Céline Dion, the 1988 Eurovision winner for Switzerland, made a brief, pre-recorded appearance during the contest’s first semi-final.
Speculation had mounted regarding a potential live performance as the event returned to Switzerland this year. However, Dion’s video message indicated otherwise.
“I’d love nothing more than to be with you,” she shared, expressing her regret. “Switzerland 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.”
Ten acts advanced to Saturday’s final from Tuesday’s semi-final, including frontrunner KAJ from Sweden with their song “Bara Bada Bastu” (“Let’s take a sauna”).
Bookmakers give KAJ a 40% chance of victory, which would grant Sweden an eighth Eurovision title, surpassing Ireland’s seven wins.
Fifteen acts competed in Basel’s St Jakobshalle, with Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, and Slovenia eliminated.
Belgium’s Red Sebastian, whose song “Strobe Lights” was predicted to place highly, faced an unexpected early exit on his 26th birthday.
Thursday’s second semi-final will determine ten further finalists, alongside the “Big Five” (France, Germany, Spain, UK, Italy) and defending champion Switzerland.
Dion’s video message, played during voting, was a significant coup for organizers. The singer has recently limited public appearances due to health concerns related to stiff-person syndrome (SPS).
Following a four-year hiatus, she made an emotional comeback last summer, performing at the Paris Olympics. Speculation of a Eurovision appearance intensified after Switzerland’s win in 2024.
Dion’s video message expressed her joy at the Swiss victory, recalling her own 1988 win as “a life-changing moment.” She thanked Switzerland for their support and expressed national pride.
Following her message (delivered in both English and French), several former Eurovision contestants performed a cover of Dion’s winning song, “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi.”
Organizers remain hopeful for Dion’s potential appearance in the final, stating they are “still in close contact with her.”
Tuesday’s semi-final opened with Iceland’s VÆB, followed by Poland’s Justyna Steczkowska, performing acrobatics above the stage.
Slovenia’s Klemen, suspended upside down during his ballad, and Estonia’s Tommy Cash, with his quirky anthem featuring a surprise “stage invader” dancer, provided memorable performances.
Ukraine’s Ziferblat delivered a powerful anthem, while Italy’s Lucio Corsi channeled 70s glam rock, referencing David Bowie and Mick Ronson.
Croatia’s Marko Bošnjak presented a dark performance, contrasting with the Netherlands’ Claude’s upbeat act, and Switzerland’s Zoë Më delivered a moving plea for kindness.
However, KAJ dominated with their sauna-themed anthem, a surprising success at Sweden’s Melodifestivalen, topping charts for eleven weeks.
Speaking to the BBC, KAJ acknowledged the pressure of being the favorite, promising to embrace the experience and bring “the steam, bring the sauna culture.”
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