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.
