BASEL, Switzerland — Sweden is the overwhelming favorite to win the Eurovision Song Contest this Saturday in Basel, with its quirky trio KAJ and their playful sauna-themed song “Bara Bada Bastu” (“Let’s Just Sauna”) capturing the attention of millions.
A victory for Sweden would mark its eighth Eurovision title, propelling the Nordic nation past Ireland as the most successful country in the history of the competition.
Bookmakers currently give Sweden a 42% chance of winning the contest, making it the clear frontrunner ahead of Austria’s entry, JJ, who is second favorite with his unique fusion of opera and techno in the song “Wasted Love.”
Eurovision expert William Lee Adams describes Sweden’s performance as “fun, silly and camp” — a winning combination in a contest known for its vibrant and often theatrical presentations.
The comedic trio’s act, which features dancers in towels and a transformation from stiff suits to a more relaxed vibe by the finale, highlights the universally relatable and beloved sauna culture.
Kevin Holmstrom, a member of KAJ, told Reuters, “It is a cherished way of everyday life, just relaxing and connecting and like staying quiet.” This year’s Eurovision comes at a tense moment politically, as protests and calls for boycotts surround Israel’s participation.
The ongoing war in Gaza has sparked heated debate. Pro-Palestinian groups have urged the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, to exclude Israel due to the conflict. More than 50,000 people have reportedly died in Gaza since the recent Israeli offensive, according to local health officials.
Critics accuse the EBU of double standards, noting Israel’s presence at Eurovision while Russia remains banned following its invasion of Ukraine.
“How can Israel compete in a happy competition like Eurovision, which celebrates tolerance, when it is killing thousands of people and bombing hospitals in Gaza?” asked Geri Mueller, president of the Swiss Palestine Association.
Israel’s entrant, Yuval Raphael, is also under scrutiny. Raphael was reportedly at the Nova music festival during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on southern Israel, an assault that left 1,200 people dead and 251 hostages taken, according to Israeli officials.
Despite the political tensions, the EBU maintains that the contest remains a politically neutral event.
“The EBU is not immune to global events but, together with our members, it is our role to ensure the contest remains at heart a universal event that promotes connections, diversity and inclusion through music,” the organization said in a statement.
Eurovision draws a massive global audience, with more than 160 million viewers expected to tune in this year. Adding to the excitement is the potential appearance of Canadian superstar Celine Dion, who won Eurovision in 1988 representing Switzerland.
However, Dion may be unable to attend in person due to ongoing health problems, though she sent a heartfelt video message expressing her desire to be part of the event.
Switzerland earned the right to host this year’s contest after rapper and singer Nemo’s surprise victory last year in Malmö, Sweden.
As the competition unfolds in the picturesque Swiss city, the focus remains on music and celebration, even as the shadow of the Gaza conflict casts a somber undertone.
For Sweden, a win this Saturday not only represents a musical triumph but a historic milestone — cementing its legacy as Eurovision’s most victorious nation.
Whether KAJ’s sauna anthem will steamroll the competition remains to be seen, but the trio’s lighthearted message of relaxation and connection offers a welcome respite amid a deeply divided global landscape.