Eurovision 2026 in Vienna: Program for the Grand Show Unveiled
The Austrian broadcaster ORF has unveiled the program for Eurovision 2026, which will take place in Vienna under the slogan "The Big Show!".
The organizers promise a grand celebration of the contest’s 70th anniversary, combining Austrian musical traditions with modern trends.
The first semifinal is on May 12
. The show will open with the film “70 Years of Love,” which traces the history of the contest through the lives of a couple. Following that, a 70-member choir will perform the legendary 1967 hit “L’amour est bleu” on the stage of the Wiener Stadthalle. Hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski have prepared a humorous skit titled “Kangaroo” together with last year’s Australian representative Go-Jo, explaining the difference between Austria and Australia.
Second Semifinal – May 14
The second semifinal will open with the hosts performing last year’s winner JJ’s song “Wasted Love,” but the organizers promise surprises. JJ himself will also return to the stage during the intermission with a new composition. Ukrainian singer Leleka will perform during this segment.
Final – May 16 The
grand final will begin with a symbolic journey of a paper boat from Basel to Vienna – a reference to last year’s winning performance. The opening, titled Queen of the Night, will pay homage to Mozart: JJ, along with 40 dancers and acrobats, will blend motifs from The Magic Flute with contemporary music during the traditional flag parade.
The musical segment before the results are announced will feature stars from previous years, including Verka Serduchka, Lordi, Erika Vikman, and Il Volo. Next up will be Austrian electro-swing pioneer Parov Stelar, and the finale will be a performance by Cesar Sampson with a cover of Billy Joel’s hit “Vienna.”
The grandeur of the event will be underscored by the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra, which will accompany the main show. ORF Program Director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz assured that the combination of Austrian traditions and the diversity of the contest will inspire viewers and fittingly celebrate the 70th anniversary of Eurovision.
On March 11, all participants in the second semi-final of Eurovision 2026, which will take place on May 14 in Vienna, were announced. The Ukrainian band Leleka will compete for a spot in the contest’s final alongside strong rivals.
Eurovision 2026: Participants in the first semifinal in Vienna have been announced.
As a reminder, Leleka has updated their song for Eurovision.
It has also been announced who will represent the Czech Republic, Portugal, Poland, Sweden, and San Marino at the 70th Eurovision Song Contest.
