The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest is heating up, with ten countries securing their spots in the grand final after the first semi-final held on Tuesday in Vienna, Austria. Among the qualifiers were acts from Israel, Finland, and Greece, who performed live before a global audience.
First Semi-Final Results
The ten countries voted through from the first semi-final are as follows:
- Greece: Akylas - "Ferto"
- Finland: Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen - "Liekinheitin"
- Belgium: ESSYLA - "Dancing on the Ice"
- Sweden: FELICIA - "My System"
- Moldova: Satoshi - "Viva, Moldova!"
- Israel: Noam Bettan - "Michelle"
- Serbia: LAVINA - "Kraj Mene"
- Croatia: LELEK - "Andromeda"
- Lithuania: Lion Ceccah - "Sólo Quiero Más"
- Poland: ALICJA - "Pray"
Notable Moments and Controversies
Israel's performance by Noam Bettan was interrupted by protesters shouting "stop the genocide," but Bettan still received enough votes to advance to the final on Saturday, May 16. Despite the disruption, the semi-final proceeded relatively smoothly otherwise.
One of the highlights of the evening was a surprise appearance by British pop star Boy George, who joined San Marino's entry SENHIT for her rendition of "Superstar." Unfortunately, San Marino did not qualify, as SENHIT and Boy George failed to garner enough votes.
There was also a cameo from Hollywood actor Will Ferrell, paying homage to his 2020 Eurovision comedy film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga. Meanwhile, Austrian hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski engaged in a colourful skit with Australia's 2025 entry Go-Jo, each singing the praises of their respective countries.
Automatic Qualifiers and the "Big Four"
As members of the "Big Four"—the countries that contribute the most financially to Eurovision—Italy and Germany automatically secure a place in the final. Their artists, Sal Da Vinci and Sarah Engel, performed their songs during the semi-final but were not eligible for voting. France and the UK, also part of the "Big Four," will perform in the second semi-final on Thursday, May 14, and are guaranteed spots in the final. Spain, traditionally part of the "Big Five," withdrew from this year's contest in protest over Israel's participation. Austria, as the host nation, is also guaranteed a place in the final.
Looking Ahead to the Second Semi-Final
The second semi-final is scheduled for Thursday, May 14, featuring countries such as Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Australia, and Ukraine competing for their places in the final. The grand final will take place on Saturday, May 16, where the remaining spots will be filled.
