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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
National
Jill Lawless

Eurovision explained as the extravagant pop contest reaches its grand final

Eurovision Dean Vuletic Emmy Kristiansen Basel Eurovision Song Contest
APTOPIX Switzerland Eurovision Song Contest - (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

There has already been triumph and tears, singing onstage and in the streets, and a touch of political division, as the 69th Eurovision Song Contest approaches its grand final in the Swiss city of Basel.

Musical acts from 26 countries will take the stage at the St. Jakobshalle arena on Saturday in a spectacular, sequin-drenched competition that has been uniting and dividing Europeans since 1956.

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