Eurovision 2025: Marina Satti Moves Audiences as Guest “Where It All Began”
A historic interval act thrilled Europe during the First Semi-Final of the Contest, with the Greek hitmaker and performer taking the stage to sing Céline Dion’s legendary “Ne partez pas sans moi” alongside Iolanda, Jerry Heil and Silvester Belt.
The countdown has ended. Basel’s iconic St. Jakobshalle finally threw open its doors to welcome the first fifteen national delegations to the First Semi-Final of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest—and Marina Satti found herself… “where it all began,” in a unique guest appearance that captivated the audience. Eurovision 2025 styled its official opening as “Where It All Began,” inviting the Greek hitmaker and performer to join Iolanda (Portugal 2024), Jerry Heil (Ukraine 2024) and Silvester Belt (Lithuania 2024) in a four-part tribute to perform Céline Dion’s “Ne partez pas sans moi.” Written by Atilla Şereftuğ (music) and Nella Martinetti (French lyrics), that song won in 1988 for Switzerland—launching the Canadian singer’s global career.
Thirty-seven years after that historic Eurovision win that served as the springboard for one of the most remarkable artistic journeys, and as the Contest returns triumphantly to its birthplace—Switzerland, host of the inaugural 1956 competition—Marina Satti was chosen as part of the quartet paying homage to the Swiss organizers. In a richly textured, multi- voiced interval act, they revived the legendary winning entry in a nostalgic, deeply moving performance that was prefaced by a thank-you message from Céline Dion herself, expressing her gratitude to the Contest for the opportunities it afforded her.
“Welcome Home” is the umbrella theme the Swiss organizers have chosen for the three themed nights of the 69th Eurovision Song Contest. That invitation could not be complete without the Greek artist who, just last year, had Europe and the world dancing to “ZARI.” Following her invitation to Stockholm to record the first Greek Spotify Single for the “Spotify Singles meets Eurovision Song Contest” series—where she transformed MARO’s “Saudade, Saudade” (Portugal 2022) into “FOVAME”—Marina Satti once again leaves her unmistakable mark on the Contest, becoming the first non-winner ever officially selected to represent her country in the historic interval act that opens the path to Sunday’s Grand Final.
