Officially, the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final countdown is underway. Five superior talents, each with a distinct and unique style, have caught the public eye and become the top contenders to claim the prestigious title. As millions of viewers in Europe and the rest of the world prepare to watch, they bring a unique sound, powerful stage performance, and a compelling audience connection, promising an exciting and diverse show.
While this year’s competition roster, which is being hosted in Geneva, Switzerland, is diverse, these five artists have emerged as the favourites. Let’s look at their performances, backgrounds, and why they have been the front-runners for this year’s championship final.
Sweden Sparks
With Ella Nordström, an emerging artist sharing ABBA’s spirit and merging it with modern pop sensibilities, Sweden qualifies for the final of Eurovision 2025. “Electric Emotion,” her entry, is an energetic mix of disco beats, polished synths, and catchy energy.
Ella is confident in taking the reins at rehearsals. Her impeccable dance moves, colourful LED lights, and perfect voice make her the showstopper. The build-up of the song follows the classic Swedish Eurovision formula: it is immediately memorable, impeccably produced, and infectious.
This year is no different from the strategic brilliance with which Swedish broadcasters and producers keep planning Eurovision performances. Ella has been greeted warmly by fans on social media as a music superstar in waiting. She embodies Sweden’s hopes of taking a seventh Eurovision crown, with bookmakers having her near the top.
Channels in Italy
The dominant and charismatic Marco DeLuca performs the grand, dramatic ballad “Senza Fine” (“Endless”) as Italy moves on to the final. The highly respected Marco, known for his powerful voice and operatic training, ups the emotional stakes this year.
One light beam down upon Marco as he speaks the opening lines in an eerie whisper as the show begins in near-total darkness. The lighting shifts into a tornado of lights and breathtaking graphics as the song builds, and a full orchestra materialises on screen.
Italian broadcasters have underscored authenticity and artistry, and Marco is a paragon of both. Both fans and foreign media outlets praise him for his technically impeccable and emotionally charged performances.
Ukraine
Orkida is an experimental electronic and traditional Ukrainian folk music duo that reflects Ukraine’s avant-garde entry trend. Their track “Spalyty (To Burn)” presents a multifaceted message regarding cultural identity, rebirth, and defying oppression.
Orkida’s seen-to-be-seen performance is not to be missed. They blend traditional instruments with modern beats, utilise symbolic staging with photographs of phoenixes rising, and wear fiery costume attire. The spiritual, desperate, and indelible song carries an aura of ceremony.
The depth and bravery of the song have enthralled listeners all over Europe. Viewers of Eurovision appreciate Ukraine’s consistent commitment to stretching artistic boundaries without losing emotional equilibrium. Orkida’s originality charms instead of offends. Ukraine is amongst the strongest teams in the final thanks to its huge diaspora base and history of televote resilience.
Reviving France
This year, France opts for simplicity, emotional intensity, and cultural pride as their keys to victory in Eurovision. Parisian singer-songwriter Juliette Moreau performs the poignant French musical standard “L’ombre et la lumière” (The Shadow and the Light), delivering a performance that is not about competitive submission but a personal confession, creating an intimate space that moves and connects with the audience.
Juliette is alone on stage, perched on a wooden stool under a solitary hanging lightbulb. She performs with only her voice, facial expression, and lyrical content—no gimmicks or dancers. Her act creates an intimate space that is less about competitive submission and more about personal confession.
Critics have described Juliette as the “soul” of Eurovision 2025. Her lyrical poems are based on themes of dualism, remembrance, and reconciliation.
British Columbia
The UK recovers from past disappointments and goes into the final with a confidence boost. Manchester singer-songwriter Leo Rivers, aged 24, performs “Fireline,” an energetic pop-rock anthem that marries rough vocals with stadium-worthy enthusiasm.
With a full band and a guitar strap over his shoulder, Leo steps onto the stage. With fireworks, strobing strobes, and a powerful chorus that gets everyone standing and cheering, the production feels like an arena show.
The UK long at last achieves the perfect harmony of artistry and appeal following decades of subpar performances. “Fireline” takes the lead with honesty instead of attempting to follow the current trends. Leo is a crowd favourite and a dark horse contender for victory due to his lovable boyish nature, engaged social media presence, and engaging live performance.
A broad spectrum of European music and artistic quality will be presented at Eurovision 2025. Language, style, and culture-wise, the five favourites capture the continent’s diversity. The Grand Final will be an exhilarating celebration of unity through song, whether one of these favourites claims the trophy or another artist surprises everybody.
See the Eurovision magic happen live in Geneva, vote for your favourite, and have fun. You won’t be able to bear missing a moment of the rise of the next European champion.
