AI predicted the winners of the first semi-final of Eurovision 2026
Today, May 12, Vienna will host the first round of the international song contest, where 15 countries will compete for a spot in the final. Artificial intelligence has analyzed the contestants’ chances, identifying the evening’s top favorites and underdogs.
This was reported by the publication Glavkom.
AI named Finland, represented by Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen with the song “Liekinheitin,” as the main contender for victory not only in the semifinals but in the entire contest. High marks were also given to Greece, thanks to the ethno-pop style of singer Akylas, and Israel, where experts highlight Noam Bettan’s strong vocals. Traditionally solid results are predicted for Sweden, Estonia with the rock aesthetic of the band Vanilla Ninja, and Poland with an emotional ballad performed by Alicja.
Belgium and Portugal have made the list of countries with questionable chances of advancing, as their acts may get lost amid more striking performances. Georgia and San Marino are drawing particular attention, having opted for experimental and outrageous acts.
Overall, the AI’s list of finalists looks like this:
- Finland
- Greece
- Israel
- Sweden
- Croatia
- Estonia
- Poland
- Lithuania
- Moldova
- San Marino
The show will begin at 10:00 p.m. Kyiv time, and Italy and Germany will perform outside of the competition as members of the Big Four.
The Eurovision Song Contest will begin on May 12, with Finland considered the top contender for the win.
The organizers of Eurovision 2026 have explained the voting rules for the contest.
Eurovision organizers issued a warning to Israel for violating the voting rules.
Moldovan artist Satoshi will be the first to take the stage in the Eurovision semifinals today. In just a few years, he has gone from a boy from a small town to one of Moldova’s most prominent young musicians, and his name has been the subject of heated discussions on more than one occasion.
Swedish singer FELICIA will be the second to take the stage in today’s Eurovision semifinal. The artist has long been known in Sweden, but previously performed under a different stage name—Fröken Snusk—which has sparked controversy and heated debate on more than one occasion.
