The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel was not just a spectacle for music fans – it was a social event that brought people together. An impressive example of this was the event on 15 May 2025, when the sound of songs by 16 school classes from all over Switzerland was heard live across Barfüsserplatz for the first time.
An afternoon full of emotion and energy
The sun shone over Basel and the stage on Barfüsserplatz became the lively centrepiece of the city: a showcase for the creative potential of young Swiss musicians.
Each class presented their self-written song – supported by experienced songwriters and producers who had guided them through the creative process.
The challenge of the songwriting workshops for school classes was to develop a song that picked up on the ESC slogan “United by music” – with themes such as cohesion, diversity and community.
The result: expressive, multi-faceted and above all authentic songs that delighted the audience and jury alike.
Award for three outstanding songs
Three of the songs composed were honoured in this context. The jury, consisting of the workshop organisers and ESC winner Nemo, did not have an easy task. The quality of the entries was consistently high, and the decision was therefore rather close.
With a great deal of respect and palpable enthusiasm, the jury assessed all 16 songs and ultimately honoured three classes in particular:
1. place: Oberstufe (senior classes) Mett-Bözingen (Biel, BE) – “In-between”
A powerful, emotional track about being in-between – between languages, cultures and identities.
2. place: Niederholz primary school (Riehen, BS) – “Believe in yourself”
An energetic encouragement full of self-confidence.
3. place: Erlenmatt primary school (Basel, BS) – “United”
A musically diverse song with a clear message: Cohesion knows no boundaries – neither linguistic nor cultural.
An experience that will be remembered
For many of the children and young people involved, this afternoon was more than just a performance: It was a moment of visibility and appreciation; an encouraging experience.
Music unites – that was noticeable in every note, every movement and every applause on this day.
Basel presented itself not only as the host of an international event, but also as a stage for young voices who want to be heard – and who may one day write for the big ESC stage themselves.
