As the Eurovision Song Contest returns to the Wiener Stadthalle to celebrate its 70th edition, host broadcaster ORF has unveiled a spectacular lineup of guest performers. From returning winners to electro-swing legends, the 2026 shows are designed to honor seven decades of musical history under the theme “The Big Show!”
Semi-Final 1 (Tuesday, 12 May)
The first live show focuses on the theme “70 Years of Love,” celebrating the contest’s enduring legacy.
- Opening Act: A cinematic journey through time will portray a couple’s life against the backdrop of Eurovision history. This will be followed by a 70-member choir performing a tribute to “L’amour Est Bleu” (Luxembourg 1967), a nod to the year Vienna first hosted the contest.
- Interval Act: Hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski will team up for a comedic musical number titled “Kangaroo,” aimed at finally settling the confusion between Austria and Australia. They will be joined by Go-Jo, the “Milkshake Man” who represented Australia in 2025.
Semi-Final 2 (Thursday, 14 May)
The second show leans into the talent of the reigning champion while keeping the atmosphere light.
- Opening Act: The hosting duo returns to perform a rendition of the 2025 winning song, “Wasted Love.” However, viewers are warned to expect some comedic mishaps as “not everything goes to plan.”
- Interval Act: The 2025 winner, JJ, takes center stage for his first major performance of the week, debuting a brand-new song for the international audience.
The Grand Final (Saturday, 16 May)
The flagship show will feature the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna and a heavy emphasis on “Eurovision Allstars.”
- Opening Act: Titled “The Queen of the Night,” the opening features JJ showcasing his vocal range by blending Mozart-inspired classical elements with his own modern pop sound. The performance will include 40 dancers and acrobats while the 25 finalists are introduced.
- Interval Act 1: “Celebration!” – A top-secret group of Eurovision Allstars will take the stage to perform a medley of iconic hits from the past 70 years. Among them, we can already list Erika Vikman (Finland 2026), Lordi (Finland 2026), Verka Serduchka(Ukraine 2007), and Il Volo (Italy 2015)
- Interval Act 2: Parov Stelar – The world-renowned Austrian electro-swing pioneer will bring his signature high-energy dance sound and avant-garde visuals to the global stage.
- Interval Act 3: César Sampson – Just before the high-stakes voting results, Austrian Eurovision legend César Sampson will perform a soulful cover of Billy Joel’s “Vienna,” bringing a moment of reflection to the arena.
Throughout the Shows
In addition to the musical acts, fans can look forward to recurring segments:
- Professor Eurovision: A quirky expert (who looks suspiciously like Victoria Swarovski) will answer obscure trivia.
- Eurovision Quiz: Michael Ostrowski will challenge the audience with surprising clips from the contest’s 69-year archive.
Eurovision 2026 will be held in Vienna, Austria, on May 12th, 14th, and 16th, 2026.
