In a touching moment during the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, legendary singer Céline Dion delivered a heartfelt pre-recorded message, leaving fans emotional. The Canadian superstar, who won Eurovision for Switzerland in 1988 with “Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi,” expressed her enduring affection for the contest and the country that launched her international career.
Céline Dion’s Heartfelt Message
Despite battling stiff person syndrome, a rare neurological disorder affecting her mobility and speech, Dion appeared elegant and composed in her video message. She shared:
“I’d love nothing more than to be with you. 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.”
Her message resonated deeply with fans, many of whom took to social media to express their admiration and emotions.
Sweden’s KAJ Advances to Grand Final
The semi-final also saw Swedish entrants KAJ qualify for the grand final with their song “Bara Bada Bastu,” an accordion-led comedy number celebrating Nordic sauna culture. KAJ, an acronym for members Kevin, Axel, and Jakob, are currently favourites to win the 2025 contest.
Other Qualifiers and Eliminations
In addition to Sweden, the following countries secured spots in the grand final:
- Norway: Kyle Alessandro – “Lighter”
- Albania: Shkodra Elektronike – “Zjerm”
- Iceland: VÆB – “RÓA”
- Netherlands: Claude – “C’est La Vie”
- Poland: Justyna Steczkowska – “GAJA”
- San Marino: Gabry Ponte – “Tutta L’Italia”
- Estonia: Tommy Cash – “Espresso Macchiato”
- Portugal: NAPA – “Deslocado”
- Ukraine: Ziferblat – “Bird of Pray”
Unfortunately, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, and Slovenia were eliminated from the competition.
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