In an unpredictable edition of Eurovision, bookmakers favor Sweden's quirky entry while Austria's heartfelt ballad and Finland's bold performance also have strong chances. The final promises a mix of joy, resilience, and unforgettable performances.**
Eurovision Song Contest 2025: Top Five Contestants to Watch This Saturday**

Eurovision Song Contest 2025: Top Five Contestants to Watch This Saturday**
A preview of the leading acts ahead of the grand final in Basel, where 27 countries compete for the iconic trophy.**
The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is set to culminate in a thrilling final on Saturday night in Basel, with 27 nations vying for the coveted glass microphone trophy. This year's lineup showcases a diverse array of performances that embody the contest's signature style—a blend of the spectacular, the humorous, and the heartfelt.
With the contest marking its 69th edition, Australia is joining the fray with the unabashedly cheeky entry, Milkshake Man, while Ukraine's poignant Bird Of Pray conveys a message of hope amid the ongoing conflict with Russia. Ireland's Emmy captures the viewer's imagination, performing atop a Russian spacecraft and reflecting on the story of Laika, the first living creature in space, who met a tragic fate.
Unlike the last few contests where frontrunners dominated even before the competition began, this year's odds suggest a good mix of unpredictability. Bookmakers currently place Sweden in the lead with their eccentric sauna-themed song, Bara Bada Bastu. However, history shows novelty songs seldom take the crown—voters are more inclined to favor resonant pop anthems that celebrate perseverance and positivity.
Here’s a closer look at this year’s top five contenders:
**SWEDEN - KAJ – BARA BADA BASTU**
**Chance of Winning:** 39%
**Language:** Swedish
**Genre:** Epadunk
With a whimsical entry highlighting sauna culture, KAJ reflects a unique Finnish voice representing Sweden. The group, known for their comedic flair, has created a festive performance featuring a theatrical sauna on stage, making a light-hearted statement about life’s joys.
**AUSTRIA - JJ - WASTED LOVE**
**Chance of Winning:** 22%
**Language:** English
**Genre:** Pop-opera
Representing Austria, JJ’s stirring ballad navigates themes of unrequited love. With an operatic background, his poignant performance is amplified by a dramatic stage presence involving a theatrical sailing boat setting, striking a chord with audiences.
**FRANCE - LOUANE - MAMAN**
**Chance of Winning:** 8%
**Language:** French
**Genre:** Torch Song
Louane’s emotive ballad is steeped in personal grief, celebrating a journey through loss towards healing. The song's staging features a striking visual component—a sandstorm—while conveying a universal message of resilience derived from her experience of motherhood.
**NETHERLANDS - CLAUDE - C'EST LA VIE**
**Chance of Winning:** 6%
**Language:** French and English
**Genre:** Chanson
Inspired by his mother’s steadfastness during adversity, Claude’s upbeat composition brings an invigorating energy to the stage. Blending Afropop rhythms with a positive message, he captivates the crowd, showcasing his journey from challenging beginnings.
**FINLAND - ERIKA VIKMAN - ICH KOMME**
**Chance of Winning:** 4%
**Language:** Finnish, German
**Genre:** Eurodance
Vikman embraces empowerment and sexuality in her high-energy song. Known for her dramatic presence, she leaves a lasting impression with a bold performance, even amid some discussions about her costume choices and stage direction.
**WHAT ABOUT THE UK? - REMEMBER MONDAY**
**Chance of Winning:** 1%
**Language:** English
**Genre:** Musical Theatre
The UK group, Remember Monday, carries a whimsical charm. With an engaging performance that nods to previous UK winners, the trio aims to captivate Eurovision viewers, regardless of their current odds being not too favorable.
As anticipation builds for the final, the Eurovision Song Contest once again promises a night full of excitement, cultural celebration, and spectacular performances, leaving fans eager to see who will emerge victorious in Basel.