Eurovision

The BBC presenters were slammed for talking over the official Eurovision hosts, Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer.

While Eurovision fans were thrilled by the latest batch of offerings at the semi-finals on Thursday night (May 15), they were less than impressed by the ongoing commentary made by BBC presenters Rylan Clark and Scott Mills.

While 16 countries battled it out in Switzerland, for one of just 10 spots in Saturday’s Grand Final, viewers took to social media to accuse Rylan and Scott of “talking over everything” and making it harder to enjoy the show. One person watching the song contest at home took to the internet to hit out at the presenters, fuming: “If the BBC One commentators would just shut up now and again, Eurovision would be much more enjoyable instead of talking over top of everyone.”

Another chimed in, adding: “Jesus Christ. Scott and Rylan wait for the bloody song to finish before you start the insane chatter.” While the cheeky duo are known for their light-hearted banter, not everyone was in the mood for their running jokes tonight.

One X user pleaded: “I beg commentators to let us watch the show and stop talking OVER EVERYTHING (and yes I’m looking at you Marty, Rylan and Scott).” A fourth aimed their protest directly at the BBC figures, exclaiming: “C’mon Rylan and Scott, let us hear what they are saying!”

“Why are Rylan and Scott talking over the presenters?” another fan asked bluntly, in reference to the UK broadcasting team speaking over the official Eurovision hosts Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer.

However, some viewers defended them, saying they prefer to hear Rylan and Scott’s thoughts on the performances over those of the official hosts. “In stitches at Scott Mills and Rylan tonight,” one fan tweeted. “Brilliant commentators and PLEASE keep talking over the hosts.”

Earlier in the night, viewers also weighed in on Hazel Brugger’s fashion choices, making fun of her glittery sequined dress which they compared to early 2000s CDs and a fish from the cover of a children’s book.

Tonight’s performance kicked off with Australian singer Go-Jo performing his eccentric song Milkshake Man. This was followed by catchy tunes from Ireland, Latvia, and Armenia.

Viewers seemed especially obsessed with Lithuania’s performance, which involved a wind machine and flying debris on stage. The ten countries that made it through to Saturday’s final have been announced, and they include Armenia, Austria, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Israel, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, and Malta.

Unfortunately this means that Australia, Czechia, Georgia, Ireland, Montenegro, and Serbia will be sent home without a trophy. Several Eurovision fans correctly predicted three of the losing nations ahead of tonight’s performances.

Internet sleuths guessed that Georgia would be eliminated because their song was less powerful than the pieces composed by other countries. One also said that the singer representing Ireland sounded too “nervous”, which would cost her points.

Country-pop trio Remember Monday are representing the UK this year, and took to the stage for the first time tonight with their theatrical entry What the Hell Just Happened? The song captures the chaos of the morning after a night that has gone off the rails. They are already guaranteed a spot in Saturday’s Grand Final as part of the ‘big five’, which includes Italy, Spain, France, and Germany.

The Eurovision Grand Final will take place on Saturday, May 17 at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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Eurovision country trio Remember Monday’s are not new to the stage, as they actually competed in The Voice back in 2019

As the UK’s Eurovision 2025 hopefuls gear up for their big moment on the Grand Final stage, fans are learning more about Remember Monday and their surprising showbiz roots. The country trio is comprised of Lauren Byrne, Holly-Anne Hull and Charlotte Steele.

The three women have known each other since their teenage years, when they became friends while studying at The Sixth Form College Farnborough in Hampshire. The trio originally performed under the name Houston, but rebranded as Remember Monday in 2018 as a tribute to the day they all had free periods at college and would spend time singing together.

Long before preparing to take to the stage for Eurovision, all three members had already become acquainted with the world of entertainment. Charlotte was just a child when she played Jane Bank in Mary Poppins on the West End stage.

Meanwhile, Lauren took on the role of Miss Honey in Matilda, and Holly performed in both Les Misérables and The Phantom of the Opera.

Their big break came in 2019 when the trio auditioned for The Voice UK, stunning judges with their powerful harmonies on Seal’s Kiss from a Rose.

All four coaches turned their chairs, but the band ultimately chose to join Team Jennifer Hudson after being swayed by the chance to be mentored by the only female judge on the panel.

The trio went on to win their Battle Round but were knocked out during the Knockout stage after performing their original track Jailbreaker. Despite the early exit from the competition, the group went on to build a loyal fanbase in the UK.

In September 2023 they took a leap of faith and quit their day jobs to pursue music full time. In early 2024 they were reunited with Hudson on her US talk show, where they gave a soulful performance of Hand in My Pocket by Alanis Morissette.

That same year, Remember Monday was announced as the UK’s Eurovision act for 2025, becoming the first girl band to represent the nation in 26 years.

Their entry What The Hell Just Happened? is a track with bold 80s influences inspired by the chaos of a wild night out. BBC Radio commentators admitted to being “nervous” before they heard the band perform, but were quickly “blown away” after watching Remember Monday’s rehearsals.

Richie Anderson shared: “I was a little bit nervous. It’s like when a family member is about to do a school assembly performance – you’re excited, but also so protective. But as soon as they started singing, their vocals were just incredible.”

He went on to say that the girls’ background in musical theatre prepared them well for putting on a show of this magnitude. He added: “They hit every camera, so it feels like they’re performing just for you – it’s very intimate.”

The Eurovision Song Contest continues with the second semi-final on Thursday, May 15 at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer. The Grand Final will take place on Saturday, May 17 at 8pm on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.

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Eurovision fever is upon us as a host of countries battle it out once again in the semi-final stages of the contest to reach Saturday’s epic final in Basel, Switzerland

Music fans across Europe are set to be in their element once again as the iconic Eurovision Song Contest returns. This year’s semi-final stages are underway, and fans are eagerly waiting to see if their favourite acts will progress to the next stage.

This year sees Basel hosting events following last year’s impressive victory by Switzerland’s Nemo in Sweden. Their song titled The Code gave their reflection on their non-binary identity.

With the rumour mill in full flow about how Switzerland will put on the spectacle – a Celine Dion performance has been touted – one thing is certain: the countries that are battling it out for the coveted award.

This year’s UK entry sees Remember Monday take to the stage in the hope of avoiding the dreaded nil points announcement. The Country trio landed the plum gig after being selected by the BBC’s team of experts. Fans may recognise the group from their efforts on The Voice, where they reached the quarter finals.

Ini total, 37 countries are challenging on the big stage, with the the top 10 from each semi-final making it through to join the ‘big five’. But who else will be competing – and who is banned from doing so?

READ MORE: Eurovision semi-final 2025 LIVE: Netherlands returns year after controversial axe

Who are the Eurovision Song Contest ‘big five’

The UK, Spain, Germany, France and Italy make up the annual event’s ‘big five’. This means these countries receive automatic qualification for the final, which will be held on Saturday, May 17.

Their route straight to the final comes as these are the countries that make the biggest financial contributions to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organisation that owns and operates Eurovision.

The rule came into play in 2000, giving the five countries direct entry into the final – along with the host country.

Eurovision 2025 semi-final lineups

Those outside of the ‘big five’ hoping to make it to the big showcase have to battle it out in two semi-finals. This year sees the first semi-final take place tonight (Tuesday, May 13). It will feature Iceland, Poland, Slovenia and Estonia to begin with.

The running order continues: Spain, Ukraine, Sweden, Portugal, Norway, Belgium, Italy, Azerbaijan, San Marino, Albania, Netherlands, Croatia, Switzerland and Cyprus.

As Italy, Spain and Switzerland automatically qualify for the Grand Final of the spectacle, their viewers will be able to vote for their favourites.

The second semi will take place on Thursday, May 15. This time 16 countries will fight it out. They will be: Australia, Montenegro, Ireland, Latvia, Armenia, Austria, Greece, Lithuania, Malta, Georgia, Denmark, Czechia, Luxembourg, Israel, Serbia and Finland.

UK, France and Germany entries will also perform despite already being through. Their audiences will be able to vote still for their favourite songs.

Countries that are banned from Eurovision

While Israel’s entry is fully expecting a frosty reception, and protests are expected to be carried out, they are still taking part in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. Over 70 participants of previous contests have come together to call for the exclusion of the country due to its continued bombing of Gaza.

However, some countries have been banned.

Among them is Belarus. The country has been banned from competing since 2021. In that year, the country’s entry song,Ya Nauchu Tebya (I’ll Teach You), was deemed to have had lyrics included which were politically motivated and potentially harmful.

Russia have also been banned. The country’s participation was suspended indefinitely due to the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, which began in February 2022. Some critics of Israel’s entry have claimed the EBU lacks consistency due to this ban.

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