Eurovision 2026 Final Kicks Off in Vienna with Ukraine Among the Front-Runners

Eurovision 2026 Grand Final in Vienna

According to Главком: The 70th anniversary Eurovision Song Contest reaches its climax on May 16, 2026, at 10:00 PM local time in Vienna. A total of 25 nations will compete in the final, including Ukraine, which has become a staple of this major European music event. This year’s lineup promises a diverse range of musical genres and original performances, with each act bringing their own unique flair to the stage.

The following countries have secured their spots in the grand final:

• Denmark
• Israel
• Belgium
• Albania
• Greece
• Australia
• Serbia
• Malta
• Czech Republic
• Bulgaria
• Croatia
• United Kingdom
• France
• Moldova
• Finland
• Poland
• Lithuania
• Sweden
• Cyprus
• Italy
• Norway
• Romania
• Austria

The final will feature 25 performances, including Ukraine’s entry by Leleka with the song 'Ridnym' (To the Native Ones). Other competing acts and their songs are:

• Denmark: Søren Torpegaard Lund – Før vi går hjem (Before We Go Home)
• Sarah Engels – Fire
• Israel: Noam Bettan – Michelle
• Belgium: Essyla – Dancing on the Ice
• Albania: Alis – Nân (Mother)
• Greece: Akylas – Ferto (Come On!)
• Australia: Delta Goodrem – Eclipse
• Serbia: Lavina – Kraj mene (Next to Me)
• Malta: Aidan – Bella (Beautiful)
• Czech Republic: Daniel Žižka – Crossroads
• Bulgaria: Dara – Bangaranga (Mischievous)
• Croatia: Lelek – Andromeda
• United Kingdom: Look Mum No Computer – Eins, Zwei, Drei (One, Two, Three)
• France: Monroe - Regarde ! (Look!)
• Moldova: Satoshi – Viva, Moldova
• Finland: Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen – Liekinheitin (Flamethrower)
• Poland: Alicja – Pray
• Lithuania: Lion Ceccah – Sólo quiero más (I Only Want More)
• Sweden: Felicia – My System
• Cyprus: Antigoni – Jalla (More!)
• Italy: Sal da Vinci – Per Sempre Sì (Forever Yes)
• Norway: Jonas Lovv – Ya ya ya
• Romania: Alexandra Căpitănescu – Choke Me
• Austria: Cosmó – Tanzschein (Dance Pass)

The grand final is shaping up to be a vibrant and unforgettable show, uniting music fans from across Europe. Eurovision not only showcases musical talent but also serves as a key platform for cultural exchange between nations. Given the current geopolitical climate, Ukraine’s participation carries added weight, reinforcing national identity and international solidarity.

The Eurovision Song Contest is more than just a music competition; it provides a stage for artists to express their views and emotions through art, fostering dialogue and connection among diverse cultures.

Vienna’s final will be both a celebration of music and an opportunity for participants to share their perspectives and feelings through creative performance.

As the excitement builds for the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final, it's essential to consider which performances may stand out in the earlier rounds. Recent analyses have highlighted potential frontrunners for the first semi-final, offering insights into how each country might fare. For a deeper understanding of the top contenders and their chances, check out our detailed predictions on the leading acts for the first semi-final.