It's finally sauna time as Swedish representatives join the podcast, along with Ukraine's Ziferblat.
KAJ (Kevin, Axel and Jakob) talk about their sauna anthem Bara Bada Bastu, their thoughts on being one of the favourites this year, and why Finland's Lordi left a lasting impression (literally) on the band.
Next up, twin brothers Daniil & Valentyn from Ukraine discuss Bird of Pray, their love of Kate Bush, and why they'll be channeling Roger Federer in the semi-final.
The Official Eurovision Song Contest Podcast is brought to you by Novartis! It is produced and presented for the EBU by Steve Holden. The music is composed by Will Kitchener. Design by Ángela Espejo & Chris Fox
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
36:31
Episode 21: JJ & Tautumeitas
The artists from Austria and Latvia drop by for the latest episode of the podcast!
Austrian opera star JJ is ready to bring drama to his Wasted Love performance. He talks about bonding with Conchita, working with 2023 contestant Teya, and his ‘choatic’ friendship with Denmark’s Sissal.
Then, all six members of Latvian folk-pop group Tatumeitas tell us about their song Bur Man Laimi and their love of Eurovision ethno-divas.
The Official Eurovision Song Contest Podcast is brought to you by Novartis! It is produced and presented for the EBU by Steve Holden. The music is composed by Will Kitchener. Design by Ángela Espejo & Chris Fox
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
31:42
Episode 20: Claude & Nina Žižić
On today’s podcast, we say a big hello to Claude from the Netherlands and Montenegro’s Nina Žižić.
Claude is bringing his feelgood anthem C’est La Vie to the stage. He tells us about his road to Basel, his musical heroes, and why everyone’s going to be hearing his mother at the Contest.
Nina Žižić first represented Montenegro back in 2013 as the singer with rap duo Who See. She;s now flying solo and brings her country back to the contest after a three-year absence with her dramatic ballad Dobrodošli.
The Official Eurovision Song Contest Podcast is brought to you by Novartis! It is produced and presented for the EBU by Steve Holden. The music is composed by Will Kitchener. Design by Ángela Espejo & Chris Fox
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
29:44
Episode 19: Marko Bošnjak, Shkodra Elektronike & Theo Evan
It’s a triple threat as Croatia’s Marko Bosnjak, Albania’s Shkodra Elektronike and Theo Evan from Cyprus visit the podcast.
First up, Marko Bošnjak has been baking his Poison Cake for the Eurovision stage.
Albanian powerhouse duo Shkodra Elektronike tell Steve all about the famous legend inspiring their song Zjerm.
And finally, please be quiet as Cyprus’ Theo Evan tells us all about his entry Shh, a performance which channels Leonardo Da Vinci’s famous Vitruvian Man.
The Official Eurovision Song Contest Podcast is brought to you by Novartis! It is produced and presented for the EBU by Steve Holden. The music is composed by Will Kitchener. Design by Ángela Espejo & Chris Fox
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
--------
35:15
Episode 18: Klemen & Tommy Cash
Estonia’s Coffee King Tommy Cash and Slovenia’s TV presenter-turned-Eurovision star Klemen join Steve on today’s episode of the podcast.
First up, Tommy Cash takes part in his first EVER podcast to discuss the creation of Espresso Macchiato, his friendship with Charli XCX and the famous names backing him for Eurovision victory.
Next, Klemen brings his personal story to the stage in Basel with his ballad How Much Time Do We Have Left?. He tells Steve about the heartfelt ode to his wife, and his background as one of Slovenia’s best known impressionists.
The Official Eurovision Song Contest Podcast is brought to you by Novartis! It is produced and presented for the EBU by Steve Holden. The music is composed by Will Kitchener. Design by Ángela Espejo & Chris Fox.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
It's the Official Eurovision Song Contest podcast. Presenter and music journalist Steve Holden will be chatting to star guests, as well as the singers and artists who'll be competing in Basel, Switzerland in 2025.
Italia