"Eurovision Song Contest 2025: First Semi-Final Highlights and Controversies in Basle, Switzerland"

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"Eurovision Song Contest 2025: First Semi-Final Highlights and Controversies in Basle, Switzerland"

[!CDATA[The Eurovision Song Contest 2025's first semi-final in Basle, Switzerland, showcased ten countries advancing to the final on Saturday night. Celine Dion, the 1988 contest winner, expressed her fondness for Switzerland in a pre-recorded message. Among the standout performances were Sweden's KAJ, Ukraine's Ziferblat, and the Netherlands' Claude Kiambe. Estonia, Poland, Iceland, San Marino, Albania, Portugal, and Norway also secured spots in the final. The second semi-final promises more excitement, with Ireland's Emmy Kristiansen set to perform 'Laika Party.' The event in Switzerland featured diverse performances in 20 languages, breaking records since language rules were relaxed in 1999. Controversy loomed as a protest against anti-Semitism coincided with Israeli singer Yuval Raphael's performance, with a silent march planned in Basle.]]