Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it’s investigating the financials of Elon Musk’s pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, ‘The A Word’, which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Read more
The EU flag bunting is out, the United Kingdom is praying for at least one point and Australia is sending a former Neighbours star to perform. This can all only mean one thing: Eurovision is almost upon us.
The build-up to this year’s annual song contest has been somewhat marred by boycott calls but for at least for its organisers, the European Broadcasting Union, the show must go on.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s schedule, including when and how to tune in…
Where is Eurovision 2026 and what happened last year?
The 70th song contest is taking place in Vienna, as Austria won last year with their entry JJ and his track “Wasted Love”. The 24-year-old scored a total of 436 points, putting him comfortably ahead of Israel’s Yuval Raphael, who finished in second place with 357 points, while Estonia’s Tommy Cash was close behind on 356.
When are the semi-finals and Grand Final?
As has become customary in recent years, Eurovision is now an almost week-long affair, with semi-finals taking place days before the main event.
Organisers have revealed the impressive staging for 2026 (Reuters)
With so many countries now taking part, the semi-finals help whittle down the entries so the mammoth final doesn’t go on even longer (and give us a chance to have a good look at the competition).
The only countries who do not need to qualify are the “Big 5” – France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK – as their broadcasters make the biggest financial contributions.
This year it’s technically a Big 4 as Spain is among the countries boycotting Eurovision over Israel’s continued involvement. Also sitting it out are Iceland, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands, meaning a total of 35 countries are currently taking part this year.
The semi-finals will take place at 8pm UK time on Tuesday 12 and Thursday 14 May, with the grand final at the same time on Saturday 16 May.
The UK’s 2026 entry goes by the stage name Look Mum No Computer (BBC)
How to watch Eurovision 2026
Both the semi-finals and the final will be broadcast live on BBC One, as well as on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.
The BBC is yet to confirm its Eurovision presenting team, but it’s widely expected that Sara Cox will replace fired BBC Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills and join Rylan Clark to commentate on the semi-finals, with chat show star Graham Norton returning to provide commentary for the grand final.