Eurovision 2025: Semi-Final 2

The Second Semi-Final of the 2025 Eurovision

On January 28, a special draw ceremony revealed the performers for the second Semi-Final of Eurovision 2025. A total of sixteen countries will perform, with only ten tickets available for the final. The show is divided into two parts. In the first part, fans will see Lithuania, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Greece, Latvia, Ireland, and Montenegro. The second part will feature Czechia, Denmark, Georgia, Finland, Israel, Luxembourg, Malta, and Serbia.

In contrast to the first semis with 15 entries, the second Semi-Final of Eurovision 2025 features 16 countries, so it can be said that there are slightly less chances to reach the final. The uneven number is because Moldova withdrew from the competition, leaving 37 participants. 

Worth knowing: in addition to the participating countries, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom will be able to vote for the participating countries.

The odds and expert previews may show countries like Finland, Israel, Austria and Malta with the highest chances of not just reaching the final, but also winning it all. Hence, the second Semi-Final looks a bit stronger ‘on paper’. However, the real impact of performances can only be measured after the final votes are in. So, let’s get to know the 2025 Eurovision Second Semi-Final participants. Participants are listed by running order (R/O). 

🇦🇺 Australia: Go-Jo – “Milkshake Man”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_08I6mjHSLA 

Best Performance in ESC: 2nd place (2016)

Result in 2024: Semi-Final (11th) 

Matty Zambotto, better known by his stage name Go-Jo, is a famous musician in the ‘Land Down Under’. His hit song “Mrs. Hollywood” has millions of streams on various platforms. The way Go-Jo grew up inspired his unique music style and entire view on life that transcends music. 

The song “Milkshake Man”, as the title might suggest, is a high-energy pop track, encouraging the listeners to always be themselves and go through life with confidence. The lyrics are full of innuendo and humour, in typical Aussie fashion. The catchy chorus and beat may be what Australia needs to return to the Grand Final. 

🇲🇪 Montenegro: Nina Žižič – “Dobrodošli”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ydMkpaB0CWk 

Best Performance in ESC: 13th place (2015)

Result in 2024: Did Not Participate

Montenegro returns to the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time since 2022. The Balkan country is sending a seasoned veteran of the music stage – Nina Žižič. The singer already represented Montenegro in the ESC, albeit long ago, in 2013. 

“Dobrodošli“ is a powerful, inspiring ballad that translates to “Welcome” in the English language. Even though the song is in a style that Nina Žižič’s fans are not too familiar with, the departure from her comfort zone allowed her to get the honour to represent her country. It‘s interesting to know that initially, there was another winner of the national selection but they had to withdraw because it violated Eurovision rules (was performed in public beforehand).

Everyone in Montenegro is eager to see if Žižič can make a memorable comeback or one to forget.

🇮🇪 Ireland: Emmy – “Laika Party”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cZnusVb7yjs 

Best Performance in ESC: 1st place (1970, 1980, 1987, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1996)

Result in 2024: 6th

One of the most successful nations in Eurovision’s history has been eager to break a nearly 3 decades-long win drought. After a memorable performance in 2024, it’s going to be a stark contrast to the gothic witch spell. The 2025 entry in the second ESC Semi-Final of 2025 is a Norwegian singer & songwriter, EMMY. Her song “Laika Party” is a tribute to the legendary Laika dog, the first canine astronaut that orbited Earth in 1957.

EMMY states that the song seeks to reimagine the dog’s tragic fate, envisioning it partying in an eternal space fiesta. The upbeat disco rhythm doesn’t shy away from melancholic moments but is memorable in almost every aspect.

Even though she isn’t Irish, EMMY enjoys great success in the Emerald Isle, captivating younger and more mature audiences. Before the second Semi-Final, “Laika Party” had already been seen trending on TikTok, solidifying EMMY’s status as one of the dark horses of the tournament. Maybe she can leapfrog a few favourites thanks to Europe’s millions of dog persons? Only time will tell!

🇱🇻 Latvia: Tautumeitas – “Bur man laimi”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKw0OCgPV3s 

Best Performance in ESC: 1st place (2002)

Result in 2024: 16th  

After winning in 2002, Latvia hasn’t been able to replicate its success on Europe’s biggest stage. However, in 2025, they are trying something very different by sending a unique folk music ensemble, Tautumeitas. Assembled in 2015, the all-female roster blends traditional Latvian folk music with contemporary elements, something popular in Latvia and its neighbouring ‘Baltic Sister’ nation, Lithuania.

“Bur Man Laimi” or “Bring Me Luck” is a nice mix of traditional Latvian music heritage and modern production quality. The themes of the song are hope and quest for happiness – something that almost everyone can resonate with. Arguably the most intriguing element of Tautumeitas performance is the fact that it’s the first Latvian-language entry since 2004. The ensemble has high hopes to live up to, after only winning the national selection after a three-way-tie. 

If Europe’s ready for some Baltic vibes, Latvia can very well advance to the Grand Final. 

🇦🇲 Armenia: PARG – “Survivor”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfH5o3XtI2c 

Best Performance in ESC: 4th (2008, 2014)

Result in 2024: 8th  

Pargev Vardanyan, born in Armenia and raised in Russia, has had a very colourful musical journey. Starting in a church choir, PARG co-founded a band and toured Europe before returning to Armenia in 2022 and launching a solo career. He has released a handful of successful singles, finding fans in both urban and rural spots of Armenia.

His song “Survivor” is about resilience and confidence. The song is mostly in English but also has a handful of Armenian phrases, continuing the theme of cultural and national identity for the Eurovision of recent years. A very vocally gifted artist, Vardanyan won the televote and got the nomination even by placing 2nd in jury voting.

Armenia already has a solid ESC legacy, but placing in the top 3 could make it even better. Let’s see if PARG has what it takes to achieve it. 

🇦🇹 Austria: JJ – “Wasted Love”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-ieSTNpxvio 

Best Performance in ESC: 1st (1966, 2014)

Result in 2024: 24th 

Early polls and predictions say that Austria will have one of the strongest performances in the second Semi-Final of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest. Johannes Pietsch (stage name JJ) is a young Austrian singer with a rich musical background.

The song is quite melancholic, with lyrics like “I’m an ocean of love, and you’re scared of water.” It conveys emotional depth, powered by JJ’s minimalist stage design. A fusion of pop, techno, and solid vocals can bring Austria its next Eurovision win since 2014. 

Even though JJ is a favourite, the contest is won on the stage and not ‘on paper’, so every Austrian is eager to see whether Pietsch can bring it home.

🇬🇷 Greece: Klavdia – “Asteromata”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aDiq8J9h6vQ 

Best Performance in ESC: 1st (2005)

Result in 2024: 11th 

Always memorable and always strong — these would be the best words to describe what Greece brings to the ESC stage. In 2025, they are represented by 22-year-old singer Klavdia Papadopoulou, better known as Klavdia. 

Mentored by the legendary Helena Paparizou, Klavdia built a high profile in Greece, releasing hit after hit. “Asteromata” is an ode to the connection between Greeks and their motherland, conveyed in a format of conversation between a mother and her missing child. Even though there are moments of separation and a need for endurance, the main message is about resilience and a never-ending love between a person and their homeland.

Since it secured the nomination in Greece’s national final on both jury and televote fronts, Klavdia is worth considering as a force to be reckoned with. If a heartfelt performance is what fans will be looking for, she should breeze past the second Semi-Final. However, with tough competition, “Asteromata” will have its work cut out. 

🇱🇹 Lithuania: Katarsis – “Tavo akys”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2f2aZ6Fy58 

Best Performance in ESC: 6th (2006)

Result in 2024: 14th 

The only Baltic State without a Eurovision win yet, Lithuania has been somewhat of a trendsetter in ESC. For a while now, Lithuanian artists have been performing in their native language, a tendency that is growing increasingly common over the years.

This year is no exception with Katarsis (Catharsis) – an alternative rock and punk rock band formed in 2020. Four bandmates released a few songs in their first year, which allowed them to find reasonable success in the alternative music scene. Their song “Tavo akys” (“Your Eyes”) won the selection after a competitive Grand Final.

It’s funny that, according to the band’s leader, Lukas Radzevičius, they had not taken the Eurovision selection seriously in the past, but this year they took the initiative and won. The song portrays an internal conflict and a struggle-filled search for solace. “Your eyes” is the metaphor for a window to clarity and understanding. 

Lithuania has been a frequent visitor to the Grand Final, but maybe, just maybe, an alternative take can propel them to even higher positions?

🇲🇹 Malta: Miriana Conte – “Serving”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLVSwfRRvMA 

Best Performance in ESC: 2nd (2002, 2005)

Result in 2024: Semi-Final (16th) 

One of the more scandalous entries to the second Semi-Final of Eurovision 2025, comes from the small island nation of Malta. Miriana Conte’s original song title was “Kant”, a Maltese word for “singing”. However, due to a very uncanny similarity to an English expletive (very much intended), the EBU requested a change. Hence, the title is now “Serving”. 

Miriana Conte sings about women’s empowerment and focuses on self-expression and confidence. It’s a bouncy pop track with electronic elements, that’s both catchy and very urban in its nature. “Serving” or “Kant” won a consensus vote of both the jury and the televote, securing the nomination.

A little provocation never hurt anybody, and if that’s Europe’s cup of tea in May of 2025, Malta can go very far. Early bookmaker predictions show that this performance could bring the small country one of its best results ever.

🇬🇪 Georgia: Mariam Shengelia – “Freedom”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sLVSwfRRvMA 

Best Performance in ESC: 9th (2010, 2011)

Result in 2024: 21st  

Mariam Shengelia has been active in the Georgian music scene since 2018. Then, a teenager reached the Semi-Final of X Factor Georgia and received nationwide recognition as a result. Her song “Freedom” is composed together with Keti Gabisiani and Buka Kartozia. English and Georgian lyrics evoke imagery of both the singer’s homeland and national pride, as well as importance of liberty. 

Mariam Shengelia got the nomination through an internal selection process by GPB (Georgian Public Broadcaster). The young starlet will seek to turn around last year’s fortunes when Georgia got into the Final but failed to make big noise.

🇩🇰 Denmark: Sissal – “Hallucination”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gdCAgiSIOUc 

Best Performance in ESC: 1st (1963, 2000, 2013)

Result in 2024: Semi-Final (12th) 

After winning it all in 2013, Denmark has been somewhat of an afterthought in recent Eurovisions. Maybe in 2025 it is going to be different? Born in the Faroe Islands, Sissal seemed destined for the big stage early on. She won a national singing competition in the Faroe Islands at the age of 10 and later moved to Copenhagen to pursue her dreams.

After releasing her debut EP Hear Me Now this year, Sissal is ready to up the stakes, performing on Europe’s biggest stage. The song “Hallucination” is about connecting with someone on such a strong level that it feels surreal, just like a hallucination. It blends electronic rhythm with introspective lyrics, offering a nice balance between styles.

Denmark has been eagerly waiting for a great success on the Eurovision stage. On May 15th, 2025, Sissal will try to fulfil her nation’s expectations. She is scheduled to perform 11th. 

🇨🇿 Czechia: Adonxs – “Kiss Kiss Goodbye”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hm8CIICKAJU 

Best Performance in ESC: 6th (2018)

Result in 2024: Semi-Final (11th) 

Adam Pavlovčin is a 29-year-old singer, model, and dancer from Slovakia. He now goes by his stage name Adonxs and is set to represent Czechia in Basel, Eurovision 2025. After having his release “Age of Adonxs” being named Album of the Year in Slovakia in 2022, and getting Artist of the Year nod, Pavločin is aiming to conquer European hearts in 2025. 

After falling away from it, he remembered his love of singing and moved to Prague, where he studied with opera soloist Hana Peckova. After a few years in Prague, he moved to London, where Adonxs began his musical career. “Kiss Kiss Goodbye” is a pop ballad with electronic sounds, talking about complex emotions that are always present when a relationship ends. 

Adonxs was selected internally, and bookmakers see him as one of the early candidates for a Grand-Final position. Maybe he can improve the unfortunate result of his country in 2024, when the Czechs failed to clear the Semi-Final threshold.

🇱🇺 Luxembourg: Laura Thorn – “La poupée monte le son”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVHu_KwHiKY 

Best Performance in ESC: 1st (1961, 1965, 1972, 1973, 1983)

Result in 2024: 13th  

Since it happened so long ago, many people have forgotten just how successful Luxembourg has been in Eurovision. The small state has amassed 5 total wins and is among the all-time leaders in this category. For 2025, seeking to add to the tally, they are sending Laura Thorn, a musician and music teacher with a tremendous academic background. 

Her song is titled “La poupée monte le son” (“The Doll Turns Up the Sound”). With this performance, Thorn makes an homage to Luxembourg’s winning performance of 1965 – singing about a doll who no longer wants to be controlled. 

After a moderately successful outing last year, Luxembourg will be hoping that the trend continues and that Laura Thorn can reach the Grand Final. 

🇮🇱 Israel: Yuval Raphael – “New Day Will Rise”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3BELu4z6-U 

Best Performance in ESC: 1st (1978, 1979, 1998, 2018)

Result in 2024: 5th  

A perennial powerhouse in the ESC, Israel is sending Yuval Raphael and her song “New Day Will Rise” to the second Semi-Final of the 2025 Eurovision. Born on November 5, 2000, Yuval Raphael rose to fame in Israel by winning the 11th season of HaKokhav HaBa (The Next Star), Israel’s national selection for Eurovision. 

“New Day Will Rise” is a multilingual ballad with English, Hebrew and French lyrics. It sends a message of hope, resilience and even references the biblical Song of Songs, focusing on spiritual strength. Since she is a survivor of traumatic events of October 7, Yuval Raphael will definitely pack an extra punch with her performance.

Let’s see whether a visually compelling staging and an emotionally charged performance can propel Yuval Raphael into the Grand Final. 

🇷🇸 Serbia: Princ – “Mila”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18BCbtvDcag 

Best Performance in ESC: 1st (2007)

Result in 2024: 17th  

The penultimate performance of the 2025 Eurovision’s 2nd Semi-Final is Princ from Serbia and his song “Mila”. Princ has a very colourful background. In the real world, he is known by the name of Stefan Zdravković, who studied Scandinavian languages, speaks fluent Norwegian and has been a leader of a rock band Sisyphus for nearly a decade. He had notable success in Serbia, starring in a 2020 Serbian rendition of Jesus Christ Superstar. 

“Mila” or “Dear” is a heartfelt ballad that touches themes like longing, emotional struggle to let go of past experiences and complexities of love. In an interview, Princ describes “Mila” as one of the most challenging performances he’s ever had to give, because of a strong personal connection with the lyrics.

It’s interesting to know that Princ secured the Serbian nomination by placing second with the jury and third in the public vote. It’s his time to prove that he was the right choice for Serbia all along!

🇫🇮 Finland: Erika Vikman – “Ich komme”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kg3QoTpnqyw 

Best Performance in ESC: 1st (2006)

Result in 2024: 19th  

Joining Malta in the category of provocative female-empowering performances is Finland’s entry for Eurovision 2025, “Ich komme,” performed by Erika Vikman.

The Finnish singer and songwriter has always been known for her bold and provocative style. Slowly but surely, she had been putting herself on the entertainment map in Finland. Even though her 2020 entry into the Finnish national selection “Cicciolina” placed second, it was a sensation and turned her into a national pop icon almost overnight.

“Ich komme” is a dance-pop track with some disco motives here and there. The title is in German and is a provocative double entendre. The lyrics are mostly Finnish with a German chorus and focus on a confident woman who is able to embrace her desires and wants without shame.  

Vikman’s performance on stage is noted for its theatrical nature and boldness, even riding a giant microphone at one point. Finns are becoming Eurovision’s lovely hooligans, bringing edgy and provocative performances one after another. Maybe Erika Vikman is just edgy enough to bring back the biggest prize of all?

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