The Latest: The grand final in this year's Eurovision Song Contest gets underway in Vienna
The 70th contest features 25 finalists, five boycotts and tight security as organizers seek to keep politics off the stage.
- On Saturday, May 16, 2026, the 70th annual Eurovision Song Contest began at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria, with an opening montage celebrating the host nation following last year's victory by Austrian entry JJ.
- Amid protests over Israel's participation in the war in Gaza, demonstrators gathered as five nations including Spain and Ireland boycotted the contest. Eurovision director Martin Green urged viewers to "put politics aside" and enjoy the show.
- For the first time in 28 years, the Eurovision Broadcasting Union waived a strict rule banning live instruments, allowing Finland's Pete Parkkonen and Linda Lampenius to perform 'Liekinheitin' with live violin accompaniment.
- Due to Spain's withdrawal, only "the big four" nations receive automatic qualification alongside host Austria. UK viewers can vote for contestants but are strictly prohibited from voting for British entry Look Mum No Computer.
- Hosts Michael Ostrowski and Victoria Swarovski lead the evening's festivities in Vienna as performers take 3 minutes each to impress millions of viewers and national juries who will select the winner.
29 Articles
29 Articles
The Latest: The grand final in this year's Eurovision Song Contest gets underway in Vienna
The final of the Eurovision Song Contest got underway Saturday with tight security and rainy weather failing to dent the enthusiasm of the fans — or that of the critics who think Israel shouldn’t have been invited to the party.After a week’s buildup, acts from 25 countries took the stage at the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Vienna to battle for the continent’s pop crown. Millions of viewers around the world will cast judgment on a fiery Finnish vio…
Eurovision Song Contest Final 2026: Complete Guide, Predictions & Highlights
Austria is hosting the Eurovision Song Contest finale in Vienna on Saturday, which has faced a boycott from five countries protesting Israel’s participation amid recent military actions in Gaza. The Eurovision Song Contest is a grand celebration of pop music and diversity, now in its 70th year, featuring songs from various countries, including Australia. Notable […] The post Eurovision Song Contest Final 2026: Complete Guide, Predictions & Highl…
The Latest: The grand final in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest gets underway in Vienna
The Eurovision Song Contest's final is underway with tight security and rainy weather failing to dampen fans' enthusiasm. Acts from 25 countries are competing in Vienna for the continent's pop crown. Saturday's event, marking its 70th anniversary, has been likened to the World Cup with songs instead of soccer. Political tensions continue as calls for Israel's exclusion persist, with five countries boycotting in protest. Finland is the favorite w…
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