BBC Eurovision Song Contest viewers slam 'cringe' opening minutes into 2025 final

Eurovision Song Contest 2025 sparked complaints from BBC One viewers who were quick to comment on the opening video.

Broadcasted from Basel's St Jakobshalle, the grand musical spectacle was made available live via BBC iPlayer, BBC One, Radio 2, and BBC Sounds on Saturday evening (May 17).

The trio of Hazel Brugger, Michelle Hunziker, and Sandra Studer took to the stage as presenters for the night as 26 acts vied for victory.

A pre-recorded opener featuring the hosts didn't hit the right note with fans.

Displeased audience members swiftly voiced their opinions on X (formerly known as Twitter), with one declaring: "why are the presenters always cringe? #Eurovision.", reports Wales Online.

Another viewer expressed their distaste, stating: "Awful cringe hosting but loving to randomness of the hosts costumes #Eurovision."

Further comments poured in criticising the introductory segment, with remarks such as "cringe opening #Eurovision."

and questions like "Why are the intros always so awkward? #Eurovision #ESC2025."

Graham Norton remains the undisputed king of Eurovision commentary for BBC One, delivering his signature wit from within the arena, while Scott Mills and Rylan guide radio listeners through the event on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.

Eurovision Song Contest 2024 reigning champion Nemo set the stage alight with his winning hit The Code before the competitive performances commenced.

In a last-minute twist, Doctor Who star Ncuti Gatwa can no longer fulfil his planned role as a spokesperson during this weekend's Grand Final for reasons undisclosed.

Despite her regular gig on BBC Radio 2's Friday night Kitchen Disco, songstress Sophie Ellis-Bextor will take centre stage to present the United Kingdom's jury result live in the upcoming Eurovision extravaganza.

Sophie confessed "I love Eurovision and it's a privilege to be part of 2025's Grand Final. What an honour it is to announce the UK's jury score on such a special show which always puts music front and centre."

She also expressed excitement, saying "I am very much looking forward to delivering the iconic douze points from the United Kingdom."

The fate of the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest contenders hinges upon a combined tally of points from national juries and public votes across participating nations, together with a distinctive Rest of The World vote.

Each country's jury comprises five esteemed music industry experts. Once the public has had their say, spokespeople from each of the 37 countries taking part will reveal their jury's verdicts live to the world audience.

Subsequent to jury score announcements, the viewer votes from all of the participating countries are amalgamated to yield a single score per entry.

The anticipation will mount as these televoting outcomes are declared by the show's hosts, culminating in a suspense-filled finale when the Eurovision 2025 winner is crowned.

Eurovision Song Contest is available to watch on BBC iPlayer