Eurovision voting system explained as Sweden now favourite to win

Eurovision 2025 has kicked off in Basel, Switzerland with the first semi-final having taken place. The second semi-final is scheduled for Thursday (May 15), which will determined the full line-up for Saturday's Grand Final.

The United Kingdom is being represented by girl band Remember Monday this year. As one of the Big Five countries, the UK automatically qualifies for the Eurovision Grand Final.

So, how exactly is the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest determined? Read on for details about how the vote works, how you can vote, and which act is the favourite to be crowned the winner at this year's event.

The result of the Eurovision Song Contest is determined by a jury of music industry professionals and viewers, each contributing 50 per cent to the overall result.

Each jury must meet a strict set of criteria which focuses on professional background, in addition to diversity in gender and age.

Judges must vow to evaluate all entries based on a specific set of critera and state that they have no connection to any of the contestants which could impact their vote. Each judge can only be part of the jury once every three years.

The judges vote after watching the second dress rehearsal of each show, which takes place the night prior to each live show.

An independent notary oversees the judging to ensure all procedures are being followed, and each jury submits their result to the EBU and Digame by a secured system, and by fax.

During the Grand Final, a voting window will open once all acts have performed. Voting tariffs are set by each broadcaster and will be shown on screen during the show.

Viewers will be able to submit their vote via phone call, SMS or via the Eurovision official app. As per Eurovision rules, you cannot vote for your own country.

The results are announced live during the Grand Final, with the winner unveiled at the end of the show.

The favourite to win Eurovision 2025 is Sweden's act, KAJ. The trio will be performing their song Bara Bada Bastu, which translates as 'Just Take A Sauna'.

The latest odds from William Hill put Sweden at 10/11, followed by Austria at 11/4 and Belgium at 10/1.

France are fourth, with odds of 12/1, followed by Israel at 14/1.

The UK's odds of winning Eurovision 2025 currently sit at 50/1, while the chance of the UK making the top five is 14/1.

The Eurovision 2025 Grand Final will air on BBC One on Saturday, 17 May at 8pm.