Eurovision 2025: The 10 Best Songs and Their Winning Odds — From Sauna Anthems to Diva Declarations

The glitter, the glamour, the sheer audacity of it all — Eurovision 2025 has arrived, and this year's competition is shaping up to be one of the most electrifying in the contest's 69-year history. The grand final takes place on Saturday, May 17, in Basel, Switzerland, streaming live on Peacock at 3 p.m. ET. With 37 countries vying for the trophy and a record number of songs performed in languages other than English, the stage is set for a showdown that blends absurdist humor, heartfelt ballads, and club-ready bangers. But which entries have the best shot at victory? We break down the top 10 tracks — and analyze how they might fare with both the jury and the televote.

How Eurovision 2025 Works: The Rules, the Drama, and the Divide

Before diving into the songs, it's essential to understand the double-edged sword of Eurovision scoring. The final result is split 50/50 between national juries (music industry professionals) and the public televote. This often creates a fascinating tension: televoters crave spectacle, humor, and high-energy choreography, while juries lean toward vocal precision, sophisticated songwriting, and a clean mix. The gap between these two factions can produce stunning comebacks — or devastating falls from grace.

Each performance must adhere to strict rules: songs under three minutes, live lead vocals, no live instrumentation (only pre-recorded backing tracks), and a maximum of six performers onstage. The result is a high-wire act where breath control and stage presence can make or break a contestant. Just ask Poland's Justyna Steczkowska, who at 52 performs burpees while belting a sustained note — a feat that separates Eurovision from any lip-sync competition.

10. Iceland: “Róa” by Væb

If there's a song engineered for TikTok, it's this one. Icelandic duo Væb (pronounced “vibe”) deliver a propulsive, danceable sea shanty about rowing under the stars. The brothers, clad in silver tracksuits and wraparound sunglasses, bring an infectious energy that screams viral moment. Televoters will likely eat it up — but juries historically have little patience for electronic dance music. Expect a mid-table finish, but a cult following afterward.

9. Spain: “ESA DIVA” by Melody

Spain has been chasing the ghost of Chanel's 2022 third-place finish with “SloMo.” This year, they triple down on the formula: one charismatic diva, flamenco-tinged disco, and a heavy dose of sparkle. Melody commands the stage with fierce confidence, culminating in a spin that leaves her airborne like a car-wash sign. The song's message of self-empowerment is classic Eurovision bingo. Juries may appreciate the polish; televoters will love the drama. Likely top 10.

8. Germany: “Baller” by Abor & Tynna

Brother-sister duo Abor & Tynna bring layered synths and a chest-thumping beat straight out of a Berlin techno club. The lyrics — post-breakup defiance set to a groove — are standard fare, but the production is top-tier. Tynna's recent laryngitis scare adds a narrative layer of resilience. Juries will probably sit on their hands, but this is a surefire televote magnet. Expect a strong showing from the audience, if not the judges.

7. Netherlands: “C'est La Vie” by Claude

A gentle bop with a handsome lead and smooth choreography — this is classic Eurovision comfort food. Claude's personal history (fleeing the DRC as a child) adds emotional weight to the French-English lyrics. However, a slightly pitchy semifinal performance may cost him with the juries. Televoters, charmed by his charisma, will push him into the top 10 anyway.

6. Albania: “Zjerm” by Shkodra Elektronike

This Balkan ballad is a masterclass in tension and release. Beatriçe Gjergji's soaring vocals paint a hopeful picture of peace, while Kolë Laca's raspy interjections threaten darkness. The song's resolution — “Carve in me a clean heart” — is cathartic and deeply metal. Don't speak Albanian? No matter: the emotional arc is universal. Juries will adore this; televoters may find it too dark. A jury darling that lands in the top 5.

5. Poland: “Gaja” by Justyna Steczkowska

Returning 30 years after her first Eurovision appearance, Steczkowska delivers a powerhouse performance in fetish gear, complete with athletic choreography and a mystical chant. The song casts Mother Earth as a latex-clad avenger — a theme that resonates with eco-conscious fans and those who appreciate a certain aesthetic. Her breath control is jaw-dropping. Both juries and televoters will reward this, making it a strong contender for a top 5 finish.

4. Latvia: “Bur Man Laimi” by Tautumeitas

Ethereal ethno-pop with six-part harmonies and folklore imagery — this is a risky bet. Juries typically shy away from such abstract sounds, and first-time listeners may find it too gauzy. Yet the staging is spellbinding, and the beat — always a lifeline — keeps it grounded. If any song can defy expectations, it's this one. A dark horse that could surprise.

3. Finland: “Ich Komme” by Erika Vikman

Unsubtle, unapologetic, and engineered to ignite a stadium. The title (German for “I'm coming”) leaves little to the imagination, and Vikman's delivery is pure eros and stamina. Juries will sniff, but the crowd — and the internet — will erupt. This is the song that will have you spilling your drink and screaming along. A televote juggernaut, but likely not enough to overcome jury conservatism.

2. Malta: “Serving” by Miriana Conte

Here's the backstory: The original Maltese word for “singing” — “kant” — was deemed too suggestive by the European Broadcasting Union, given this year's 69th edition. Conte cheekily rewrote the chorus to “Serving (Ah!)/Do-re-mi-fa-s-s-serving (Ah!).” On Saturday, she'll sing the sanitized version, but the audience in Basel has made no such promise. Expect a roar of “KANT!” from 12,400 fans. It's a magical moment of shared rebellion that will boost the song's appeal. Juries may not bite, but the televote will surge.

1. Sweden: “Bara Bada Bastu” by KAJ

The favorite. Finnish group KAJ, representing Sweden, deliver a wholesome ode to saunas — complete with lumberjacks building a steam room onstage, stripping to towels, and waving birch branches. The song blends Nordic folk, German beer-hall vibes, and a disco key change. It's insanely catchy, cleverly staged, and utterly joyful. Televoters will fall for its charm; juries will respect the tight songwriting and clean mix. This is the one to beat — a potential winner that could bring the trophy back to Sweden.

What About the Rest?

Austria's “Wasted Love” by JJ gambles on an opera-first, club-later structure that takes too long to hit its stride. France's “Maman” by Louane is lovely but forgettable. Ukraine's “Bird of Pray” by Ziferblat is fascinating but schizophrenic — six songs mashed into one, confusing first-time listeners. None of them threaten the top tier.

Come Saturday night, all eyes will be on Basel. Will Sweden's sauna anthem steamroll the competition? Will Malta's audience revolt rewrite the rules? Or will a dark horse like Latvia or Albania steal the spotlight? One thing is certain: Eurovision 2025 will deliver drama, glitter, and at least one moment that makes you shout — as the song says — “SAUNA!”

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