At Eurovision, Swedish-speaking Finns are representing Sweden

Everyone [is] united by music,

Basel's project leader Beat Lauchli said

We saw it as a funny way to play with stereotypes and bring the sauna to Sweden."

On their choice, they commented

Our first thought with the song and the staging was that we really wanted to do more of an Eurovision-vibe entry directly in Melodifestivalen, to do our own thing and not try to copy what they usually do. And as it turns out, that was a great idea."

The group revealed their strategic approach to entering the Melodifestivalen, stating

First we got into comedy and quickly afterwards music. The combination of the two turned out to be the perfect fit for us. We have a passion for writing witty and catchy songs."

On their journey, they expressed

Remember Monday haven't attempted to discuss politics that much... but their support for the BLM movement has left Palestine activists desperate to get them on-side and make a statement that is critical of Israel.

A source revealed

It is a cherished way of everyday life, just relaxing and connecting and like staying quiet,

KAJ member Kevin Holmstrom told Reuters before the final

How can Israel compete in a happy competition like Eurovision, which celebrates tolerance, when it is killing thousands of people and bombing hospitals in Gaza

said Geri Mueller, president of the Association Swiss Palestine

If you look at the bookies, it's a two-horse race,

said Eurovision expert William Lee Adams, who called KAJ's song "fun, silly and camp" - key ingredients for Eurovision success

The EBU is not immune to global events but, together with our members, it is our role to ensure the contest remains at heart a universal event that promotes connections, diversity and inclusion through music,

it said

It's very important to perform in front of a crowd because we need a response, we need to share emotions with them -- and that will go through the television screen,

guitarist Valentyn Leshchynskyi told AFP

I find the final line-up quite diverse, with both up-tempo entries and ballads, and some slightly more poetic moments,

said Fabien Randanne, a music journalist for France's 20Minutes newspaper and a Eurovision veteran

It's very difficult to say which way the viewers' hearts will go,

he told AFP

The staff and crew are exhausted but super happy,

he told AFP

It's not just the glitter and glam -- you can see there's a lot of work behind it,

she said

I feel very loved when I'm in front of them and I want to give love to them also,

she said

The Mona Lisa laughs but she’s in Paris,

he sings

This is Marmite – if everyone hated Marmite, ... Less Destiny’s Child, more Destiny’s Inappropriate Aunt.”

he memorably said of Germany’s act in 2021, before adding about Serbia’s pop trio

When you sit there on the stage and the song is about to start and you see all the LED screens, the millions of lights, and we’re just three dudes sitting and grilling a sausage, the contrast is so funny,

Norrgård said

The Eurovision bubble is a great bubble to be in,

Jakob Norrgård told The Associated Press on Thursday

I love Finnish sauna culture, because it celebrates the freedom of choice,

said Dorothee Schulte-Basta, a Vora resident who traveled to Basel with the mobile sauna