Eurovision 2026 First Semi-Final Held in Vienna
On May 12, 2026, the first semi-final of Eurovision took place in Vienna, sparking lively commentary from Ukrainians on the participating countries' acts. The lineup included representatives from:
- Moldova
- Portugal
- Croatia
- Georgia
- Greece
The performance that gained the most attention was Greece's, which went viral online.
Moldova is represented at Eurovision 2026 by singer Satoshi with the track Viva, Moldova!. During the performance, one Ukrainian commented:
“Moldova sent a song this year that sounds like an orc's body sinking into the ground”. Portugal is represented by the band Bandidos do Cante with the song Rosa. Ukrainians noted a resemblance between one band member and Ukrainian singer Mykyta Alieksieiev, remarking: “It's like Mykyta Alieksieiev grew a mustache and went to Eurovision for Portugal. There's a resemblance, wouldn't you say?”
Croatia is represented by the female ethno-group Lelek with the song Andromeda. Ukrainians compared their performance to the work of Jerry Heil, expressing:
“Croatia. Looks like a budget version of Jerry Heil”. Georgia is represented by the band Bzikebi (Bees) with the song On Replay. The Georgian artists' performance reminded some Ukrainians of the popular film 'Spy Kids'.
Greece's Performance and Overall Impressions
Greece in 2026 is represented by singer Akylas with the song Ferto. This act stood out significantly, as the Greek singer rode a scooter across the stage, sparking an animated reaction from viewers. Overall, the first semi-final of Eurovision 2026 proved to be an engaging event that generated numerous comments and discussions among Ukrainians.
The first semi-final of Eurovision 2026 showcased not only a diversity of musical styles but also the active participation of the Ukrainian audience in online debates. Ukrainian comments highlight their interest in cultural connections and the influence other countries have on Ukrainian music. These discussions may reflect the growing interactivity of music competition fans on social media. Thus, Eurovision remains a key platform for cultural exchange and youth self-expression.
As the excitement continues to build around Eurovision 2026, the announcement of the first finalists has added another layer to the ongoing discussions. This year's competition has proven to be both entertaining and surprising, with each performance sparking unique reactions from fans across Europe.