Eurovision 2026: Opening and interval acts revealed
Austrian broadcaster ORF has revealed the opening and interval acts for the three live shows of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna
The Austrian broadcaster ORF has unveiled details about the opening and interval acts for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The shows will take place on 12, 14 and 16 May at the Wiener Stadthalle, celebrating the contest’s 70th anniversary.
Semi-final 1
Tuesday 12 May 2026
Opening Act
The first Semi-final opens with a film titled 70 Years of Love, telling the story of a couple set against the backdrop of the Eurovision Song Contest’s seven-decade history.
A 70-member choir follows with a tribute to "L’amour est bleu", one of the most popular Eurovision songs, originally performed when Vienna hosted the contest in 1967.
Interval Act
During the voting, the hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski perform "Kangaroo", a light-hearted musical act explaining the difference between Austria and Australia. They are joined by Go-Jo, who represented Australia at Eurovision 2025.
Semi-final 2
Thursday 14 May 2026
Opening Act
Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski open the second Semi-final with a performance of JJ’s Eurovision 2025 winning song Wasted Love. However, the performance does not go entirely as planned.
Interval Act
During the interval, JJ returns to the stage to perform a brand-new song.
Grand Final
Saturday 16 May 2026
Opening Act
The Grand Final begins with a storyline in which the paper boat from JJ’s 2025 performance travels from Switzerland to Vienna.
In the opening act The Queen of the Night, JJ performs with more than 40 dancers and acrobats, blending Mozart-inspired elements with his own music. The 25 finalists are introduced during the performance.
Interval Acts
During the voting, three interval acts take place.
In Celebration!, a selection of Eurovision Allstars performs iconic songs from the contest’s history.
Parov Stelar then takes the stage with an electro-swing performance.
Finally, César Sampson performs a version of "Vienna" by Billy Joel, leading into the announcement of the results.
Additional segments across the shows include Professor Eurovision and Eurovision Quiz, featuring the hosts. The ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna will also contribute music and appear on stage during the Grand Final.
Vision for the Eurovision 2026 shows
ORF Interim Director General Ingrid Thurnher says:
– I am very pleased that preparations for the Eurovision Song Contest are fully on schedule as we approach the move into the Wiener Stadthalle, and that we are now able to present our show elements. I am confident that we will bring nine outstanding shows to the stage – including three live TV shows – and that we will more than do justice to the 70th anniversary of the world’s largest television entertainment event.
ORF Program Director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz says:
– In Vienna, we are combining Austrian culture with the diversity of the Eurovision Song Contest – all under the motto The Big Show!. I am looking forward to celebrating this 70th anniversary and am confident that we will inspire audiences across Europe and around the world.
Eurovision Song Contest 2026
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest takes place in May 2026. The contest will be held in Vienna, Austria and produced by Österreichischer Rundfunk (ORF).
- Location: Vienna, Austria
- Participants: 35
- Semi-final 1: 12 May 2026: The 10 best songs qualify for the Grand Final
- Semi-final 2: 14 May 2026: The 10 best songs qualify for the Grand Final
- Grand Final: 16 May 2026: 25 participants – Austria, Big-4 (Germany, France, Italy and the United Kingdom), 10 best from Semi-final 1, 10 best from Semi-final 2
