Finnish politicians have long used saunas, relaxed but exposing, as an ideal setting for hard talks, a practice known as “sauna diplomacy.” KAJ wear drab suits onstage in tribute to Urho Kekkonen, a long-serving Finnish president who famously deployed the technique in talks with Finland’s overbearing neighbor the Soviet Union.

The countdown is over, the Eurovision Song Contest is back for another and the eyes of the world will be on Basel as the famous events continues with the second semi final on Thursday night. And there are three people with a very important job to do as the show's hosts.

BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — Competition in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest kicked off Tuesday, with sauna-loving Swedish entry KAJ gaining a place in the final and five countries going home after the first of two semifinals of the pan-continental music extravaganza.

Eurovision band Ziferblat of Ukraine sings their national anthem with Ukrainian people during a family meeting in a park in Basel as part of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest week, in Basel, Switzerland, Thursday, May 15, 2025. Credit: AP/Martin Meissner BASEL, Switzerland — Ukraine’s musicians can’t escape war, even at the Eurovision Song Contest.

KAJ, a Finnish trio, will represent Sweden in the annual contest with their song, “Bara Bada Bastu,” a catchy ode to sweating out one's stresses.

Jo’s fun, frothy performance overlooked in preference for insipid rock band and warbling forest nymphs as Australia’s involvement at annual song contest turns sour

Protesters with Palestinian flags and banners took part in a "silent" march along one of the city's main streets to demonstrate against Israel’s participation in the pan-continental pop competition.

EXCLUSIVE: Malta Eurovision contestant Miriana Conte has opened up about the controversy surrounding her single 'Serving'.