This spring, the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Vienna, Austria, following last year's victory by JJ. This year, 35 countries are in the running, each eager to take home the coveted trophy. As is tradition, the contest unfolds in several stages, beginning with the two semi-finals scheduled for May 12 and 14, 2026. The grand final will be held on Saturday, May 16. At this point, it's still anyone’s game to win the 70th Eurovision. However, predictions are rife, and some contenders are already considered favorites. Among them are the Finnish duo, the Danish nominee, and France's representative, Monroe.
While awaiting the final results and official rankings, Austrian broadcaster ORF has announced the lineup of guest artists for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest. Each year, former contestants or local stars from the host country are invited to perform live during the semi-finals and grand finale. "Specially curated opening and intermission acts promise an exceptional show during the semi-finals on May 12 and 14, and the final on May 16," the organizers revealed.
So, who will be taking the stage in May at Vienna’s Stadthalle, the venue of Eurovision 2026? For the grand opening show of the finale on May 16th, audiences and viewers alike will be treated to a special performance by JJ, the winner of this year's 69th Eurovision contest. The ORF confirms that the artist will be "joined by more than 40 dancers and acrobats," and at the same time, "all 25 finalists will be introduced at the Wiener Stadthalle."
During the voting period, three musical interludes will entertain the audience. What's on the lineup? A curated selection from “Eurovision Allstars”, performing iconic hits from the contest’s history, along with a performance by Parov Stelar, the Austrian electro-swing legend. Also, a “moving” rendition of Billy Joel’s “Vienna”—performed specifically for the occasion by César Sampson, Austria's Eurovision legend.
What about the semi-finals? The Eurovision organizers have announced that a documentary covering seven decades of the Eurovision Song Contest's history will kick off the first semi-final scheduled for May 12. Following that, a choir of 70 singers will perform a tribute to "Love Is Blue", one of the contest's most iconic hits. During the interval, while votes are being tallied, Go-Jo, who represented Australia in Basel in 2025, will make a special appearance.
On May 14, 2026, for the second semi-final of Eurovision, hosts Victoria and Michael will kick off the event by performing the winning song from 2025, “Wasted Love” by JJ. The Austrian artist, who took home the title at the 69th edition, will also be present on May 14 to debut a brand-new song for viewers, also during the interval.
Eurovision 2026: Who Are the Top 5 Favorites Right Now?
Who will take home the title at Eurovision 2026? Will France, this year represented by singer Monroe, make it onto the podium? With less than two months to go until the grand final scheduled for Saturday, May 16, discover the top five favorites to win Eurovision 2026, according to betting odds. [Read more]
Following the grand final scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, in Vienna, Austria, we will find out who will take home the trophy at the 70th edition of Eurovision. In the meantime, take a moment to explore the 35 songs competing this year. [Read more]
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Eurovision 2026: Who Are the Top 5 Favorites Right Now?
Eurovision 2026: Meet the 35 Songs Competing in This Year’s Contest
