The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 Semi-Finals are upon us, and the excitement is palpable! With 15 spots up for grabs in each semi-final, the competition is fierce, and the anticipation is high. But how can you catch all the action? Here's your comprehensive guide to watching and listening to the Eurovision 2026 Semi-Finals, including expert commentary and insights.
When and Where
The Semi-Finals take place on Tuesday, May 12, and Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 8 p.m. BST. Rylan and Angela Scanlon will be your hosts on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, while Sara Cox takes the reins on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. Get ready for a night of music, drama, and, of course, the unpredictable Eurovision magic!
The Lineup
Each semi-final features 15 countries vying for a spot in the Grand Final. Here's a glimpse of what's in store:
First Semi-Final (May 12):
- Moldova: Satoshi - Viva, Moldova!
- Sweden: FELICIA - My System
- Croatia: LELEK - Andromeda
- Greece: Akylas - Ferto
- Portugal: Bandidos do Cante - Rosa
- Georgia: Bzikebi - On Replay
- Italy: Sal Da Vinci - Per Sempre Sì (Big Four - Qualifies for Grand Final)
- Finland: Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen - Liekinheitin
- Montenegro: Tamara Živković - Nova Zora
- Estonia: Vanilla Ninja - Too Epic To Be True
- Israel: Noam Bettan - Michelle
- Germany: Sarah Engels - Fire (Big Four - Qualifies for Grand Final)
- Belgium: ESSYLA - Dancing on the Ice
- Lithuania: Lion Ceccah - Sólo Quiero Más
- San Marino: SENHIT - Superstar
- Poland: ALICJA - Pray
- Serbia: LAVINA - Kraj Mene
Second Semi-Final (May 14):
- Bulgaria: DARA - Bangaranga
- Azerbaijan: JIVA - Just Go
- Romania: Alexandra Căpitănescu - Choke Me
- Luxembourg: Eva Marija - Mother Nature
- Czechia: Daniel Zizka - CROSSROADS
- France: Monroe - Regarde! (Big Four - Qualifies for Grand Final)
- Armenia: SIMÓN - Paloma Rumba
- Switzerland: Veronica Fusaro - Alice
- Cyprus: Antigoni - JALLA
- Austria: COSMÓ - Tanzschein (Host Country - Qualifies for Grand Final)
- Latvia: Atvara - Ēnā
- Denmark: Søren Torpegaard Lund - Før Vi Går Hjem
- Australia: Delta Goodrem - Eclipse
- Ukraine: LELÉKA - Ridnym
- United Kingdom: LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER - Eins, Zwei, Drei (Big Four - Qualifies for Grand Final)
- Albania: Alis - Nân
- Malta: AIDAN - Bella
- Norway: JONAS LOVV - YA YA YA
Voting and Expert Commentary
UK audiences can vote in the second semi-final, with more details available on the official Eurovision website. But what makes this contest truly fascinating is the interplay of sincerity, spectacle, and unpredictability. Who will rise to the top? Will your favorite country make it through? That's what makes Eurovision so captivating!
Accessibility
Eurovision 2026 ensures accessibility with live Audio Description on BBC iPlayer and BBC One broadcasts, as well as British Sign Language interpretation on the Red Button and iPlayer. Subtitles and Signed coverage are also available throughout the shows.
A Musical Journey
The first semi-final opens with a time-traveling journey, celebrating 70 years of Eurovision love. A 70-member choir pays tribute to L'amour Est Bleu, one of the contest's most iconic hits. And let's not forget the interval act, where hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski will keep the audience entertained with a light-hearted musical performance.
Final Thoughts
The Eurovision Song Contest is more than just a competition; it's a celebration of music, culture, and unity. With its rich history, vibrant performances, and global audience, it's an event that transcends borders. So, mark your calendars, tune in, and let the music take you on a journey through time and talent!
