As the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 captured the attention of millions across the UK, the semi-finals offered both drama and spectacle, setting social media and news feeds alight with trending debates, heartfelt reactions, and a fair share of British pride. This year’s contest, held in Basel, Switzerland, has been especially engaging for UK audiences following the journey of Remember Monday, the nation’s newest pop country hopefuls.
A Spectacle Like No Other: How the Semi-Finals Unfolded
The semi-finals took place on Tuesday 13 May and Thursday 15 May, airing primetime on BBC One and streaming on BBC iPlayer with beloved commentators Rylan and Scott Mills providing their usual mix of wit and insight. Radio coverage, helmed by Sara Cox and Richie Anderson, ensured not a single Brit was left out of the action.
In 2025, the competition saw 37 countries compete for just 26 positions in the Grand Final. Only the top 10 acts from each semi-final advanced, joining the famed “Big Five”—the UK, France, Germany, Spain, and Italy—along with host Switzerland, all of whom qualified automatically and participated in the voting.
Key Results from the Semi-Finals
This year’s semi-finals did not disappoint, featuring showstopping performances, surprise upsets, and some truly memorable staging—think yoga balls, magic blenders, and giant microphones. The variety and creativity on display was, in true Eurovision fashion, next-level.
First Semi-Final Highlights
Audiences watched as Ukraine’s Ziferblat clinched the top spot with an impressive 137 points for “Bird of Pray”. Other qualifiers included Shkodra Elektronike for Albania, Claude for the Netherlands, and KAJ for Sweden. Iceland, Poland, Estonia, Norway, Portugal, and San Marino rounded out the top ten, moving on to Saturday’s Grand Final.
Just missing out were Cyprus, Croatia, Slovenia, Belgium, and Azerbaijan—reminding fans that, despite strong acts, Eurovision is always full of surprises and heartbreaks.
Second Semi-Final Highlights
The most searched and debated result came in the second semi-final, where Israel’s Yuval Raphael delivered a powerful “New Day Will Rise” that topped the night with 203 points. Latvia, Finland, Greece, Austria, and Lithuania followed closely, with Luxembourg, Denmark, Malta, and Armenia completing the ten qualifiers.
Notably, countries such as Australia and Ireland failed to progress, with Ireland missing out in a fiercely contested field that, as Twitter trends showed, left many UK-based fans disappointed for their Celtic cousins.
The UK’s Involvement: Voting and Representation
While the UK automatically qualified for the Grand Final as a member of the Big Five, viewers played a significant role in the semi-final voting, with British televotes helping to shape the lineup for the final. In the second semi-final, the UK awarded its maximum 12 points to Israel, showing strong support for Yuval Raphael. Lithuania and Latvia also benefited from high UK televotes, securing 10 and 8 points, respectively. This pattern highlighted both musical taste and deep-rooted connections with continental neighbours.
British jury members, comprising music industry figures, were once again tasked with impartiality, ensuring the event’s integrity. Their votes were publicly released soon after the final, maintaining the contest’s transparency.
Why the Semi-Finals Matter
For many UK fans, the semi-finals embody the true spirit of Eurovision—fresh talent, boundary-pushing performances, and plenty of friendly cross-border rivalry. They are not just a prelude, but a vital stage where underdogs can shine and favourites sometimes falter.
The 2025 semi-finals, for instance, created immediate online buzz. “Eurovision semi final” became one of the UK’s most googled queries in May, particularly during live broadcasts, as fans followed outcomes, supported LGBT+ representation, and debated their favourites on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and TikTok.
British Commentary and Local Appeal
Commentators Rylan and Scott Mills are now integral to the UK’s Eurovision experience. Their sharp observations, humour, and encyclopaedic Eurovision knowledge provided much-needed context, especially when acts veered into the eccentric or political.
Viewership figures from the BBC indicate millions tuned in across the nation, with even more catching up via iPlayer, cementing Eurovision’s place as a key cultural event for British audiences.
Vote Influence and Trends
Public voting, now entirely determining the semi-final outcome, introduced new dynamics. Brits could still influence the final lineup, despite the UK being automatically through. With over 8 million votes cast during the second semi-final night alone across Europe, the UK’s preferences played a visible part in shaping the ultimate Grand Final roster.
Final Thoughts: Looking to the Grand Final
Eurovision’s enduring appeal is clear in the UK: it’s more than a song contest. It is a celebration of diversity, creativity, and unity through music. This year’s semi-finals provided a microcosm of that spirit—delivering upsets, inspiring performances, and a sense of collective joy that only Eurovision can deliver.
As excitement grew toward the Grand Final, UK fans rallied behind Remember Monday, hoping to see them break the country’s long-standing dry spell and make a mark on the left side of the leaderboard. Whether you join for the music, the memes, or simply the sheer unpredictability, Eurovision’s semi-finals remain essential viewing for millions across Britain each May.
UK Voices: Reaction and Anticipation
British audiences make their voices heard before, during, and after the semi-finals, often taking to X, TikTok, and BBC forums to root for their favourites and critique the staging or vocals. Annually, hashtags like #EurovisionSemiFinal and #EurovisionUK trend nationwide, reflecting the competition’s deeply rooted popularity in Britain.
Commentary remains a highlight. UK commentators such as Rylan Clark and Scott Mills keep things grounded—sometimes cheeky—especially when the staging ventures into the surreal. Their running jokes, references to classic Eurovision moments, and nods to British pop culture make the semi-finals appointment viewing for UK audiences.
Conclusion:
The Eurovision semi-finals continue to be a vibrant and essential part of the contest, captivating millions of UK viewers with unforgettable performances and fierce competition. From spirited voting to lively commentary, British audiences play a vital role in shaping the event’s energy and outcome. As excitement builds towards the Grand Final, the semi-finals remind us why Eurovision remains a much-loved tradition across the UK, uniting fans in a shared celebration of music and creativity.
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