Your ultimate guide to Eurovision 2025: When it’s on, who’s competing, and Ireland’s chances

Whether you’re a longtime fan or tuning in for the first time, here’s your complete guide to this year’s contest, including dates, location, participating countries, and Ireland’s chances.

When is Eurovision 2025 happening?

This year’s Eurovision Song Contest kicks off with two semi-finals:

• First Semi-Final: Tuesday, 13 May
• Second Semi-Final: Thursday, 15 May
• Grand Final: Saturday, 17 May

Where is it being held?

The 69th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Basel, Switzerland, following Swiss artist Nemo’s 2024 win with "The Code".

Basel, Switzerland’s third-largest city, was chosen after a competitive selection process. The event will take place at the St. Jakobshalle, a multi-purpose indoor arena.

This marks the third time Switzerland has hosted Eurovision, previously doing so in:

• 1956, the very first contest (which Switzerland won)
• 1989, following Céline Dion’s iconic 1988 victory

Who’s competing in Eurovision 2025?

A total of 37 countries will compete this year.

• Montenegro returns after a two-year break
• Moldova was originally set to compete but withdrew due to financial concerns

The "Big Five" (UK, Italy, Spain, Germany, France) and Switzerland (as the reigning champion) automatically qualify for the final.

First Semi-Final – 13 May:

Estonia, Iceland, Poland, Portugal, Slovenia, Sweden, Ukraine, Albania, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Netherlands, Norway, San Marino

Second Semi-Final – 15 May:

Armenia, Australia, Austria, Greece, Ireland, Latvia, Lithuania, Montenegro, Czechia, Denmark, Finland, Georgia, Israel, Luxembourg, Malta, Serbia

The top 10 countries from each semi-final will join the automatic finalists in the Grand Final.

Who Is representing Ireland in Eurovision 2025?

Ireland will be represented by EMMY, a 24-year-old Norwegian singer, with her upbeat track Laika Party – a tribute to the Soviet space dog who became the first living creature to orbit Earth in 1957.

Her song was selected by a combination of jury and public votes during the Eurosong 2025 special on "The Late Late Show".

 EMMY, whose full name is Emmy Kristine Guttulsrud Kristiansen, began writing music at age seven and competed in Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix Junior at 15. She later appeared in the adult version of the competition in 2021 with her song "Witch Woods".

EMMY will perform during the second semi-final on Thursday, 15 May.

How has Ireland performed in the past?

Ireland shares the record for most Eurovision wins (7) alongside Sweden. The country dominated the 1990s, winning four contests in five years, including three in a row, a record that still stands.

In 2024, Ireland’s Bambie Thug placed 6th with the bold and theatrical track Doomsday Blue – Ireland’s best result in years.

Bambie Thug.

What are Ireland’s chances this year?

According to BoyleSports, Ireland’s chances at Eurovision 2025 are slim at the moment, with odds currently sitting at 66/1. That translates to just a 1.5% chance of bringing the trophy back home, meaning the country is still seen as a long shot to end its 28-year winning drought at the contest

The red-hot favourite for the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest is Sweden at odds of 10/11 of earning a record-breaking 8th Eurovision title.

Who’s hosting Eurovision 2025?

This year’s contest will be hosted by:

• Hazel Brugger – American-Swiss poet and comedian
• Sandra Studer – Swiss TV presenter and singer
• Michelle Hunziker – Swiss-Italian television host (final only)

Where can I listen to the songs?

All competing songs are available now on:

• The official Eurovision YouTube channel
• Spotify and other major streaming platforms

How can I vote?

Fans can vote during the live shows by:

• Phone
• Text
• The official Eurovision app

How to watch Eurovision 2025 in Ireland

You can tune in live on RTÉ:

• Semi-Final 1: Tuesday, 13 May – RTÉ One & RTÉ Player
• Semi-Final 2: Thursday, 15 May – RTÉ2 & RTÉ Player
• Grand Final: Saturday, 17 May – RTÉ One & RTÉ Player

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.