The lineup for the 2026 Eurovision final has been confirmed following the first semifinal on Tuesday and the second on Thursday. Acts from Israel, Finland, and Greece were among the first ten to qualify after performing live in Vienna, Austria. The second heat saw Cyprus, Australia, and Denmark secure their places. Completing the lineup are hosts Austria, who automatically qualify, alongside the 'Big Four'—nations whose broadcasters contribute the most financially to Eurovision: the UK, Italy, Germany, and France. Spain, typically the fifth country on this list, is absent as its broadcaster joins a boycott over Israel's continued participation.
First Semifinal Qualifiers
The ten countries voted through from the first semifinal are:
- Greece: Akylas - "Ferto"
- Finland: Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen - "Liekinheitin"
- Belgium: ESSYLA - "Dancing on the Ice"
- Sweden: FELICIA - "My System"
- Moldova: Satoshi - "Viva, Moldova!"
- Israel: Noam Bettan - "Michelle"
- Serbia: LAVINA - "Kraj Mene"
- Croatia: LELEK - "Andromeda"
- Lithuania: Lion Ceccah - "Sólo Quiero Más"
- Poland: ALICJA - "Pray"
Second Semifinal Qualifiers
The ten countries voted through from the second semifinal are:
- Malta: AIDAN - "Bella"
- Cyprus: Antigoni - "JALLA"
- Albania: Alis - "Nan"
- Denmark: Søren Torpegaard Lund - "Før Vi Gar Hjem"
- Czechia: Daniel Žižka - "CROSSROADS"
- Bulgaria: Dara - "Bangaranga"
- Ukraine: LELÉKA - "Ridnym"
- Norway: JONAS LOVV - "YA YA YA"
- Australia: Delta Goodrem - "Eclipse"
- Romania: Alexandra Căpitănesc - "Choke Me"
Protests and Notable Moments
Israel's contestant, Noam Bettan, faced disruption during Tuesday's semifinal with shouts of "stop the genocide." Despite this, Bettan garnered enough votes to advance to the final on Saturday, 16 May. The first semifinal otherwise proceeded smoothly, featuring a brief appearance by British pop star Boy George, who joined San Marino's entry SENHIT for her rendition of "Superstar." However, San Marino failed to qualify. A cameo from Hollywood actor Will Ferrell also occurred, referencing his 2020 Eurovision comedy film. Austrian hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski performed a colourful skit with Australia's 2025 entry Go-Jo.
Second Semifinal Highlights
The second semifinal ran smoothly, with Australia's Delta Goodrem receiving some of the loudest cheers. The former Neighbours star easily qualified for the grand final as one of the favourites. UK entrant Look Mum No Computer delivered a divisive performance of "Eins, Zwei, Drei," while former Love Island star Antigoni represented Cyprus and secured a place in the final.
