The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 began with a bang — but not in the way organisers had hoped.
Broadcast live from St Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland on Saturday night (May 17), the Grand Final saw 26 nations compete for the prestigious trophy, but early reactions from fans were less than favourable.
Presenters Hazel Brugger, Michelle Hunziker, and Sandra Studer opened the show with a pre-recorded segment that quickly drew criticism online, with many viewers branding the introduction “cringe” and “awkward.”
Viewer Backlash on Social Media
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), fans did not hold back:
- “Why are the presenters always cringe? #Eurovision,” one viewer asked.
- “Awful cringe hosting but loving the randomness of the hosts’ costumes #Eurovision,” said another.
- A third wrote simply: “Cringe opening. #Eurovision.”
- “Why are the intros always so awkward?” added another, echoing the general sentiment.
Where to Watch
Despite the bumpy start, the contest continues to draw massive audiences. UK fans can watch the broadcast live via BBC One, BBC iPlayer, Radio 2, and BBC Sounds.
Longtime Eurovision icon Graham Norton returned for commentary duties on BBC One, delivering his usual sharp wit and insight from the booth.
A Busy Night for Graham Norton
In an unexpected twist, Norton also made a cameo in BBC’s “Doctor Who” earlier in the evening as part of the broadcaster’s “Super Saturday” crossover event. Norton appeared as a hologram informing Ncuti Gatwa’s Doctor of an impending world-ending event — just hours before switching gears to host Eurovision.
Norton, who took over Eurovision commentary duties from the late Terry Wogan in 2009, remains a fan-favourite despite recurring criticism of the show’s on-stage presentation.
Eurovision 2025 – The Bigger Picture
While the awkward start set social media abuzz, anticipation remains high for the outcome of the Grand Final, with fans from across Europe — and beyond — tuning in for the glitz, drama, and unforgettable performances the contest is known for.
