Another year, another controversy for Eurovision – but fans are sticking by it

Every single year, without fail, another year another controversy for Eurovision erupts across headlines, social media feeds, and dinner table debates — and yet, the contest keeps smashing its own viewership records. In 2025, the Eurovision Song Contest held in Basel, Switzerland, drew an estimated 163 million viewers across Europe and beyond, making it one of the most-watched non-sporting events on the planet. Love it or hate it, Eurovision is utterly unignorable.

Eurovision 2025: What Was the Controversy This Time?

It wouldn’t be Eurovision without a scandal, and 2025 delivered spectacularly. The contest, hosted at the St. Jakobshalle arena in Basel, saw fierce debates surrounding voting bloc accusations, last-minute eligibility disputes, and heated online discourse about political messaging embedded in performances. Fans and commentators alike noted that another year another controversy for Eurovision had become practically a festival tradition in itself — as reliable as the iconic scoreboard reveal and the douze points moment.

Israel’s participation once again stirred significant protests outside the venue, with demonstrators gathering along the Rhine River promenade in Basel city centre. Meanwhile, broadcaster complaints about jury transparency resurfaced after results were announced, with several delegations formally requesting review panels. The EBU (European Broadcasting Union) issued a statement defending the integrity of the voting system, though critics argued changes are long overdue.

But Fans? They’re Not Going Anywhere

Here’s the thing about Eurovision controversy: it fuels passion rather than killing it. Fan club memberships across OGAE — the Official Eurovision Fan Club network spanning over 40 countries — reported record sign-ups in 2025. Ticket sales for Eurovision 2026, set to be hosted in a yet-to-be-confirmed city, are already generating enormous anticipation. The dedicated Eurovision fanbase, often called the “Eurovision family,” is known for its fierce loyalty, inclusivity, and unapologetic enthusiasm.

“Eurovision is not just a song contest — it’s a cultural institution. The controversies don’t weaken it, they prove how much people care.” — Spokesperson, OGAE International, 2025

Social media numbers back this up. The #Eurovision hashtag trended globally for seven consecutive days surrounding the 2025 event, generating over 4.2 billion impressions on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram combined. YouTube highlight reels from the grand finale racked up tens of millions of views within 48 hours. Another year, another controversy for Eurovision — and another year of record-breaking engagement.

Basel: The Host City That Stole the Show

Beyond the drama on stage, Basel itself emerged as a stunning backdrop for the 2025 contest. Nestled at the tri-border point where Switzerland, Germany, and France meet, Basel is a city of extraordinary culture, architecture, and accessibility. The Old Town (Altstadt), the medieval Münster cathedral, and the world-famous Art Basel fair grounds became pilgrimage spots for Eurovision tourists flooding in from across the continent.

Hotels across Basel reported 97% occupancy rates during Eurovision week, with premium rooms at the Grand Hotel Les Trois Rois (Hotel of the Three Kings) and the Marriott Basel commanding nightly rates upwards of CHF 800. Budget travellers opted for properties in the Gundeldingen and Iselin districts, with reasonable options available from CHF 120 per night. Flights into EuroAirport Basel-Mulhouse-Freiburg saw a surge of over 60,000 additional passengers during the contest period, with airlines including Swiss Air, EasyJet, and Lufthansa adding extra routes.

The best time to visit Basel is May through September, when the weather is warm, outdoor festivals bloom, and the city’s extraordinary museum scene — boasting more museums per capita than almost anywhere in Europe — is in full swing.

Celebrities Who’ve Graced the Eurovision Stage and Basel’s Streets

Eurovision has launched and attracted some extraordinary celebrity names over the decades. Celine Dion famously won for Switzerland back in 1988, while ABBA used their 1974 Eurovision victory as a launchpad for global domination. More recently, Måneskin (winners in 2021) have become international rock icons, touring sold-out arenas worldwide.

During Eurovision 2025 in Basel, celebrity guests spotted at official events included Billie Eilish, who was in Switzerland for a separate promotional tour, and British actor Idris Elba, a known Eurovision enthusiast who attended the grand final. Fashion designer Jean-Paul Gaultier was also spotted exploring Basel’s renowned Museum Tinguely during the contest week.

Billie Eilish is famously a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra user, frequently spotted capturing behind-the-scenes content on her device. Idris Elba has been associated with the iPhone 16 Pro Max, Apple’s flagship for 2024-2025, known for its titanium build and ProRes video capabilities.

What Smartphones Are Tourists Using at Eurovision?

Speaking of phones, Eurovision tourists are a tech-savvy crowd. A 2025 survey conducted across Eurovision fan groups found that the most popular devices among attendees were:

• Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra — praised for its exceptional low-light camera, perfect for capturing dramatic stage lighting
• iPhone 16 Pro Max — a favourite for its cinematic video mode and long battery life during multi-day events
• Google Pixel 9 Pro — popular for its AI-powered photo editing and real-time translation features across language barriers
• Sony Xperia 1 VII — chosen by photography enthusiasts for its professional-grade camera system

Whether fans were live-streaming performances, snapping Basel’s gorgeous Rhine riverfront, or posting Instagram Reels from the fan zones, high-quality smartphone cameras were absolutely essential kit.

Why Eurovision Will Always Survive Its Own Drama

The truth is, another year another controversy for Eurovision has become part of the contest’s DNA. The debates, the protests, the voting drama — they are inseparable from what makes Eurovision the most compelling live television event in the world. No other contest inspires this level of passion, this depth of community, or this spectacular collision of music, politics, identity, and pure theatrical joy.

Eurovision is not just about winning. It’s about belonging to something bigger — a pan-European celebration that, despite all its imperfections, brings people together in ways very little else can.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where will Eurovision 2026 be held?

As of mid-2025, Eurovision 2026 host city selection is underway. Following the 2025 contest in Basel, Switzerland, the winning country’s broadcaster will confirm a host city later in 2025. Multiple European cities have expressed interest, with announcements expected by autumn 2025.

Is Basel worth visiting outside of Eurovision?

Absolutely. Basel is one of Europe’s great cultural cities, home to over 40 museums including the Fondation Beyeler and Kunstmuseum Basel, stunning medieval architecture, world-class dining, and exceptional transport links at the tri-border region of Switzerland, France, and Germany. The Art Basel fair each June draws global collectors and celebrities annually.

How can I watch Eurovision if I’m not in Europe?

Eurovision is broadcast via the EBU’s official Eurovision.tv platform with free streaming available globally. Fans in Australia can watch on SBS, while North American viewers increasingly access streams through fan communities and the official YouTube channel, which posts performances freely after the broadcast.

Ready to Experience Eurovision Magic Yourself?

Whether you’re a die-hard fan who knows every winner since 1956 or a curious newcomer drawn in by the spectacle, Eurovision deserves to be experienced — ideally, in person. Start planning your trip to the 2026 host city the moment it’s announced, book your flights early through Skyscanner or Google Flights for the best deals, and pack your best smartphone to capture every unforgettable moment.

Follow GmoArena.com for the latest Eurovision updates, celebrity news, and smartphone reviews that keep you connected to the world’s biggest cultural moments. Drop your Eurovision hot takes in the comments below — we want to hear who you think deserved to win!