The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 grand final is taking place in Vienna, Austria, with 25 countries competing. Known for its complex voting system, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has introduced several changes this year to enhance fairness and security.
How Does Eurovision Voting Work?
Viewers from participating countries can vote for their favourite songs during the grand final. As usual, you cannot vote for your own country. For the first time, UK fans can only vote online via the EBU's central website, esc.vote. The number of votes per person has been halved to just 20 per payment method. Public votes constitute 50% of the total, with the other half determined by professional juries in each country.
The UK's 2026 entry is Look Mum No Computer, performing the song 'Eins Zwei Drei'. Jury scores are based on Friday night's jury final performances, which are not televised. After public voting, national spokespersons announce their jury's points, with the highest being 'douze points' (12). The public points from all countries are then combined to produce a final score for each song.
What Has Changed for 2026?
The EBU has made several adjustments following its annual review. Key changes include:
- Reduced Votes: Each viewer can now only cast 20 votes, down from 40 previously.
- New Jury Guidelines: Juries now consist of seven members (up from five), with expanded professional backgrounds including music journalists, teachers, choreographers, and stage directors. Each jury must include two members aged 18-25 to reflect younger audiences.
- Anti-Campaign Rules: Following reports of a government-backed campaign to boost votes for Israel's 2025 entry, the EBU has introduced guidelines discouraging disproportionate promotion campaigns by third parties, including governments. Participating broadcasters and artists must not engage in such campaigns, and violations may lead to sanctions.
- Technical Safeguards: Enhanced measures to prevent fraudulent or coordinated voting activity have been implemented.
Martin Green, director of the Eurovision Song Contest, stated: 'These measures are designed to keep the focus where it belongs – on music, creativity and connection. While we are confident the 2025 Contest delivered a valid and robust result, these changes will help provide stronger safeguards and increase engagement so fans can be sure that every vote counts and every voice is heard.'
Who Are the Favourites to Win?
This year's frontrunners include Finnish duo Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen, Greece's Akylas, and Delta Goodrem representing Australia. However, as any Eurovision fan knows, the outcome can change rapidly.
