Richard Parks Sweden, Austria, and Ukraine are the leading favorites to win the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, held this Saturday in Basel, Switzerland. Each country brings a bold and emotional performance that blends music, storytelling, and identity. Sweden surprises with a quirky sauna anthem, Austria delivers opera-infused pop drama, and Ukraine moves hearts with a tribute to survival and hope. Betting odds and public buzz show these three nations are top contenders for the trophy.
Sweden’s “Sauna!” Anthem Brings Humor and Heart
Swedish group KAJ brings laughter and warmth to the stage with their entry “Bara Bada Bastu” – a fun song all about sauna culture. Dressed in towels and singing the catchy whisper-chorus “Sauna!”, the group mixes traditional folklore with modern beats.
This marks a major shift for Sweden, known for slick pop like Loreen’s past wins. Instead, KAJ embraces silliness, reminding Europe of the joy in shared rituals. The act balances camp style with real cultural roots. As Eurovision fans seek authenticity, Sweden’s risk is paying off.
With 40% winning odds, Sweden currently leads betting platforms. The performance has gone viral on social media, with fans calling it the most refreshing entry in years. Beyond the humor, the group says the song is about self-care, community, and mental health – values that resonate across borders.
“It’s okay to laugh and heal at the same time,” said group member Emil.
“In Sweden, the sauna is where people let go. That’s what we’re sharing.”
Austria Blends Opera and EDM with “Wasted Love”
Austria’s entry is as dramatic as it is emotional. Countertenor JJ (Johannes Pietsch) performs “Wasted Love”, a genre-mix of opera and electronic dance music. The performance begins as a fragile ballad and then explodes into a pulsing EDM finale – all in under three minutes.
JJ, who is of Austrian-Filipino background, brings a unique voice and theatrical style. His high-register vocals have drawn comparisons to Conchita Wurst, but with an operatic twist. His outfit, stage lighting, and expressive delivery create a story of unrequited love and emotional release.
With a 22% chance of winning, Austria stands strong in second place. Critics and fans have praised the song for its technical brilliance and emotional depth.
“I wanted to show that pain can become power,” JJ said in an interview.
“Opera and EDM seem like opposites, but together they can lift the soul.”
Ukraine’s “Bird of Pray” Offers a Song of Survival
Ukraine enters the contest with one of the most powerful performances this year. The band Ziferblat performs “Bird of Pray”, a song that blends folk melodies, rock, and orchestral strings. The song speaks to grief, courage, and hope – themes drawn directly from the war in Ukraine.
Lead singer Valentyn Leshchynskyi sings with raw emotion, especially in the chorus: “Please just live.” The lyrics are simple, yet deeply moving. The performance became even more personal after one of the backing vocalists lost her home in a missile strike days before the show.
Ukraine has a long history of strong Eurovision entries, and this year is no exception. “Bird of Pray” doesn’t just entertain – it reminds audiences of the real-life struggles behind the song.
Experts give Ukraine a 16% chance of winning, with many calling it the emotional favorite.
“It’s not just a song,” said Valentyn.
“It’s a prayer for every family that’s lost something.”
Eurovision 2025: Emotion, Art, and Authenticity Take Center Stage
This year’s Eurovision final takes place Saturday night in Basel, with millions expected to watch across Europe and beyond. While Sweden leads in odds, Austria and Ukraine are strong challengers, each offering a unique message and sound.
The three performances show that Eurovision is not just about catchy songs. It’s also about identity, emotion, and bold artistic choices. Whether through humor, heartbreak, or resistance, these acts prove that music can connect people beyond politics and borders.
As the world tunes in, the question remains: Will steam, sorrow, or spectacle win the night?