Celine Dion’s return to her roots on Tuesday (May 13) was a momentous occasion for the superstar. The Canadian icon sent a surprise video message to the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest, expressing her gratitude and love for the singers, organizers, and viewers during the first round of semifinals.
“Dear Eurovision family and participants, there is nothing I wish for more than to be with you in Basel right now. Switzerland will always hold a special place in my heart. It is a country that believed in me and gave me the opportunity to be a part of something so extraordinary,” said the 57-year-old in the video that was projected on a large screen on the main stage on Tuesday night.
“Winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Switzerland in 1988 was a life-changing moment for me, and I am so grateful to everyone who supported me. Now, 37 years later, it is so beautiful and exciting to see Switzerland win and host this incredible event once again. To the people of Switzerland, thank you for your love. Tonight is yours, and I hope you feel as proud as I do,” she continued.
Before becoming a global phenomenon, Dion won the Eurovision Song Contest representing Switzerland in 1988 with the song “Ne partez pas sans moi.” Dion, who had already released over half a dozen French albums at the time, released her first English album, Unison, two years later in 1990.
Her message also included a part in French where she said, “Music unites us, not just tonight, not just in this moment. It is our strength, our support, and our sustenance in the times when we need it. I love you all, Europe and the rest of the world, of course. Kisses.”
Among the acts that advanced during Tuesday’s elimination round were Kyle Alessandro from Norway, Shkodra Elektronike from Albania, KAJ from Sweden, VÆB from Iceland, Claude from the Netherlands, Justyna Steczkowska from Poland, Gabry Ponte from San Marino, Tommy Cash from Estonia, NAPA from Portugal, and Ziferblat from Ukraine. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cyprus, Croatia, and Slovenia were eliminated.
The next round of semifinals will take place on Thursday (May 15) and will feature performances from Armenia, Australia, Austria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Ireland, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Serbia, and the United Kingdom, with the top 10 advancing to the Grand Final.
According to CNN, after Dion’s message was aired, several contestants from last year’s competition performed a rendition of the diva’s winning song from 1988.
The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual international music competition that has been held since 1956. It is known for its extravagant performances, diverse musical styles, and fierce competition between countries. The contest has launched the careers of many successful artists, including ABBA, Celine Dion, and Julio Iglesias.
In 2025, the contest will be held in Basel, Switzerland, after the country’s victory in the 2024 competition. The event is expected to draw thousands of fans from all over the world and showcase the best of European music.
Celine Dion’s message to the Eurovision Song Contest was a heartwarming reminder of the power of music to bring people together. Her words of love and gratitude towards the competition and its participants show the impact that the event has had on her life and career.
As the competition continues, fans eagerly await the performances of the remaining contestants and the announcement of the winner. With Celine Dion’s blessing and support, the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest is sure to be a memorable and spectacular event.