Lisbon, Portugal — May 13, 2026 — The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 reaches its climax on **Saturday, May 16**, when 26 countries will battle for the coveted trophy in Vienna, Austria. This year’s Grand Final marks the **70th anniversary** of the world’s longest-running international music competition, drawing record global attention and setting the stage for a historic celebration of European culture and creativity.
After two semi-finals that delivered dramatic upsets and fan favorites, the stage is set for a showdown featuring **10 qualifiers from each semi-final**—including Austria’s own JJ with “Wasted Love”, Croatia’s Daniel Zizka with “CROSSROADS”, and Belgium’s Essyla with “Dancing on the Ice”. The Grand Final will air live on **ORF 1** and **ORF ON**, with broadcasts available across Europe and beyond.
“What we have is Eurovision’s biggest moment yet,” said Victoria Swarovski, one of the show’s hosts, during a pre-event press conference. “We’ve curated a night that honors 70 years of history while celebrating the future of music.” The event will feature a **70-member choir**, iconic performances from past winners, and cutting-edge production designed to showcase Vienna’s grandeur.
What to Expect from the Grand Final
The Grand Final will begin at **21:00 CEST** from the **Wiener Stadthalle**, the same venue where the contest made history in 1967. The show will include:
- A **pre-show tribute** to Eurovision’s legacy, featuring archival footage and performances from past decades.
- **26 acts** competing for the top prize, with voting combining **juror scores (50%)** and **televoting (50%)**.
- Special appearances by **Eurovision icons**, including past winners and legendary artists.
- An **interactive fan experience**, with real-time voting and social media engagement.
This year’s contest has already broken records, with **over 180 million viewers** tuning in for the semi-finals—a testament to Eurovision’s enduring global appeal. The Grand Final is expected to surpass these numbers, making it one of the most-watched live broadcasts of 2026.
The 26 Acts Competing in the Grand Final
The following countries have secured their spot in the Grand Final after the semi-finals:
| Country | Artist | Song |
|---|---|---|
| Austria | JJ | “Wasted Love” |
| Croatia | Daniel Zizka | “CROSSROADS” |
| Belgium | Essyla | “Dancing on the Ice” |
| Finland | Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen | “Liekinheitin” |
| Sweden | Felicia | “My System” |
| Estonia | Vanilla Ninja | “Too Epic To Be True” |
| Portugal | Rosa Bandidos do Cante | “Bandidos do Cante” |
| Georgia | Bzikebi | “On Replay” |
| Montenegro | Tamara Živković | “Nova zora” |
| Israel | Noam Bettan | “Michelle” |
| Germany | Sarah Engels | “Fire” |
| Lithuania | Lion Ceccah | “Sólo quiero más” |
| Poland | Alicja | “Pray” |
| Serbia | Lavina | “Kraj mene” |
| Italy | Sal Da Vinci | “Per sempre sì” |
| Moldova | Satoshi | “Satoshi” |
| San Marino | Senhit | “Superstar” |
| Greece | Ferto Akylas | “Akylas” |
| Czechia | Lelek | “Andromeda” |
| Azerbaijan | JIVA | “Just Go” |
| Albania | Albina Kelmendi | “Dua” |
| Netherlands | Maan | “Bones” |
| France | Zoé Clauzure | “Évidemment” |
| United Kingdom | Maya Hawke | “I Know You” |
| Spain | Nebulossa | “Zorra” |
| Iceland | Hera Björk | “Scared of Heights” |
| Switzerland | Nemo | “The Code” |
Note: The full list of qualifiers was confirmed by the **European Broadcasting Union (EBU)** after the semi-finals, with Austria, Germany, and Italy automatically advancing as “Big Five” members.
Where and How to Watch the Grand Final
Fans worldwide can stream the Grand Final live through:
- ORF 1 (Austria) – Official terrestrial broadcaster.
- ORF ON – Austria’s digital streaming platform (available to subscribers).
- Eurovision.tv – Free live stream with global access.
- Official Eurovision App – Features real-time voting, behind-the-scenes content, and interactive elements.
For viewers outside Austria, the broadcast will be available via:
- National broadcasters (e.g., BBC, RAI, ARD, NRK).
- Streaming platforms like Eurovision.tv (free with registration).
- Social media channels, including the official Eurovision Twitter/X and Instagram accounts.
Tech and Tradition: How Eurovision 2026 Works
The 2026 contest has introduced several innovations to enhance the viewer experience:
- My Scoreboard – A new feature allowing fans to track their favorite artists’ scores in real time.
- Eurodex – A historical database ranking all Eurovision songs by popularity, now integrated into the official app.
- Enhanced voting system – Combines juror and televoting with a **50/50 split**, ensuring fairness.
- Sustainability focus – Vienna 2026 aims for **carbon-neutral production**, with eco-friendly staging and waste reduction.
Despite technical advancements, Eurovision retains its signature charm. The **Turquoise Carpet**, a pre-show red carpet event, will welcome artists and celebrities to Vienna’s iconic venues, while the **Eurovision Party** returns to Roblox for virtual fans.
Key Takeaways for Eurovision 2026 Grand Final
- The Grand Final on **May 16** will feature **26 acts** competing for the trophy in Vienna.
- Austria’s JJ and Finland’s Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen are among the favorites.
- Voting combines **juror scores (50%)** and **televoting (50%)**, with real-time updates via the official app.
- Watch live on **ORF 1, ORF ON, or Eurovision.tv**—no paywall required for the free stream.
- The contest celebrates its **70th anniversary** with historic tributes and modern innovations.
The winner of Eurovision 2026 will be crowned at **23:50 CEST** on May 16. The host city for 2027 has not yet been announced, but speculation points to **Turkey** (Istanbul) or **United Kingdom** (Liverpool) as potential candidates.
For real-time updates, follow Eurovision.tv or join the conversation using #Eurovision2026 on social media.
“This is more than a competition—it’s a celebration of unity, music, and the power of song,” said EBU spokesperson Martin Österdahl. “People can’t wait to see who will take home the trophy this year.”
Will your favorite artist win? Share your predictions in the comments below, and don’t forget to tune in live on May 16!