Bara bada bastu#Media coverage in the United Kingdom

File:KAJ - Vinnarbild - Melodifestivalen 2025, Stockholm-3.jpg

In preparation for the 2025 competition, {{lang|sv|Melodifestivalen|italic=no}} producer and artistic director Karin Gunnarsson contacted KAJ in 2024 to see if they would participate after reading about the comedy group in {{lang|sv|Dagens Nyheter}}; at the time, the trio had just released an album, which meant they had to write a new song to compete.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hbl.fi/2024-11-26/kaj-klara-for-melodifestivalen-de-satte-oss-i-dodens-grupp/|title=KAJ klara för Melodifestivalen – "De satte oss i dödens grupp"|date=26 November 2024|lang=sv|first=Fredrik|last=Häggman Grindgärds|work=Hufvudstadsbladet|access-date=8 March 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.qx.se/noje/285640/mello-2025-favoriterna-kaj-tar-fantastisk-finsk-weirdness-till-mello/|title=Mello 2025: Favoriterna KAJ tar finsk bastu-weirdness till Melodifestivalen|date=22 February 2025|lang=sv|first=Ronny|last=Larsson|work=QX|access-date=9 March 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/viihdeuutiset/a/e871f528-ae6e-4160-a7f1-0f872c9fe876|title=Karin luki lehtijutun kolmesta suomalaismiehestä – Alkoi tapahtumaketju, jonka lopputulokseen ei uskonut kukaan|lang=fi|date=12 March 2025|first=Mari|last=Pudas|work=Iltalehti|access-date=13 March 2025}} "{{langr|sv|Bara bada bastu}}" was written by KAJ members {{ill|Kevin Holmström|sv}}, {{ill|Axel Åhman|sv}} and {{ill|Jakob Norrgård|sv}}, alongside Anderz Wrethov, Kristofer Strandberg and Robert Skowronski.{{Cite web|url=https://www.expressen.se/noje/melodifestivalen/melodifestivalen-final-2025-allt-du-behover-veta-7mnwr/|title=Melodifestivalen 2025 final – startordning och artister|date=7 March 2025|lang=sv|work=Expressen|access-date=8 March 2025}} Members of the songwriting team worked on the song remotely and all met in-person for the first time at {{lang|sv|Melodifestivalen|italic=no}}.{{Cite web|url=https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/varmland/kristofers-bidrag-utmanar-om-mellosegern-tanker-bara-njuta|title=Kristofers bidrag utmanar om Mellosegern: "Tänker bara njuta"|date=7 March 2025|first=Håkan|last=Wikström|publisher=Sveriges Television|lang=sv|access-date=8 March 2025}} The members of the group KAJ are Finns, but according to competition rules, at least one of the songwriters also must be a Swedish citizen, so KAJ decided to work with Wrethov since they were fans of "{{langr|sv|Guld och gröna skogar}}". Norrgård, who provides lead vocals, said the group wanted to write a song showcasing Finnish culture and that they were inspired by the "weirdness aura" of previous {{Esccnty|Finland|t=Finnish Eurovision}} entries, referring to Käärijä and Windows95man. Strandberg explained that the idea behind "{{langr|sv|Bara bada bastu}}" was to make fun of how Swedes view Finns and aspects of their culture.{{Cite web|url=https://www.svt.se/nyheter/lokalt/varmland/kristofers-vilda-efterfest-efter-mellosegern-bastutatuerade-mig|title=Kristofers vilda efterfest efter Mellosegern: "Bastutatuerade mig"|date=11 March 2025|lang=sv|first=Maria|last=Dahlqvist|publisher=Sveriges Television|access-date=12 March 2025}}

The lyrics of "{{langr|sv|Bara bada bastu}}" are in the Vörå dialect, an Ostrobothnian variety of Finland Swedish, and also contains some words in Finnish, including the expletive {{lang|fi|perkele}}.{{Cite web|url=https://yle.fi/a/7-10067928|title=Nu är det klart! KAJ tävlar i svenska Melodifestivalen – på dialekt|date=26 November 2024|first=Magnus|last=Swanljung|publisher=Svenska Yle|access-date=8 March 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.expressen.se/noje/melodifestivalen/darfor-tavlar-finska-kaj-i-svenska-melodifestivalen/|title=Därför tävlar finska KAJ i svenska Melodifestivalen|date=22 February 2025|lang=sv|first1=Maja|last1=Slobodnik|first2=Ellinor|last2=Saari|work=Expressen|access-date=8 March 2025}} KAJ sent an "exaggerated" version of the song to Wrethov so that he could adapt it for a Swedish audience.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hbl.fi/2025-02-18/svenska-latskrivaren-anderz-wrethov-om-kaj-de-kommer-sticka-ut-mest-av-alla/|title=Svenska låtskrivaren Anderz Wrethov om KAJ: "De kommer sticka ut mest av alla"|date=18 February 2025|lang=sv|first=Sandra|last=Broborn|work=Hufvudstadsbladet|access-date=9 March 2025}} The song mentions Finnish singer Arja Saijonmaa, who reacted positively to being included.{{Cite web|url=https://yle.fi/a/7-10073872|title=KAJ sprider bastufeber i Sverige – men hur ser svenskarna på oss i Finland?|lang=sv|date=7 March 2025|first=Alexander|last=Beijar|publisher=Svenska Yle|access-date=9 March 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.expressen.se/noje/melodifestivalen/bluffen-med-arja-i-melodifestivalen-sa-luras-tittarna/|title=Bluffen med Arja i Melodifestivalen – så luras tittarna|date=8 March 2025|lang=sv|first1=Maja|last1=Slobodnik|first2=Johan|last2=Bratell|work=Expressen|access-date=8 March 2025}} KAJ expressed a desire for Saijonmaa to be featured in their performance for the {{lang|sv|Melodifestivalen|italic=no}} final, and she ultimately appeared in a pre-recorded segment alongside competition hosts Edvin Törnblom and Keyyo.{{Cite web |last1=Jägerhorn |first1=Jenny |last2=Henriksson |first2=Atte |date=26 February 2025 |title=Vi badar bastu och dansar med KAJ: "Aldrig vågat drömma om det här" |url=https://yle.fi/a/7-10073308 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250226032945/https://yle.fi/a/7-10073308 |archive-date=26 February 2025 |access-date=2 March 2025 |publisher=Svenska Yle |lang=sv}}

Skowronski and Strandberg revealed that an early demo of "{{langr|sv|Bara bada bastu}}" contained a line about "dropping the soap", which was ultimately cut.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/bloggar/schlagerbloggen/a/73Madv/textraden-som-stroks-kaj-ville-inte-tappa-tvalen-i-bastun|title=Textraden som ströks: KAJ ville inte tappa tvålen i bastun|date=6 March 2025|first=Torbjörn|last=Ek|lang=sv|work=Aftonbladet|access-date=9 March 2025}} KAJ contacted Bo Lund to play the accordion on the song, which was recorded in a two-hour session in October 2024; Lund had previously been the accordionist for KAJ's "{{ill|Taco hej|lt=Taco hej|sv}}".{{Cite web|url=https://www.vasabladet.fi/Artikel/Visa/854706|title=Bo spelar i KAJ:s låt – "Intressant att se om den går hem hos svenskarna"|date=15 February 2025|lang=sv|first=Monica|last=Ahlroth|work=Vasabladet|access-date=23 March 2025|url-access=subscription}}

"{{langr|sv|Bara bada bastu}}" was released on 21 February 2025 on SVT Play and on streaming services via Warner Music Sweden.{{Cite press release|url=https://www.mynewsdesk.com/se/helenewigrenprbeyond/pressreleases/kaj-slaepper-bara-bada-bastu-taevlar-i-melodifestivalen-2025-3371247|title=KAJ släpper "Bara Bada Bastu" – tävlar i Melodifestivalen 2025|date=21 February 2025|lang=sv|publisher=PR & Beyond|agency=Mynewsdesk|access-date=17 April 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/melodifestivalen/a/JbXOy4/melodifestivalen-latar-lacks-fredag|title=Melodifestivalens låtar släpps på fredag – det här är anledningen|date=1 February 2025|first=Stina|last=Dahlgren|lang=sv|work=Aftonbladet|access-date=17 April 2025}} Its release on a Friday was a departure from previous editions of {{langr|sv|Melodifestivalen}}, where songs would not be officially released until after their competition performance on the Saturday.{{Cite web|url=https://www.svd.se/a/B0nOoQ/tidigare-latslapp-ska-boosta-melodifestivalen|title=Tidigare låtsläpp ska boosta Melodifestivalen|date=28 January 2025|first=Ann|last=Edliden|lang=sv|work=Svenska Dagbladet|publisher=TT News Agency|access-date=17 April 2025}} In April 2025, KAJ performed an acoustic version of the song for the Eurovision Song Contest's A Little Bit More series.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/video/kaj-bara-bada-bastu-live-unplugged-sweden-eurovisionalbm|title=KAJ - Bara Bada Bastu (Live & Unplugged)|date=5 April 2025|publisher=Eurovision Song Contest|access-date=17 April 2025}} Both the original version and a karaoke version are included on the track listing of KAJ's compilation album, Sauna Collection (2025).{{Cite web|url=https://levyikkuna.fi/p69335/kaj-sauna-collection-lp-coloured-vinyl|title=KAJ – Sauna Collection LP Coloured Vinyl|lang=fi|publisher=Levykauppa Äx|access-date=17 April 2025}}

Following their {{langr|sv|Melodifestivalen}} win, KAJ started selling T-shirts featuring the song title through their website, which were later removed for breaching competition rules.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/melodifestivalen/a/yEn3aJ/kaj-stoppas-av-svt-salde-bara-bada-bastu-trojor|title=SVT stoppar KAJ:s försäljning: Bryter mot reglerna|date=10 March 2025|lang=sv|first1=Anna|last1=Shimoda|first2=Hans|last2=Shimoda|work=Aftonbladet|access-date=25 March 2025}} KAJ performed "{{langr|sv|Bara bada bastu}}" at three pre-parties: the MancHagen Eurovision Festival on 12{{nbsp}}April, the London Eurovision Party on 13{{nbsp}}April, and the PrePartyES on 19{{nbsp}}April.{{Cite web|url=https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/music-nightlife-news/huge-eurovision-festival-takes-place-31388486|title=A huge Eurovision Festival takes place this week in Manchester - everything you need to know|date=10 April 2025|first=Adam|last=Maidment|work=Manchester Evening News|access-date=23 April 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://wiwibloggs.com/2025/03/22/swedens-kaj-will-bring-the-sauna-vibes-to-the-london-eurovision-party-2025/284110/|title=Sweden's KAJ will bring the sauna vibes to the London Eurovision Party 2025|date=22 March 2025|first=Lucy|last=Percy|website=Wiwibloggs|access-date=25 March 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://eurovoix.com/2025/03/28/kaj-daniela-blasco-prepartyes-2025/|title=🇪🇸 PrePartyES: KAJ and Daniela Blasco Confirmed for PrePartyES 2025|date=28 March 2025|first=Tamara|last=Vecic|work=Eurovoix|access-date=30 March 2025}}

{{Music ratings

| align =

| rev1 = {{lang|sv|Barometern}}

| rev1score = {{Rating|3|5}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.barometern.se/artikel/betyg-sa-bra-ar-bidragen-i-mellofinalen/|title=BETYG: Så bra är bidragen i mellofinalen|date=7 March 2025|lang=sv|first1=Christian|last1=Gustafsson|first2=Frida|last2=Lindström|work=Barometern|access-date=13 March 2025|url-access=subscription}}

| rev2 = {{lang|sv|Dagens Nyheter}}

| rev2score = 5/5{{Cite web|url=https://www.dn.se/kultur/matilda-kallen-bastubad-och-grottrevolution-sa-bra-ar-artisterna-i-melodifestivalens-final/|title=Bastubad och grottrevolution – så bra är artisterna i Melodifestivalens final|date=8 March 2025|lang=sv|first=Matilda|last=Källén|work=Dagens Nyheter|access-date=13 March 2025|url-access=subscription}}

| rev3 = {{lang|sv|Expressen}}

| rev3score = {{Rating|4|full=Hornet Mascot.svg|score=4/5 wasps|size=15px}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.expressen.se/noje/melodifestivalen/sa-bra-ar-artisterna-i-melodifestivalens-final-2025/|title=Så bra är artisterna i Melodifestivalens final 2025|date=8 March 2025|lang=sv|first=Maria|last=Brander|work=Expressen|access-date=23 March 2025|url-access=subscription}}

| rev4 = {{ill|KULT Magasin|sv|lt=KULT Magasin}}

| rev4score = 10/10{{Cite web|url=https://kultmagasin.se/melodifestivalen-2025-recensioner-av-alla-bidrag|title=Melodifestivalen 2025 – Recensioner av alla bidrag|date=7 March 2025|lang=sv|first=Theo|last=Hafström|work=KULT Magasin|access-date=13 March 2025}}

| rev5 = QX

| rev5score = {{Rating|5|5|full=QX Förlag AB.svg|size=18px}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.qx.se/noje/286431/mello-2025-mans-vinner-petra-mede-ger-gaysen-en-harlig-tv-stund/|title=Mello 2025: Måns vinner & Petra Mede ger gaysen en härlig tv-stund!|date=7 March 2025|first1=Ronny|last1=Larsson|author-link1=Ronny Larsson|first2=Ken|last2=Olausson|lang=sv|work=QX|access-date=24 March 2025}}

| rev6 = Yle

| rev6score = 5/5

}}

The song has received positive reviews from Swedish publications.{{Cite web|url=https://yle.fi/a/7-10072989|title=Nu kan du lyssna och smygtitta på KAJ:s Mellobidrag Bara bada bastu|date=21 February 2025|lang=sv|first=Linda|last=Grönqvist|publisher=Svenska Yle|access-date=9 March 2025}} Jan Andersson of {{lang|sv|Göteborgs-Posten}} and Johan Hammerby of {{lang|sv|Hallandsposten}} both complimented the catchiness and comedic nature of "{{langr|sv|Bara bada bastu}}", in a break from Sweden's usual "serious" pop numbers it usually sends to Eurovision.{{Cite web|url=https://www.gp.se/kultur/kulturkronika/yksi-kaksi-kolme-sauna-nu-baxar-vi-bastun-till-basel.c5af0624-52fb-4e9a-b8ab-25284a98aea9|title=Jan Andersson: Yksi kaksi kolme sauna – nu baxar vi bastun till Basel|date=8 March 2025|first=Jan|last=Andersson|work=Göteborgs-Posten|lang=sv|access-date=8 March 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.hallandsposten.se/kultur-noje/joda-vi-kan-visst-skicka-bastulaten-till-eurovision.e2703481-a85c-4752-816e-21abf958b824|title=Jodå, vi kan visst skicka bastulåten till Eurovision|date=7 March 2025|lang=sv|first=Johan|last=Hammerby|work=Hallandsposten|access-date=9 March 2025}} Ronny Larsson of QX called the song "wonderful Eurovision pop".{{Cite web|url=https://www.qx.se/noje/285791/mello-2025-mans-saklart-men-kaj-maste-till-final/|title=Mello 2025: Måns såklart – men ljuvliga KAJ måste till final!|date=22 February 2025|first=Ronny|last=Larsson|author-link=Ronny Larsson|work=QX|lang=sv|access-date=9 March 2025}} Reviewing the songs in the {{langr|sv|Melodifestivalen}} final, Christian Gustafsson of {{lang|sv|Barometern}} said it was not the best song but that it had charm, something he felt the others were missing. Maria Brander of {{lang|sv|Expressen}} enjoyed the song's "total madness" and memorable nature. "{{langr|sv|Bara bada bastu}}" was also praised by Finnish media.{{Cite web|url=https://www.svt.se/kultur/finlandska-gladjen-over-bastudangan-fordjupad-karleksrelation|title=Finländska glädjen över bastudängan: "Fördjupad kärleksrelation"|date=24 February 2025|lang=sv|first1=Rebecca|last1=Haimi|first2=Rebecca|last2=Lundberg|publisher=Sveriges Television|access-date=9 March 2025}} Eva Frantz of Svenska Yle rated the song 5/5, praising KAJ's silliness and charm.{{Cite web|url=https://yle.fi/a/7-10073293|title=Kommentar: Det blir en hisnande Mellofinal|date=2 March 2025|first=Eva|last=Frantz|lang=sv|publisher=Svenska Yle|access-date=9 March 2025}} {{ill|Ilkka Mattila|fi}} of {{lang|fi|Helsingin Sanomat}} complimented the song for appealing to people of all ages, especially children.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hs.fi/kulttuuri/art-2000011126348.html|title=KAJ on koko perheen yhtye, ja se takaa Euroviisuissa äänisaaliin ainakin Suomesta|date=26 March 2025|lang=fi|first=Ilkka|last=Mattila|work=Helsingin Sanomat|access-date=26 March 2025}}

{{Tone|section|date=April 2025}}

During an appearance on the ITV programme Good Morning Britain,{{Cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/2041256/good-morning-britain-itv-smoke|title=GMB fans 'switch off' as ITV studio fills with smoke in Eurovision stunt 'gone wrong'|date=14 April 2025|first=Gemma|last=Jones|publisher=Daily Express|access-date=16 April 2025}}{{Failed verification|date=April 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2025/04/14/itv-presenter-makes-brutal-swipe-uks-eurovision-act-wont-win-22903350/|title=ITV presenter makes brutal swipe at UK's Eurovision act who 'won't win'|date=14 April 2025|first=Pierra|last=Willix|publisher=Metro|access-date=16 April 2025}} presenter Richard Madeley described the Eurovision entries as "mad", "stupid", and "horrible". Jakob Norrgård responded with a call for a more measured tone, using the phrase "easy now" in an effort to moderate the characterisation of the contestants. Madeley went on to acknowledge that Sweden's entry was considered a frontrunner to win the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, describing the song as "ridiculously good" and noting its position at number one on Spotify's Global Viral chart.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6qWcw1Y5h5o|title=ITV Good Morning Britain - 14.4.2025 - KAJ to represent Sweden at ESC|date=14 April 2025|via=YouTube|work=KAJ|access-date=16 April 2025}}{{Primary source inline|date=April 2025}}

When co-presenter Charlotte Hawkins asked about the group's experience entering the competition, Kevin Holmström stated that they began their participation in {{Lang|sv|Melodifestivalen|italic=no}} at the bottom of the betting charts, and that being selected to represent Sweden despite their underdog status had strengthened their determination to aim for overall victory. Madeley concluded the segment by suggesting the interview could become historic, comparing the situation to "interviewing ABBA before they won the {{ESCYr|1974|3=Eurovision}}." Hawkins added: "We were first!"

Other British media outlets and social media influencers also expressed interest in the fact that a group from Finland was representing Sweden.{{Cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzW1TK8-5YE|title=🇸🇪 KAJ "Bara Bada Bastu" Interview at the London Eurovision Party 2025|date=14 April 2025|via=YouTube|work=Wiwibloggs|access-date=16 April 2025}} In response, Kevin Holmström explained that the members are native Swedish speakers and long-time followers of {{Lang|sv|Melodifestivalen|italic=no}}, making the decision to compete for Sweden feel natural. Jakob Norrgård added that the group was proud to represent the Swedish-speaking population of Finland.

Based on betting odds, Sweden was tipped to win the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 before its contestant was chosen.{{Cite web|url=https://yle.fi/a/7-10074199|title=KAJ:s framgångståg tuffar vidare – toppar inhemska och globala listor|lang=sv|date=12 March 2025|first=Simon|last=Karlsson|publisher=Svenska Yle|access-date=13 March 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/melodifestivalen/a/zAPLW4/sverige-bast-odds-att-vinna-eurovision-song-contest-2025|title=Oddsen: Sverige har bäst chans att vinna Eurovision song contest 2025|date=10 March 2025|lang=sv|first=Ebbe|last=Jonsson|work=Aftonbladet|access-date=13 March 2025}} Following KAJ's {{lang|sv|Melodifestivalen|italic=no}} win, Sweden remained the bookmakers' favourite to win Eurovision, with their chances increasing by a few percentage points.{{Cite web|url=https://www.svt.se/kultur/sverige-favorittippat-i-esc-bra-att-ni-vagar-nagonting-nytt|title=Sverige favorittippat i Eurovision: "Bra att ni vågar någonting nytt"|date=11 March 2025|lang=sv|first=Rebecca|last=Haimi|publisher=Sveriges Television|access-date=13 March 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://yle.fi/a/74-20149116|title=Sweden's ESC song by Finnish group KAJ hits top of Spotify's global viral chart|date=12 March 2025|publisher=Yle|access-date=13 March 2025}} In response, Norrgård said he wasn't following the odds too closely and Åhman revealed he felt more pressure during the last week of {{lang|sv|Melodifestivalen|italic=no}}.{{Cite web|url=https://los40.com/2025/04/22/kaj-representantes-de-suecia-en-eurovision-2025-se-siente-como-si-representaramos-la-hermandad-entre-suecia-y-finlandia/|title=KAJ, representantes de Suecia en Eurovisión 2025: "Se siente como si representáramos la hermandad entre Suecia y Finlandia"|lang=es|date=22 April 2025|first=Juande|last=Robles|publisher=Los 40|access-date=22 April 2025}}

Following its release, "{{langr|sv|Bara bada bastu}}" debuted at number one on the Swedish singles chart.{{Cite web|url=https://www.musikindustrin.se/2025/03/02/sverigetopplistan-kaj-bastar-hem-en-etta/|title=Sverigetopplistan: KAJ bastar hem en etta|lang=sv|first=Lars|last=Nylin|date=2 March 2025|work=Musikindustrin|access-date=13 March 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.vasabladet.fi/Artikel/Visa/858473|title=KAJ etta på Sveriges topplista – bastudunken går också hem i Finland|date=23 February 2025|work=Vasabladet|lang=sv|first1=Sandra|last1=Holmgård|first2=Sara|last2=Storbäck|access-date=13 March 2025}} In Finland, the song topped the singles chart in its second week.{{Cite web|url=https://ifpi.fi/uutiset/2025/03/ares-jatkaa-listaykkosena-viikolla-10/|title=Ares jatkaa listaykkösenä viikolla 10|date=7 March 2025|lang=fi|publisher=Musiikkituottajat|access-date=13 March 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://ifpi.fi/uutiset/2025/02/ares-pysyy-listaykkosena-viikolla-09/|title=Ares pysyy listaykkösenä viikolla 9|date=28 February 2025|lang=fi|publisher=Musiikkituottajat|access-date=13 March 2025}} Going into the {{lang|sv|Melodifestivalen|italic=no}} final, the song had the most Spotify streams of all the entries, with twice the streams of the next most-streamed song, "Revolution" by Måns Zelmerlöw.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/bloggar/schlagerbloggen/a/QM2kwV/mans-bast-pa-radio-kaj-dominerar-spotify-infor-finalen|title=Iför finalen: Måns dominerar på radio – KAJ äger streamingen|date=5 March 2025|lang=sv|first=Torbjörn|last=Ek|work=Aftonbladet|access-date=13 March 2025}} However, "Revolution" had the highest audience impressions on Swedish radio whereas "{{langr|sv|Bara bada bastu}}" was eighth among the twelve songs in the final, based on airplay data from Radiomonitor.

The day after KAJ's {{lang|sv|Melodifestivalen|italic=no}} win, the song reached the top of Spotify's Global Viral 50 chart and was among the top 150 most-streamed songs that day. On the same day, the song broke the record for the most-streamed Swedish-language song in a single day on Spotify, with 1,390,344{{nbsp}}streams.{{efn|The record was previously held by "{{langr|sv|Din låt}}" by Victor Leksell and Einár.}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.musikindustrin.se/2025/03/11/kaj-slar-spotifyrekord/|title=KAJ slår Spotifyrekord|date=11 March 2025|lang=sv|first=Christel|last=Valsinger|work=Musikindustrin|access-date=13 March 2025}}

{{Main|Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest 2025}}

File:Melodifestivalen 2025 deltävling 4 Malmö KAJ artistrepetition torsdag 03.jpg]]

Sveriges Television (SVT), the Swedish broadcaster for the Eurovision Song Contest, organised {{lang|sv|Melodifestivalen 2025|italic=no}}, a competition to select the country's entrant for the {{ESCYr|2025|3=2025 contest}}. A total of 30 entries competed, with KAJ performing during the fourth heat in Malmö on 22 February 2025.{{Cite web|url=https://media.melodifestivalen.se/post/de-tavlar-i-melodifestivalen-2025|title=De tävlar i Melodifestivalen 2025|date=26 November 2024|lang=sv|publisher=Sveriges Television|access-date=12 March 2025}} KAJ came in second place in their heat, qualifying directly for the final, which took place in Stockholm on 8 March. In the final, they came in second place with the international juries and first in televoting, ultimately winning the competition with 164 points.{{Cite web|url=https://www.svt.se/kultur/kaj-vinner-melodifestivalen-2025|title=Kaj vinner Melodifestivalen 2025|date=8 March 2025|lang=sv|publisher=Sveriges Television|access-date=12 March 2025}} KAJ received 4,305,774 votes, the most votes in the history of the competition, surpassing the previous record of 3,783,148 votes received by Loreen's "Tattoo" from {{lang|sv|Melodifestivalen 2023|italic=no}}.{{Cite web|url=https://www.dn.se/direkt/2025-03-09/kaj-slog-rostrekord-i-melodifestivalen/|title=Kaj slog röstrekord i Melodifestivalen|date=9 March 2025|author=TT News Agency|work=Dagens Nyheter|lang=sv|access-date=12 March 2025}}{{Cite web |title=Melodifestivalen 2025 - Final: Stockholm |url=https://mellopedia.svt.se/index.php/Melodifestivalen_2025#Final:_Stockholm |access-date=2025-01-31 |website=Mellopedia |publisher=SVT |language=sv}}

File:KAJ - Melodifestivalen 2025, Stockholm - Artistrepetition-8.jpg made use of lasers.]]

For their {{lang|sv|Melodifestivalen|italic=no}} performance during their heat, the members of KAJ are surrounded by real spruce trees and sing the song in front of a woodshed, which is later converted to a sauna.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/melodifestivalen/a/zAwKl9/kaj-i-mello-2025-har-ar-alla-detaljer-i-numret|title=Vedträ som mikrofon och bastumössa – här är alla detaljer i KAJ:s bidrag|date=22 February 2025|lang=sv|first=Annie|last=Månsson|work=Aftonbladet|access-date=12 March 2025}} In addition, a real falukorv is grilled on stage,{{Cite web|url=https://www.skd.se/2025-02-22/mello-pontus-en-refrang-som-inte-kommer-att-lamna-mitt-huvud-pa-en-manad/|title=Mello-Pontus: "En refräng som inte kommer att lämna mitt huvud på en månad"|date=22 February 2025|lang=sv|first=Pontus|last=Källström|work=Skånska Dagbladet|access-date=12 March 2025|url-access=subscription}} and dancers wearing flannel shirts chop wood and later change into towels and dance with sauna whisks. Lotta Furebäck was the creative director for the number, while {{ill|Keisha von Arnold|sv}}, Zain Odelstål, Jennie Widegren and {{ill|Sacha Jean-Baptiste|sv}} served as choreographers.{{Cite web|url=https://yle.fi/a/7-10074385|title=Lär dig dansa Bara bada bastu med oss – yksi, kaksi, kolme, sauna!|date=15 March 2025|lang=sv|first=Jenny|last=Jägerhorn|publisher=Svenska Yle|access-date=23 March 2025}} The sets reportedly cost a total of {{Currency|166000|SEK2}} to build.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/bloggar/schlagerbloggen/a/wgp7P4/sa-mycket-har-kaj-s-bastu-kostat-och-det-hander-efter-sandning|title=Så mycket har KAJ:s bastu kostat – och det händer efter sändning|lang=sv|date=8 March 2025|first=Torbjörn|last=Ek|work=Aftonbladet|access-date=12 March 2025}} For the {{lang|sv|Melodifestivalen|italic=no}} final, lasers and smoke machines were added to the performance.{{Cite web|url=https://www.aftonbladet.se/nojesbladet/bloggar/schlagerbloggen/a/Oo2Kyk/hela-arenan-ska-forses-med-rok-under-kaj-s-nummer|title=Hela arenan ska förses med rök under KAJ:s nummer|date=6 March 2025|lang=sv|first=Torbjörn|last=Ek|work=Aftonbladet|access-date=12 March 2025}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.dn.se/kultur/matilda-kallen-bastubad-och-grottrevolution-sa-bra-ar-artisterna-i-melodifestivalens-final/|title=Bastubad och grottrevolution – så bra är artisterna i Melodifestivalens final|lang=sv|date=8 March 2025|first=Matilda|last=Källén|work=Dagens Nyheter|access-date=13 March 2025|url-access=subscription}}

File:KAJ at ESC2025 for Sweden 23.jpg Grand Final]]

The Eurovision Song Contest 2025 took place at St. Jakobshalle in Basel, Switzerland, with two semi-finals on 13 and 15{{nbsp}}May and the final on 17{{nbsp}}May. Sweden was drawn to compete in the first half of the first semi-final,{{Cite web|url=https://www.bbc.com/mediacentre/articles/2025/eurovision-song-contest-basel-switzerland|title=Eurovision 2025 on the BBC - Everything you need to know|date=7 March 2025|publisher=BBC|access-date=12 March 2025}} with KAJ later scheduled to perform sixth in the semi-final.{{Cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2025-semi-final-running-orders|title=Eurovision 2025: Semi-Final Running Orders revealed|date=28 March 2025|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|access-date=27 March 2025}} "{{langr|sv|Bara bada bastu}}" is the first Swedish-language Eurovision entry since {{ESCYr|2012}},{{efn|name="fi12"|At the Eurovision Song Contest 2012, Finland participated with the Swedish-language "{{ill|När jag blundar|fi|När jag blundar (Pernilla Karlsson-låt)|sv}}" by Pernilla Karlsson.{{Cite web|url=https://yle.fi/a/7-10074981|title=Kommentar: Snusk, 70-tal och språkligt fyrverkeri – så ser KAJ:s och Erika Vikmans motstånd ut i Eurovisionen|date=12 April 2025|lang=sv|first=Eva|last=Frantz|publisher=Svenska Yle|access-date=17 April 2025}}}} and the first {{Esccnty|Sweden|t=representing Sweden}} since {{Esccnty|Sweden|t=1998|y=1998}}.{{efn|name="se98"|At the Eurovision Song Contest 1998, Sweden participated with "{{langr|sv|Kärleken är}}" by Jill Johnson.}} KAJ did not change the song's language for the competition.{{efn|Carola won {{lang|sv|Melodifestivalen 2006}} with "{{langr|sv|Evighet}}" and Lena Philipsson won {{lang|sv|Melodifestivalen 2004}} with "{{langr|sv|Det gör ont}}". Both artists went on to compete in Eurovision with their songs translated into English.{{Cite web|url=https://www.iltalehti.fi/viihdeuutiset/a/3816f466-befc-49e4-ac54-ff74541e3167|title=KAJ ei halua voittaa|date=6 March 2025|lang=fi|first=Mari|last=Pudas|work=Iltalehti|access-date=12 March 2025}}}}

For Eurovision, it was thought that {{lang|fi|perkele}} would need to be replaced or removed from the lyrics, as the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) forbids profanity in the competing songs.{{Cite web|url=https://yle.fi/a/74-20148426|title=Suomalaiset voivat päästä ensimmäistä kertaa äänestämään suomalaisia Euroviisuissa – fanit povaavat kaksoisvoittoa|date=9 March 2025|lang=fi|first=Otso|last=Karhu|publisher=Yle|access-date=12 March 2025}} In an interview with Finnish broadcaster Yle, KAJ revealed they had considered the minced variant {{lang|fi|perhana}} as an alternative, or another variant in the Vörå dialect.{{Cite web|url=https://yle.fi/a/7-10074160|title=KAJ vid hemkomsten till Finland: "Vi har redan hunnit med en dansrepetition"|lang=sv|date=11 March 2025|first1=Edvin|last1=Ekman|first2=Jenny|last2=Jägerhorn|publisher=Svenska Yle|access-date=12 March 2025}} However, in an interview with {{lang|sv|Österbottens Tidning}} in April 2025, the group said that the EBU did not seem to care about the word's presence in the song.{{Cite web|url=https://www.hbl.fi/artikel/ot-ordet-perkele-slutdiskuterat-enligt-kaj/|title=ÖT: Ordet "perkele" slutdiskuterat enligt KAJ|date=7 April 2025|first=Malin|last=Slotte|work=Hufvudstadsbladet|lang=sv|access-date=9 April 2025}} Further changes for the Eurovision performance include incorporating more lights and smoke effects, in addition to having one less dancer in order to abide by competition rules that limit the number of people on stage to six. The three dancers accompanying KAJ also provide background vocals and help with flipping up the sauna, which was rebuilt for the Eurovision stage.{{Cite web|url=https://yle.fi/a/7-10075911|title=Så förändras KAJ:s bastu i Basel|lang=sv|date=9 April 2025|first1=Alexander|last1=Beijar|first2=Anna|last2=Hedström|publisher=Svenska Yle|access-date=10 April 2025}} The sauna is slightly smaller, and consists of two pieces, in order to help with scene changes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.tv4.se/artikel/tt-250423-esckaj-5d391818/mindre-bastu-for-kaj-i-eurovision|title=Mindre bastu för KAJ i Eurovision|date=23 April 2025|lang=sv|author=TT News Agency|publisher=TV4|access-date=23 April 2025}}

The song qualified for the Grand Final,{{Cite web|url=https://eurovision.tv/story/eurovision-2025-first-semi-final-qualifiers|title=Eurovision 2025: The First Semi-Final Qualifiers|website=Eurovision.TV|publisher=European Broadcasting Union|date=2025-05-13|access-date=2025-05-14}} and finished fourth with 321 points.{{Cite news |date=17 May 2025 |title=Protests at Eurovision over Israel's inclusion as Austria wins |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-05-18/eurovision-song-contest-grand-final-2025-live-blog/105294690 |access-date=18 May 2025 |work=ABC News }}

Digital download/streaming{{cite web |title=Bara bada bastu – Single by KAJ |url=https://music.apple.com/se/album/bara-bada-bastu/1795494351?i=1795494352 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250301023330/https://music.apple.com/se/album/bara-bada-bastu/1795494351?i=1795494352 |archive-date=1 March 2025 |access-date=12 May 2025 |website=Apple Music}}

1. "Bara bada bastu" – 2:46

Digital download/streaming – Karaoke version{{cite web |title=Bara bada bastu (Karaoke Version) |url=https://music.apple.com/se/album/bara-bada-bastu-karaoke-version/1811219351?i=1811220076 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250526222408/https://music.apple.com/se/album/bara-bada-bastu-karaoke-version/1811219351?i=1811220076 |archive-date=26 May 2025 |access-date=12 May 2025 |website=Apple Music}}

1. "Bara bada bastu" (karaoke version) – 2:47
2. "Bara bada bastu" – 2:46

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{{Eurovision Song Contest 2025}}

{{Sweden in the Eurovision Song Contest}}

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Category:2025 songs

Category:2025 singles

Category:Eurovision songs of 2025

Category:Eurovision songs of Sweden

Category:Melodifestivalen songs of 2025

Category:Number-one singles in Finland

Category:Number-one singles in Norway

Category:Number-one singles in Sweden

Category:Sauna

Category:Swedish-language Finnish songs

Category:Warner Music Sweden singles

Category:KAJ (group) songs