Follow our live coverage of the 70th Eurovision taking place in the Austrian capital, Vienna, as 25 countries compete in perhaps the most politically charged edition of the world's greatest song contest.
The Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest officially begins in a few hours with the fun and festivities expected to be more camp and controversial than ever before as it once again becomes a stage for pomp, pageantry and politics.
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What was born as a festival to unite Europe after the World War II has become a battleground for countries using its spotlight to make a stand on political agendas.
The 70th edition of the song contest being held in Vienna will already go down in history as perhaps the most divisive competition after months of protest over Israel's participation and its war on Gaza led to five countries choosing to boycott the proceedings.
There's been tight security around the venue and across the Austrian capital with pre-show demonstrations erupting. Israel remains one of the favourites along with Finland’s fiery fiddler Linda Lampenius and singer Pete Parkkonen.
But after an impressive performance in Thursday's second semi-final, will an underdog like Australia’s pop star Delta Goodrem finally take the competition down under?
A fractured 'Big 5': countries not participating in 2026
Spain is not the only country to have stepped aside, although it is the biggest as it makes key contribution to the organisation. As a member of the 'Big 5', Spain guarantees the economic viability of the contest, so its absence generates a financial and audience hole difficult for the EBU to fill.
- Ireland: After years of protests by its representatives (such as Bambie Thug in 2024), the Irish broadcaster RTÉ has opted to withdraw in protest at Israel's participation, citing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
- Netherlands: Public broadcaster 'AVROTROS' officially withdrew in protest, joining the boycott of the event in Vienna. However, unlike the Spanish public broadcaster, the Dutch broadcasters 'NOS' and 'NTR' will broadcast the competition.
- Iceland: The management of 'RÚV, the Icelandic public broadcaster,' took the decision to withdraw from the competition due to internal division and social pressure over the presence of Israel in the competition. Stefan Eiriksson, director general of the public broadcaster said: "In the current situation, there is no peace and joy associated with this contest. Therefore, first and foremost, we are withdrawing as long as the situation remains the same.
- Slovenia: Public broadcaster 'RTV SLO' will replace its coverage of the Vienna festival with special programming dedicated to Palestine.
Whatever happens, Euronews Culture will be here for every step, bringing you the most most striking looks, unhinged, but fairly balanced commentary, and those all-important league tables of points...
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It's almost time
Wiener Stadthalle, Austria's largest indoor arena, is starting to fill as fans take their seat (or stand).
Fastened my seatbelt. And then unfastened it again because I’m not actually in the seated area tonight. #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/5ToDxRKlm3
— Adam (@Adam_Price17) May 16, 2026
🇪🇺 Eurovision 2026 becoming the most political edition in decades
With five countries boycotting over Israel’s participation, this year’s Eurovision is facing its deepest identity crisis in years despite the “United by Music” slogan.
Today, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez doubled down on the boycott in a video posted on Instagram and X, saying Spain would not attend Eurovision because “silence is not an option” and insisting the country is “on the right side of history.”
Italy spices up the press room
Ahead of tonight's competition, Italy's Sal da Vinci has given an impromptu performance to journalists in the press room.
Fabien Randanne from 20Minutes shared the moment reporters cheered and danced on X (formerly Twitter).
#Eurovision Quand soudain, Sal da Vinci vient ambiancer la salle de presse 🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/MG2RQaAXpz
— Fabien Randanne (@fabrandanne) May 16, 2026
- Finland : 1
- Australia : 2
- Israel : 0
- Greece : 0
- Romania : 0
- Denmark : 1
- Italy : 0
- Bulgaria : 1
- France : 0
- Cyprus : 1
- Other : 1
Germany pulls the 'draw of doom'
The grand final running order has been revealed, and it's bad news for Germany.
Denmark will be kicking off the show, with Søren Torpegaard Lund performing the sultry “Før Vi Går Hjem” (“Before We Go Home”).
Germany’s Sarah Engels will follow, taking on what’s been previously described as the ‘death slot’ or the ‘draw of doom’. This is because no country that has performed second in the running order of the final has ever gone on to win the competition.
Will Germany be able to burn away the long-standing superstition with its song ‘Fire’?
