The first Eurovision semi-final takes place today, with Finland, Greece and Israel among the countries competing for a spot in the final.
The annual song contest kicks off tonight (Tuesday 12 May) in Vienna, Austria, amid continued controversy over Israel’s participation. The country was issued a formal warning by Eurovision last week over broadcaster Kan’s endorsement of a video from delegate Noam Bettan calling for viewers to use all 10 of their allocated votes on him.
Bettan will be competing tonight with his song “Michelle”, against favourites including Finland’s Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkone, Greece’s contestant Akylas, and Moldova’s Satoshi.
Meanwhile, the UK’s delegate Look Mum No Computer, who is guaranteed a spot in the final along with other “Big Five” members France, Germany and Italy, will perform live during the second semi-final on Thursday 14 May. Spain, another member of the “Big Five”, withdrew from the contest this year after Israel was permitted to compete.
Viewers in the UK will be able to watch live on BBC One and BBC iPlayer from 8pm.
Follow live updates below:
Which countries have dropped out of Eurovision 2026 and why?
Millions of fans across Europe (and Australia) will be tuning in to see if their nation’s act can bring home the Eurovision trophy this month – but five countries will be noticeably absent from this year’s song contest.
Amid a continued furore over the decision to allow Israel to compete, a number of countries – including one of the “Big Five” – have announced that they will not be taking part.
Here’s what’s going on:
Which countries have dropped out of Eurovision 2026 and why?
One country is even refusing to air the annual song contest Rachel McGrath12 May 2026 12:39
Finland’s Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen on the ‘sad’ meaning behind their Eurovision 2026 song
Ahead of their performance at tonight’s semi-final, I spoke with Finnish favourites Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen, who opened up about the “sad” meaning behind their original song “Liekinheitin”.
Finland’s Eurovision 2026 entry on the ‘sad’ meaning behind their song
Finnish duo open up about the ‘deep and sad’ meaning behind their original songRoisin O’Connor12 May 2026 11:37
Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest is mired in controversy. Here’s why
The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest is set to take place this month – but the popular music event remains mired in controversy surrounding the involvement of Israel.
Several countries, including Spain – one of the “Big Five” nations ordinarily guaranteed a spot in the final – have withdrawn from the competition in protest at Israel’s participation.
The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organising body behind Eurovision, has faced calls to ban Israel for three years running, but has each time allowed Israel to remain in the competition.
Meanwhile, Israel’s broadcaster was issued a warning by Eurovision after competition rules with a video asking fans to vote for the country’s act 10 times.
This year the country is being represented by singer Noam Bettan, who will be competing with his song “Michelle”.
Here’s a breakdown of the controversy:
Israel’s role in the Eurovision Song Contest is mired in controversy. Here’s why
Five countries are boycotting the competition this year over Israel’s involvementLouis Chilton12 May 2026 10:38
The running order for the first semi-final
Finland is one of the favourites to win Eurovision 2026, and you’ll get to see them competing in tonight’s semi-final.
Other countries in the contest this evening including Greece’s Akylas with his song ‘Ferto’, Portugal’s Bandidos do Cante (they’re a bit like Portuguese Westlife, I love them), Croatia’s LELEK and Moldova’s brilliant Satoshi.
Here’s the full running order:
Eurovision 2026: Running order for the first and second semi-finals
This year’s contest is taking place in Vienna, Austria, with delegates including the UK’s Look Mum No Computer and Finland’s Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen performing at the semi-finalsRoisin O’Connor12 May 2026 09:38
Ireland to air Father Ted instead of Eurovision as it boycotts song contest over Israel
Ireland’s national broadcaster, RTE, is set to replace the final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest with a classic episode of the comedy Father Ted, in a move highlighting growing international protest against Israel’s participation.
On Saturday night, RTE 2 will air “A Song For Europe”, the sitcom’s Eurovision-themed episode featuring priests Ted and Dougal performing “My Lovely Horse”.
This decision is part of a broader boycott, with Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia refusing to send competitors to the 70th iteration of the song competition and opting not to broadcast the final, citing Israel’s war in Gaza. The Netherlands and Iceland are also not sending acts to compete but will still air the final.
Ireland to air Father Ted instead of Eurovision as it boycotts contest over Israel
Irishi broadcaster RTE 2 will air ‘A Song For Europe’, the classic sitcom’s Eurovision-themed episode Roisin O’Connor12 May 2026 09:09
Eurovision gives Israel formal warning over call for viewers to ‘vote 10 times’
Israel’s national broadcaster has received a formal warning from Eurovision organisers after it encouraged viewers to “vote 10 times”.
The Israeli public broadcaster, known as Kan, was found to have broken the rules of the song contest on Friday (8 May) when it shared videos on social media encouraging fans to support its 2026 entry, Noam Bettan.
In the clips, Bettan, who is competing this year with the song “Michelle”, told his fans to use all 10 of their allocated votes to support him in the first semi-final on Tuesday 12 May.
Full story:
Eurovision gives Israel formal warning over call for viewers to ‘vote 10 times’
Israel broadcaster’s endorsement of a video from delegate Noam Bettan was found to have broken new rules designed to limit third-party campaignsRoisin O’Connor12 May 2026 08:37
When and where this year’s contest is taking place, and how to watch
Well, the UK might not have much of a shot but at least things are looking good for Finland. The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest kicks off tonight in Vienna, Austria, with 35 countries vying for the win.
Here’s everything you need to know ahead of time, if you’re planning on tuning in:
When and where Eurovision 2026 is taking place – and how to watch
The 70th song contest is taking place this week, including the semi-finals ahead of the grand final on SaturdayRoisin O’Connor12 May 2026 07:40