For the first time since 2014, all five Nordic countries—Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, and Finland—have qualified for the Eurovision Song Contest final, taking place tonight in Basel, Switzerland. This historic achievement underscores the region’s ongoing influence in European pop culture and signals a particularly strong Nordic year.
Norway’s Kyle Alessandro ignites hearts with “Lighter”
Kyle Alessandro, 18, from Steinkjer, is representing Norway with the emotional ballad “Lighter”, a tribute to his mother’s battle with cancer. His performance at Oslo Spektrum during Melodi Grand Prix 2025 moved audiences to tears, combining theatrical visuals—like a symbolic suit of armor—with powerful vocals. After winning with 307 points, Alessandro declared: “We will win Eurovision, mark my words.”
Denmark returns to the final with Sissal’s “Hallucination”
Denmark returns to the Eurovision final for the first time since 2019, thanks to Sissal, a Faroese-Danish artist based in Copenhagen. With her entry “Hallucination”, she blends electropop influences from artists like Robyn and Dagny, delivering a hypnotic performance that highlights her identity as both a mother and a pop innovator. Her presence challenges norms about women in music after motherhood.
Sweden surprises with KAJ and their “Bara Bada Bastu”
Sweden takes a humorous turn this year with KAJ, a Finland-Swedish comedy trio from Vörå. Their song “Bara Bada Bastu” (“Just Bath in the Sauna”) is a playful ode to Finnish sauna culture, performed in a mix of Swedish and Finnish. After an unexpected victory at Melodifestivalen 2025, the group brings satire and Ostrobothnian flair to Basel, marking a bold shift from Sweden’s usual polished pop entries.
Iceland’s VÆB brings cinematic emotion with “Róa”
Representing Iceland, the sibling duo VÆB— Matti and Halfdan —won Söngvakeppnin 2025 with their song “Róa” (“Row”). Written by the brothers together with Ingi Þór Garðarsson, the song combines cinematic instrumentation and emotional depth. The pair has already won hearts with their Eurovision-themed performances in Iceland, and “Róa” promises to deliver a serene yet striking moment on stage.
Finland’s Erika Vikman unleashes “Ich komme”
Erika Vikman, one of Finland’s brightest pop stars, returns to the Eurovision spotlight with “Ich komme”, a bold German-language entry blending punk aesthetics and provocative lyrics. The title, meaning both “I’m coming” and an erotic innuendo, is a feminist celebration of female power and freedom. Vikman, known for her platinum hits like Cicciolina and Syntisten Pöytä, makes a fearless statement with leather, spikes, and a microphone-horse.
Tonight’s final in Basel will not only crown a Eurovision champion—it will celebrate a remarkable moment of Nordic unity and creativity. From raw emotion to satire and empowerment, the five Nordic entries represent a mosaic of what the region has to offer Europe’s biggest stage.
