Editorial: A Guess into Running Orders for Eurovision 2025 (Part 2: Semi-Final 2)

Running orders are particularly hard to draw, not just in Eurovision but in any competition. Organisers need to balance variety with style, while also considering that there is a show to run. In the context of Eurovision, running orders can also help or hinder you and your competition.

Why are running orders so important?

As mentioned, running orders can put you in good stead or ruin your chances depending on where you fall and what the songs on either side of you. If a song requires a big bombastic moment, putting it next to other high-energy songs will do little to make the impact the delegation hoped for. Similarly, if a song is stripped back, having a string of emotional ballads will make it harder to stand out.

But it isn’t just the delegations that should be kept in focus – the viewer also takes precedence. Think back to 2012, when Englebert Humperdinck kicked off the grand final -with a pared back and intimate love song. Eurovision is a collection of music, by all means, but many switch off the first song if it’s deemed to be tiring or a “buzzkiller”. For a television producer, it’s a logistical nightmare – which in part – helped to inform the change to a producer-led running order from 2013.

Semi-Final 2: A potential running order

With this in mind, this is my (personal) attempt to create a running order for the second semi-final for Eurovision 2025. This is the third year that I have done this editorial, having skipped last year. Each year, however, while I may not get the exact running order right, it’s clear there is a formula producers are using.

Semi-final 2, in comparison to the first semi-final, is a logistical wet dream for producers. Compared with Semi-final 1, this set of songs is far more diverse – with a host of different genres, genders and styles on offer. This makes the possibility of an interesting running order all the more likely! So, how would I go about it?

#1 – Ireland – “Laika Party”

Out of all the songs that would be competing in Semi-Final 2, I could not see anyone else but Ireland opening this show. The song is dramatically catchy, and the bright and bold colours really offer the viewers a spectacle to kick things off. Emmy’s childlike vocals can also attract younger viewers who will definitely be watching, and with a high tempo, putting “Laika Party” first would be the perfect song to kick off proceedings.

#2 – Greece – “Asteromáta”

After the saccharine feel of Ireland, it’s time for something completely different – this time, a heart-wrenching ballad from Greece. This – when following Ireland – is a perfect pallet cleanser, while also being able to reach out and connect on her own merit. Klavdia’s wide-ranging vocals will fill the arena with power, and with a dramatic ethnic ballad, the flow of the show will already start to show itself. The lack of major props here as well would also add a real pared-back approach for “Asteromáta”, which would also help both Emmy and Klavdia to shine.

#3 – Lithuania – “Tavo akys”

Like how I explained in the semi-final 1 prediction, #3 in a semi-final is usually where the wildcards for the show are put in. Anything goes here, and while it has been known to have middling results for qualification, it makes the audience sit up and pay attention. This is the kind of reaction we need for Lithuania, so this is the perfect time for Katarsis to take to the stage. The dark vibes from “Asteromáta” are carried on into “Tavo akys”, and it leaves producers with more avenues to switch things up in subsequent songs.

#4 – Latvia – “Bur man laimi”

So, what could possibly follow something as dark and macabre as Lithuania? Step forward Tautumeitas from Latvia, with their chant for happiness, “Bur Man Laimi”. This requires very little in terms of staging, but the hanging of the thread curtain will help to separate it from what is around it. Also, showing we have a variety of acts thanks to the girls can only work in its favour. This, being an upbeat, positive and electro-folk track will only highlight Latvia further and up its chances to qualify.

#5 – Austria – “Wasted Love”

With the songs left from the first half, Austria’s JJ would be a perfect flow from Tautumeitas, offering up another switch in genre, and helping to make both Latvia and Austria shine. Being a huge fan favourite, JJ would be kept from opening the show, but this feels like a good and natural point for producers to bring in some heavy-hitters. On top this, should Austria bring a prop to Basel, this would give stage hands plenty of time to bring it in while the thread curtain is whisked away. It also brings the first part of the semi-final to a massive crescendo.

#6 – France – “maman”

Much like semi-final 1, this is where I would expect an ad break so that producers can get another big prop on stage. Or, in this case, to introduce the first Big 5 nation performing – France. “Maman” does also have a dramatic ballad feel to it, much like Austria. However, the soft beat in this song helps to separate it from JJ, and put France on the radar as a true anthemic song to watch out for. We still have no idea how Louane could stage this, but I would image there would be some big plans – so putting it after a commercial break is the perfect opportunity.

#7 – Armenia – “Survivor”

So, after a slew of dramatic ballads, I would imagine that fans will want a big injection of energy and power. This is the perfect opportunity for Armenia to enter the fore, with PARG’s banging track “Survivor”. Cutting back into the swing of the competition, PARG performing his brash and rocky song would definitely kick off the second part of the show with a bang. I’d also expect another prop and some fireworks, so a transition from France to Armenia – both of whom may have dramatic staging plans – would be fantastic from a logistics point of view.

#8 – Montenegro – “Dobrodošli”

Time to take things down once again, as we head to Montenegro for another stirring song. After a number of rather clean pop tracks, it’s time for a true staple of the Contest – a Balkan ballad. Nina offers a real slow-burner but by the time it ends, viewers will be drawn in by her phenomenal vocals. I think this is probably the best spot in the running order Montenegro could get on their return to the Contest, and maybe producers will want to reward that. This, however, will be a big moment on stage – and after the darkness, a new breath of light and fresh air will be brought into proceedings.

#9 – Australia – “Milkshake Man”

This leaves just one song left from the first half that is left to compete – Australia’s “Milkshake”. This – being the fun and chaotic track of the half – will get audiences back on their feet and dancing, with innuendos and milkshakes being seen galore. Colour will be imperative to this after a string of rather dark stage plans, and it will really bring the show back up to pace. This also lends itself well to big and messy staging, with pyros galore and the potential for the ice cream van to make a return. Australia are usually very good when it comes to staging, so I’d expect a big finish to the first half.

#10 – Serbia – “Mila”

As we kick off the second half, we’re faced with a dilemma – which two styles of songs are least likely to clash? Would producers put in a song like Malta here to keep up the flow of “novelty” entries? Or do they want to continue this alternating trend they’ve already set? For me, it has to be the latter, which immediately leaves Serbia as the main option. Princ does run the risk of cancelling out Nina’s chances, but the song is sufficiently different enough to stand out on its own merit. The staging is also expected to be dramatically slicked down, so producers will thank their stars Serbia will be keeping their options simple this year.

#11 – Germany – “Baller”

With the second half officially underway, it’s worth bringing the vibe up once again after Serbia’s dramatic ballad. Step up the second Big 5 act of the night, Abor and Tynna from Germany. Comparing this to “Mila”, “Baller” would get fans excited for the next batch of songs and provide a spectacular light show that would nicely contrast with Princ’s more muted staging. The audience mood will be lifted, and it will help to punctuate the flow of the show, giving viewers that added pep to carry on with the show. Production crew can also gear up for the next batch of props, which – by my count – will be many, so the more prep time the better.

#12 – Georgia – “Freedom”

Next up in the hypothetical running order is Georgia, who bring an ethnic flare to their performance. Following a massive floor-filler like Germany would always be a tough ask, but I feel Mariam is the best option for this. The traditional motifs would bring another bit of fresh air to the show, and – while it is another ballad, I feel the two songs that surround “Freedom” will help it out massively and appeal to the voting public.

#13 – Malta – “SERVING”

As we head towards the final batch of songs, next up would easily be Malta’s “SERVING” in my eyes. Yes, there is no “Kant” anymore, but this innuendo-laden track would be full of punch after the graceful feel of Georgia’s song. Miriana would bring another dose of fun to the show in her numerous looks, and the positive vibes of the track are sure to get people talking. I also fully expect the audience to be participating the whole time, so this could be the new Citi Zeni moment for 2025.

#14 – Czechia – “Kiss Kiss Goodbye”

With only so few ballads left, a good mid-tempo song would be good to help slow things down for us in the running order. Czechia’s ADONXS would be fantastic to help achieve this, as the structure of the song keeps fans on their toes, wondering what could happen next. We already have an inkling of what ADONXS could bring to the Eurovision stage, but nothing can be ruled out – and producers may favour Czechia as a wildcard to break up the female power we will be getting later in the show.

#15 – Denmark – “Hallucination”

Well, speaking of female power – we have Sissal coming to the fore to bring vocals for Denmark. This EDM song is such a shift from Czechia and the United Kingdom, that style can only be good for Sissal. We already know that she is planning a drastic overhaul of her performance, so – much like ADONXS – this could be a wildcard that could really go anywhere, as it has that punchy and power-stance moment at the end that would make it as versatile as possible. If put between the right two songs, Denmark could easily sail into the final, but it needs to be in an area where other “Women with Vocals” are not going to be so they won’t cancel each other out.

#16 – United Kingdom – “What the Hell Just Happened”

Time for the final song from the Big 5 here, and it is of course the United Kingdom. This – much like Czechia – is a bit messy structure-wise, but coming after a regular “pop-by-numbers” effort from Denmark means that Remember Monday could easily be… well, remembered. The overall aesthetic of the girls is drastically different to that of what surrounds them, and I think the small country twang that this song exudes would really help it out in amongst the other songs competing, offering a litmus test to producers on where this would best work in their running order for the final. But that’s a story for a different day.

#17 – Israel – “New Day Will Rise”

I’ve put Israel here, much like how producers put Eden Golan in a similar position in 2024. Israel followed Italy in Malmö – and despite both having large props, both were able to be brought on and things did not affect the flow of the show. This is probably the latest that Israel can go, and I imagine that KAN will have a large performance planned for Basel. The song will definitely be a shift from the UK and the remaining two songs, and producers will definitely be factoring in any animosity Israel are likely to get.

#18 – Luxembourg – “La poupée monte le son”

We have just two songs left, and I truly believe the other one is closing, which leaves just Luxembourg in the middle. This track is full of sweetness, and the track is definitely an earworm – a beneficial quality if you’re being put toward the end of the show. As well as this, Laura has hinted at a dramatic shift in how it will be performed, which – if you wanna make an impression – be as late as you physically can be. The bright colours and lack of prop would be perfect for producers here too, if we believe Finland is closing, but if not, I’m expecting a massive pyro show from Luxembourg. It also means Luxembourg will not close the show for the second year in a row, which could garner accusations of favouritism.

#19 – Finland – “ICH KOMME”

Now, if there was any person in this entire year who deserved to close a semi-final, it’s Erika Vikman from Finland. This song has pretty much everything you want from a song that could bring the show to a climactic end (pun very much intended). To finish the show with one woman, on her own, owning the hell out of that stage before straddling a giant microphone hung in the air while pyros shoot out from underneath it – would be magic. It also is set apart from other potential clashes like Malta and Australia, and brings the show to an end with a BANG. I would be shocked if we had a different closer. Genuinely.

Of course, this is just a prediction and not the official running order. Predictions could be wildly off or exact, but any exact placements are just a coincidence.

What do you think of our attempt to pitch a running order for Semi-Final One? Do you agree with our reasonings? If not, how would you put the running order for the events? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. As well as this, be sure to follow ‘THAT Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for more editorials!

News Source: That Eurovision Site

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