Sweden Leads Eurovision 2025 Favorites Amid Gaza Protests

Sweden's comedy trio KAJ is the favorite to win the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Basel with their upbeat sauna-themed song "Bara Bada Bastu," which celebrates relaxation and connection through the Finnish tradition of sauna. Bookmakers give KAJ a 42% chance of winning, which would mark Sweden's eighth victory, making it the most successful country in Eurovision history. Austria is the second favorite with singer JJ's techno-opera fusion song "Wasted Love." The contest, expected to draw over 160 million viewers, faces controversy due to protests over Israel's participation amid its ongoing military actions in Gaza. Canadian singer Celine Dion, a former Eurovision winner, was expected to appear but may be absent due to health issues. In Helsinki, a sauna village event called "Saunavision" is engaging Eurovision fans ahead of the final, emphasizing equality and community in the spirit of the contest.