone pretty much can now really sing at Eurovision. So I have no worries about this year's entry for us because they are incredible. I don't know if you've heard their harmonies but I'm not worried that they won't be able to sing in the same way I wasn't worried about Sam Ryder. We know they can do it. For the juries who are also judging on the Final, they really take vocals into consideration. If it's a bad vocal, they will mark you down. But if you look at last year's winner, Nemo for Switzerland, it was a really good song, which they could perform really well vocally, but also there was a lot going on on stage. So I do think the staging is very important, as much as it is a song contest, if it looks stunning and different and you can nail the vocal, then you're getting maximum points.
Describe Eurovision in a word or phrase to someone who has never heard of it before?
It is a week full of love or as Celine Dion would call it, a week full of LURVE. It's a safe space and it's a real community for anyone that loves celebrating diversity, different cultures and music, it all comes together to make this beautiful week.
Why do you love Eurovision, what’s so magical about it?
Because Eurovision is like a melting pot and we're all there for the same reason and everyone can chat and talk about what songs they like and what they don't like. Sometimes it can turn into a bit of a heated discussion and you get into the real nitty gritty of like, well, ‘why do you think they're staging is better than this’ and ‘why is their song better?’ It's a bit like what people do with football but with songs and for us fans we absolutely adore it, it’s our World Cup. I look forward to it so much and that's what's magical about it. Everyone's there for the same reason. The world can be a horrible place, but for a week you can go somewhere you've probably never been before and you can shut out the world and it's just happy, happy, joy, joy and love. There is no bad news at Eurovision and it's all you think about and all you talk about and all you hear when you're there all week. And that is sometimes a welcome switch off from the world.
Who should we be looking out for this year from the other countries, who do you think may cause a stir in the Semi-Finals?
You should definitely be looking out for the Milkshake Man from Australia, Go-Jo. He has a song which include the lyrics, ‘You know you want a taste of the milkshake man’. I think it's a very well done novelty song. You should also look out for, and a lot of people are tipping Austria to do really well – the artist is JJ with the song Wasted Love, which is kind of operatic in places and full of drama and there’s a lot of people saying that it’s definitely one to watch. And also Sweden, KAJ and their song Bara Bada Bastu which translates into ‘just take a sauna’, it's very Scandinavian. There are dancers in towels, uh, because they're in a sauna, and there is a sauna on stage. It's not the kind of thing that Sweden would send to the contest at all normally. Normally they send perfectly polished pop, which is why they win a lot, like Loreen with Tattoo. This is the first time they've sent a song sung in Swedish in over a decade, maybe more - it is a kind of novelty song, but it's VERY catchy...you hear it once and it's in your head and it's got a little bit that goes ‘Sauna’. In Scandinavia, this song is massive. They can sing, the staging is good so far and by the time it gets to Eurovision, they will make the staging even better.
What do you think about the UK’s artist, Remember Monday? Can you believe it's been over 25 years since the UK was represented by a girl band at Eurovision? (Precious in 1999)
Well, it's just great to have a girl band back in the contest for the UK, I adore these girls. They've got what it takes. I never take any notice of Eurovision odds because Sam Ryder was so far down in them and then look what happened. But I really think people are sleeping on our entry a little bit because these girls can sing, they've got harmonies, like the best Wilson Phillips record ever. They have history in musical theatre, so they know how to perform, both to a TV camera and to a crowd, and it's a dramatic song, so I have high hopes. I think they're brilliant and I wish them the best of luck. And they’ve gone all over Europe promoting the song which I love. Jennifer Hudson (their coach on The Voice UK) even called them out on her talk show in America and played a bit of the song and said that she thinks they're fantastic. I spoke to Mika who hosted Eurovision in Turin a few years back, he also thinks it's incredible, and he knows a good Eurovision song when he hears one, so I really really think it's good and I hope Europe gets it and does not sleep on our act.
The UK’s song is called What The Hell Just Happened? it’s inspired by the morning after a night out with friends...Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve thought ‘what the hell just happened?’...anything you can share?!
Yes, I have. I used to have Halloween parties every year and they became a bit legendary with my friends and all my colleagues at Radio 1. There was one year when Nick Grimshaw was doing X Factor and everyone was dressed up for Halloween. It was in my house, and I remember Grimmy said he would turn up with some of the X Factor crew after they'd finished filming, I was like yeah yeah yeah. Anyway my doorbell rings and then Grimmy turns up with Rita Ora, also in the Halloween party are Judge Rinder, Susanna Reid and Ollie Locke from Made in Chelsea dressed as Superman, I did wake up the next afternoon with a hazy memory and that was my what the hell just happened moment!
Have you been to Basel or Switzerland before?
I've never been to Basel. I have been to Switzerland before though on a camping trip when I was a teenager, near Zurich I think. I remember, and this is probably over 30 years ago, my mum always going ‘ooh it’s expensive here’ and yes, I have looked at the price of things in Switzerland...! I do know people that have been to Basel and they say it's beautiful. A lot of people in Basel get in the river to go to work, so they put all their stuff in a dry bag and they just float downstream to work down the river. How cool is that? I definitely want to do that whilst I am there! What a commute to work.
What are your desert island Eurovision songs, if you can only pick three to listen to forever during your time on the island?
Definitely Euphoria by Loreen. Then, probably because I have such fond memories of the whole experience with Sam, Space Man by Sam Ryder. We got so close and he's our most recent success story. Then I'm going to pick a random one, which is Eric Saade - Popular. It's a proper ridiculous over-the-top camp Eurovision banger, and it's got the dum, which reminded me of Boney M. In the performance he is smashing loads of windows and it's great and I love it and I always put it on my Eurovision playlist.
Can you give us any teasers about what to expect during the Semi Finals this Tuesday and Thursday?
I would say that there are more jokey, fun songs than normal at Eurovision this year. I know if you go back to Eurovision of the 80s and 90s, there was a lot of novelty songs. This year there's definitely more fun ones than serious ones. I think that's because everyone just wants a bit of light relief at the moment. A lot of these songs get chosen internally, so the public have nothing to do with it, but then a lot of the songs are a result of winning a public vote on television to find that country's Eurovision entry, and as a result a lot of them are quite fun this year. There are a lot of songs where some Eurovision fans will go, oh, it just makes a mockery of the whole competition, but I'm here for it. It's part of the contest!
If you could do a duet with any Eurovision act, who would you choose and why, and what would you sing?
I'd probably like to sing with a lady called Valentina Monetta who has entered Eurovision four times for San Marino, in such a small country that they don't have any pop stars, so Valentina god love her has been in it four times, but unfortunately she has never won! So maybe if I'm added into the mix she might get some votes from the UK....
What would your ideal Eurovision party look like, and who would be on the guest list?
Although I’m obviously working and not having a party (well, it’s not really work is it as it’s with Rylan every single year), and it's a week of the most laughter that I have all year, my face hurts from laughing because we have such a ball and we just immerse ourselves in the whole thing! We go and meet and make friends with all the acts. We go to the EuroClub, which is a club in whichever city is hosting and it just plays Eurovision music all night, and we go every night. I'm doing the Radio 2 Breakfast Show this year so that could be a problem, but I'll go when I can. Rylan and I were on the phone the other day saying how much we're looking forward to 1, just being there and because it's our favourite and 2, just spending some time together because I haven't seen him a lot recently.
What key elements do you think you need to be a Eurovision winner?
I think you need to not be scared of it. I've seen it a lot working on the contest, where a good artist can fall to pieces on the night because of the pressure, because you get one chance and you get three minutes and that is a big stage to fill and it's a lot of pressure. There is no way of explaining how much pressure it is to be a Eurovision contestant unless you've done it. You have to be able to be very calm under pressure and looking into the camera is so important and I see so many people not doing it. They're looking at the audience. Your main audience is the 160 million people that are watching you from home so look down the lens!
Rylan
Rylan says: “Basel, I’m coming for you! It’s my favourite time of year and I can’t wait to be reunited with my Eurovision husband, Scott Mills, in the commentary booth! We’ll be cheering loudly for our girls Remember Monday! I know they’ve been told to avoid a night out with me, but I think I can persuade Richie and Sara Cox to join me at EuroClub instead...”
If you could perform at Eurovision yourself, what would your stage name be, what would be the name of your song and what would your performance look like?
My stage name would be Rylan. I’m keeping the name of my song under wraps, and you’ll only find out the staging during the Semi-Final rehearsals.
You’ve been a Eurovision fan forever, tell us the essentials you would have if you were throwing a Eurovision party? Food, dressing up, drinks, scoring cards etc?
So, the essentials for me would be pizza, because it’s easy and that’s all anyone wants - all of the drinks, all of them, everyone would have score cards and we’ll also do a sweepstake!
If you’re judging a Eurovision performance, what are the top things you’re looking for to make you give an act douze points?
My douze points would be given to a great vocal performance, a great stage performance and all around decent person.
Describe Eurovision in a word or phrase to someone who has never heard of it before?
The biggest party on earth.
Why do you love Eurovision, what’s so magical about it?
I’ve loved it for years as a viewer, as it feels like you’re really part of something with millions of people watching all around the world. But, actually being involved in it, being in the host city for that week, the only thing that matters is Eurovision, there’s no issues or drama it’s all about the show and people coming together - there is no other experience like that that I’ve been a part of.
Who should we be looking out for this year from the other countries, who do you think may cause a stir in the Semi Finals?
I think there are a few - obviously our girls, Remember Monday, there is a lot of chat around Sweden and their song. I think there will be a few surprises with placements on the scoreboards this year - I think Australia could do well, hate to say famous last words, but the more I look at him and his performance I think maybe he could do well!
What do you think about the UK’s artist, Remember Monday? Can you believe it's been over 25 years since the UK was represented by a girl band at Eurovision? (Precious in 1999)
Weirdly I was listening to Precious yesterday! I think it’s time we sent a girl band to Eurovision.
We had Stand Uniqu3 in Junior Eurovision and they did such a great job. That gave us a bug for Eurovision to get a girl band. I was lucky enough to see one of their first performances and I turned to the BBC Studios Eurovision boss and said: “they are the girls”, and luckily he agreed! We’ve said it before, but we have no concern that these girls will not be able to perform on the night - let’s show the world we do girl bands really well!!
The UK’s song is called What The Hell Just Happened? it’s inspired by the morning after a night out with friends...Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve thought ‘what the hell just happened?’...anything you can share?!
Oh there have been many an occasion in my life where I think what the hell just happened!
What would your ideal Eurovision party look like, and who would be on the guest list?
My ideal Eurovision party is luckily what I get every year – it’s me and Scott sat next to each other talking about a show we love and just by chance people are listening in to our thoughts and reactions.
What key elements do you think you need to be a Eurovision winner?
The main thing you need it to be personable and have good chat - I really believe the winning is all in the pre-planning; it’s connection with the fans and the pre-parties. You’ve of course got to have a great song and a great performance too!
Have you been to Basel or Switzerland before? Any memories? Any expectations about Basel or Switzerland?
I’ve never been to Basel or Switzerland, however I am very good friends with the Swiss delegation, and I’m looking forward to seeing the show that they put on. From knowing them, I know it’s gonna be amazing and from what they’ve told me I know it will be fantastic.
If you could do a duet with any Eurovision act, who would you choose and why, and what would you sing?
It would be Loreen, we have actually already duetted a couple of times already! If we were to do it again, I would do a whole hour’s worth and it will be a medley of songs.
What are your desert island Eurovision songs, if you can only pick three to listen to forever during your time on the island?
Loreen Euphoria, Loreen Tattoo, annnnd Gina G Ooh Ahh Just a Little Bit, so I can have a little dance on the island to bring up morale!
And finally, can you give us any teasers about what to expect during the Semi Finals this Tuesday and Thursday?
Ooh this week is going to be extremely fun; me and Scott are going to be guiding you through it all – sit back, relax and be prepared for a few surprises, and maybe some shocks with some non- qualifiers...
Sara Cox and Richie Anderson
Sara Cox
Sara Cox said: "So excited to be in Basel and throw myself back into the crazy, rainbow hued feel-good fest that is Eurovision."
What’s your first Eurovision memory?
My first Eurovision memory is Bucks Fizz of course and endlessly re-enacting the skirt removal with a tea towel.
If you could perform at Eurovision yourself, what would your stage name be, what would be the name of your song and what would your performance look like?
My stage name would be Sazzle Dazzle, the song would be My Pony Wife, a song about loving my horse so much I want to marry her. I’d ride my horse onto the stage and have all my dancers in silvery horse tails and ears.
If you’re judging a Eurovision performance, what are the top things you’re looking for to make you give an act douze points?
For douze points I really want a perfect storm of excellent beat, unique lyrics and a performance that just has some je ne sais quoi.
Describe Eurovision in a word or phrase to someone who has never heard of it before?
Gobsmacking.
What do you think about the UK’s artist, Remember Monday? Can you believe it's been over 25 years since the UK was represented by a girl band at Eurovision (Precious in 1999)?
They’re great performers, excellent singers and I think the song has all the drama and just the right amount of camp.
Have you been to Basel or Switzerland before?
I’ve holidayed in Switzerland the last two summers – it’s a beautiful country and a family favourite.
Richie Anderson
Richie says: “I am delighted to be commentating on the Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals on Radio 2 again this year, and so happy I’ll be joined by Semi-Final commentating royalty, Sara Cox. This is my second year in the booth and, before my debut in Malmö last year, I actually listened back to Sara’s previous commentary from the archives, so it’s wild I’m now commentating alongside her! This is my fourth time at Eurovision, but I’ve loved it my whole life. After watching Gina G perform at my Auntie Jackie’s house back in 1996, I was hooked. For me, it’s the perfect mix of escapism and fun and I can’t wait to share that with our Radio 2 listeners.”
If you could perform at Eurovision yourself, what would your stage name be, what would be the name of your song and what would your performance look like?
My stage name would be Mel B-List, however after the scores come in, I might be more Mel CList. I would go with sequins and sparkles and my song would be an upbeat pop bop that would blow the audience away.
You’ve been a Eurovision fan forever, tell us the essentials you would have if you were throwing a Eurovision party? Food, dressing up, drinks, scoring cards etc?
I think you always need a glass of Bucks Fizz obviously! I’m happy for music and dancing before and after, but absolutely no talking during the show. I need to watch, observe and take it in! For a couple of Eurovision cocktail suggestions, I’d suggest the Scooch Hooch which is Cognac and red wine or the Vodka Serduchka which is vodka and prosecco… You’re welcome!
If you’re judging a Eurovision performance, what are the top things you’re looking for to make you give an act douze points?
Nowadays Eurovision acts need to have the full package. They only have three minutes on stage, but the bar keeps raising and the ceiling is higher than ever before. Firstly, it’s a song contest so the song needs to be good, catchy and have a bit of heart or meaning behind it. We need strong live vocals and a captivating live show. Big props and bold choreography always go down well too.
Describe Eurovision in a word or phrase to someone who has never heard of it before?
The Olympics of music!
Why do you love Eurovision, what’s so magical about it?
It’s so inclusive. It’s for everybody no matter what your age, gender, religion, background, race or anything. It’s also a huge honour for me to be the BBC’s first person of colour to commentate on the contest. I compare Eurovision to a football World Cup, but you don’t mind if another country wins and sometimes people even want another country to win over their own. That love and support is so unique to Eurovision.
Who should we be looking out for this year from the other countries, who do you think may cause a stir in the Semi-Finals?
There’s been a lot of hype around Malta – I think their song is an absolute banger! I also love Denmark which has Becky Hill vibes. I like Poland who are being represented by a lady who previously represented them 30 years ago! Spain is a high camp pop with added flamenco castanets. Also Cyprus is very intriguing!
What do you think about the UK’s artist, Remember Monday? Can you believe it's been over 25 years since the UK was represented by a girl band at Eurovision? (Precious in 1999)
I was blown away the first time I saw them perform. They’re so fun and their vocals are incredible. They have a musical theatre background so I’m excited to see their staging because they’ll give us drama. It’s nice they can do it together and they have each other to lean on and it’s a shared experience. I think Europe is going to love them and they’re already winning over fans on their European tour.
The UK’s song is called What The Hell Just Happened? and it’s inspired by the morning after a night out with friends... Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve thought ‘what the hell just happened?’...anything you can share?!
I was occasionally a bit wild at university and once woke up the morning after in a bush! I’m obviously more sensible these days, but I think everybody should go a little bit wild when they’re younger, as long as you keep safe, of course.
Have you been to Basel or Switzerland before? Any memories?
No, and this is one of the best things about commentating on Eurovision. Last year I got to visit Sweden for the first time and this year I get to get my first Swiss stamp on my passport. I think Basel will be beautiful. I imagine there will be lots of gorgeous chocolate shops so I will indulge, and I imagine there will be an old town with cobbled streets and a river. I can’t wait to explore.
What are your desert island Eurovision songs, if you can only pick three to listen to forever during your time on the island?
- Javine – Touch My Fire
- Helena Paparizou – My Number One
- Loreen – Tattoo
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