Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Wiwibloggs: The Eurovision Podcast

What does Miriana Contes 'Serving' have in common with songs by Kesha, the Ying Yang Twins and 17th century Algerian folk music?

In this episode of "What Really Happened At Eurovision?" William and Freddy dissect the Arabian riff — a motif that plays in one of Eurovision 2025's most talked about songs.

Professor Joe Bennett from the Berklee College of Music explains how Arab influences make "Serving" such a special song and why, no matter how hard you try, you Kant just censor certain elements of it. He also discusses the foundations of creativity and how the notion of "exoticism" frequently shows up in music. 

Remember Monday — the UK’s Eurovision 2025 group — tell us what the hell happened during their gorgeous music video shoot. They also explain the difference between performing on the West End and at Eurovision, discuss the strength of their sisterhood and reveal the five matching tattoos they share. The group consists of Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele from Farnborough, Hampshire.

Interviewer: William - http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

We met up with the meme queen of the year, Sissal from Denmark, to talk about the now infamous group chat on Instagram, her new plans for staging and not least a little surprise message from her childhood crush!

Featuring: Simon: http://instagram.com/simonfalkdk

Gabry Ponte from San Marino discusses his life and career — including producing Eifel 65's international mega-ht "Blue" — at Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam. We also discuss his staging plans for "Tutta L'Italia" in Basel.

Interviewer: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

We chat with Croatia's Eurovision star Marko Bošnjak ahead of Eurovision In Concert in Amsterdam. He discusses the challenge of coming out in a conservative country and how he plans to completely change his Eurovision staging in Basel.

Featuring: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Eurovision 2025 favourite J.J. from Austria discusses the writing process behind "Wasted Love" at Eurovision in Concert 2025 in Amsterdam.

Louane — France's Eurovision 2025 singer — discusses her song "maman" during our interview at Eurovision in Concert in Amsterdam. She describes how she got her daughter to sing the final note "maman" of her song, and how her daughter offers the most honest criticism of anyone. She also shares her safe space during these busy days leading to Eurovision.

Interviewer: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

We react to all of the performances from Eurovision in Concert 2025. Who gave the best live performance? Which act improved the most? Which acts failed to deliver? We share our thoughts on the showers, growers and more from the show in Amsterdam.

Our reaction to the Semi-Final 1 running order of Eurovision 2025. Iceland's Vaeb will open the show, while Cyprus' Theo Evan will close it. Among other things, we discuss how the start position could impact who qualifies; why Poland's Justyna was put in second position (the so-called "death slot"); why producers have Cyprus performing last; and so much more.

Watch this podcast on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ohTaz4OfgFU

1. 🇮🇸 Iceland – Væb with “Róa”

2. 🇵🇱 Poland – Justyna Steczkowska with “Gaja”

3. 🇸🇮 Slovenia – Klemen with “How Much Time Do We Have Left”

4. 🇪🇪 Estonia – Tommy Cash with “Espresso Macchiato” 🇪🇸 Spain — Melody with “Esa Diva”

5. 🇺🇦 Ukraine – Ziferblat with “Bird of Pray”

6. 🇸🇪 Sweden – KAJ with “Bara bada bastu”

7. 🇵🇹 Portugal – Napa with “Deslocado”

8. 🇳🇴 Norway – Kyle Alessandro with “Lighter”

9. 🇧🇪 Belgium – Red Sebastian with “Strobe Lights”

🇮🇹 Italy — Lucio Corsi with “Volevo essere un duro”

10. 🇦🇿 Azerbaijan – Mamagama with “Run with U”

11. 🇸🇲 San Marino – Gabry Ponte with “Tutta l’Italia”

12. 🇦🇱 Albania – Shkodra Elektronike with “Zjerm”

13. 🇳🇱 Netherlands – Claude with “C’est la vie”

14. 🇭🇷 Croatia – Marko Bosnjak with “Poison Cake”

🇨🇭 Switzerland — Zoë Më with “Voyage”

15. 🇨🇾 Cyprus – Theo Evan with “Shh”

We react to the Semi-Final 2 running order for Eurovision 2025. Producers have Australia's Go-Jo opening the show and Finland's Erika Vikman closing it. We ask why Montenegro is in the death slot (second position); suggest that producers wanted to spread out the riskqué sexy acts (Australia, Malta, and Finland), ; and suggest Israel benefits hugely from performing between Luxembourg and Germany.  

Watch our reaction on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ANSBdl6845s?si=6cB2DOO1GBECXB6L

1.⁠ ⁠🇦🇺 Australia: Go-Jo with “Milkshake Man”  

2.⁠ ⁠🇲🇪 Montenegro: Nina Žižić with “Dobrodošli”  

3.⁠ ⁠🇮🇪 Ireland: Emmy with “Laika Party”  

4.⁠ ⁠🇱🇻 Latvia: Tautumeitas with “Bur man laimi”  

5.⁠ ⁠🇦🇲 Armenia: Parg with “Survivor”  

6.⁠ ⁠🇦🇹 Austria: JJ with “Wasted Love” 🇬🇧 United Kingdom: Remember Monday with “What the Hell Just Happened?”  

7.⁠ ⁠🇬🇷 Greece: Klavdia with “Asteromata”  

8.⁠ ⁠🇱🇹 Lithuania: Katarsis with “Tavo akys”  

9.⁠ ⁠🇲🇹 Malta: Miriana Conte with “Serving”

10.⁠ ⁠🇬🇪 Georgia: Mariam Shengelia with “Freedom” 🇫🇷 France: Louane with “Maman”

11.⁠ ⁠🇩🇰 Denmark: Sissal with “Hallucination”

12.⁠ ⁠🇨🇿 Czechia: Adonxs with “Kiss Kiss Goodbye”

13.⁠ ⁠🇱🇺 Luxembourg: Laura Thorn with “La poupée monte le son”

14.⁠ ⁠🇮🇱 Israel: Yuval Raphael with “New Day Will Rise” 🇩🇪 Germany: Abor & Tyne with “Baller”

15.⁠ ⁠🇷🇸 Serbia: Princ with “Mila”

16.⁠ ⁠🇫🇮 Finland: Erika Vikman with “Ich komme”

William's reaction to the sauna song "Bara Bada Bastu" — Sweden's Eurovision 2025 entry from KAJ. The Swedish-speaking Finns rode a wave of momentum to win Melodifestivalen 2025. We review their live performance from the national final. Is it surprising the international jury place them second? Does it escape the "joke entry" label? And will the feel-good factor carry through to Basel? We discuss this and more.

00:01 Introduction

01:42 First reaction

04:53 Review and Analysis

07:54 Readers' comments

Featuring: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

It was a nailbiting final in Melodifestivalen in Sweden, but in the end the victory went to the sauna boys! We caught KAJ for their initial reaction to winning and how they are gonna bring the heat to Eurovision.

Featuring: Simon - http://instagram.com/simonfalkdk

Måns Zelmerlöw was the bookmakers' heavy favourite to win Melodifestivalen, but in the end he finished second by only a seven point margin to eventual winners KAJ. We caught up with Måns for a quick reaction after tonight's final, and he tried to cope with not winning.

Featuring: Simon - http://instagram.com/simonfalkdk

Our reaction to "Wasted Love" — JJ's Eurovision 2025 song for Austria. JJ (full name Johannes Pietsch) mixes opera with pop and techno, all delivered in his gorgeous countertenor voice. We review his music video and discuss his artistry, presence, vocals, the song's touching lyrics and the scope for drama and staging in Basel. Can Austria qualify for the grand final? We look at the odds.

00:01 Intro

01:51 First Reaction

04:24 Reaction & Analysis

Our reaction to Serbia's Eurovision 2025 song "Mila" from Princ. We review the live performance from the Pesma za Evroviziju final (PZE 2025).

00:01 Introduction

00:41 Live reaction

03:39 Review & Analysis

09:04 Readers comments

Featuring: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Deban: http://instagram.com/deban_deban

Our reaction to "Baller" — Abor & Tynna's Eurovision 2025 song for Germany. We watch their live performance from the final of Chefsache ESC — the country's national selection. We review the artist's vocal capabilities, the staging, the song and more to ask: Can Germany win Eurovision again? #Eurovision #Chefsache

00:01 Introduction

00:28 First reaction

03:31 Review & Analysis

09:42 Readers' comments

Featuring: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Deban: http://instagram.com/deban_deban

Our reaction to "C'est la Vie" — Claude's Eurovision 2025 song for The Netherlands. We review the song's simple, but touching French-language lyrics, which convey a story of strength and perseverance. The singer — full name Claude Kiambe — was born in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and fled with his mother at the age of 9. The song is a tribute to her for reminding him to always look on the bright side of life. We ask whether this could win the Eurovision Song Contest, as it has great jury and televote appeal.

00:01 Introduction

01:01 The message of Claude's Eurovision song

01:37 First reaction

04:39 Review & Analysis

11:21 Netherlands Semi-Final 1

14:03 Readers' comments

Featuring: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Deban: http://instagram.com/deban_deban

It was a thrilling final tonight in DMGP 2025 in Herning, where the big favourite Sissal ended up taking the trophy with one point margin. We caught her after the show for her initial reaction to winning - and she promises to do everything she can to get Denmark back into the Eurovision final.

Featuring: Simon - http://instagram.com/simonfalkdk

Is "Milkshake Man" a joke entry? We react to Go-Jo's Eurovision 2025 song for Australia. SBS Australia says the lyrics are empowering and uplifting, but the highly suggestive music video, which is full of innuendo, may have viewers reading it differently. We review Go-Jo's (real name Marty Zambotto) chances of qualifying for the grand final. "Milkshake Man" was co-written with Sheppard.

00:01 Introduction

01:41 First reaction

04:32 Review and analysis

12:48 Australia's semi-final

15:02 Readers' comments

Featuring:

William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Deban: http://instagram.com/deban_deban

They weren't expecting anything, but now KAJ have qualified directly to the final of Melfest. We got a quick reaction from the Finn-Swedes after their sauna turned on the heat in Malmö Arena in heat 4. They are ready to turn up the temperature even more in Stockholm in 2 weeks.

William reacts to "Gaja" — Justyna Steczkowska's song for Poland at Eurovision 2025. Justyna won Poland's national final Polskie kwalifikacje with 39% of the televote. William reviews her live performance, asks whether she can qualify for the final, and discusses the staging, her voice and beauty. Do you think this is Poland's best-ever Eurovision entry?

00:01 Introduction

01:46 Reaction

04:49 Review and Analysis

10:40 Readers' comments

Featuring: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Our reaction to Latvia's Eurovision 2025 group Tautumeitas with the song "Bur man laimi." We filmed this two days after they won Supernova 2025 — Latvia's super competitive national final for Eurovision. Can they advance from the semi-final with their ethereal, Latvian-language song? We review their chances.

00:01 Introduction

00:45 Reaction

03:44 Analysis and Prediction

04:23 Bur man laimi lyrics

12:48 Reader comments

Featuring: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Deban: http://instagram.com/deban_deban

William's reaction to Lucio Corsi's Eurovision 2025 song "Volevo essere un duro." Lucio — who came second place at Sanremo 2025 — agreed to sing at Eurovision after Sanremo winner Olly said no to producers and declined his chance to go to Eurovision. We review the song's chances, Lucio's poetic lyrics, and the staging...and explain his white face paint.

00:01 Introduction 00:22 Why did Olly say no to Eurovision?

01:19 "Volevo essere un duro" lyrics

02:43 Reaction 05:36 Review and analysis

11:54 Readers' comments

Featuring:

William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Our reaction to Parg's Eurovision 2025 song for Armenia — SURVIVOR. The song, written by Melodifestivalen songwriters Thoams G:son and Peter Boström, has strong Melfest vibes. But is it too generic for Eurovision? We review its rock sound, Parg's stage presence and vocals, and whether Armenia can qualify for the final. We watch the live performance from AMPTV's Depi Evratestil 2025 final.

00:01 Introduction

01:05 Reaction

04:16 Review & Analysis

16:00 Readers' comments

Featuring:

William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Deban: http://instagram.com/deban_deban

William and Deban share their reaction to "Tavo akys" — Katarsis' Eurovision 2025 song for Lithuania. They review the life performance from the Eurovizija.LT national selection and share their thoughts on the alt rock sound, the staging, the singer's intensity and his vocals. Can Lithuania make the Eurovision final?

00:01 Introduction

00:33 Reaction

03:25 Review & Analysis

08:50 Readers' comments

Featuring: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Deban: http://instagram.com/deban_deban

Let's react to "Espresso Macchiato" — Tommy Cash's Eurovision 2025 song for Estonia. We review his live performance at Eesti Laul and William, who was part of the international jury, shares how he reached his decision. Will Tommy's slapstick comedy, use of Italian language, and viral dance moves help him quality for the final? We review his chances.

00:01 Introduction

00:57 Reaction

04:01 Review and analysis

12:22 Readers' comments

Featuring:

William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Deban: http://instagram.com/deban_deban

It has been 10 years since he won Eurovision. And now Måns Zelmerlöw is back to compete on home soil in Malmö in Melfest. Although he's the current favourite to win Melodifestivalen 2025 and sing at Eurovision, he says he does NOT expect to win.

Featuring: Simon - http://instagram.com/simonfalkdk

Our reaction to "Lighter" — Norway's Eurovision 2025 song from Kyle Alessandro. The 18-year-old singer won Melodi Grand Prix 2025 with a song inspired by his mother's battle with cancer. We review his staging, choreography, costume and voice. Can Norway qualify from the semi-final with this? We share our thoughts.

00:01 Introduction

00:49 Kyle's reaction to winning

01:19 Reaction to live performance

04:13 Review & Analysis

11:26 Readers' comments

Featuring: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Deban: http://instagram.com/deban_deban

Has Olly confirmed for Eurovision 2025? No, not yet. But here's our reaction to the Sanremo 2025 winner's "Balorda nostalgia" — potentially Italy's ESC 2025 song. Would this make the Top 10 at Eurovision? We review its chances.

00:01 Introduction

01:23 "Balorda nostalgia" lyrics

02:15 Reaction

05:26 Review & Analysis

11:16 Readers' comments

Featuring:

William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Deban: http://instagram.com/deban_deban

France has confirmed that Louane will sing for the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. In her first English-language interview since the announcement, the “Avenir” hitmaker teases her entry, which she compares to the a screaming face emoji because it’s so surprising. Louane’s parents passed away when she was a teenager. She tells us how that influenced her thinking when deciding whether to participate in Eurovision. She also offers advice for others coping with the loss of loved ones. From winning a César Award for Most Promising Actress to topping the French charts to winning fans on The Voice of France, Louane has a storied career already. But she sees Eurovision as a way to honour her mother, who dreamed of seeing Louane in the song contest. She’ll reveal her song on March 15 inside Stade de France during the closing match of the Six Nations Rugby Tournament. Let’s do this!

William and Lucy react to the full results of Ireland's Eurosong 2025. EMMY ("Laika Party") won the national jury and televote to finish in first place ahead of runner-up Samantha Mumba ("My Way"), who won the international jury vote.

00:44 EMMY - Laika Party

07:19 Samantha Mumba - My Way

10:34 Bobbi Arlo - Powerplay

14:10 Reylta - Fire

16:58 Niyl - Growth

20:09 ADGY - Run Into The Night

Featuring:

Lucy: http://instagram.com/lucyeasurtee

William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Will Malta's Eurovision 2025 song "KANT" be disqualified — or make changes — over its provocative lyrics? We discuss the world play at the heart of the controversy and ask whether the EBU should make Miriana Conte change the lyrics.

We react to Klavdia's live performance of “Asteromata” at Ethnikós Telikós 2025 — Greece's national selection for Eurovision. William and Deban review her voice, staging and song. Can Greece make the Eurovision final?

Our reaction to Melody and "Esa Diva" — Spain's Eurovision 2025 song and the winner of RTVE's Benidorm Fest 2025. Melody's live performance and staging showcase a "more is more" attitude. We review whether the staging, dancers, choreography, key changes and dynamic story cohere — and whether it needs to be tidied before the grand final. Is this a slay or Eurovision cliché? Watch our reaction to find out.

00:01 Introduction

01:41 Reaction

04:45 Analysis

15:20 Readers' comments

Our reaction to Red Sebastian and his Eurovision song "Strobe Lights" — the winner of Belgium's Eurosong 2025 national final. We discuss whether the live performance lives up to the betting odds hype; Red Sebastian's vocals and choreography; and whether this song can qualify or even win the Eurovision Song Contest.

00:01 Introduction

01:18 Reaction

04:15 Analysis

14:59 Readers' comments (from wiwibloggs.com)

Our reaction to Klemen Slakonja and his song "How Much Time Do We Have Left," the winner of Slovenia's EMA 2025 national selection for Eurovision. We discuss the song's meaning and lyrics: Klemen's wife lives with an auto-immune disorder and the song celebrates his love and her perseverance. We review the staging, whether the song's meaning comes through clearly enough, and how an emotional ballad might do in the semi-finals. William was a jury member in Slovenia and explains how he voted and why. What do you think about the EMA Evrovizija 2025 results?

00:01 Introduction

01:07 Reaction

04:07 Analysis

14:08 Readers' comments

The Eurovision 2025 semi-final allocation draw has taken place in Basel, Switzerland. Which countries sing in which semi-final — and in the first half or second half? We review the draw and react to what what it might mean.

00:26 Eurovision 2025: Semi-Final 1 countries

FIRST HALF Sweden Ukraine Slovenia Iceland Estonia Poland Portugal

SECOND HALF Netherlands Azerbaijan Albania San Marino Belgium Cyprus Croatia Norway

Also voting in the first semi-final… Switzerland Italy Spain

13:10 Eurovision 2025: Semi-Final 2 countries

FIRST HALF Austria Lithuania Armenia Montenegro Greece Ireland Australia Latvia

SECOND HALF Czechia Israel Malta Finland Denmark Luxembourg Georgia Serbia

Also voting in the second semi-final… Germany France United Kingdom

Who should win Greece's Eurovision 2025 national selection? Deban, Georgia and William named their Top 3 favourites in the Greek song contest.

GREEK FINALISTS Andy Nicolas – “Lost my Way” Barbz – “Sirens” Evangelia – “Vále” Nafsika – “Unhurt me” Dinamiss (Ελένη και Μαρια Ντίνα) – “Odyssey” Θάνος Λάμπρου – “Free Love” RIKKI – “Elevator (Up and Down)” Κωνσταντίνος Χριστοφόρου feat Κώστας Καραφώτης – “Παράδεισος” Georgina Kalais feat Γιάννης Βλασσερός – “High Road” Xannova Xan (Κάλλη Γεωργέλλη) – “Play It” Klavdia – “Αστερομάτα” Κώστας Αγέρης – “Γη Μου”

Featuring: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Deban: http://instagram.com/deban_deban

Georgia: http://instagram.com/georgia_efthymiadou

We met Dora 2025 star Marko Bošnjak in Zagreb and chatted about his entry, Eurovision and more! What do you think about "Poison Cake"?

Let's react to Shkodra Elektronike's live performance of "Zjerm" during the Festivali i Këngës 63 final in Albania. The electro pop duo will sing for Albania at Eurovision 2025. I discuss how they are 100% true to Albanian culture and their roots — and how the authenticity and lack of artifice make them stand out.

Featuring:

William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadam

Let's react to Shkodra Elektronike's live performance of "Zjerm" during the Festivali i Këngës 63 final in Albania. The electro pop duo will sing for Albania at Eurovision 2025. Unfortunately, RTSH blocked the performance video, so I can only show photographs. I discuss how they are 100% true to Albanian culture and their roots — and how the authenticity and lack of artifice make them stand out.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Festivali i Këngës 63 Artistic Director, Elhaida Dani — the Albanian singer, actress, and composer who has taken #FIK63 to the next level! Elhaida shares her insights into selecting the 30 acts and songs for the competition, introducing game-changing diaspora voting, and her ongoing mission to showcase Albanian talent globally. A Eurovision fan favorite, Elhaida placed 17th at Eurovision 2015 with her iconic song "I'm Alive." She also made history as the winner of X Factor Italia. Could we see her on the Eurovision stage again? Elhaida opens up about her dreams of returning to Eurovision and her commitment to continually improving Festivali i Këngës.

Electropop duo Shkodra Elektronike — Kolë Laca and Beatriçe Gjergji — lit up the stage with their fiery song "Zjerm" during Semi-Final 1 of Festivali i Këngës 63 (#FEST63). In this interview with Wiwibloggs, they share their unique perspective on competing in FiK. Kolë reveals he isn’t familiar with Eurovision or other national song contests, while Beatriçe says she’s already thrilled just to be part of this iconic Albanian festival. The duo also dive into the importance of showcasing their Shkodër, North Albanian dialect and culture through their music.

Our Simon met up with the two-time Eurovision winner Loreen to talk about how everything has been since winning in Liverpool, her upcoming tour and if she is going to try and emulate Johnny Logan's feat and win Eurovision as a songwriter as well.

The interview took place at Het Grote Songfestivalfeest in Amsterdam.

Featuring: Simon: http://instagram.com/simonfalkdk

The Eurovision 2024 public vote winner Baby Lasagna looks back at his experience in Malmö, how life has changed for the Croatian sensation and if getting married to his now wife was more scary than standing on stage at Eurovision in front of 180 million people!

The interview took place at Het Grote Songfestivalfeest in Amsterdam.

Featuring: Simon: http://instagram.com/simonfalkdk

🎤 In this exclusive interview, we sit down with Adam Pavlovčin, known as ADONXS, the rising star representing Czechia at Eurovision 2025. The first queer winner of SuperStar Czech-Slovakia, Adam opens up about his "uncompromising, cheeky, and cinematic" Eurovision song — perfect for dancing and impossible to put in a box.

🌍 Adam also shares the inspiring journey that took him from studying music in London (while juggling five jobs!) to becoming a symbol of inclusivity and equal rights in the music industry back home.

💡 From Eurovision dreams to breaking barriers, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss. Hit play to learn more about ADONXS and his bold vision for music and representation.

✨ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more exclusive Eurovision content.

Featuring: William: http://instagram.com/williamleeadams

Elvana Gjata stuns us yet again at Festivali i Këngës 63 with her fiery entry "Karnaval"! 🎭✨ Could this be the song to bring Albania to the Eurovision 2025 Grand Final? 🎤

In this reaction, we break down her full-length studio cut, compare it to her unforgettable "Me Tana", and highlight her historic achievement as the first Albanian artist to perform in a sold-out domestic stadium.

We also discuss:

👉 How Karnaval might resonate with Eurovision audiences and juries

👉 The Albanian jury's potential reaction to her bold choice of Spanish lyrics

👉 Whether the new 50/50 jury-televote rule hurts her chances of winning FiK 63

👉 Her potential to secure to qualify from the semi-finals and secure Albania’s place in the Grand Final at Eurovision

Mello 2025 singer Greczula (real name Kristofer Greczula) says that the planet Saturn features in his song Believe Me — and may appear in his staging. He co-wrote the song with Amanda Nordelius and John Russel. Greczula is in Heat 3 in Västerås on 15 February.

The current lineup of Dolly Style — the Japanese-styled Swedish girl group — tell our Tobias that even if their members change, the group remains the same. In our English-language interview, they discuss their song "YIHAA!" and competing in Heat 3 in Västerås on 15 February.

Swedish singer Angelino tells us about his Mello 2025 song “Teardrops.” He says it's big on emotion and comes with incredible production. It was written by a Melfest all-star team that includes Jimmy ”Joker” Thörnfeldt, Joy Deb, Linnea Deb, Tusse Chiza