First Semi-Final of Eurovision 2026
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest began on May 12, 2026, at 10:00 PM local time in Vienna, Austria, with its first semi-final. Fifteen countries competed in this round, and ten of them will advance to the grand final. Each act presented their entry, showcasing a wide variety of musical styles and genres, from arena anthems to emotional ballads.
Participants in the Semi-Final
- Moldova: Satoshi, whose real name is Vlad Sabajuk, hails from the city of Cahul. He launched his music project in 2019 and has released three albums. His song 'Viva, Moldova' is described as an arena anthem with deep meaning, challenging listeners to uncover its mystery. Satoshi stated:
“His song Viva, Moldova is a hymn for a large arena that has a deep meaning, and listeners need to solve this puzzle.”
- Sweden: Felicia, previously known under the pseudonym Fröken Snusk, rose to fame after winning the show The Masked Singer. In 2026, she won Melodifestivalen with her track 'My System'.
- Croatia: The band Lelek, formed in 2024, performs 'Andromeda'. They secured their spot by winning the Dora 2026 national selection.
- Greece: Akylas, who gained popularity through his hit single 'Atelié', presents 'Ferto'. He explained that the song addresses themes of greed, overconsumption, and the relentless pursuit of more in modern society.
- Portugal: The group Bandidos do Cante delivers 'Rosa', a calm and emotionally charged composition.
- Georgia: The band Bzikebi performs 'On Replay'; its members previously won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest in 2008.
- Finland: A duo consisting of Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen brings 'Liekinheitin'.
- Montenegro: Tamara Živković sings 'Nova Zora', which she describes as a song about strength and female empowerment.
- Estonia: The band Vanilla Ninja performs 'Too Epic To Be True'.
- Israel: Noam Bettan presents 'Michelle'.
- Belgium: Essyla performs 'Dancing on the Ice'.
- Lithuania: Lion Ceccah sings 'Sólo Quiero Más'.
- San Marino: Senhit, making her third Eurovision appearance, performs 'Superstar'.
- Poland: Alicja offers 'Pray', which she described as a personal prayer about struggling with her own weaknesses.
- Serbia: The band Lavina performs 'Kraj Mene'.
As a result, the first semi-final promises to be packed with emotion and musical variety, as 10 out of 15 participants vie for a spot in the competition's final.
The first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 highlights the diversity of musical styles and themes brought by the participants. Each performer presents a unique story and message, underscoring Europe's cultural richness. Determining the finalists marks a crucial step in the contest's progression, as only the best will compete for the title on the grand stage. This event also offers artists from different countries a platform to showcase their talents and gain international recognition.
As the excitement builds for the grand final, it's essential to reflect on the rehearsals that set the stage for these performances. This behind-the-scenes glimpse offers insights into the preparation and creativity that contestants bring to the competition, highlighting what we can expect as the event unfolds.