Eurovision is one of the world’s most beloved and longest-running music competitions, bringing together dozens of countries every year in a spectacular live song contest. First created to unite war-torn Europe through music, the event has developed into a global phenomenon over the past seven decades.
Eurovision returns this year for its historic 70th edition in Vienna, Austria – and the grand final has finally arrived.
When and where is it Eurovision 2026 Grand final
The grand final will take place on Saturday 16 May, live from the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna. Austria secured the hosting rights after winning the 2025 competition with the song “Wasted Love” performed by JJ (Johannes Pietsch). After two semi-finals on May 12 and 14, 25 countries have qualified for tonight’s grand final.
How to watch the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final
Coverage starts at 8pm on BBC One, iPlayer, Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. Graham Norton will provide commentary for BBC One and iPlayer, while Raylan and Sarah Cox will cover the show for BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. For viewers in the US, the Grand Final can be streamed live on Peacock or YouTube, with coverage starting at 3pm ET.
Who will host Eurovision 2026?
Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski will host the grand final. The show will open with a performance by 2025 winner JJ, followed by intermittent performances celebrating the competition’s 70th anniversary, including electro swing artist Parov Stellar and Austrian legend Cesar Sampson.
Who will participate in the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final?
Here are all 25 acts that will appear on stage tonight:
Denmark: Søren Torbygaard Lund — Før Vi Går HjemGermany: Sarah Engels – FireIsrael: Noam Bitan-MichelBelgium: ESSYLA — Dancing on IceAlbania: Alice-NanGreece: Aquilas — VirtoUkraine: LELÉKA — RednymAustralia: Delta Goodrem – EclipseSerbia: Lavina – Mini GarageMalta: Aidan – BellaCzech Republic: Daniel Zizka – CrossroadsBulgaria: Dara – BanjarangaCroatia: Lilic — AndromedaUnited Kingdom: LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER — Eins, Zwei, DreiFrance: Monroe – salute!Moldova: Satoshi — Viva, Moldova!Finland: Linda Lambinius x Piet Parkkonen – LikkinhaitenPoland: ALICJA — PrayLithuania: Lion Ceccah — Sólo Quiero MásSweden: Felicia – NizamiCyprus: Antigone – GalaItaly: Sal da Vinci — Per Semper SìNorway: Jonas Löf – Ya Ya YaRomania: Alexandra Capitanescu – Choke MeAustria: COSMÓ—Tanzschen
How will the winner of Eurovision 2026 be determined?
The champion will be determined by a combination of points from national judging panels and viewer votes in participating countries, along with a separate vote for the rest of the world. For the first time, viewers in the UK can only cast their votes online via esc.vote or the official Eurovision Song Contest app, allowing up to 10 votes at 15p each – although voting for their country is not permitted.