{"id":452994,"date":"2026-05-17T04:53:50","date_gmt":"2026-05-17T04:53:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/452994\/"},"modified":"2026-05-17T04:53:50","modified_gmt":"2026-05-17T04:53:50","slug":"live-eurovision-2026-bulgaria-wins-as-nail-biting-final-sees-israel-finish-second","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/452994\/","title":{"rendered":"Live – Eurovision 2026: Bulgaria wins as nail-biting final sees Israel finish second"},"content":{"rendered":"

By&nbspLiam Gilliver<\/a>&nbsp&&nbspAgata Todorow<\/a>&nbsp&&nbspTokunbo Salako<\/p>\n

\n Published on 16\/05\/2026 – 19:05 GMT+2\u2022Updated
\n 17\/05\/2026 – 2:36 GMT+2\n <\/p>\n

Bulgaria has won the 70th Eurovision song contest with singer Dara\u2019s party anthem \u201cBangaranga.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Dara beat 24 other competitors during Saturday\u2019s grand final in the Austrian capital Vienna. The song\u2019s infectious beats and tightly choreographed dance routine was a massive hit with both viewers and national juries.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s Bulgaria\u2019s first-ever victory at Eurovision. <\/p>\n

Dara is one of the most well-known pop acts in the modern Balkan music scene and a mentor on \u201cThe Voice Bulgaria,\u201d but had not been among the favorites to win. <\/p>\n

Until the final public vote was announced it appeared as if Israel’s Noam Bettan was set to win the contest. <\/p>\n

Bettan was loudly cheered, though there was a smattering of boos as he performed \u201cMichelle,\u201d a rock ballad in Hebrew, French and English.<\/p>\n

Romania\u2019s Alexandra C\u0103pit\u0103nescu came third with the provocatively titled rock song \u201cChoke Me.\u201d Australian star Delta Goodrem was fourth with the slick midtempo ballad \u201cEclipse,\u201d and Italian crooner Sal Da Vinci came fifth with \u201cPer Sempre Si,\u201d or \u201cForever Yes.\u201d<\/p>\n

The Finnish duo of pop star Pete Parkkonen and classical violinist Linda Lampenius, who were strong favorite on betting markets, ended up in sixth place.<\/p>\n

Eurovision historian Dean Vuletic<\/a> said the contest often produces surprises.<\/p>\n

\u201cEurovision has never really been a contest for big stars. It\u2019s largely been a contest for underdogs,\u201d Vuletic said. \u201cPeople like to see the underdog on stage. They like to the artist-in-the-making on stage or an artist from a smaller, poorer country on stage.\u201d<\/p>\n

Pop and politics<\/p>\n

There was tight security around the venue and across the Austrian capital with pre-show demonstrations<\/a> erupting over Israel’s participation and its war on Gaza which led to five countries choosing to boycott the proceedings. <\/p>\n

Hundreds marched near the contest arena before Saturday’s final, some holding placards saying \u201cBlock Eurovision.\u201d Pro-Palestinian groups also staged an outdoor concert on Friday under the banner \u201cNo stage for genocide.\u201d<\/p>\n

For some, this the 70th year of the world’s biggest and oldest song contest will go down as perhaps its most divisive in recent times after months of protest and infighting. <\/a> <\/p>\n

Spain was the biggest nation to have stepped aside as a key contributor to Eurovision. As a member of the ‘Big 5’, it guarantees the economic viability of the contest, so its absence generated a financial and potentially large audience gap for the EBU to fill.<\/p>\n

The four other countries which boycotted the ceremony were Ireland, The Netherlands, Iceland and Slovenia. <\/p>\n

Pomp and performance<\/p>\n

The musicians had just 3 minutes to win over viewers and Bulgaria’s Dara can boast she effectively used each and every second.<\/p>\n

\u201cBangaranga\u201d is the sort of pop banger that Eurovision does so well, with its irresistible exhortation: \u201cSurrender to the blinding lights. No one\u2019s gonna sleep tonight. Welcome to the riot.\u201d<\/p>\n

She was one of several female artists who moved the crowd with a powerful performance. Others of note included Germany\u2019s Sarah Engels with a soulful ballad, a gospel-tinged R&B song from Poland\u2019s Alicja, Ukraine\u2019s Lel\u00e9ka enchanted the audience with her act, while Sweden Felicia and France’s Monroe separately opted for techno-pop and opera-pop. <\/p>\n

If you couldn’t watch or follow the entertainment in Vienna, do check out our blog below as we followed each act, our assessment of the performances and the drama of the vote.<\/p>\n

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Live ended<\/p>\n

1:10 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Thanks a lot for joining us for this Eurovision night on Euronews!<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

1:09 GMT+2<\/p>\n

A nail-biting final.<\/p>\n

And… that’s a wrap. <\/p>\n

This year’s Eurovision has been shrouded in controversy. But for Bulgaria, it is a moment of celebration. <\/p>\n

We hope you enjoyed following our live commentary. We’ll see you again next year.<\/p>\n

*Alexa, play Bangaranga*. <\/p>\n

1:04 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Bulgaria to host 71st edition of Eurovision<\/p>\n

The 71st Eurovision will be hosted in Bulgaria next year, following DARA’s sweeping victory with her hit \u201cBangaranga”. <\/p>\n

\ufeff<\/p>\n

1:01 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Victory: Bulgaria bumps Israel from first place<\/p>\n

The audience votes have been announced, and the winner of the 2026 song contest is Bulgaria. <\/p>\n

The top three countries are:<\/p>\n

Bulgaria – 516Israel – 343Romania – 296<\/p>\n

1:00 GMT+2<\/p>\n

BULGARIA WINS EUROVISION 2026!!!\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddec<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

0:56 GMT+2<\/p>\n

‘Favourite’ Finland has lost out on first place<\/p>\n

Despite bookies’ odds looking in their favour, Finland has not won Eurovision this year. The country ended with 279 points.<\/p>\n

0:55 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Boos erupt for Israel<\/p>\n

The audience has erupted into boos after Israel was bumped into first place following its audience points. <\/p>\n

There is still time for the league tables to change. <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

0:53 GMT+2<\/p>\n

UK is Eurovision 2026’s loser<\/p>\n

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER\u00a0 received just one point in the jury vote, and zero points in the audience vote for “Eins, Zwei, Drei”.<\/p>\n

0:44 GMT+2<\/p>\n

DARA – the jury favourite <\/p>\n

Bulgarian singer DARA first gained attention on X Factor Bulgaria and has since built a reputation for explosive pop tracks and confident stage energy. With \u201cBangaranga,\u201d she\u2019s now bringing that same wild, club-driven style to the Eurovision stage.<\/p>\n

Will the audience appreciate her just as much?<\/p>\n

0:43 GMT+2<\/p>\n

The jury’s votes are in<\/p>\n

In true Eurovision fashion, the strung-out voting system has commenced. Spokespeople for all 35 countries have revealed their votes, giving out a maximum of 12 points to their favourite. <\/p>\n

Here are the current top three countries from the jury’s votes:<\/p>\n

Bulgaria – 204Australia – 165Denmark – 165<\/p>\n

And falling behind at the bottom with just one point each is Austria and the United Kingdom.<\/p>\n

However, the televote is coming up, meaning anything is possible…<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 23:59 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Voting has CLOSED<\/p>\n

The vote is now closed. 25 countries, their fates have been sealed.<\/p>\n

0:06 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Jury squad unlocked \ud83c\udfa4<\/p>\n

Each country picks a 7-person music industry jury to help decide Eurovision results. They\u2019re music pros like singers, writers, and producers, all voting independently on vocals, song and stage vibe.<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 23:49 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Things are heating up<\/p>\n

Bulgarian entry DARA with \u201cBangaranga\u201d is currently on a 12% chance of winning according to bookmakers, placing her in third position overall.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

AP Photo\/Martin Meissner<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 23:41 GMT+2<\/p>\n

On the edge of my seat waiting for the results\u2026<\/p>\n

Based on bookmakers: Finland leads, Australia chases and the rest of the field is wide open.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

AP Photo\/Martin Meissner<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

AP Photo\/Martin Meissner<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 23:27 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Denmark : 1
\n Germany : 0
\n Israel : 3
\n Belgium : 0
\n Albania : 1
\n Greece : 3
\n Ukraine : 0
\n Australia : 5
\n Serbia : 1
\n Malta : 2
\n Czechia : 1
\n Bulgaria : 1
\n Croatia : 0
\n United Kingdom : 1
\n France : 2
\n Moldova : 0
\n Finland : 3
\n Poland : 0
\n Lithuania : 0
\n Sweden : 0
\n Cyprus : 1
\n Italy : 3
\n Norway : 0
\n Romania : 3
\n Austria : 0<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 23:28 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Saving the best for last?<\/p>\n

What can I say? Austria knows how to pull off weird.\u00a0<\/p>\n

COSM\u00d3\u2019s Tanzschein is a trippy mix of Eurovision kitsch and dark pop – and I\u2019m low-key obsessed with the animal masks.<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 23:22 GMT+2<\/p>\n

A penultimate disappointment<\/p>\n

Romania, I\u2019m all for an opera-emo moment, but Alexandra C\u0103pit\u0103nescu\u2019s \u201cChoke Me\u201d isn\u2019t good enough for me to stop breathing.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Feels like a watered down version of Serbia\u2019s hardcore performance.<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 23:16 GMT+2<\/p>\n

CHOKE ME \ud83c\uddf7\ud83c\uddf4<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 23:13 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Willst du eine Wurst?<\/p>\n

Vienna became a vibrant, bustling city during Eurovision week. Illuminations and Eurovision Village was just a part of many special events.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Unfortunately, the 2014 Austrian\u00a0Eurovision winner Conchita Wurst did not appear at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 23:21 GMT+2<\/p>\n

No way Norway<\/p>\n

Sorry Norway, but Jonas Lovv is coming across like a Temu version of Damiano David.<\/p>\n

\u201cYA YA YA\u201d- more like NAH NAH NAH.<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 23:12 GMT+2<\/p>\n

A jilted bride…<\/p>\n

Italy\u2019s attempt to swoon the audience with Sal Da Vinci\u2019s Per Sempre S\u00ec started off slow, and absolutely tanked with that shoddy high note.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

It\u2019s giving the best-man at a wedding after one too many shots. A disappointing performance for such a promising country.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

God, I miss M\u00e5neskin.<\/p>\n

\ufeff<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 23:08 GMT+2<\/p>\n

I’m Jalla-ed out<\/p>\n

A forgettable performance from Cyprus\u2019 Antigoni, with shaky vocals and uninspiring choreography.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Repeating \u201cJalla\u201d won\u2019t make me change my mind. <\/p>\n

\ufeff<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 23:07 GMT+2<\/p>\n

SWEDEN or Cascada? <\/p>\n

FELICA\u2019s bop \u201cMy System\u201d sounds like a Cascada song I used to Bluetooth my friends when I was 13. It may be nostalgic, but there\u2019s nothing impressive about a recycled beat.<\/p>\n

A round of the applause for the shades, though.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 23:04 GMT+2<\/p>\n

A silver charm<\/p>\n

Lithuania\u2019s Lion Ceccah graces the stage as a glittery grim reaper, but his vocals are intriguingly powerful.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Still, \u201cS\u00f3lo Quiero M\u00e1s\u201d lacks that Je ne sais quoi needed to stand out in Eurovision.\u00a0<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 22:47 GMT+2<\/p>\n

A prayer for victory<\/p>\n

Alicja Szempli\u0144ska came on stage calm and confident, with a voice strong as a bell performing \u201ePray\u201d. Singer known for her powerful, emotional vocals and strong ballads.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Poland has never won the Eurovision Song Contest, will it happen this time?<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 22:57 GMT+2<\/p>\n

I am FINNISHED<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Finland has resuscitated the competition with a heart-racing track and fabulous outfits.<\/p>\n

Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen have fiddled their way to the bookies’ favourites and it\u2019s easy to see why.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u201cLiekinheitin\u201d was born for Eurovision. It\u2019s camp, sharp, and yearning, and the bleached brows are ICONIC.<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 22:37 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Erm…<\/p>\n

Moldova\u2019s \u201cViva Moldova\u201d starts off as a headache and climaxes into a full-blown migraine.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Sorry, Satoshi, but somebody needs to cut the mic\u2026 Or give it to the giant in the red dress!<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 22:34 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Eurovision changes voting rules after Israel row <\/p>\n

Eurovision recently changed its voting rules following controversy over alleged political influence and televoting manipulation.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

The changes come after Israel was accused by critics and broadcasters of aggressively campaigning and attempting to influence last year\u2019s public vote.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

For 2026, organizers reduced the maximum number of televotes per payment method and reintroduced professional juries in the semi-finals.<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 22:45 GMT+2<\/p>\n

A true teen star<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

France brings an operatic flair to tonight\u2019s contest, as Monroe smashes out \u201cRegarde\u201d.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

It’s impressive, especially to say she’s only 17. But, I\u2019m not so keen on the background dancers. Why are they wearing PE kits?<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 22:28 GMT+2<\/p>\n

REGARDE ! \ud83c\uddeb\ud83c\uddf7<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 22:24 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Are U(K) joking?<\/p>\n

The UK last won Eurovision in 1997, the same year I was born.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Look Mum No Computer\u2019s \u201cEins, Zwei, Drei\u201d feels like a TikTok spoof created in a parent\u2019s basement. Guess I\u2019ll be turning 29 before the UK has a proper chance of a second win.<\/p>\n

A pink one-piece for Eurovision? Groundbreaking.\u00a0<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 22:29 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Croatia nails it<\/p>\n

Raw vocals and perfect harmonies from LELEK in their hauntingly tribal song, \u201cAndromeda\u201d. It makes me want to frolic around in the woods without my shoes on.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

This will be a serious contender, if only they brought on the wolves…<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 22:17 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Bulgarian Bangaranga<\/p>\n

\u201cBangaranga\u201d was one of the night\u2019s most intense and high-energy performances, with a bold, chaotic stage concept. THAT WAS HOT!<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 22:25 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Mirror mirror on the wall<\/p>\n

Daniel Zizka\u2019s syrupy voice is almost hypnotising, with impressive restraint and a STUNNING soprano.\u00a0<\/p>\n

That said, there\u2019s still something missing from \u201cCrossroads\u201d (and no, the answer isn\u2019t more mirrors).<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 22:14 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Giddy up, Malta!<\/p>\n

A brilliant performance from Malta’s chic cowboy Aidan. The saloon doors have swung open and we\u2019re obsessed.\u00a0<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 22:02 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Serbia gives emo-realness<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

*It was never a phase, mum*<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 22:15 GMT+2<\/p>\n

A diamonte Queen<\/p>\n

Australia is one of the favourites to win Eurovision, as diva Delta Goodrem belts out \u201cEclipse” with the dress of dreams and a bejewelled piano.\u00a0<\/p>\n

It\u2019s certainly an iconic moment, but I\u2019m not convinced the contest will be flying down under next year\u2026 G\u2019Day.<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 22:02 GMT+2<\/p>\n

A highhhh standard from Ukraine<\/p>\n

An ethereal performance for Lel\u00e9ka, who certainly knows how to command a stage.<\/p>\n

What \u201cRidnym\u201d lacks in theatrics it makes up for with a 28-second long note that echoed through the arena. <\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 21:53 GMT+2<\/p>\n

\u201cNo stage for genocide\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIt is our duty as artists to stand up and raise our voices,\u201d Austrian musician Patrick Bongola told protesters at an alternative concert held near the arena. Another activist said Israel\u2019s participation in a \u201cpeaceful music event should not be normalized\u201d during the war in Gaza.<\/p>\n

Several broadcasters and artists called for Israel to be excluded over the war in Gaza, but Eurovision went ahead as planned. Protesters said organisers could not claim neutrality while allowing Israel to compete.<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 21:45 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Meow<\/p>\n

Akylas Mytilinaios may have boots with the fur, but his song “Ferto” belongs in an arcade.<\/p>\n

+10 points for the cat hat, though.\u00a0<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 21:42 GMT+2<\/p>\n

YAAAS ALBANIA<\/p>\n

A stellar intro that wakes the audience up. Albania’s chain-mail cloak and shades is exactly what the show was starting to lack: style.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Alis\u2019 Godly vocals feel like we\u2019re being transported to heaven. His song \u2018N\u00e2n\u2019\u00a0is about mothers longing for how much they wait for their children and no matter what, they will be there.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

And boy are we MOTHERING.<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 21:37 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Really Belgium?<\/p>\n

Let’s hope the audience thaws out from Belgium’s “Dancing On The Ice”. <\/p>\n

Let’s move on…<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 21:35 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Belgium like <\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 21:32 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Mixed reactions during Israel\u2019s Eurovision final performance<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Israel\u2019s representative Noam Bettan took to the Eurovision stage tonight with his song \u201cMichelle\u201d, receiving both loud cheers and audible boos inside Vienna\u2019s Wiener Stadthalle. TV viewers could also hear pro-Palestinian chants during parts of the performance as security remained on high alert around the arena.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 21:29 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Germany. Where’s the flame?<\/p>\n

For a song titled ‘Fire’, I expected more for Germany.<\/p>\n

\ufeff<\/p>\n

Sarah Engels has strong vocals, but the track sounds like a girl band that should have been left in 80s.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

Maybe the \u2018draw of doom\u2019 is real after all.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 21:28 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Denmark’s moody-meets-techno bop<\/p>\n

Denmark has set the bar high, with a chic and sexy performance of \u201cF\u00f8r Vi G\u00e5r Hjem\u201d (\u201cBefore We Go Home\u201d).<\/p>\n

S\u00f8ren Torpegaard Lund managed to keep his buttery vocals while dangling upside down from a glass cube. If Lady Gaga is in need of a new music video choreographer, she knows who to call.<\/p>\n

Slay!<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 21:20 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Eurovision marks 70 years with huge global audience<\/p>\n

Despite the controversies surrounding this year\u2019s contest, millions of viewers are expected to tune in worldwide as Eurovision celebrates its 70th anniversary with tonight\u2019s grand final in Vienna.<\/p>\n

Here<\/a> we suggest best places where you can watch the Eurovision Grand Final throughout the evening.<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 21:10 GMT+2<\/p>\n

BBC acknowledges boycotts <\/p>\n

BBC presenter Graham Norton acknowledged the countries refusing to participate in this year’s Eurovision due to Israel’s involvement, as the show’s flag ceremony commenced. <\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 21:04 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Who’s up first?<\/p>\n

As Europe twiddle its thumbs for the grand final to finally kick off, we’re breaking down the first three performances. <\/p>\n

Denmark will open up tonight’s show, with S\u00f8ren Torpegaard Lund performing \u201cF\u00f8r Vi G\u00e5r Hjem\u201d (\u201cBefore We Go Home\u201d). Here’s hoping there will be more mesh outfits.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Germany will be next up, with Sarah Engels’ empowerment bop “Fire”. Fingers crossed the stage can handle the heat.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Then, it’s Israel. Noam Bettan will sing “Michelle”, but following the string of protests – it’s likely the performance will be met with backlash.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 20:58 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Let the countdown begin!<\/p>\n

\u00a0Are your TVs switched on yet?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 20:52 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Home boycotts gaining ground<\/p>\n

Amid demonstrations on the streets, many social media users have also expressed their choice to boycott this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. <\/p>\n

Writing on X (formerly Twitter) one user wrote: “I’m doing the Eurovision boycott thing, so you’re all spared my usual low quality, hilarious live commentary for the evening.”<\/p>\n

Another said: “Hot girls boycott Eurovision.”<\/p>\n

Normally, I’d be watching and posting about the Eurovision Song Contest \ud83c\udfb6\ud83c\udfb5
This year, I’m joining the boycott.<\/p>\n

\u2014 darkdwarf \ud83e\udd18\ud83c\udffb\ud83e\udd2a\ud83e\udd18\ud83c\udffb\ud83c\udfb6\ud83c\udfb8\ud83d\udc32\ud83d\udef6\ud83c\udff4\udb40\udc67\udb40\udc62\udb40\udc65\udb40\udc6e\udb40\udc67\udb40\udc7f\ud83c\uddec\ud83c\udde7\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddfa (@darkdwarf) May 16, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 20:44 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Tensions rise as protests continue ahead of the final<\/p>\n

The atmosphere in Vienna has remained tense during Eurovision week, with protests over Israel\u2019s participation taking place across the city. Earlier today, pro-Palestinian demonstrators gathered near the Eurovision Village under heavy police security.<\/p>\n

People protest against Israel\u2019s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udd34 LIVE updates: https:\/\/t.co\/eRjTivGsSW<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/EtOBozSuj6<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) May 16, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 20:36 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Eurovision’s best (or worst) dressed fans<\/p>\n

Amid the political backlash, which you can learn more about here<\/a>, it’s clear that nothing can dampen Eurovision flamboyance.<\/p>\n

To get you in the mood for tonight’s fabulous antics, we’ve rounded up some of the most eccentric looks from the semi finals.<\/p>\n

And the award for best hair goes to…<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Want a banana?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

When you have Eurovision at 8pm and the school nativity at 9pm.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 20:29 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Where Mozart Meets Eurovision Magic<\/p>\n

Vienna is called the \u201cCity of Music,\u201d home to Mozart, Beethoven, and Johann Strauss II. Their works are still performed in halls like the Musikverein, near today\u2019s Eurovision-style shows.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 19:58 GMT+2<\/p>\n

It’s almost time<\/p>\n

Wiener Stadthalle, Austria’s largest indoor arena, is starting to fill as fans take their seat (or stand).<\/p>\n

Fastened my seatbelt. And then unfastened it again because I\u2019m not actually in the seated area tonight. #Eurovision<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/5ToDxRKlm3<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Adam (@Adam_Price17) May 16, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 19:54 GMT+2<\/p>\n

\ud83c\uddea\ud83c\uddfa Eurovision 2026 becoming the most political edition in decades<\/p>\n

With five countries boycotting over Israel\u2019s participation, this year\u2019s Eurovision is facing its deepest identity crisis in years despite the \u201cUnited by Music\u201d slogan.<\/p>\n

Today, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro S\u00e1nchez doubled down on the boycott in a video posted on Instagram and X, saying Spain would not attend Eurovision because \u201csilence is not an option\u201d and insisting the country is \u201con the right side of history.\u201d<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 19:43 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Italy spices up the press room<\/p>\n

Ahead of tonight’s competition, Italy’s Sal da Vinci has given an impromptu performance to journalists in the press room.<\/p>\n

Fabien Randanne from 20Minutes shared the moment reporters cheered and danced on X (formerly Twitter).<\/p>\n

#Eurovision<\/a> Quand soudain, Sal da Vinci vient ambiancer la salle de presse \ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25\ud83d\udd25 pic.twitter.com\/MG2RQaAXpz<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Fabien Randanne (@fabrandanne) May 16, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 19:32 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Finland : 1
\n Australia : 3
\n Israel : 2
\n Greece : 2
\n Romania : 0
\n Denmark : 1
\n Italy : 1
\n Bulgaria : 4
\n France : 4
\n Cyprus : 1
\n Other : 1<\/p>\n

16\/05\/2026 – 19:30 GMT+2<\/p>\n

Germany pulls the ‘draw of doom’<\/p>\n

The grand final running order has been revealed, and it’s bad news for Germany.<\/p>\n

Denmark will be kicking off the show, with S\u00f8ren Torpegaard Lund performing the sultry \u201cF\u00f8r Vi G\u00e5r Hjem\u201d (\u201cBefore We Go Home\u201d).<\/p>\n

Germany\u2019s Sarah Engels will follow, taking on what\u2019s been previously described as the \u2018death slot\u2019 or the \u2018draw of doom\u2019. This is because no country that has performed second in the running order of the final has ever gone on to win the competition.<\/p>\n

Will Germany be able to burn away the long-standing superstition with its song \u2018Fire\u2019?<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n