BASEL, Switzerland (AP) — Competition in the 69th Eurovision Song Contest kicked off Tuesday, with sauna-loving Swedish entry KAJ gaining a place in the final and five countries going home after the first of two semifinals of the pan-continental music extravaganza.

The Eurovision Song Contest returned tonight for the first semi-final of the competition but things didn't seem to go to plan for host Switzerland's act Zoë Më in a performance

Céline Dion made a rare appearance during the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest with a brief, pre-recorded message. The star won the contest for Switzerland in 1988, and it had been rumoured she would take the stage as the ceremony returns to the country this year.

Eurovision viewers were moved as Celine Dion made a rare public statement amidst her recent health battle. The Canadian singer, 57, famously clinched the contest for Switzerland in 1988 with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, sparking a career that's seen her become one of the best-selling artists of all time.

Eurovision has officially started, with the first round of semi-finals held Tuesday in the Swiss city of Basel.

Norway’s Kyle Alessandro, Albania’s Shkodra Elektronike and Sweden’s Kaj have qualified for the Eurovision Song Contest final in Basle, Switzerland. Also through is Dutch act Claude Kiambe, Iceland’s Vaeb and Poland’s Justyna Steczkowska.

Celine Dion has said she wants "nothing more" than to be at the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland. The Canadian singer, 57, won in Dublin 1988 with Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi, and Swiss broadcaster SRG SSR confirmed earlier on Tuesday it is still in "close contact" amid speculation she would perform during the final.

Celine Dion moved Eurovision fans when she made an appearance on the show in a pre-recorded video message for the semi-final.