Eurovision is one of the world’s most beloved and longest-running music competitions, bringing together dozens of countries each year in a spectacular live song contest. First created to unite war-torn Europe through music, the event has grown into a global phenomenon over the past seven decades. This year, Eurovision returns to its landmark 70th edition in Vienna, Austria, and the Grand Final is finally here.
When and where it is Eurovision 2026 Grand final
The grand final will be played live from the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna on Saturday, May 16. Austria won the hosting rights after winning the 2025 competition with the song ‘Wasted Love’ performed by JJ (Johannes Pietsch). After two semi-final rounds on May 12 and May 14, 25 countries have qualified for tonight’s Grand Final.
How to watch the grand final of Eurovision 2026
Coverage starts at 8pm on BBC One, iPlayer, Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. Graham Norton will provide commentary for BBC One and iPlayer, while Rylan and Sara Cox will provide commentary for BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. For US viewers, the Grand Final can be streamed live on Peacock or YouTube, with coverage starting at 3pm ET.
Who is hosting Eurovision 2026?
The Grand Final will be Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski. The show will open with a performance by 2025 winner JJ, followed by interlude acts celebrating the competition’s 70th anniversary, including electro-swing artist Parov Stelar and Austrian legend César Sampson.Who is performing in the grand final of Eurovision 2026
Here are the 25 acts that will take to the stage tonight:
Denmark: Søren Torpegaard Lund — Før Vi Går HjemGermany: Sarah Engels — FireIsrael: Noam Bettan – MichelleBelgium: ESSYLA — Dancing on the IceAlbania: Alis – NânGreece: Akylas – FertoUkraine: LELÉKA — RidnymAustralia: Delta Goodrem – EclipseSerbia: LAVINA — Kraj MeneMalta: AIDAN – BellaCzech Republic: Daniel Zizka – CROSSBulgaria: DARA — BangarangaCroatia: LELEK — AndromedaUK: LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER — Eins, Zwei, DreiFrance: Monroe — Look!Moldova: Satoshi — Viva, Moldova!Finland: Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen – LiekinheitinPoland: ALICJA — PrayerLithuania: Lion Ceccah — Sólo Quiero MásSweden: FELICIA — My systemCyprus: Antigoni – JALLAItaly: Sal Da Vinci — Per Semper SìNorway: JONAS LOVV — YA YA YARomania: Alexandra Căpitănescu — Choke MeAustria: COSMÓ – Tanzschein
How the winner of Eurovision 2026 will be decided
The champion will be decided by a combination of points from national juries and audience votes from the participating countries, along with a vote from the rest of the world. For the first time, UK viewers can vote online exclusively via esc.vote or the official Eurovision Song Contest app, giving 10 votes for 15p, although everyone is allowed to vote for their own country.
