Preparations are underway in Vienna for the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC), which will take place from May 12 to 16, 2026. Austria has been selected as the host country after winning last year with the song “Wasted Love.” The event will be held at the Wiener Stadthalle, which also served as the venue in 2015.
The Netanyahu government in Israel is using the ESC as a political tool, leading to a boycott by five countries. This decision is a direct response to the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip. Israel could have significant consequences for the media landscape in the country.
ARD will broadcast both the final on May 16 and the two semifinals. Viewers from the respective countries will have the opportunity to vote for their favorites, even if they perform in the semifinals. Italy will perform between Georgia and Finland, while Germany will sing after Israel and before Belgium.
During the first semifinal of the ESC, there were disruptions from audience shouts during the Israeli entry. While the music was convincing, the accompanying program was less successful. Preparations for the event are in full swing, and anticipation for the artists’ performances is growing.
