Erika Vikmann – Ichi Com (Finland)
Can you imagine Eurovision without those wildly explicit songs? Take Australia’s “Milkshake Man” by Go-Jo, for instance. It’s obvious. Finland’s Erika Vikmann brings an electrifying entry with “Ichi Kom,” which translates to “I’m coming” in German. The Eurodance beat just bursts with energy. Vikmann captures a vibrant joy, reminiscent of Norway’s 2023 entry, “Queen of the Kings.” Interestingly, she comes from a family steeped in Finnish tango music—her mom and sister are both musicians in that genre. Yet, her breakthrough hit in 2020 was “Cicciolina,” another disco-inspired anthem that celebrated the boldness of Hungarian-born adult star Irona Starrer.
Lucio Corsi – Volevo Essere Un Duro (Italy)
Italian songs often showcase masculinity in a more nuanced fashion, challenging traditional views through artists like Cristiano Margioglio and Renato Zero. This year, Lucio Corsi brings us “Volevo Essere Un Duro” (I wanted to be a tough guy). The melody gives a nod to 1970s glam rock and some classic Elton John ballads, which creates an almost fairytale-like atmosphere. Corsi certainly presents himself in an enchanting way. Having finished second at the Sanremo Music Festival, he stepped up when the winner Ollie opted out of Eurovision.
Emmy – Leica Party (Ireland)
Norwegian pop artist Emmy reimagines the life of the space dog Leica in her new song. What if she never perished in space but instead danced among stars? With a sound that’s a quirky mix of Aqua, Grimes, and that nostalgic Mario Kart’s “Rainbow Road,” you can picture her parting like it’s 1999. Interestingly, while “Leica Party” boasts collaborations from an Irishman and three Norwegian songwriters, it was initially submitted for Norway’s Melodi Grand Prix but was turned down. Fortunately, Ireland’s Eurosong welcomed it with open arms and subsequently won both the National Jue and TV drama.
Prince – Mira (Serbia)
“Dear you, you paid for me that I love you,” croons Mira in a heart-wrenching power ballad addressing a toxic relationship. The artist, known as the frontman of rock band Sisifs and a former karate champion, intriguingly has a background in linguistics, specifically Scandinavian languages. In the song, he expresses pain while managing to avoid pathetic portrayals, somehow making his character sympathetic even while referring to a new partner as a “liar.”
Laura Thorn – La Poupée Monte Le Son (Luxembourg)
Laura Thorn’s entry explores a doll’s autonomy or lack thereof—think ballet, vintage musicals, and that catchy “Barbie Girl.” “La Poupée Monte Le Son” pays homage to Serge Gainsbourg’s “Poupee de Cire,” which notably won Eurovision 60 years ago. Combining strings, rhythmic beats, and an eerie music box melody, Thorn’s lyrics poignantly assert “je ne suis pas ta marionette,” urging introspection and self-awareness.
Tommy Cash – Espresso Macchiato (Estonia)
Embracing themes like Amore and Espressos, Tommy Cash presents a rap-dance tribute to Italian delights. While it may evoke associations with Sabrina Carpenter or Djötzi’s humorous “Pronto Giuseppe,” in a year marked by quirky, AI-generated Italian memes termed “Italian Brainrot,” this track certainly stands out. Co-written with Johannes Naucalinen, it melds metal and dance pop, reminiscent of a previous Finnish Eurovision entry from 2023.
Kaj – Barabada Bastu (Sweden)
In Sweden, known for its pop prowess, the artistic direction flips with Kaj, a music/comedy group inspired by the bizarre charm of past Finnish acts. Their entry, “Bada Bastu” (Let’s a Sauna), captures that essence—though they did cut a line about soap dropping. Kaj initially began humbly in this year’s Melody Festival but has since climbed to the top of Spotify’s global charts.
Melody – ESA DIVA (Spain)
In 2001, Melody, just a child, burst onto the scene with “El Bail del Gorilla.” Flash forward to 2025, she’s competing with a powerful anthem, “ESA DIVA.” It starts as a reflective ballad, evoking memories of past Eurovision winners like Conchita Wurst. The chorus then erupts, celebrating individuality—she describes her uniqueness, not just as someone who overcomes challenges but also as a devoted mother and a resilient artist.
Ziferblat – Bird of Pray (Ukraine)
What if “Bohemian Rhapsody” was reimagined for Eurovision by a Ukrainian rock band? Ziferblat’s “Bird of Pray” channels a 70s rock opera vibe, combining sacred elements, rock anthems, and an all-female choir. The lyrics present a somber narrative of war’s impact on Ukrainians, a poignant contrast to the soaring production.
SISSAL – Hallucination (Denmark)
Sissal’s “Hallucination” draws on electronic influences reminiscent of collaborations between SIA and David Guetta. While it may feel a tad predictable, it’s an upbeat EDM-Scandi-Pop jam that pays homage to Norwegian and Swedish singers. With its campy vibes and cheeky undertones, it serves as a balance to the expected caricatures often seen at Eurovision, and many fans are already declaring her a standout performer.
