10 Key Things to Know About the Eurovision 2026 Semifinals

Eurovision 2026 Semifinals: Night One Running Order

The first semifinal takes place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 21:00 CEST at the Wiener Stadthalle. Fifteen nations will compete for the ten available spots in the grand final. The running order has been carefully curated to balance genres and prevent similar styles from performing consecutively. One Big 4 country also performs: Germany with Sarah Engels performing "Fire."

The complete Tuesday night lineup features Moldova opening the show with Satoshi's "Viva, Moldova!" followed by strong entries from Sweden, Croatia, Greece, and Portugal. Georgia's Bzikebi returns with "On Replay," a powerful entry from the former Eurovision winners. Finland's Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen perform "Liekinheitin," the electronic pop duo widely regarded as the night's top favorite. Other standouts include Montenegro, Estonia, Israel, Belgium, Lithuania, San Marino, Poland, and Serbia closing the night with "Kraj Mene."

Italy's Sal Da Vinci (qualified for the final) performs "Per Sempre Sì" in the first semifinal to give audiences a preview of the Big 4 entry. The diversity of genres—from traditional Portuguese folk with Bandidos do Cante to Estonia's electronic rock from Vanilla Ninja—creates an unpredictable and exciting viewing experience.

• 01. Moldova – Satoshi – Viva, Moldova!
• 02. Sweden – FELICIA – My System
• 03. Croatia – LELEK – Andromeda
• 04. Greece – Akylas – Ferto
• 05. Portugal – Bandidos do Cante – Rosa
• 06. Georgia – Bzikebi – On Replay (Former winners)
• Italy – Sal Da Vinci – Per Sempre Sì (Big 4 qualifier)
• 07. Finland – Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen – Liekinheitin (Top favorite)
• 08. Montenegro – Tamara Živković – Nova Zora
• 09. Estonia – Vanilla Ninja – Too Epic To Be True
• 10. Israel – Noam Bettan – Michelle
• Germany – Sarah Engels – Fire (Big 4 qualifier)
• 11. Belgium – ESSYLA – Dancing on the Ice
• 12. Lithuania – Lion Ceccah – Sólo Quiero Más
• 13. San Marino – SENHIT feat. Boy George – Superstar
• 14. Poland – ALICJA – Pray
• 15. Serbia – LAVINA – Kraj Mene

Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final 2: Full Running Order

The second semifinal airs on Thursday, May 14, 2026, also starting at 21:00 CEST. Fifteen nations compete for the remaining spots, and this night includes three Big 4 performers plus Austria as the host country. Bulgaria opens the show with DARA's "Bangaranga," while Australia closes with Delta Goodrem's "Eclipse," the highly anticipated favorite with significant social media momentum.

France's Monroe performs "Regarde!" in the second semifinal as one of the Big 4 qualifiers. Cyprus, Austria (host nation, automatic finalist), and the United Kingdom also perform their entries: Antigoni's "JALLA," COSMÓ's "Tanzschein," and LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER's "Eins, Zwei, Drei" respectively. Denmark's Søren Torpegaard Lund delivers "Før Vi Går Hjem," the modern synth-pop entry that has been a consistent favorite throughout the contest buildup.

Nordic and Baltic nations feature prominently in this round: Sweden's absence (moved to semifinal 1) is offset by Norway's powerful closing slot with JONAS LOVV's "YA YA YA." The mix includes Armenia's SIMÓN performing the flamenco-tinged "Paloma Rumba," Romania's Alexandra Căpitănescu with "Choke Me," and Albania's Alis delivering "Nân." This semifinal balances pop, ballads, and experimental sounds equally.

• 01. Bulgaria – DARA – Bangaranga
• 02. Azerbaijan – JIVA – Just Go
• 03. Romania – Alexandra Căpitănescu – Choke Me
• 04. Luxembourg – Eva Marija – Mother Nature
• 05. Czechia – Daniel Zizka – CROSSROADS
• France – Monroe – Regarde! (Big 4 qualifier)
• 06. Armenia – SIMÓN – Paloma Rumba
• 07. Switzerland – Veronica Fusaro – Alice
• 08. Cyprus – Antigoni – JALLA
• Austria – COSMÓ – Tanzschein (Host nation qualifier)
• 09. Latvia – Atvara – Ēnā
• 10. Denmark – Søren Torpegaard Lund – Før Vi Går Hjem (Favorite)
• 11. Australia – Delta Goodrem – Eclipse (Top favorite)
• 12. Ukraine – LELÉKA – Ridnym
• United Kingdom – LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER – Eins, Zwei, Drei (Big 4 qualifier)
• 13. Albania – Alis – Nân
• 14. Malta – AIDAN – Bella
• 15. Norway – JONAS LOVV – YA YA YA

The Big 4 and Austria: Automatic Qualifiers

For Eurovision 2026, the "Big 4" countries—France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom—receive automatic qualification to the grand final. These nations provide substantial financial contributions to the European Broadcasting Union and secure guaranteed spots. Additionally, Spain (as a regular top-five contributor) does not compete in the semifinals but performs in the final directly. Austria, the host nation, also automatically qualifies without competing in the semifinals.

Despite their automatic qualification, the Big 4 plus Spain and Austria perform during the semifinals to showcase their entries. This gives international audiences a preview of these high-profile songs before grand final night. Germany's Sarah Engels performs "Fire" in the first semifinal on Tuesday, while France's Monroe performs "Regarde!" in the second semifinal on Thursday. The United Kingdom's LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER appears Thursday as well. Italy's Sal Da Vinci performs "Per Sempre Sì" on Tuesday, and Austria's COSMÓ performs "Tanzschein" on Thursday.

This split scheduling ensures equal viewer engagement across both qualifying nights and distributes voting opportunities fairly. The automatic finalists provide a measure of production quality and star power that underscores the prestige of the contest. Fans can see whether these established acts maintain their competitive edge against hungry upstart nations. Austria, performing at home, benefits from unprecedented local crowd enthusiasm.

Voting Rules: Return of Professional Juries

For the first time since 2022, professional juries return to the Eurovision 2026 semifinals with a 50/50 voting split. The jury vote counts for 50 percent of each country's score, while the public televote via telephone, SMS, and the official app supplies the other 50 percent. This dual-voting system replaces the previous format that relied heavily on audience voting alone.

Professional juries assess technical vocal ability, composition, arrangement, and overall performance quality. Each jury comprises international music professionals who vote independently and submit scored rankings from 12 to 1 (12 points maximum). These jury votes combine with the public's real-time votes during the live broadcast to determine the ten qualifiers from each semifinal. The system ensures that technical excellence receives equal weight to popular appeal.

Public voting opens during the show and remains open until five minutes before the results segment. Viewers cannot vote for their own country. The official Eurovision app provides the easiest method for international viewers. During the result announcements, the EBU reveals each country's combined score and sometimes breaks down jury versus public votes to highlight voting patterns.

All thirty competing nations in the semifinals vie for just ten qualifying spots per night, making this one of Eurovision's most dramatic and unpredictable stages. The final two qualifiers are often determined by mere points. Qualifiers automatically advance to the May 16 grand final.

Vienna 2026: Venue and Event Schedule

The Wiener Stadthalle (Vienna City Hall Arena) in Vienna's 15th district hosts all Eurovision main events. The arena holds 16,000 spectators and features excellent acoustics, modern staging capabilities, and proximity to Vienna's city center. The venue is reachable via the U6 U-Bahn line (Burggasse-Stadthalle station) and multiple tram routes.

The first semifinal airs Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 21:00 CEST (9:00 PM Central European Summer Time). The second semifinal airs Thursday, May 14, 2026, at the same time. Each show runs approximately 2.5 hours from opening to final qualifier announcement. The grand final takes place Saturday, May 16, 2026, also at 21:00 CEST.

Spectators should arrive 90 minutes before showtime to clear security screening and locate assigned seating. Late admission may be restricted during live performances. Vienna's efficient public transport ensures easy venue access. The surrounding Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus district offers pre-show dining at numerous restaurants and traditional Viennese coffee houses. Booking restaurants in advance is essential during Eurovision week, as seating fills rapidly.

• Venue: Wiener Stadthalle (16,000 capacity)
• Location: 15th District, Vienna
• Transport: U6 to Burggasse-Stadthalle
• First Semifinal: Tuesday, May 12, 21:00 CEST
• Second Semifinal: Thursday, May 14, 21:00 CEST
• Duration: 2.5 hours per show
• Big 4 Performers: Italy, Germany (Semi 1); France, UK (Semi 2); Spain performs Final only
• Host Country: Austria (performs Semi 2, auto-qualifies)

Meet Auri: The Official Mascot of Vienna 2026

Meet Auri, the charming and colorful official mascot for the upcoming Vienna contest. This character was designed to represent the spirit of unity and musical joy across borders. You can find Auri merchandise and photos on the Eurovision Official Site right now. The mascot will appear in various promotional videos and live segments throughout the week.

Auri's design features elements of Austrian nature and modern artistic flair. The character is meant to be approachable and fun for fans of all ages. You will likely see large versions of Auri at the airport and major train stations. Taking a photo with the mascot is a great way to remember your trip to Vienna.

The mascot also plays a role in the digital experience for fans watching at home. Auri will be featured in the official app and across social media stories. This helps to create a cohesive brand for the 2026 edition of the contest. Look out for special Auri animations during the transition between the competing songs.

Merchandise featuring Auri is expected to be a top seller at the official fan zones. You can buy everything from plush toys to t-shirts with the mascot's image. These items make excellent souvenirs for friends and family who could not attend. Supporting the official merchandise helps fund the production of the entire event.

Eurovision Song Contest Asia: 2026 Debut Details

The contest is expanding its reach beyond European borders with an exciting new development. Eurovision Song Contest Asia will finally make its long-awaited debut in the same year. This new competition brings a fresh perspective and diverse musical styles to the global brand. You can hear some of the new sounds on the Eurovision 2026 Album Pre-order page.

The Asian debut is expected to feature countries from across the Asia-Pacific region. This expansion allows for more cultural exchange and a wider audience for the performers. Many fans are curious to see how the format will adapt to this new market. It represents a significant step forward for the European Broadcasting Union and its partners.

There may be special cross-over events between the European and Asian contests in Vienna. Some Asian guest performers might appear during the semifinal interval acts to celebrate the launch. This creates a truly global atmosphere for the entire week of festivities. It is an exciting time to be a fan of international music competitions.

The success of the Asian version could lead to even more international editions in the future. Experts believe that the Eurovision brand has the potential to become a global phenomenon. For now, all eyes are on the debut and how it integrates with the main show. Make sure to follow the news for updates on the participating Asian nations.

Interval and Opening Acts Announced for Vienna

The intervals between competing songs showcase Austria's musical legacy through carefully selected performances. The official lineup includes Austrian classical artists, contemporary performers, and special guest appearances from Eurovision alumni. Opening acts celebrate Vienna's position as a historic music capital with references to Mozart, Strauss, and modern Austrian pop icons.

Interval acts serve a dual purpose: entertaining the live audience and filling time while jury votes are tallied and announced. Each semifinal features two or three distinct performance segments. The production incorporates Austrian cultural elements—traditional folk instruments, waltz choreography, and Alpine imagery—alongside cutting-edge stage design and lighting.

Guest performers may include former Eurovision winners and popular international artists who celebrate the return of the contest to Vienna. These acts often deliver medleys of Austrian-themed songs or new compositions commissioned specifically for Eurovision 2026. Some performances feature interactive elements or surprise appearances that have become fan-favorite moments.

For viewers at home, these acts provide a natural viewing break and an introduction to Austrian culture. Live attendees experience the full concert production in the Wiener Stadthalle, with 16,000 spectators creating an electric atmosphere. The interval acts are typically one of the most talked-about segments on social media, so tune in to avoid missing unexpected surprises.

What to do in Vienna During Eurovision Week

Vienna transforms into a 10-day celebration with multiple fan zones and cultural activities. The official Eurovision Village at Vienna's Rathausplatz (Town Hall Square) operates as the primary fan hub, featuring live outdoor screenings on giant LED screens, merchandise stalls, food vendors serving international cuisines and Austrian specialties, and meeting points for national fan delegations. Entry to the Eurovision Village is free, and the festive atmosphere peaks during both semifinal broadcasts and the grand final.

Beyond the fan zones, Vienna's UNESCO-listed historic center provides world-class cultural breaks. The Hofburg Palace (former Habsburg imperial residence) and the Belvedere Museum house masterpieces by Klimt and Schiele. St. Stephen's Cathedral offers guided tours and stunning views from its South Tower. The Kunsthistorisches Museum (Art History Museum) rivals European capitals for Old Master collections. Many visitors spend afternoons exploring Vienna's architectural landmarks before evening shows.

Vienna's coffee house culture is UNESCO-intangible heritage. Historic establishments like Café Central (visited by Freud, Trotsky) and Prater Garten serve traditional Sachertorte (chocolate cake with apricot jam) and Apple Strudel while you relax between events. Local breweries and wine bars host Eurovision viewing parties. The Naschmarkt (open-air market) offers street food and fresh produce for picnic supplies. Many establishments remain open late during Eurovision week for fan gatherings.

Official fan clubs organize pub crawls, costume parties, and meetups throughout Vienna. National delegations often reserve sections of bars and clubs. The Vienna City Marathon actually takes place the day before the grand final, so time your activities accordingly. Public transport is efficient—the U-Bahn U6 line reaches Burggasse-Stadthalle station directly for the venue.

Join the Vienna 1967 & 2015 Watch-Alongs

Fans can celebrate the rich history of the contest at special anniversary events this year. Watch-alongs for the 1967 and 2015 contests are scheduled at various locations in Vienna. These gatherings allow fans to relive classic winning moments and iconic performances together. It is a wonderful way to connect with the long legacy of the show.

The 1967 contest was the first time Vienna hosted the event after Udo Jürgens won. Fans can watch the vintage footage and see how much the production has changed. It is a nostalgic trip back to the early days of the competition's history. These events often feature guest speakers or historians who share interesting trivia.

The 2015 watch-along celebrates the contest held after Conchita Wurst's legendary victory in Copenhagen. This year was famous for its high production values and the debut of Australia. Reliving these moments helps to build excitement for the current 2026 edition in the same city. You can share your favorite memories with other fans during the breaks.

Most of these anniversary events are free to attend but require prior registration online. They are often held in local cinemas or community centers with great sound systems. Bringing your own flags and fan gear is highly encouraged to create a festive mood. Check the official city event calendar for the specific times and locations of these screenings.