With Eurovision 2025 just around the corner, the excitement and anticipation grow as fans get all ready to see the participants shining on stage in Basel, Switzerland. The first semi-final is set for tonight, Tuesday 13 May 2025 at 9:00 pm CEST. For those who haven’t seen the stars of the show yet, we have prepared a list of 5 standing-out countries that might win the contest this year according to the latest betting odds. Let’s take a look at who’s leading the race!
1. Sweden: KAJ – “Bara bada bastu”
Right now, Sweden has the leading position to take home the trophy with their Finnish-Swedish trio KAJ and their catchy song “Bara bada bastu”. The track is a quirky, upbeat celebration of Finnish sauna culture, performed in the Vörå dialect of Finnish-Swedish, which gives it a unique and local flavour. The playful energy and folk rhythms of KAJ have received great approval from the audience, putting Sweden at the top of the betting list with a winning probability of a whopping 41%.
2. Austria: JJ – “Wasted Love”
Hot on Sweden’s heels is Austria’s JJ with his emotional ballad “Wasted Love”. JJ’s impressive countertenor voice brings a classical touch to a modern pop sound. The song’s heartfelt lyrics and powerful melody have made it a favourite among fans and critics and even secured a leading position for the Travel Tomorrow editorial team. Austria currently has around a 19% chance of victory, so this one is definitely not to miss on and maybe even the one to bet on.
3. France: Louane – “Maman”
France’s Louane enters with “Maman,” a soulful tribute to her mother that has touched the hearts of many fans. The song’s emotive lyrics reflect on the pain of losing her mother and express gratitude for the love and lessons she learned. Louane’s compelling performance has positioned France as a strong contender, with a 6% winning probability.
4. Israel: Yuval Raphael – “New Day Will Rise”
Yuval Raphael’s “New Day Will Rise” is a song of pure hope and determination. It’s an emotional ballad that has been garnering a lot of attention — both for the music and the message behind it. Despite some political buzz around the song, Yuval’s incredible vocals and inspirational lyrics plus performing in three languages, English, French and Hebrew, have put it in the hearts of thousands across the globe. Betting odds are giving Israel around a 5% chance, but as with every Eurovision contest, anything can happen on the show night.
5. Belgium: Red Sebastian – “Strobe Lights”
Last but not least, we have Belgium with Red Sebastian’s upbeat song “Strobe Lights”. The song gives Eurodance rhythm, with electronic-techno vibes that can bring anyone on the dance floor straight away. Although not as high in the odds as Sweden or Austria, Belgium’s catchy track has earned it a spot among the frontrunners, with chances at around 4%. However, each performance has its unique sound on the night of the show, so it’s for sure the artist to keep an eye out for.
Countdown to the first semi-final
As we gear up for the first semi-final tonight, the excitement reaches the highest point. While Sweden remains the top favourite, Austria’s captivating ballad and France’s heartfelt lyrics are not lagging. Adding to the suspense, Israel and Belgium are also all set to bring their unique voices to the stage.
Eurovision is known for surprises, and a standout performance tonight could completely shake up the odds. One thing’s for sure — fans around the world will be glued to their screens to see who secures a spot in the grand final. With rehearsals wrapping up and final touches being made, the show is all set to kick off. Get ready for an unforgettable night!
