The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 took a dramatic turn Tuesday night as Finland, Belgium, and Israel secured their spots in the Grand Final, held in Vienna, Austria, on Saturday, May 17. The first semifinal, held at the Wiener Stadthalle, saw 10 countries advance from a field of 35, including heavy favorites Finland and Israel, whose participation has sparked a boycott by five nations.

Finland’s Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen delivered a powerful performance with their song “Liekinheitin,” captivating audiences and securing their place in the final. Belgium’s Essyla, performing “Dancing on the Ice,” also stunned judges and viewers, earning enough points to qualify. Israel’s Noam Bettan, with “Michelle,” faced an uphill battle due to the boycott but ultimately prevailed, adding to the contest’s political tensions.

Five countries—reportedly including the Netherlands, Germany, and others—had announced plans to boycott the contest in protest of Israel’s participation, a decision that has dominated headlines ahead of the event. Despite this, the show went on, with organizers emphasizing the contest’s commitment to inclusivity and artistic expression.

The Political Undercurrent: Boycotts and Eurovision’s Neutrality

The Eurovision Song Contest has long positioned itself as a celebration of music and unity, but this year’s event has been overshadowed by geopolitical tensions. Israel’s participation has led to a boycott by five countries, a rare occurrence in the contest’s 70-year history. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes Eurovision, has maintained that the contest remains neutral and focused on artistic competition.

“Eurovision is about music, not politics,” an EBU spokesperson stated in a press release. “We welcome all participating countries and hope the focus remains on the performances and the joy of the event.” Despite this stance, the boycott has drawn international attention, with some viewers questioning whether the contest can truly separate art from politics.

Finland’s entry, “Liekinheitin,” translates to “Flame Thrower,” a metaphor that has taken on new meaning amid the boycott controversy. The song’s energetic performance resonated with audiences, reinforcing Finland’s reputation as a consistent contender in recent years.

Who’s Left in the Running?

The first semifinal saw 16 countries compete, with 10 advancing to the Grand Final. The remaining qualifiers include:

• Croatia (Daniel Zizka with “CROSSROADS”)
• Czechia (LELEK with “Andromeda”)
• Azerbaijan (JIVA with “Just Go”)
• Austria (AIDAN with “Bella”)
• Malta (Winner JJ with “Wasted Love”)

The second semifinal, scheduled for Thursday, May 15, will determine the final six qualifiers. The Grand Final on Saturday, May 17, will feature 26 acts, including qualifiers from both semifinals and the “Big Five” countries (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom), who automatically advance.

What Happens Next?

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 continues with the second semifinal on Thursday, May 15, at 21:00 CET. Fans can follow along via the official Eurovision website or the Eurovision Song Contest app, which offers live updates, voting results, and behind-the-scenes content.

The Grand Final on Saturday, May 17, will be broadcast globally, with viewers tuning in to see which country will take home the coveted trophy. The event promises to be a mix of musical brilliance and political intrigue, as the world watches to see how Eurovision navigates its most contentious year yet.

For those following the contest, the official Eurovision Song Contest app provides real-time updates, voting results, and exclusive content. The app also allows fans to engage with the event through interactive features like “My Scoreboard” and “Eurodex,” which ranks performances.