Ten countries have sailed through to the 2026 Eurovision final after competing in the first semi-final on Tuesday.
Acts representing Israel, Finland and Greece were among those to be voted through after performing live in Vienna, Austria.
Despite not being eligible for voting, Italy’s crooner Sal Da Vinci and Germany’s Sarah Engel’s also got to perform their songs during the semi-final.
Italy and Germany – along with France and the UK who will perform in the second semi-final on Thursday 14 May – automatically gain a place in the final as members of the “Big Four”, who make the biggest financial contributions to Eurovision each year.
Spain traditionally completes what was formerly known as the “Big Five”, but withdrew from this year’s contest in protest over Israel’s participation.
Austria is also guaranteed a spot in the final as this year’s host.
The 10 countries voted through from the first semi-final are as follows:
1. Greece: Akylas – “Ferto”
2. Finland: Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen – “Liekinheitin”
3. Belgium: ESSYLA – “Dancing on the Ice”
4. Sweden: FELICIA – “My System”
5. Moldova: Satoshi – “Viva, Moldova!”
6. Israel: Noam Bettan – “Michelle”
7. Serbia: LAVINA – “Kraj Mene”
8.Croatia: LELEK – “Andromeda”
9. Lithuania: Lion Ceccah – “Sólo Quiero Más”
10. Poland: ALICJA – “Pray”
The performance by Israel’s artist, Noam Bettan, was disrupted during the semi-final by shouts of “stop the genocide”. Despite this, Bettan received enough votes to get through to the final on Saturday 16 May.
The first semi-final otherwise seemed to go relatively smoothly.
Among the most notable moments on the night included a brief appearance from British pop star Boy George, who joined San Marino entry SENHIT for her rendition of “Superstar”.
Unfortunately, San Marino crashed out at the first hurdle, as SENHIT (and Boy George) did not receive enough votes to qualify for the final on Saturday (16 May).
There was also a cameo from Hollywood actor Will Ferrell, in a nod to his 2020 Eurovision comedy film Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga.
Meanwhile, Austrian hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski took part in a colourful skit with Australia’s 2025 entry Go-Jo, with each party singing the virtues of their respective countries.
The second semi-final is being held on Thursday 14 May and will see countries including Romania, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Australia and Ukraine compete for their spots in the final.
