Eurovision Song Contest 2026

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 took place in Vienna, Austria, at the Wiener Stadthalle. This large indoor arena has hosted major events before, including the contest in 2015. The city of Vienna, with its grand architecture and cultural scene, provided a fitting backdrop for the competition. The contest consisted of two semi-finals and a final, spread over several days in May. It was organised by the European Broadcasting Union and the Austrian broadcaster ORF, following Austria’s victory in 2025. The event was presented by Victoria Swarovski, Michael Ostrowski, and Emily Busvine. The contest drew broadcasters from 35 countries, though several chose not to participate in protest over Israel’s inclusion. Iceland, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Spain were among those who withdrew, marking the largest boycott in the contest’s history since 1970. The winner was Bulgaria with the song "Bangaranga", performed by Dara, which secured victory in both the jury vote and televote. The contest attracted a television audience of 131 million viewers across 35 European markets, though this was a decline from previous years. Visitors found the main venue, Wiener Stadthalle, filled with performances and energy during the contest. The Rathausplatz hosted the Eurovision Village, where fans could watch screenings and enjoy live music. The Burgtheater was the site of the Turquoise Carpet event, where contestants were introduced to the public. The Prater Dome nightclub served as the EuroClub, hosting official after-parties and private performances. The opening ceremony took place at Vienna City Hall, adding to the city’s festive atmosphere.