Delta Goodrem representing Australia Photograph: Ian West/PA
So all the juries have voted, and the top five is:
Bulgaria
Australia
Denmark
France
Finland
But now we move on to the public vote, where the presenters will make a huge fuss about how everything can still change - and annoyingly, they are absolutely right. This is the point where things can go properly rogue. Last year I watched this in the delegation area backstage and aged about fifteen years in ten minutes.
If you’re wondering who the UK gave their top points to – Czechia got 8, Bulgaria got 10, and we gave 12 to France.
So currently we’re about halfway through the jury votes and Bulgaria are in the lead. I absolutely expected that to smash the public vote, but I did not expect Dara’s Bangaranga to be doing this well with the juries.
Apparently Europe’s music professionals heard “WELCOME TO THE RIOT” and thought yes, this is exactly the sort of refined artistic achievement we should be rewarding tonight. And do you know what? I love them for it. Keep the votes coming, please.
More from Martin in the arena!
Every jury 12 points is getting a huge roar from the crowd. I can see Sam Battle - LOOK MUM ONE POINT SO FAR - enthusiasticly applauding each result. Without the TV director in place you can see the results being delivered on-screen, the presenters halfway down the runway, and the complete reaction across the green room. Some delegations are already completely wrapped in their flags.
Malta are doing unexpectedly well here. The last time leather trousers had this much electoral success was Måns Zelmerlöw in 2015.
The first point to the UK, from Ukraine! We will not be scoring nul points, which is reassuring. We appreciate it.
You’ll be relieved to hear I’m not about to provide live commentary on every single set of scores. You are, after all, watching the same television programme as me, and there are only so many ways to say “wow, what a surprise, Cyprus gave Greece 12 points.”
I’ll check in periodically with any major developments, statistical oddities, or particularly unhinged spokesperson outfits.
Time for the jury votes! What are we thinking? Finland and Australia for the top scores, surely? They are both jury catnip.
If you want to continue the Eurovision drinking game, here are a few jury bonuses:
A presenter complimenting Victoria and Michael on an amazing show (aka lying)
A pause so long we briefly wonder whether time itself has stopped
An inexplicably tense attempt at banter
A spokesperson dressed in a costume only twelve people watching will understand
Another spokesperson dressed like they’re a finalist in a regional ice dancing competition
A country giving 12 points to its immediate neighbour and not even looking embarrassed about it
A spokesperson who is very clearly already at the afterparty - mentally, spiritually and possibly chemically
Just got back from a loo break and caught the tail end of Billy Joel talking about Vienna (the song, not the city). This evening keeps drifting further and further into uncharted waters. What next? Céline Dion descending from the ceiling on a papier-mâché schnitzel?
Updated
The final recap is shown in reverse order, which is Eurovision’s way of saying “you’re tired, let’s make this feel different somehow.” Thanks, Eurovision.
Updated
The next interval act is “electro swing,” which is either a music genre or something sold at a Berlin sex club.
However this is Eurovision, where all genres eventually become “people in sequins shouting over a saxophone,” so I’m prepared to keep an open mind.
Either Electro Velvet were eleven years ahead of their time, or Austria is still catching up. You decide.
Updated
From Martin in the arena!
If you’ve ever wondered how well it works with 10,000 people needing to go to the toilet and buy snacks and drinks all at once after COSMO finishes then the answer is ... not great.
The merch stall has done amazing business at the venue, hoodies and tote bags are among the items sold out. You can still spend €30 on some Eurovision socks though. I might skip that.
Interval act time! Erika Vikman singing a happy hardcore version of Dana’s All Kinds Of Everything was not on my Eurovision bingo card, but I do now urgently need it on Spotify. She’s joined by Lordi and then the ceremonial annual appearance of Alexander Rybak’s violin.
By the time Verka Serduchka arrives to perform Puppet On A String this feels like the sort of thing you hallucinate after twelve consecutive hours of Eurovision. But then Lordi start singing Save Your Kisses For Me and the entire concept of reality finally collapses in on itself.
Also, Ruslana is there, and I would just like to add that I once shared a taxi with her in Madrid. She is very lovely and fun.
Do I love this hot mess? Yes, obviously. This is what Eurovision was invented for. Lordi Schlager Hits album immediately please.
Updated
As we head into the interval and prepare for approximately nine hours of scoring, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski for their efforts tonight, and also respectfully ask that Eurovision never makes me watch them host anything ever again.
Between the painfully strained banter, the hostage-grade autocue delivery and the overwhelming sense that they’d been introduced to each other roughly four minutes before going live, it’s been quite the experience. Petra Mede, if you can hear us, please blink twice.
And that’s it! The songs have all been sung, which means we now enter Eurovision’s most sacred tradition: sitting through seventeen recaps, pretending to enjoy the interval act, and slowly losing all sense of time.
25. 🇦🇹 Austria: COSMÓ – Tanzschein
We’re wrapping up this year’s show with the host nation Austria, and COSMÓ (caps lock drink, if you’re still standing) singing Tanzschein, which means ‘dance license’. My Austrian husband LOVES this, but then he can understand the lyrics and appreciate that they’re actually quite deep and thoughtful.
For those of us who are only on Duolingo German level 9, however, it feels a bit dated musically and the dancers in silver animal masks make little sense. But essentially the club is a uber-masc jungle of animals, and COSMÓ wants to introduce a license that only admits people who live for the dance. So Euroclub, basically. Got it, and here for Austria bringing the happy finish.
24. 🇷🇴 Romania: Alexandra Căpitănescu - Choke Me
Only two songs left! Time for a rock anthem from Romania, and apparently the whole choking theme is metaphorical, although lyrics like “born for you to control” and “love me, make my lungs explode” do make you question how firmly she’s digging in.
It’s a shame, because Alexandra has a fantastic voice and incredible stage presence, and lyrics aside, it’s a really strong performance. But it also makes me feel a bit uneasy, and I’m afraid can’t quite switch that part of my brain off. Regardless, I fully expect this to do extremely well this evening.
23. 🇳🇴 Norway: JONAS LOVV - YA YA YA
Time for Norway, with JONAS LOVV (DRINK) singing YA YA YA, which is essentially Benson Boone doing Seven Nation Army via the medium of Måneskin.
Glam rock isn’t usually my thing, but this is actually great - JONAS has bags of stage presence and fully commits to the strut. I suspect his carnival fishing waders may be the closest we get to lederhosen tonight, so savour the moment.
That said, we do need to talk about the lyric “I got no self control / left it right all over you and your pretty clothes.” Eww, JONAS. This is cashmere. Have some respect.
I’ve just been told that Linda Lampenius appeared in series 9 of Baywatch. She played a European violinist who gets stranded on a yacht, and there’s some kind of smuggling plot involving her violin case. I feel like I definitely need to watch this.
22. 🇮🇹 Italy: Sal Da Vinci - Per Sempre Sì
OK, time for Italy’s Sal Da Vinci with Per Sempre Si. Please stop whatever you’re doing and watch, because rarely has a Sanremo winner split the Italian public quite like this one. For some, it’s a joyfully old-school Italian love song that makes you want to dance round your kitchen singing into a giant pepper grinder. For others, it’s painfully naff 1970s disco with no business being anywhere near Eurovision in 2026.
I’m very much in the LOVE camp. Yes, the only thing that would make this Italian wedding any cheesier is parmesan raining from the rafters, but I don’t care, because it radiates pure joy and I cannot stop smiling. Don’t miss the splendidly camp Buck’s Fizz-style skirt rip towards the end. Douze points, no notes, more prosecco.
21. 🇨🇾 Cyprus: Antigoni – JALLA
Love Island veteran Antigoni from Cyprus (via North London) had a bit of a vocal nightmare on Thursday, and it was by no means guaranteed that JALLA (caps lock DRINK) would make it through. But she did, so let’s see if tonight’s an improvement.
JALLA means “more” in Greek, so we can now add that to the “bring it” courtesy of Greece earlier. Between the two of them, we’re now ready to order in any taverna. It’s a high-energy, OPA-heavy girl bop in the traditional Cypriot Shakira style, featuring an outfit assembled from what appears to be strategic fabric remnants. Vocally, this is a LOT better than Thursday, but…still not great.
“You want more?” asks Antigoni. I mean, in principle yes – JALLA is a proper banger. In practice…let’s take a moment.
20.🇸🇪 Sweden: FELICIA - My System
Time for Sweden to do their immaculately polished, mildly intimidating Sweden thing, this year courtesy of FELICIA (caps lock DRINK) with a full-throttle techno banger. We’ve got pounding bass, an industrial quantity of lasers, and what appears to be sparkly PPE. Because safety first, even when we rave.
On paper, this is extremely my sort of nonsense, but to my ears it’s giving strong “lost Cascada B-side circa 2006” vibes, and while that is a very specific pleasure, Sweden can usually be relied on to aim a bit higher than the Eurodance bargain bin. I want more, Sweden. JALLA. Oh no wait, that’s coming up next.
19. 🇱🇹 Lithuania: Lion Ceccah - Sólo Quiero Más
Time for something a little…alternative. How you feel about this will depend entirely on whether you were ever deeply traumatised by a) the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, or b) a living statue in Bath in 1981. If so, maybe watch this from behind a cushion. If not, stick it in the Louvre, this is performance art.
Apparently Lion Ceccah has been sprayed silver at all times backstage since rehearsals began, which is almost certainly terrible for his skin, but also a level of commitment to the bit you have to respect. It’s a bold and mildly baffling warning about the dangers of AI, and probably genius. Will it trouble the scoreboard? Who knows. Will it haunt a subset of viewers for years to come? Absolutely.
18. 🇵🇱 Poland: ALICJA – Pray
Time for Poland’s ALICJA (caps lock DRINK), previously selected back in 2020 before the small matter of the contest being cancelled, and now returning six years later to bring some very welcome gospel/R‘n’B to Eurovision. Whilst some of the artists in the first Semi-Final on Tuesday got a bit pitchy in places, ALICJA delivered what was arguably the strongest vocal of the evening, and I think she totally deserves her place in the final.
I also really like the staging for this - there’s a lot you can do with a giant wedge, four very athletic male dancers and a monochrome palette, and it all feels very cool and controlled. It does take a while to get going, however, and Eurovision audiences are not known for their patience.
17.🇫🇮 Finland: Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen – Liekinheitin
Time for Finland’s Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen to deliver what has long been tipped to be this year’s winning performance. Finland have been quietly levelling up for years now, so it does feel like it’s probably time for the good ship Eurovision to dock in Helsinki for the first time since Lordi won in 2006.
Is this the best song in the contest? Probably not – it’s a bit dated to my ears, but the absolutely scorching staging and classical violinist Linda’s frankly ridiculous violin/running in heels skills elevate it into something pretty special. And in an unusual concession, the powers that be have decided she can play it live, which usually isn’t the case with instruments on stage at Eurovision – I think this is only the second time since 1998, or something.
An update from Martin on what’s happening in the arena:
Look Mum No Computer went down quite well in the room. Yes it’s a bit wacky and lots of British media have run it down, but he has leaned into it and the arena was singing along with EINS ZWEI DREI, and you can’t say many recent UK entries recently got sung along to. But France got an ecstatic reaction and I wonder if it could be an outside bet. Huge chants of “Moldova” greeted the next act before they came on.
16. 🇲🇩 Moldova: Satoshi - Viva, Moldova!
A very warm welcome back to Moldova, absent from Eurovision since 2024 and clearly determined to make up for lost time. Please strap in for three minutes of a multi-language football chant…about Moldova. Yes, really. I acknowledge that sounds like the sort of concept that has no business outside a national final, but stick with it because it’s absurdly fun.
Satoshi arrives armed with enough joy and gusto to power a small nation (his own, conveniently), and even if your personal levels of Moldovan pride are hovering near zero, or you’re a bit hazy on Moldova’s exact whereabouts on the European map, it’s hard not to get swept along.
PS If you suffer from motion sickness, consider this a warning. The camerawork is WILD.
Just when you think these hosts have reached peak awkwardness, a technical issue forces them into barely-scripted filler. We are now operating beyond known cringe levels. I am currently trying to leave my own body.
15. 🇫🇷 France: Monroe - Regarde !
Time for another of this year’s Big 4, with France’s Monroe, singing Regard ! The space before the exclamation mark is their style choice, not mine - maybe they want me to take an extra breath before pointing out that this is classic example of the French definition of Eurovision madness, which is doing the same thing every year and expecting different results. To be fair, they’ve thrown in a bit of Rosalía-style popera because that’s won for the past two years, so well done France, I guess?
That said, 17-year-old Monroe is an undeniable talent, and France are long overdue a win. This will deservedly land in the top five, and I am fully prepared to eat my words, sandwiched in a fresh baguette, if it goes all the way. But for now, I’m calling fourth place.
14.🇬🇧 United Kingdom: LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER - Eins, Zwei, Drei
Right, brace brace, because the UK is up next! LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER (caps lock DRINK) is the alter ego of YouTuber Sam Battle, who is known for his quirky electro and *checks notes*…Furby organ, which I very much hope is a musical instrument, for all our sakes.
This entry seems to be as Marmite to Brits as Sal Da Vinci is to Italians (we’ll get to that later), but it all comes down to how much you love a bit of eccentric novelty Britpop featuring shouting in German, I guess? Personally I fully support the BBC rejecting the usual time-worn ballads and taking risks, and whilst I have no idea whether anyone is going to give it any points, I salute the ambition.
13. 🇭🇷 Croatia: LELEK – Andromeda
LELEK from Croatia (caps lock DRINK) - not to be confused with LELÉKA from Ukraine, because Eurovision naming remains a logistical nightmare - are a female five-piece folk-pop collective blending traditional Croatian music with more contemporary sounds. If that seems on paper a bit like last year’s Latvian woodland fairies, it’s really not – this packs a lot more high priestess drama and edge, even if I can’t be entirely rule out that they’re cursing us all.
The staging for this is genuinely one of the most striking of the night, and for better or worse, this has been stuck in my head since Tuesday. ANDROMEDAAAAAA.
Just for info, we have past the half way point. Of the singing, anyway. The contest still has many, many hours to go.
Updated
12.🇧🇬 Bulgaria: DARA – Bangaranga
Time for another of tonight’s chaos bangers, courtesy of Bulgaria’s DARA (caps lock DRINK). Bulgaria are back for the first time in four years, and clearly determined to make up for it - this is the Eurovision equivalent of throwing absolutely everything at the wall to see what sticks.
It’s at least three songs in one, features some deeply surreal Bob Fosse-adjacent staging, and launches into a dance break before it’s barely got going. I have no idea what this is, but it makes my teeth rattle in the best possible way and I can’t stop listening. Welcome to the riot.
11. 🇨🇿 Czechia: Daniel Zizka - CROSSROADS
If, like me, you had a Zero 7 phase in the early noughties, this will be extremely your thing. It’s all very angsty and existential, with lots of staring into the distance and emoting heavily, but Daniel delivers one of the strongest vocals in the contest, and it really stands out.
He’s trained in musical theatre but is relatively new to the scene and only 23, which feels frankly unfair given how assured this is. If this performance is anything to go by, he’s got a very big career ahead.
Czechia haven’t qualified for a couple of years and their delegation is one of my favourites, so this feels like a nice moment. Just be aware there’s a fairly dramatic shriek at the end which is a bit of a jump scare, don’t say I didn’t warn you.
10. 🇲🇹 Malta: AIDAN – Bella
Continuing the musical whiplash, we now head to Malta’s AIDAN (caps lock DRINK) singing a wistful love ballad in leather trousers (did I put them in the bingo? Can’t remember, drink anyway). He does a lot of twinkly smiling and eye-banging the camera, and I can see, from an entirely professional standpoint, how this might have a certain appeal to a core sector of the audience.
I’m given to understand that the Maltese Cowboy aesthetic is an AIDAN thing, rather than a one-off Eurovision choice. The whole performance feels like a modern take on old-school crooning – I bet AIDAN does a lovely Frank Sinatra. Probably would watch.
A little interlude from Martin, while we’re all recovering from that:
“I knew it was always a work of art to put this show on but I have been blown away by the stage hands and camera crew weaving their way through this performances to make it spot on for television. No wonder they have so many rehearsals. There are screens in the corner of the arena so we can see what it looks like on television too - for example chunks of the Israel and Greece performances were out of sight of much of the live audience.”
Having watched in the arena many times, I can attest – sometimes the audience view is terrible, because it’s a show made for TV. But fascinating to see it all come together, and the atmosphere is always incredible.
9. 🇷🇸 Serbia: LAVINA - Kraj Mene
Where else but Eurovision can you go from an Aussie power ballad straight into Serbian metal? LAVINA (caps lock DRINK) are a six-piece metal band, and while this is a long way from my personal comfort zone, I absolutely celebrate it being here as part of a gloriously chaotic line-up.
I will also say that this kind of thing takes serious vocal control. Screamo is HARD, and not something I’ll be attempting any time soon. I assume there’s a rigorous gargling regime involved.
If this is your thing, please do tell us in the comments whether it’s any good by actual metal standards - I am operating with extremely limited reference points here. But I am enjoying the thought that this would have been Terry Wogan’s Song 9. Feel free to raise a toast.
8. 🇦🇺 Australia: Delta Goodrem – Eclipse
Time for Australia, who have sensibly decided that if you’re going to do Eurovision, you may as well do it properly. Cue early-noughties icon Delta Goodrem, with by far the biggest ballad-to-banger transformation of the night.
Ever since Dami Im was royally mugged in 2016, Australians have been understandably cautious about whispering “we could actually win this.” But honestly? This could genuinely win this.
The staging is fabulous - please keep an eye out for the lifting platform at the end, apparently previously used by Beyoncé, because Eurovision loves nothing more than borrowed prestige. Delta sounds phenomenal, and I’m even willing to forgive the slightly clunky “when we eclipse” metaphor, largely because they’ve distracted me with extremely pretty lighting.
7. 🇺🇦 Ukraine: LELÉKA – Ridnym
Ukraine have still never failed to make a Eurovision Grand Final, and this thunderously dramatic power ballad was never going to end that streak. It’s no Wild Dances, but LELÉKA (caps lock DRINK) has an absolutely belting voice and understands the Eurovision assignment completely.
There’s also a sustained note that appears to last for roughly the length of a domestic flight - allegedly 28 seconds, which must be a Eurovision record. I’m less convinced by the “outfit accidentally introduced to a shredder” aesthetic, but it does give the wind machine something to really get its teeth into.
Classic Ukraine, honestly. Big vocals, huge drama, zero fear. Enjoyed that enormously.
6. 🇬🇷 Greece: Akylas - Ferto
If you’re Greek, you’re probably already very excited about this. If you’re not, stay with me, because this is a genre-busting fever dream that somehow mashes up Gangnam Style, Crazy Frog and Santa Baby, drops the whole thing into a video game universe, and tops it off with a tiger hat and furry moonboots.
‘Ferto’ means “bring it” in Greek, which you will now know forever, because Akylas says it (by my count) 82 times over the next three minutes. This is essentially four cans of Red Bull in Eurovision form, so brace yourselves.
Update from Martin: this had easily the best reception in the hall so far. Definitely a fan favourite.
5. 🇦🇱 Albania: Alis – Nân
First things first, Nân means ‘mother’ in Albanian, and this song is a moving cultural tribute to the Albanian diaspora and all the mothers left behind.
It’s high drama from start to finish, with a choral backing track that all gets a bit O Fortuna. I love it, and the English subtitles are helpful, thank you Albania. During Thursday’s second Semi-Final they were in Times New Roman, but somebody’s now updated them to Calbri or something less visually annoying. I dearly wish I had been in that meeting. ‘What about Comic Sans?’ ‘Absolutely not.’
4. Belgium: ESSYLA - Dancing on the Ice
This was a surprise qualifier on Tuesday, to most of the fandom, anyway. Not to me, because I kept the faith. Belgium do cool, understated pop extremely well, and this is definitely one of the more contemporary-sounding songs in this year’s line-up.
It has that slightly aloof, “too chic to try too hard” energy that Belgium specialise in (see also Loïc Nottet from 2015), and it works. Apparently it’s not actually about dancing on ice, there’s some kind of metaphor going on about the slippery perils of love. Exactly what that metaphor is remains between ESSYLA (caps lock drink) and her therapist, but it’s sassy and I like it.
Only one boot, so half a drink. Nope, no idea either.
3. 🇮🇱 Israel: Noam Bettan - Michelle
Time for Israel’s Noam Bettan to perform, and as in recent years, his appearance comes with some controversy around Israel’s participation in Eurovision. This year that’s led to Spain, Ireland, Iceland, Slovenia and the Netherlands sitting things out, which is clearly not a conversation that’s going away any time soon.
28-year-old Noam is French-Israeli and sings in Hebrew, French and English, and to my ear the string arrangement makes it feel closer to something France might send than Israel’s usual style. We haven’t seen backing dancers for Israel since Noa Kirel in 2023, but Noam has five, all in boots so DRINK. Also mirrors, so double bingo.
2. 🇩🇪 Germany: Sarah Engels – Fire
Next up it’s time for Germany, which this year has confidently picked up the Fuego baton and delivered a catchy girl bop complete with extensive hairography, bass-heavy dance break and mandatory ‘fire’/‘liar’ rhyming arrangement.
In a bold, subversive move, Sarah Engels has resisted adding ‘desire’ to the Eurovision lyric bingo, but does gift us: “Like a vampire, you hide and come out at night.” Which feels like a missed opportunity, because plenty of things hide and come out at night. Owls. Hamsters. “Like a badger” was right there. Call me next year, Germany.
This is fun and bouncy and very Eurovision, and also flames, boots galore and a dress reveal, so drink freely. I enjoyed that, and if you didn’t, you’re a liar, liar.
1. 🇩🇰 Denmark: Søren Torpegaard Lund - Før Vi Går Hjem
Am I allowed to have favourites this year? *checks contract* Yes, apparently I am, and we’re opening with one of them.
Før Vi Går Hjem means “before I go home,” and it’s a pulsing three minutes of Danish dance, complete with a very polished routine - Søren’s musical theatre background is doing a lot of heavy lifting here, in the best possible way. It’s giving Yungblud in Olly Alexander’s sweaty box circa 2024, and it’s easily one of the more contemporary tracks in this year’s contest. Going first isn’t ideal, but someone has to, and this is a very solid way to start the show.
Also our first clothing reveal, and it’s a quite sexy fishnet top. DRINK.
Time to meet our hosts!
Tonight’s presenters are terrible called Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski. Victoria Swarovski is a TV presenter, entrepreneur, model, designer and singer, and also a member of the actual Swarovski family, so expect an evening of increasingly sparkly wardrobe changes.
Ostrowski is a film and TV actor and popular presenter, who has spent the entire week in variations on the same 1970s blue polyester outfit, for reasons known only to him.
As per Eurovision tradition, they will somehow manage to be both wooden and cheesy at the same time. Normally I’d say we wouldn’t have it any other way, but after this week’s semi-finals I found myself yearning for Hazel Brugger and Sandra Studer. Or Petra Mede. Or, frankly, the slow release of death.
Updated
In case you hadn’t noticed, this year’s contest is in Vienna, or Wien if you’re a local. It’s a city of music and culture, and for one week only, also Eurovision. Last time Vienna hosted was in 2015, after Conchita Wurst’s legendary win. That was the 60th anniversary, and we’re now back in Vienna for the 70th. If you’re wondering why that maths isn’t mathing, it’s because the 2020 contest never happened. You’re welcome.
2015 was also the last time I didn’t spend Eurovision week in the host city. But I’m not experiencing FOMO at all and am ABSOLUTELY FINE.
The opening flag parade was in full swing, but has inexplicably been paused halfway so JJ can sing Wasted Love. This version is a dance remix, which I’m enjoying very much.
Oh, the flag parade is back on. Do keep up, everyone.
We open with a VT featuring the paper boat from JJ’s winning performance last year. It’s on some kind of interminable journey from Basel to Vienna, which is technically only about 500 miles so I don’t know what all the fuss is about.
It arrives at the Wiener Stadthalle to find JJ performing with the ORF Symphony Orchestra in front of 10,000 excited fans, including our very own Martin Belam! Have the best night, Martin.
Updated
Are we all ready? Cue Te Deum, and let’s get this show on the road!
Ready for some bingo?
It wouldn’t be Eurovision without a vaguely irresponsible bingo-based drinking game, so take a sip (or a fistful of Pringles, should you prefer) for any occurrence of the following:
Mirrors
Clothing reveals
Fire
Knee boots
A dance break that arrives before the first chorus
Someone lying dramatically on the floor
Interpretive dance by men in mesh
Artists who style their names entirely in capital letters, for no apparent reason
Please drink responsibly, pace yourselves, and remember: Eurovision is a marathon, not a sprint. Unlike Finland’s staging, which is very much a sprint.
Key event
How are we all celebrating this evening? As per time-honoured tradition, it’s just me in my pyjamas with a plateful of finger food and a sleeping labrador. I don’t drink much these days, but I might have a glass of Grüner Veltliner once the scoring begins. Please share in the comments, so I can live vicariously through your snack selection.
Updated
A message from roving reporter Martin Belam!
I’ve been in Vienna since Thursday and it has been Eurovision all the way. I went to a watch party on Thursday night for the second semi-final, where Antigoni’s Jalla for Cyprus really got the crowd excited. A few Brits tried to get a sing-a-long going for the chorus of Look Mum No Computer but the lack of enthusiasm in the room suggests Sam Battle might have a hard time with the public vote.
On Friday I went on a behind-the-scenes tour at the venue, and really if you’ve never been to Eurovision before the scale of it is just incredible. I saw all the props lined up ready for the changeovers – they only have 42 seconds between acts to reset the stage – and got to sit down on in the couches in the green room.
As for the rest of tonight’s line-up, I am a big fan of Lithuania’s Klaus Nomi-esque look from Lion Ceccah, and Croatia’ tattooed ladies Lelek have something hauntingly medieval about them. Greece’s fun if irritating entry, Ferto, has a lovely little breakdown where it goes all 8-bit like it has been recorded on an old Nintendo GameBoy while Satoshi’s Viva, Moldova! is an energetic bop that will liven up the show without coming anywhere near winning.
It's Eurovision 2026!
Evening all, and welcome to this year’s Eurovision song contest grand final liveblog! After five years working backstage at actual Eurovision, I am BACK on my liveblog sofa to guide you through tonight’s Viennese whirlwind of glitter, drama and pyrotechnics.
And as an added bonus, your usual host Martin Belam is inside the Wiener Stadthalle watching tonight’s show live, bringing us invaluable sparkly-boots-on-the-ground insight into what’s actually going big in the arena, as opposed to what Eurofans are angrily typing in all caps online.
Are you ready? Kick-off is at 9pm, so grab snacks, drinks and any emotional support sequins you may need, and strap in for a long but hopefully joyful night of Eurovision nonsense.
Yaaaaas Eurofans. We are SO back.
