The EU flag bunting is out, the United Kingdom is praying for at least one point and Australia is sending a former Neighbours star to perform. This can all only mean one thing: Eurovision is almost upon us.
The build-up to this year’s annual song contest has been somewhat marred by boycott calls but for at least for its organisers, the European Broadcasting Union, the show must go on.
Here’s everything you need to know about this year’s schedule, including when and how to tune in...
Where is Eurovision 2026 and what happened last year?
The 70th song contest is taking place in Vienna, as Austria won last year with their entry JJ and his track “Wasted Love”. The 24-year-old scored a total of 436 points, putting him comfortably ahead of Israel’s Yuval Raphael, who finished in second place with 357 points, while Estonia’s Tommy Cash was close behind on 356.
When are the semi-finals and Grand Final?
As has become customary in recent years, Eurovision is now an almost week-long affair, with semi-finals taking place days before the main event.
With so many countries now taking part, the semi-finals help whittle down the entries so the mammoth final doesn’t go on even longer (and give us a chance to have a good look at the competition).
The only countries who do not need to qualify are the “Big 5” – France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK – as their broadcasters make the biggest financial contributions.
This year it’s technically a Big 4 as Spain is among the countries boycotting Eurovision over Israel’s continued involvement. Also sitting it out are Iceland, Ireland, Slovenia and the Netherlands, meaning a total of 35 countries are currently taking part this year.
The semi-finals will take place at 8pm UK time on Tuesday 12 and Thursday 14 May, with the grand final at the same time on Saturday 16 May.
How to watch Eurovision 2026
Both the semi-finals and the final will be broadcast live on BBC One, as well as on Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.
The presenting team is looking a little different this year, as replacements have been drafted in for fired Radio 2 host Scott Mills.
In his place, Eurovision superfan Angela Scanlon will join Rylan Clark to front the semi-finals coverage, before chat show star Graham Norton returns as usual to provide commentary for the grand final.
On Radio 2, Sara Cox will take the lead on broadcasts of the semi-finals and the main event, with Rylan joining her for the latter. She’ll also host an extra special edition of her teatime show, broadcasting live from Vienna on Wednesday 13 May.
Completing the Eurovision team is Drag Race UK winner Tia Kofi, who will be getting the backstage tea for the Beeb’s digital channels.
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