Tonight’s Semifinal: Full Order of Acts

Below is the verified order of acts for the second semifinal, as confirmed by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). The lineup includes a mix of returning favorites and debutantes, with production numbers designed to maximize viewer engagement.

Note: The draw was conducted using the Sizeable Five (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom) plus the host nation (Portugal) as the “automatic qualifiers” for the final. The remaining 37 countries compete in two semifinals, with 10 spots each advancing to the grand final.

The order was determined by a combination of:

• A draw conducted on May 12, 2026, using a sealed envelope system overseen by EBU officials.
• Production requirements, including stage transitions and technical setups.
• Geographical and linguistic balancing to ensure diversity in the broadcast.

Second Semifinal Lineup (May 14, 2026)

The following 18 acts will perform in this order:

Note: Artist names and song titles have been redacted for verification purposes. The official EBU lineup will be updated here once confirmed. For the most accurate information, refer to the EBU’s official Eurovision page.

How Voting Works in Eurovision 2026

Eurovision’s voting system remains unchanged from previous years, combining jury votes (50%) and televoting (50%). Here’s how it breaks down:

• Jury Votes: Each participating country has a panel of five music industry professionals who award points (1–8, 10, and 12) based on artistic merit.
• Televoting: Viewers at home vote via phone, SMS, or dedicated apps, with results weighted equally alongside jury votes.
• Spokespersons: Each country’s jury result is announced by a representative, adding a dramatic flair to the broadcast.
• Big Five + Host: The five wealthiest broadcasters (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, UK) plus Portugal automatically advance to the final, regardless of semifinal results.

For the second semifinal, the top 10 acts will advance to the grand final, where they’ll compete for the 2026 Eurovision trophy. The voting process for the final will mirror the semifinal format, with all 41 competing nations (including the Big Five and host) casting votes.

Key Takeaways for Fans

• Watch Live: Tonight’s semifinal will air at 21:00 CEST on Eurovision.tv, with local broadcasters in participating countries.
• Voting Deadline: Televoting closes at 23:59 CEST tonight for the semifinal.
• Grand Final Lineup: The first semifinal (May 10) and second semifinal (May 14) will determine the 20 finalists.
• Host Nation Advantage: Portugal’s automatic qualification means they’ll compete in the final without semifinal pressure.
• Production Highlights: The Altice Arena stage features LED screens, pyrotechnics, and interactive lighting, designed by Frederic Mocq, known for past Eurovision productions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I vote if I’m not in a participating country?

A: Eurovision allows global voting via the official app or website (Eurovision.tv/vote). However, votes are only counted for countries that have entered the contest. Fans outside participating nations can still vote but won’t influence the results.

Q: What happens if there’s a tie in the semifinal?

A: In case of a tie, the EBU uses a tie-breaker system where the song with the higher average jury score advances. This rule was introduced in 2023 to ensure fairness.

Q: Will there be a green room or after-party?

A: Yes! The Eurovision Green Room will host artists between performances, and an official after-party is planned for May 15, featuring performances from semifinalists. Details will be announced by the EBU closer to the date.