Every LGBTQ+ artist performing at Eurovision 2025 including Malta’s Miriana Conte
Adonxs, Erika Vikman, and JJ are among the LGBTQ+ acts at Eurovision (Eurovision)
Adonxs, Erika Vikman, and JJ are among the LGBTQ+ acts at Eurovision (Eurovision)
It’s May which means it’s Eurovision season, and we are well and truly in the mood for this annual LGBTQ+ extravaganza.
The 2025 edition of the contest is taking place in Basel, Switzerland and there are several queer artists performing.
37 countries are participating in this year’s contest, with Montenegro rejoining after last competing in 2022. There will be two live Semi-Finals taking place on Tuesday 13 and Thursday 15 May. Then the Grand Final will take place on Saturday 17 May.
Out of the 27 acts taking to the Eurovision stage this year, six are proudly LGBTQ+. Let’s meet them.
JJ – Austria
As a classical singer JJ (Johannes Pietsch), a counter tenor who can reach soprano heights, has already made a name for himself.
The Austrian-Filipino LGBTQ+ artist has partaken in numerous productions at the performs at the Vienna State Opera such as Die Zauberflöte, Von der Liebe Tod and Tschick.
Speaking to queer.de in March JJ said he was happy to represent the queer community at Eurovision. He also said: “My personal message would also be just to love each other, because love is the most beautiful thing in the world, and hate is the most horrible thing. When you’re there for each other, everything can work great.”
Miriana Conte – Malta
This versatile Maltese singer has a commanding voice and uses that to effect on ‘SERVING’, said to be “based on true events.”
The song and its message, despite being about singing, certainly appeals to an LGBTQ+ audience even after having a key word redacted and removed from the song title.
This will be the LGBTQ+ star’s second attempt at claiming the Eurovision trophy after trying first in 2017 aged just 16.
Erika Vikman – Finland
Another early starter, bisexual artist Erika Vikman is a seasoned performer of stage and screen gaining fame after winning the popular Tangomarkkinat festival in Finland.
With her two-time platinum selling track ‘Cicciolina’ and the three-time platinum success that is ‘Syntisten Pöytä and Ruoska’, which she did with 2023 Eurovision Song Contest runner-up Käärijä, Vikman is one to watch out for.
Adonxs – Czechia
This successful singer, model, and dancer rose to fame winning SuperStar, the Czech-Slovak version of Pop Idol in 2021, during which he became known to the show’s viewers for his unapologetic queer identity and gender non-conforming outfits.
In addition to garnering notability for his music career, Adonxs has partaken in several pro-LGBTQ+ campaigns aimed at increasing queer visibility in Slovakia, where same-sex marriage remains illegal.
Citing the likes of Queen, Elton John, Troye Sivan, and RAYE as among his inspirations, we’re looking forward to see what Adonxs brings to the Eurovision stage.
Red Sebastian – Belgium
Seppe Herreman, now known by his stage name, competed on Belgium’s Got Talent, reaching the final. From there he went on to study and develop his on-stage persona and his characteristic red look.
His inspiration from Lady Gaga is apparent in the video to ‘Strobe Lights’ with his soaring vocals and pulsating beat.
Speaking to ESCplus International in April, Red Sebastian identified as a member of the LGBTQ+ community and said, “I think Eurovision is such a wonderful place to spread love and I hope we can do that this year as well and make the world more beautiful through the music at Eurovision.”
Marko Bošnjak – Croatia
Marko Bošnjak is aiming to be a genre and sterile defying musician, and is off to a good start after beginning his musical career at a young age.
Hailed as a leader of a new generation of musicians in Croatia, the ‘Pusti Me’ singer is gearing up to release his debut album, no doubt helped by his competing at Eurovision.
With ‘Poison Cake’ Marko is also serving up some Gaga-like dramatics and sounds and what snapshots of his live performance we’ve seen so far indicate that will be present in the live show
In April, Bošnjak told Wiwibloggs, “visibility is the first step to acceptance” and that he felt coming out was “the right thing to do.” This is despite negative reactions to his sexuality when he came out live on TV after winning the chance to represent Croatia at Eurovision.
Entrants this year will only be allowed to bring their country’s official flag, provided by Swiss television station SRG SSR, to any Eurovision-related event effectively banning any Pride-related flags.
Eurovision participants will also not be allowed to hold flags to express solidarity with other countries, such as the Ukraine flag.
Approached by PinkNews for comment last month, a Eurovision Song Contest spokesperson said: “The official flag policies of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) 2025 have been developed by the Swiss host broadcaster SRG SSR with input from the EBU, particularly on official ESC spaces, to provide clarity for audiences and delegations.”
The spokesperson also said the rule brings Eurovision “in line with other international competitive events.”
The Eurovision 2025 semi-finals will take place in Basel, Switzerland, on 13 and 15 May, with the final taking place on 17 May.
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