BELGIUM 2025

The Belgian act and song was selected on February 1st via the show "Eurosong 2025" with the winner being chosen by an equal televoting and jury mix. Going to Basel is Red Sebastian with the song "Strobe Lights".

Red Sebastian (real name Seppe Herreman) is 25 and was born in Ostend. In 2013 he made it to the final of the 2nd series of Belgium's Got Talent. After high school Herreman studied singing at the Koninklijk Conservatorium Gent, one of his teachers being Gustaph, the 2023 Belgian Eurovision representative. From 2019, the singer assumed the stage name Red Sebastian - inspired by a Little Mermaid character. His first album "You" was released in 2021 from which came his first single release "Embrace Me". In 2024 he participated in Sing Again, a show where singers from past talent shows can try their luck again and reached the final.

Red is stood high up on a platform. As well as his buzz cut red hairdo, he is dressed in a black and red jacket and black trousers. The way the camera angles catch him from the ground utilises the LED screens from above and behind in an interesting way.  The backdrop is very fuzzy and has that analogue crackly video tape feel which also dips between black and red. Around him the lighting is predominantly red and on stage level there are flashes of white light. Red's choreography is minimal but effective; it feels natural but also emphasises the beat of the song. It starts with a short chorus low in Red's register before a verse, pre-chorus and chorus ending at the very top of his range. This repeats again but the verse is only two lines. After this last chorus there is a brief instrumental - before the outro - and four dancers in muted clubbing outfits surround him. Although possibly unusual looking in studio, the 'strobe' effect on camera makes it seem like Red has been transplanted to a busy club.

The song is unashamedly Belgian - a country that has quietly been influencing, producing and creating dance music for decades - and this seems to highlight a relevant part of Flemish culture. The staging stood out a mile during the national final. The angles of Red on the platform accentuated the simple but effective LED screens. My one negative would be that he was singing with his eyes down to the audience below which made it look like he was watching his step or scared of heights. I feel like singing up and out and will make him feel more in command and radiate his confidence. If this staging can be replicated in Basel this point would be even more important - confidence will be transmitted to the televoters and jury members. The song has a good balance between the hard dance bassline, trance-inspired elements, and vocal technique. Red has a strong instrument and I feel that whether you like the song, or Red's vocal, it is very memorable and has a very good shot at doing well in - and out - of the contest.

ARTIST - Red Sebastian

SONG - Strobe Lights

WRITING/PRODUCTION CREDITS -  Billie Bentein, Seppe Herreman, Ameerah A. Roelants, Willem Vanderstichele