It is just under a month under the Eurovision 2026 Song Contest, held in Vienna. The Eurovision Song Contest is a fantastic, talent-filled competition that occurs every year, seeing artists from across Europe, parts of Asia and Australia battle it out for first place, and the great honours of hosting the 2027 competition! The event is filled with diversity, different genres, and is a lovely time for us all to come together and celebrate what unites us most- music!

Eurovision Song Contest: Vienna 2026 Logo | Source: Eurovision

In 2025, Johannes Pietsch, known as JJ, won the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 with 436 points, climbing to victory with public and jury votes. Due to this win, Austria have the privilege of hosting the 2026 contest, selecting Vienna as their host city earlier this year. JJ performed 'Wasted Love', which was overwhelmingly full of talent, raw emotion and awe. Personally, I fell in love with the song as soon as I heard it. The amount of talent and dedication it must've taken to hold the notes throughout the song must be lots!

JJ, Austria's artist for 2025, celebrating their victory | Source: Vanity Fair

Eurovision 2026 sees 35 countries battling it out for a place in the Grand Final. All 35 countries, excluding Austria due to it being the host country, and the 'Big 5' due to their financial contribution to the EBU, will perform in both the first and second semi-final. The 'Big 5' countries include France, Spain, Germany, Italy & United Kingdom- however, Spain will not be participating this year due to conflicts surrounding Israel's participation.

This years contest will take place in Vienna's 'Wiener Stadthalle', alongside the Vienna City Hall for the allocation draw & opening ceremony. Millions of Eurovision fans I'm sure struggled during the ticket war in order to secure their spot in the Stadium for the night! 

Eurovision 2026 Vienna stage design | Source: Eurovision

This year brings some shocking non-participations, but exciting returnees. Iceland, Ireland, Netherlands, Slovenia & Spain will not be participating in Eurovision 2026 due to political reasons or financial reasons. Mainly due to Israel's participation. However, Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania will return after many years of non-participation! In total, there are 35 countries participating, with 25 expected to get through to the Grand Final.

So, buckle up and get your popcorn ready for May as we fly through the semi-finals, and grand final! Semi Final 1 will air Tuesday 12th May 2026 at 21:00 CEST, Semi Final 2 will air Thursday 14th May 2026 at 21:00 CEST, and the Grand Final will air Saturday 16th May 2026 at 21:00 CEST.

See you there! What country are you most excited to see on the Vienna stage?