The music superstar delivered a pre-recorded message to the multi-national singing competition as Dion continues to battle a rare neurological disorder called Stiff Person Syndrome.

With fans from more than 80 countries arriving in Basel, Switzerland, for the 69th Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), the city is prepared not only to host the world’s largest live music event, but also to unlock a wave of economic, cultural, and social benefits.

Céline Dion surprised Eurovision 2025 fans with a special appearance to share a pre-recorded message during the annual song contest, which she previously won for Switzerland in 1988.

Contestants from Malta, Sweden, Estonia, and the Netherlands are among those favored to win Eurovision this year.

Ireland and Israel compete in second Eurovision semi-final - The evening will also see performances from three of the ‘big five’ countries that have already made Saturday’s final.

The city at the crossroads of France, Germany and Switzerland gears up amid global tensions over diversity and inclusion.

The 2025 Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals will be held on Tuesday, May 13 and Thursday, May 15 at Basel’s St Jakobshalle indoor arena. The final, held at the same venue, will take place on Saturday, May 17. Each show will begin at 8pm BST (9pm CEST).

Get ready Europe, the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 is about to begin. Here's everything you need to know ahead of show week in Basel.

Klavdia from Greece performs the song “Asteromata” during the dress rehearsal for the second semi-final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest, in Basel, Switzerland, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner) Klavdia from Greece performs the song “Asteromata” during the dress rehearsal for the second semi-final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest,

Pro-Palestinian protesters have planned to walk the streets of Basel “silently” to demonstrate against Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.Local group Basel for Palestine urged its marchers not to make any “chants or slogans” as they walk across the Swiss host city on Wednesday on the anniversary of Israel’s creation as a state on May 14 1948.