Israel’s Yuval Raphael through to Eurovision grand final

The second Eurovision 2025 semi-final took place on Thursday, and saw some of this year’s most popular contestants vie for a place in the Grand Final.

Israel has qualified for Eurovision’s grand final on Saturday. Israel’s participation in Eurovision has been a source of controversy, as its military intensifies its bombardment of Gaza, and enforces blockades of all food and other humanitarian supplies.

Following on from the first semi-final, which was held on Tuesday 13 May in Basel, Switzerland, the second night featured performances from the UK, Malta, Austria, France, Israel and Australia.

Presenters Rylan and Scott Mills provided commentary for the night, which saw Israel’s Yuval Raphael progress to the final performing New Day Will Rise. The singer clasped her hands together, then blew a kiss towards the sky when it was announced she would progress to the final.

Despite the ongoing tension, her song is currently among the favourites to win, according to bookmakers.

One of the big surprises of the night was Greece, who made it through to the final at the expense of countries including Ireland and Australia.

During Tuesday’s competition, Sweden’s entry KAJ, a Finnish comedy-music trio, sailed through thanks to their sauna-inspired song “Bara Bada Bastu”, along with Estonia’s Tommy Cash and his quirky tune “Espresso Macchiato”.

Switzerland was always guaranteed a spot in the Grand Final as last year’s winner, as were Italy, Spain, the UK, France and Germany – the “Big Five” countries.

Former Swiss Eurovision champion and global icon Celine Dion shared a special message with viewers amid rumours that she might perform this year.

Twenty-six acts will now compete in the Eurovision 2025 grand final on Saturday 17 May.

Here are the finalists:

• UK: Remember Monday – “What the Hell Just Happened?”
• France: Louane – “maman”
• Spain: Melody – “ESA DIVA”
• Italy: Lucio Corsi – “Volevo Essere Un Duro”
• Germany: Abor & Tynna – “Baller”
• Switzerland: Zoë Më – “Voyage”
• Armenia: PARG – “SURVIVOR”
• Austria: JJ – “Wasted Love”
• Denmark: Sissal – “Hallucination”
• Finland: Erika Vikman – “ICH KOMME”
• Greece: Klavdia – “Asteromáta”
• Israel: Yuval Raphael – “New Day Will Rise”
• Latvia: Tautumeitas – “Bur Man Laimi”
• Lithuania: Katarsis – “Tavo Akys”
• Luxembourg: Laura Thorn – “La Poupée Monte Le Son”
• Malta: Miriana Conte – “SERVING”
• Norway: Kyle Alessandro – “Lighter”
• Albania: Shkodra Elektronike – “Zjerm”
• Sweden: KAJ – “Bara Bada Bastu”
• 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”

Photo: Yuval Raphael celebrates after progressing to the final with the song New Day Will Rise – Sarah Louise Bennett / EBU