Graham Norton on Eurovision 2025: Interview
Graham Norton has been discussing hosting this year's Eurovision Song Contest final on Saturday.
King of Eurovision, Graham Norton, returns to his role as BBC One commentator during the Grand Final of the world’s biggest music competition on Saturday 17 May. Graham will oversee proceedings from the commentary box in the arena for audiences watching at home, as 26 countries, including the United Kingdom, vie for the number one spot of being crowned Eurovision champion.
Why do you love Eurovision, what’s so magical about it?
To be honest I love everything about Eurovision. It's scale and sincerity are unmatched. The extreme range of musical styles and talents in the contest combined with the coming together of countries and fans makes it a contest like no other.
Who should we be looking out for this year, who do you think may cause a stir?
It's a big year for party anthems and the two that stand out for me are Miriana Conte representing Malta, and EMMY for Ireland with an unlikely banger about an immortal dog. Cutting through all the noise I think Italy might have a good year with a classic rock ballad performed by Lucio Corsi.
What do you think about the UK’s artist, Remember Monday? Can you believe it's been over 25 years since the UK was represented by a girl band at Eurovision? (Precious in 1999)
Remember Monday have a great advantage in that they are unlike any other act this year. Their vocals and harmonies are flawless, the song has a very strong hook and the trio are hugely likeable. With a decent place in the running order they should do very well indeed.
The UK’s song is called What The Hell Just Happened’ it’s inspired by the morning after a night out with friends...Have you ever been in a situation where you’ve thought ‘what the hell just happened?’...anything you can share?!
Yes, ... and no!
Any expectations about Basel or Switzerland?
I haven’t been to Basel before but I'm expecting the contest to run like clockwork, a very clean arena, and fingers crossed for a complimentary chocolate or two.
What are your desert island Eurovision songs, if you can only pick three to listen to forever during your time on the island?
Off the top of my head I'd say: Lulu with Boom Bang-A-Bang, Teach-In with Ding-a-Dong, and Conchita with Rise like a Phoenix, but it is impossible to pick really!
And finally, can you give us any teasers about what to expect during the Final this Saturday?
I know nothing about the plans for the Grand Final yet, but when it's a country like Switzerland that haven't hosted for 36 years, I suspect they are going to pull out all the stops! I can't wait to see what they have in store.