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The first Eurovision semi-final takes place today, with Finland, Greece and Israel among the countries competing for a spot in the final.

The annual song contest kicks off tonight (Tuesday 12 May) in Vienna, Austria, amid continued controversy over Israel’s participation. The country was issued a formal warning by Eurovision last week over broadcaster Kan’s endorsement of a video from delegate Noam Bettan calling for viewers to use all 10 of their allocated votes on him.

Bettan will be competing tonight with his song “Michelle”, against favourites including Finland’s Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkone, Greece’s contestant Akylas, and Moldova’s Satoshi.

Meanwhile, the UK’s delegate Look Mum No Computer, who is guaranteed a spot in the final along with other “Big Five” members France, Germany and Italy, will perform live during the second semi-final on Thursday 14 May. Spain, another member of the “Big Five”, withdrew from the contest this year after Israel was permitted to compete.

Viewers in the UK will be able to watch live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8pm.

Follow live updates below:

Finland’s Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen on the ‘sad’ meaning behind their Eurovision 2026 song

Ahead of their performance at tonight’s semi-final, I spoke with Finnish favourites Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen, who opened up about the “sad” meaning behind their original song “Liekinheitin”.

Roisin O’Connor12 May 2026 11:37

Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is mired in controversy. Here’s why

The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place this month – but the popular music event remains mired in controversy surrounding the involvement of Israel.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organising body behind Eurovision, has faced calls to ban Israel for three years running, but has each time allowed Israel to remain in the competition.

Meanwhile, Israel’s broadcaster was issued a warning by Eurovision after competition rules with a video asking fans to vote for the country’s act 10 times.

This year the country is being represented by singer Noam Bettan, who will be competing with his song “Michelle”.

Here’s a breakdown of the controversy:

Louis Chilton12 May 2026 10:38

The running order for the first semi-final

Finland is one of the favourites to win Eurovision 2026, and you’ll get to see them competing in tonight’s semi-final.

Other countries in the contest this evening including Greece’s Akylas with his song ‘Ferto’, Portugal’s Bandidos do Cante (they’re a bit like Portuguese Westlife, I love them), Croatia’s LELEK and Moldova’s brilliant Satoshi.

Here’s the full running order:

Roisin O’Connor12 May 2026 09:38

Ireland to air Father Ted instead of Eurovision as it boycotts song contest over Israel

This decision is part of a broader boycott, with Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia refusing to send competitors to the 70th iteration of the song competition and opting not to broadcast the final, citing Israel’s war in Gaza. The Netherlands and Iceland are also not sending acts to compete but will still air the final.

Roisin O’Connor12 May 2026 09:09

Eurovision gives Israel formal warning over call for viewers to ‘vote 10 times’

Israel’s national broadcaster has received a formal warning from Eurovision organisers after it encouraged viewers to “vote 10 times”.

The Israeli public broadcaster, known as Kan, was found to have broken the rules of the song contest on Friday (8 May) when it shared videos on social media encouraging fans to support its 2026 entry, Noam Bettan.

In the clips, Bettan, who is competing this year with the song “Michelle”, told his fans to use all 10 of their allocated votes to support him in the first semi-final on Tuesday 12 May.

Roisin O’Connor12 May 2026 08:37

When and where this year’s contest is taking place, and how to watch

Well, the UK might not have much of a shot but at least things are looking good for Finland. The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest kicks off tonight in Vienna, Austria, with 35 countries vying for the win.

Here’s everything you need to know ahead of time, if you’re planning on tuning in:

Roisin O’Connor12 May 2026 07:40