Eurovision 2025: Rylan Interview
Rylan has been discussing the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest and his role presenting coverage of the semi-finals.
The world’s biggest music competition returns to BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2, and BBC Sounds this May.
In the lead-up to the Eurovision Grand Final on Saturday 17 May, where 26 countries will compete for the coveted Eurovision 2025 title, fans can enjoy two thrilling live Semi-Finals on Tuesday 13 May and Thursday 15 May. These shows will showcase all 37 participating nations, offering a preview of the talent vying for a spot in the Final.
The top ten countries from each Semi-Final will earn their place in Saturday's showpiece event. During Semi-Final 2 on Thursday, viewers will also witness the UK’s representatives, Remember Monday, perform on the Eurovision stage for the very first time.
This year, Switzerland hosts the 69th edition of Eurovision, following their win in Malmö, Sweden in 2024, where Nemo took the crown with The Code. Eurovision remains one of the longest-running and most-watched non-sporting events in the world.
Covering all the excitement, our expert commentary and presenting team includes Richie Anderson, Sara Cox, Rylan, and Scott Mills, bringing the action to audiences via BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2, and BBC Sounds.
Coverage details:
Semi-Final 1 (Tuesday 13 May): Rylan and Scott Mills on BBC One; Richie Anderson and Sara Cox on Radio 2.
Semi-Final 2 (Thursday 15 May): Rylan and Scott Mills on BBC One; Richie Anderson and Sara Cox on Radio 2.
Fan-favourite Sara Cox returns to the commentary team, having previously lent her voice to Eurovision coverage in Dusseldorf (2011), Baku (2012), and Rotterdam (2021).
On Thursday, all eyes will be on Remember Monday, the UK’s entry, as they deliver their debut Eurovision performance of What The Hell Just Happened? The group—best friends Charlotte, Holly, and Lauren—step into the spotlight for the biggest performance of their career. Their staging, led by renowned creative director Ace Bowerman, promises something special. Bowerman has worked with global stars including Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, Ed Sheeran, and Blackpink.
UK viewers will be able to cast their votes during Thursday’s Semi-Final. As part of the Big Five (UK, Spain, Germany, France, Italy), the UK automatically qualifies for the Grand Final. Switzerland also secures a guaranteed spot as this year’s host nation.
Rylan
Rylan says: “Basel, I’m coming for you! It’s my favourite time of year and I can’t wait to be reunited with my Eurovision husband, Scott Mills, in the commentary booth! We’ll be cheering loudly for our girls Remember Monday! I know they’ve been told to avoid a night out with me, but I think I can persuade Richie and Sara Cox to join me at EuroClub instead...”
What would your ideal Eurovision party look like, and who would be on the guest list?
My ideal Eurovision party is luckily what I get every year – it’s me and Scott sat next to each other talking about a show we love and just by chance people are listening in to our thoughts and reactions.
What key elements do you think you need to be a Eurovision winner?
The main thing you need it to be personable and have good chat - I really believe the winning is all in the pre-planning; it’s connection with the fans and the pre-parties. You’ve of course got to have a great song and a great performance too!
Have you been to Basel or Switzerland before? Any memories? Any expectations about Basel or Switzerland?
I’ve never been to Basel or Switzerland, however I am very good friends with the Swiss delegation, and I’m looking forward to seeing the show that they put on. From knowing them, I know it’s gonna be amazing and from what they’ve told me I know it will be fantastic.
If you could do a duet with any Eurovision act, who would you choose and why, and what would you sing?
It would be Loreen, we have actually already duetted a couple of times already! If we were to do it again, I would do a whole hour’s worth and it will be a medley of songs.
What are your desert island Eurovision songs, if you can only pick three to listen to forever during your time on the island?
Loreen Euphoria, Loreen Tattoo, annnnd Gina G Ooh Ahh Just a Little Bit, so I can have a little dance on the island to bring up morale!
And finally, can you give us any teasers about what to expect during the Semi Finals this Tuesday and Thursday?
Ooh this week is going to be extremely fun; me and Scott are going to be guiding you through it all – sit back, relax and be prepared for a few surprises, and maybe some shocks with some non- qualifiers...
The Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals air on Tuesday 13 May and Thursday 15 May on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.