The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is underway in Vienna, Austria, with the second semi-final taking place tonight (Thursday 14 May). This year, 35 countries are participating, but the host country Austria and four of the "Big Five" countries - the United Kingdom, Italy, France, and Germany - are guaranteed a spot in the final. Spain, the fifth country typically guaranteed a spot due to its broadcaster's financial contribution to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), withdrew from the contest in protest over Israel's participation. This decision sparked a chain reaction, with four other countries' broadcasters - Iceland, the Netherlands, Ireland, and Slovenia - also pulling out. Despite these withdrawals, the contest continues with 15 countries competing for the remaining spots in Saturday's grand final. The second semi-final's running order is as follows:
- Bulgaria: DARA - "Bangaranga"
- Azerbaijan: JIVA - "Just Go"
- Romania: Alexandra Căpitănescu - "Choke Me"
- Luxembourg: Eva Marija - "Mother Nature"
- Czechia: Daniel Zizka - "CROSSROADS"
- France: Monroe - "Regarde!"
- Armenia: SIMÓN - "Paloma Rumba"
- Switzerland: Veronica Fusaro - "Alice"
- Cyprus: Antigoni - "JALLA"
- Austria: COSMÓ - "Tanzschein"
- Latvia: Atvara - "Ēnā"
- Denmark: Søren Torpegaard Lund - "Før Vi Går Hjem"
- Australia: Delta Goodrem - "Eclipse"
- Ukraine: LELÉKA - "Ridnym"
- United Kingdom: LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER - "Eins, Zwei, Drei"
The contest is being held at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna's 15th district (Rudolfsheim-Fünfhaus), and The Independent will be liveblogging the semi-finals and grand final. This year's Eurovision Song Contest marks the 70th edition of the iconic event, and with the mix of talented artists and the ever-changing dynamics of the participating countries, it promises to be an exciting and memorable spectacle. As the competition heats up, the question remains: who will emerge as the winner and take home the coveted trophy? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain - the Eurovision Song Contest continues to captivate audiences worldwide, blending music, culture, and a touch of drama.
