In a stunning move during the Eurovision Song Contest’s first semi-final, iconic singer Céline Dion made a rare appearance with a heartfelt, pre-recorded message. This year’s event, held in Switzerland, marked a significant return for the competition, as it had not taken place in the country since Dion’s own victory in 1988. Fans had speculated whether she would take the stage, but Dion confirmed in her message that she would be absent, emphasizing the special bond she maintains with Switzerland.
Dion expressed her affection for Switzerland, stating, “It will forever hold a special place in my heart. It’s the country that believed in me and gave me the chance to be part of something so extraordinary.” The semi-final event saw ten artists qualify for the grand finale, with Swedish band KAJ emerging as the audience’s favorite. Their song, “Bara Bada Bastu,” is an upbeat, accordion-led comedy track that has become a sensation, predicted to have a strong 40% chance of winning according to bookmakers.
The first semi-final was held at the St Jakobshalle in Basel, where fifteen acts performed, vying for a coveted spot in the final. Among the competitors, standout performances were provided by artists such as Norway’s Kyle Alessandro with “Lighter,” and the spirited KAJ with their sauna-themed anthem. Some contenders such as Justyna Steczkowska and Claude from the Netherlands showcased impressive talent, adding to the night’s entertainment. However, the journey came to an end for several participants, including those from Azerbaijan and Belgium, with Red Sebastian’s surprise disqualification being particularly notable as it coincided with his 26th birthday.
Dion’s special appearance was orchestrated during the ceremony’s interval, coinciding with critical voting moments. Although she could not perform live because of her struggles with health issues related to stiff-person syndrome, her message remained impactful. The singer’s brief comeback at last summer’s Paris Olympics was a moment of excitement for fans, and speculation regarding her involvement in Eurovision heightened after 2024 winner Nemo hailed her previous victory as “life-changing.”
During her message, Dion conveyed gratitude to the Swiss people: “Thank you for your love. This night is yours and I hope you feel as proud as I do.” Former Eurovision participants honored her legacy by performing “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi,” the song that won her the title in 1988, further emphasizing her enduring connection to the competition. Organizers suggested they remain hopeful that Dion would still make an appearance during the final, stating, “We are still in close contact with her.”
Following the semi-final performances, the audience reacted positively to KAJ’s unique approach, demonstrating enthusiasm as they engaged with the band’s light-hearted performance centered around sauna culture. The band, hailing from the Swedish-speaking region of Finland, accurately captured the spirit of fun and community ingrained in Eurovisions across the years.
Overall, the semi-final showcased not only aspiring artists hoping to make their mark but also the nostalgia and cherished moments linked to the Eurovision phenomenon, tightly woven through the messages from stars like Dion. Finally, with ten more acts to progress from a second semi-final and the automatic qualifications of the “Big Five” countries, including Switzerland as last year’s winners, anticipation runs high for the grand finale where dreams will either be realized or dashed once again this season.