Céline Dion, the celebrated artist who won the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 1988, made a rare appearance via a pre-recorded video during the semi-final, marking the event's return to her home country. While she expressed her longing to participate in person, Dion stated, “Switzerland will forever hold a special place in my heart. It's the country that believed in me.” Her heartfelt message served as a touching tribute during the interval of the semi-final, which led to 10 acts securing spots in the highly anticipated grand finale.
Among the qualifiers, Swedish group KAJ caught the audience's attention with their comedic accordion-driven anthem "Bara Bada Bastu" (let’s take a sauna), achieving a remarkable 40% odds of winning, according to bookmakers. Should the prediction hold, it would grant Sweden its eighth Eurovision title, an achievement that would set them apart as the most victorious nation in the history of the contest.
The semi-final held in Basel's St Jakobshalle featured fifteen performances, with acts from Norway, Albania, Iceland, the Netherlands, Poland, San Marino, Estonia, Portugal, Ukraine, and of course, Sweden showcasing their talents. Unfortunately, the hopes of Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, and Slovenia ended that night, with Belgium's competitor Red Sebastian being notably absent from the final rankings despite strong predictions.
Céline Dion's presence, albeit virtual, was met with enthusiasm, especially as speculation had circled that she might make an in-person appearance following the recent success of Swiss artist Nemo in the previous year's contest. Reflecting on her experience, she fondly recounted her victory as a “life-changing moment.” Her message expressed gratitude for Swiss support, with hopes of her eventual appearance remaining alive according to event organizers.
The semi-final’s entertainment showcased varied artistic talents, with performances ranging from elaborate aerial acts to whimsical comedic numbers. Standout moments included Justyna Steczkowska’s enchanting display suspended above the stage and Ziferblat’s poignant anthem of hope amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. KAJ's enthusiastic sauna song became a crowd favorite, generating an electric atmosphere as the audience participated in the fun.
As Eurovision continues to captivate fans, the anticipation grows for the finale, where KAJ and nine other acts will compete in what promises to be a memorable event. Following a rollercoaster of musical expression, the stage is set for creativity, culture, and celebration in this year's Eurovision Song Contest.
