Eurovision Song Contest 2026 First Semi-Final

Host country: Austria (ORF)
Venue: Wiener Stadthalle, Vienna, Austria
Hosts: Victoria Swarovski, Michael Ostrowski
Date: Tuesday 12 May 2026

N.B. Any use of “tonight” or “this evening” throughout this post means Tuesday 12 May 2026. All times in this post are in BST.

The Opening

After the usual Eurovision ident, accompanied by Charpentier's Te Deum prelude, the First Semi-Final began with an opening film showing brief clips of Eurovision Song Contest entries from selected years from 1956 to 2025. At the end of the film, there was a tribute to the song "L'amour est bleu" (Luxembourg 1967). Someone sang part of the song in English hilst playing a grand piano, and Vicky Leandros (ho originally performed the song in 1967) sang part of "L'amour est bleu" in French. They were backed by a 70-member choir. After this performance ended, the hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowsk. They gave their opening speeches.

The Songs

10 minutes after the start of the show (20:10 BST) it ways as time for the first song. Each song was introduced by a postcard film related to the appropriate country.

Song 1: Moldova - Satoshi “Viva, Moldova!”

It’s always tough being first to perform, but someone has sing first. Moldova are back this year following their 2025 absence. “Viva, Moldova!” begins with an introduction that sounds like pan pipes. After the introduction, the song is very powerful and catchy (particularly the chorus). The song includes a rap section, though I question the need for it. One section “Dorule, dorule, du-mă, dorule” is sung in a less crazy manner. The Eurovision performance featured plenty use of smoke / steam jets. I’m mystified as to the significance of the number 373 on one singer’s blue outfit, and the graphic figurines on the background screen. Some lyrics also appeared on the background screen. Altogether, a very lively party song to start with. I wouldn’t mind this in the final, but wouldn’t miss it if it’s not there. Still, I think this is likely to go through.

Song 2: Sweden - FELICIA “My System”

I watched Melodifestivalen 2026 Final live, online from the UK on Saturday 7 March 2026. Sweden’s “My System” is quite a lively song, but it seems a little less lively than Moldova’s. Sweden’s song has plenty of electronic sounds, and there is a beat at times, but the bridge section seemed noticeably different to the rest of the song. Tonight’s performance featured plenty of use of red and white laser beams. Unsurprisingly, for a song of this style, dancers were on stage. I’d definitely like to see this in the final, and this is will almost certainly be there.

Song 3: Croatia - LELEK “Andromeda”

Croatia has gone for an eastern style song this year. During the early part, this was performed on a predominantly dark stage, but by the first instance of the chorus, the stage was lit and there was a pattern on the background screen. Dry ice effects were also used. At the start of the second instance of the chorus, flame effects began to be used. Altogether a good Balkan style song, very well sung, and well staged for this style of song. I’d definitely like to see this in the final, but I have my doubts about this song’s ability to qualify.

Song 4: Greece - Akylas “Ferto”

I watched the Greek national final, Sing for Greece 2026, live, online from the UK on Sunday 15 February 2026. The song that was chosen, “Ferto”, is a very lively song, I think this dubstep. Just like in the Greek national final, the Eurovision performance featured plenty of graphic images on the background screen, e.g. a crown and throne, curling lines, small images moving like on a fruit machine. Video game sounds were included in the song at one point. I’m mystified as to why Akylas rode a scooter on the stage for part of the performance. On one instance of the chorus, Akylas walked between a series of tiny rooms, one of which contained what looked like gold bars. It’s hardly surprising this was included, because the chorus (which is rather repetitive) means “Bring it to me, bring it to me, bring it”. For what is presumably the bridge, Akylas sang in a manner closer to my taste, and some English text appeared on the background screen. Going by the English translation of the lyrics on the Eurovision website, this section appears to be a tribute to Akylas’ mother. Finally, there was one more instance of the chorus. This song is not my taste in music, and I’d rather it doesn’t qualify, but this is almost guaranteed to go through tonight.

Song 5: Portugal - Bandidos do Cante “Rosa”

A ballad. Sadly, I’ve not previewed this song, let alone done any background reading or analysed an English translation of the lyrics, and I think that’s what one needs to do to fully appreciate this song. This was performed on a predominantly dark stage. For some mysterious reason, what looked like a trail of white strands appeared on the long part of the stage floor, leading to the main part of the stage floor, which displayed white roses. Altogether, a pleasant ballad, and beautifully staged. I’d like to see this in the final, but it’ll be a miracle for this to qualify.

Song 6: Georgia - Bzikebi “On Replay”

Bzikebi represented Georgia in, and won, the Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2008. As adults they are back to represent Georgia in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with the song “On Replay”. This song had plenty of use of blue lighting, for much of the song, but about two thirds of the way through, the dominant lighting colour was purple. For some reason, the three group members wore yellow outfits. A lively song, with a really catchy, easy to remember chorus. I’d like to see this in the final, and I think there’s a good chance this will be there.

A short break followed at this point. During this break, various past Eurovision contestants and Eurovision fans spoke about their memories of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Automatic Qualifier 1: Italy - Sal Da Vinci “Per Sempre Sì”

The first of two automatic qualifiers to perform on a non-competitive basis tonight, that being Italy. Looking at an English translation of the lyrics, this appears to be a love song. This featured some interesting graphics on the background screen, including arches coming together part way through, the stage floor appeared to change from a wooden floorboard effect to a checkerboard style pattern. One memorable moment was a lady walking on stage, in a wedding dress, and suddenly the lower part was removed and opened up to reveal the Italian flag on its interior. Was this an attempt to replicate what Bucks Fizz did during their performance in 1981? On the whole, an amazing ballad, Sal Da Vinci has a good voice and sang well. The background imagery and couple on stage enhanced the performance. It’ll be interesting to see how well this scores on Saturday night, but for now, Italy doesn’t need to rely on juries or viewers voting for this performance to get to the final.

Song 7: Finland - Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen “Liekinheitin”

Back to tonight’s competing entries, which viewers in eligible countries can vote for. The Finnish national final, Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu 2026, (UMK) took place on Saturday 28 February 2026, and I watched it on demand, online from the UK, four days later. Pete, who did all the singing, has an amazing voice, and sang well. Linda played the violin, which sounded wonderful. It’s great that she was allowed to perform it for real tonight. Just like UMK, tonight’s performance featured the window, and flames around it, which added to the atmosphere of the performance. Considering the title “Liekinheitin” means “Flamethrower”, it’s hardly surprising those flame effects were used. Altogether a wonderful song, performed in Finnish; it’s great to hear a country perform ins native language. I’d definitely like to see this in the final, and this is almost guaranteed to be there.

Song 8: Montenegro - Tamara Živković “Nova Zora”

This sounds to me like an eastern style power ballad. Looking at an English translation of the lyrics, the chorus mentions rain, thunder and lightning, and the message “Beyond the mountains, beyond the sea, A new dawn has been born. After the first instance of the chorus, red lighting was used. Later blue and white lighting was used. Quite a reasonable song, with a variation in singing styles. Tamara has a beautiful voice and sang well. I wouldn’t mind this in the final, but I wouldn’t miss it if it’s not there. In any case, it’ll be a miracle for this to qualify.

Song 9: Estonia - Vanilla Ninja “Too Epic To Be True”

The Estonian national final, Eesti Laul 2026 Final, took place on Saturday 14 February 2026, and I watched it on demand, online from the UK, four days later. The chosen entry, “Too Epic To Be True” is a pop song, with a good beat It includes plenty of electronic / synth sounds. Two members of the group have electric guitars, and one member is seated at a drumkit. Tonight’s performance included a wavy line effect on the background screen early in the song. Later the background screen turned orange for a while. Before the last instance of the chorus, there is a key change; a vital ingredient for a Eurovision song. Some fireworks rounded off the performance. Altogether, a very lively, catchy entry; it has all the right ingredients for a Eurovision song, but at the time of Eesti Laul 2026, I wondered if this would be too 1990s, or worse still 1980s, style for 2020s ESC. Based on tonight’s performance, I’d definitely like to see this in the final, but I see this as a questionable qualifier.

Song 10: Israel - Noam Bettan “Michelle”

I’m aware of the reasons why Israel’s participation continues to be controversial, but let’s remember the slogan “United By Music”, cast aside the fact that Noam Bettan is representing Israel, and assess this solely on the song’s lyrics, and tonight’s live vocals and staging up against tonight’s other 14 semi-finalists. Noam’s song “Michelle” is a ballad. Noam has a good voice and can sing well. He demonstrates his talent to sing in a mixture of languages, those being Hebrew, French and English. I think there is a bit much repetition of “Michelle” though. I’m mystified as to the significance of what looks like a giant diamond on stage, but it looks effective. The dancing ladies, dressed in black and white, provide further enhancement. Thinking about tonight’s performance and staging, and nothing else, I wouldn’t mind this in the final, but I wouldn’t miss it if it’s not there. In any case, I see this as a questionable qualifier because people will either vote for this on pity grounds, or refuse to vote for this.

Automatic Qualifier 2: Germany - Sarah Engels “Fire”

I watched Germany: Das Deutsche Finale 2026 live, from the UK, on Saturday 28 February 2026. At the time, I saw this as Cypriot entry from ESC 2018 - Eleni Foureira "Fuego". “Fire” is a lively, catchy song. Tonight’s performance began with Sarah under a spotlight, on a predominantly dark stage. A few lines into the song, further white lights were illuminated. On the first instance of the chorus, red stage lighting was used, and flame effects appeared. The words FIRE and LIAR appeared on the background screen as they were sung. Red light continued to be used during the second verse, second instance of the pre-chorus and second instance of the chorus. During the instrumental break, there was a punchy beat, and the dancers performed an on-the-floor routine. The final instance of the chorus was most spectacular; there appeared to be more flame effects than earlier instances. It’ll be interesting to see how Germany scores on Saturday night, but for now, Germany doesn’t need to rely on juries or viewers voting for this performance to get to the final.

A short break followed at this point. During this break, Victoria spoke about countries which have received zero points in the history of the Eurovision Song Contest, and showed clips of some nul pointers.

Song 11: Belgium - ESSYLA “Dancing on the Ice”

Now for the last batch of tonight’s competing entries, which viewers in eligible countries can vote for. Not bad, but this doesn’t seem that special to be honest. It has a bit too much repetition of “keep dancing on the ice”. A good use of orange and blue iin the background imaging though; is that to blend hot and cold? At least the dancers, with their routine, helped to spice this up a bit. I would rather this doesn’t qualify, as there are too many other, better songs tonight, in my opinion. In any case, I see this as highly unlikely to qualify.

Song 12: Lithuania - Lion Ceccah “Sólo Quiero Más”

I watched the Lithuanian national final, Eurovizija.LT 2026 Final, live, online from the UK, on Friday 27 February 2026. This certainly has a lively, catchy chorus, though the title could be misheard as “So lucky love”. The snag is, the early part is slow, so that could put people off this. For some mysterious reason, the whole song was performed on a predominantly dark stage; however, the background appeared blue at times, and dry ice effects were used at times. Anyway, Lion Ceccah has an amazing voice, he demonstrated his ability to sing in Lithuanian, Spanish and English, and sang well tonight. I’d like to see this in the final, but I think this is a borderline qualifier.

Song 13: San Marino - SENHIT “Superstar”

For some reason, this sounds to me like a late 1970s style pop song. The chorus is certainly catchy, and the dancers enhanced tonight’s performance. I’m mystified as to the significance of what looks like two giant parabolic mirrors on stage. Late in the song, Boy George performed a few lines, but for the amount he put in, was it really worth having him on? As the song drew to a close, fireworks around the stage provided the climax to this performance. Altogether, a catchy and fun performance, but a bit dated for present-day Eurovision. I wouldn’t mind this in the final, but I wouldn’t miss it if it’s not there. In any case, it’ll see this as highly unlikely to qualify.

Song 14: Poland - ALICJA “Pray”

The Polish national final, Poland: Finał Krajowych Kwalifikacji 2026, took place on Saturday 7 March 2026, and I watched it on demand, online from the UK, the next day. The winning entry was ALICJA “Pray”. Early on, what sounds like church organ music can be heard. This is hardly surprising considering the title is “Pray”. By the first instance of the chorus, this sounds substantially different. Alicja shows her ability to sing really high pitched at times, but were the flashing lights really necessary for this style of song? I’m also mystified as to the need to have the ramp for the dancers to dance on; it must be difficult to dance on a slope like that. I wouldn’t mind this in the final, but I wouldn’t miss it if it’s not there. In any case, it’ll be a miracle for this to qualify.

Song 15: Serbia - LAVINA “Kraj Mene”

The final song in the line-up already, it’s amazing how time flies! Serbia’s national final, Pesma za Evroviziju 26, took place on Saturday 28 February 2026, and I watched it on demand, online from the UK, next day. The winner was LAVINA “Kraj Mene”. I've never liked metal music, but metal fans will love this. According to Wikipedia, this is progressive metal. It’s certainly staged appropriately, blue lighting, but for some reason this changed to red lighting when the flames appeared about two thirds of the way through. Someone was behind a drumkit, and there were electric guitar players on stage. You either like this or you don’t, metal lovers will vote for this, people who don’t like this are unlikely to vote for this. I’d rather this doesn’t qualify, but this is highly likely to qualify. See you Saturday Lavina.

Televoting and Recap

After the songs finished, Victoria and Michael reappeared to announce the start of the voting. A message “START VOTING NOW” appeared on screen. A recap of the songs followed. The UK was unable to vote in tonight's semi-final, and therefore UK viewers saw a message "UK VIEWERS CANNOT VOTE TONIGHT" at the bottom of the screen during the recap. Lines closed later in the show (just before the quiz interval act).

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My Preferences

Here are my preferences, based solely on all of tonight's performances:
Definitely want to qualify: Sweden, Croatia, Portugal, Georgia, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania.
Wouldn't mind qualifying: Moldova, Montenegro, Israel, San Marino, Poland.
Prefer not to qualify: Belgium, Serbia.
Definitely don't want to qualify: Greece.

So, these are the ones I want to see Saturday night: Sweden, Croatia, Portugal, Georgia, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, plus three (and no more) of Moldova, Montenegro, Israel, San Marino, Poland.

My Qualification Predictions

Here are my predictions of which countries will and won’t qualify, based solely on all of tonight's performances:
Almost certain qualifiers: Greece, Finland.
Likely qualifiers:c Moldova, Sweden, Georgia, Serbia.
May qualify: Croatia, Estonia, Israel, Lithuania.
Highly unlikely to qualify: Portugal, Montenegro, Belgium, San Marino, Poland.

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Eurovision Song Contest 2026 First Semi-Final Results

Here are the results, which were announced in a random order. Any use of "tonight" still means Tuesday 12 May 2026.

My desired qualifiers: Sweden, Croatia,, Portugal, Georgia, Finland, Estonia, Lithuania, plus three (and no more) of Moldova, Montenegro, Israel, San Marino, Poland.

Actual qualifiers (in order of announcement): Greece, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Moldova, Israel, Serbia, Croatia, Lithuania, Poland.

Bold entries represent the actual qualifiers that match my “Definitely want to qualify” preferences, and italic entries represent the ones that match my “Wouldn't mind qualifying” preferences.

OUT: Portugal, Georgia, Montenegro, Estonia, San Marino.

I’m overjoyed that Croatia qualified as it’s a good Balkan style song, which well sung, and well staged for its style. I had my doubts about that song being able to qualify, but even so, it did. I’m also glad Lithuania qualified, because as much as I like Lion Ceccah’s “Sólo Quiero Más”, I thought that was a questionable qualifier.

I’m glad Finland qualified, their entry was top of my ranking in My Eurovision Scoreboard, but I was confident they were almost certain to qualify and would have been shocked if they hadn’t. I’m equally glad that Sweden are in the Grand Final, as their entry is a good song, and was well staged.

The one entry I least wanted in the final was Greece’s “Ferto”, but that was almost guaranteed to qualify, and I would have been shocked if it hadn’t qualified. I’d also rather Serbia hadn’t qualified, as I don’t like their entry. Nonetheless, I understand that there are plenty of metal lovers all over Europe, Australia and the rest of the world who enjoy metal music very much, and would therefore have enjoyed “Kraj Mene”. I would have been shocked if “Kraj Mene” hadn’t qualified.

I’m shocked that Belgium’s “Dancing on the Ice” qualified, because I thought it was one of the weakest entries of the night, and it stood no chance of qualifying. Against my expectations, it qualified.

I’m disappointed Estonia didn’t qualify, because I thought their entry was lively and catchy, but perhaps some saw it as too dated for present-day Eurovision.

Altogether four of my seven “Definitely want to qualify” songs qualified. Not bad I suppose. The ones which didn’t qualify were Portugal, Georgia and Estonia. To be fair, I managed to also get three of my five “Wouldn't mind qualifying” songs to top up. I guess I can’t grumble at that. At the end of the day, I cannot expect to have all the songs I want in the final.

Anyway, no matter how I personally feel about which countries' songs went thorough and which ones didn't, all the artists who performed tonight deserve equal respect. Congratulations to the ten countries which qualified to the final, and commiserations to the five which failed to reach the final. So, that means fifteen finalists are now confirmed and five countries have been eliminated. Another fifteen countries will battle it out for the ten remaining places on Thursday evening.

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