Eurovision Song Contest 2026 across the BBC

Vienna calling... Eurovision season has officially begun!

To mark the annual return of the Eurovision Song Contest - the world’s biggest music competition - the BBC are serving up a glittering assortment of Eurovision treats across TV, radio and digital to bring the nation together and cheer on this year’s UK entry, LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER.

This year will be unlike any other as we celebrate the 70th edition of the contest in Austria, home of iconic alpine landscapes, classical music, coffee houses, Wiener Schnitzel, and apple strudel.

Austria is set to welcome audiences from across the globe, and this year’s 35 competing countries, to the beautiful city of Vienna where the competition was last held in 2015. 11 years later, it’s time to find out who will follow in JJ’s footsteps and be crowned the winner of Eurovision 2026.

• Eurovision 2026 on the BBC - Everything you need to know
• Watch the Eurovision Song Contest on BBC iPlayer and add to your Watchlist

Audiences can marvel at all Eurovision has to offer as the contest will be broadcast live across BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, with expert analysis and famously witty insights from our commentator line up which includes the King of Eurovision himself, Graham Norton, Euro-aficionado Rylan, and Queen of the airwaves Sara Cox. Also joining the party this year is Eurovision superfan Angela Scanlon! Getting the tea from backstage and across Vienna for the BBC’s digital channels is former Drag Race UK winner, Tia Kofi.

Ahead of the Eurovision Grand Final (Saturday 16 May), where 25 countries will perform in their bid to be crowned the Eurovision 2026 and 70th edition champion, there are two live Semi-Finals (Tuesday 12 May and Thursday 14 May) for Eurovision fans to enjoy all 35 countries competing at this year's contest.The top ten countries from each Semi-Final will make it through to Saturday’s Grand Final.

In Thursday’s second Semi-Final, UK viewers will be able to vote for their favourites and will also be treated to the first performance on the Eurovision stage from the UK entry, LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER, singing his song Eins, Zwei, Drei.

As one of the pre-qualified Big Four countries (United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy), the United Kingdom has a guaranteed place in Saturday's Grand Final, along with Austria who are the reigning Eurovision champions and hosts.

On Saturday 16 May the BBC brings the nation together for one of the most epic nights of the year as the Grand Final goes live from 8pm on BBC iPlayer, BBC One, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds. Whether you’re organising a Eurovision party with friends while enjoying a slice of pepperoni, or at home with the family feasting on roly poly with custard, it is set to be a night to remember as the UK cheer on LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.

Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals and Grand Final continue to be one of the must-watch television spectacles of the year, and one of the most popular Entertainment programmes on the BBC, with the Grand Final in 2025 reaching an average audience of 7.1 million people in the UK. Eurovision is also one of the most popular Entertainment programmes for younger audiences on the BBC, with 1.2 million 16–34-year-olds tuning in for the Grand Final last year.

Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC says: “The BBC continues to be the home of Eurovision in the UK, and this year we’re once again offering a treasure trove of brilliant content for audiences to enjoy as we celebrate the 70th anniversary of the contest across the BBC on our platforms. Eurovision is one of the most popular events of the year, especially with younger audiences, and it brings the nation together for an unmissable night of joy. I am so excited for audiences to discover what our UK act LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER has in store for what is sure to be an unforgettable performance!”

This Eurovision will continue to be one of the most accessible programmes for our audiences, with live Audio Description available on the BBC iPlayer and BBC One broadcasts of all three live shows. Live British Sign Language interpretation will be available during the shows on the Red Button and iPlayer, with subtitles available throughout the BBC One and Signed coverage on iPlayer.

This year, voting in the UK is going online only. Viewers can vote by heading to Eurovision’s official voting website, esc.vote, or by downloading the official Eurovision Song Contest App from the App Store. Both the webpage and the app are provided by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). During the voting window, viewers will be able to cast up to 10 votes for their favourite countries. All 10 votes can be used on one country or can be spread between up to 10 different countries. Viewers still cannot vote for their own country. Votes will cost 15p per vote, and voters will be asked to enter bank card details or use Apple or Google Pay in order to successfully register a vote. More information can be found here or at bbc.co.uk/eurovision.

For the latest information on the United Kingdom at Eurovision 2026, follow @bbceurovision on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.

Viewers can add Eurovision to their watchlist on BBC iPlayer now.

The BBC’s Eurovision Song Contest 2026 coverage is a BBC Studios Entertainment production, commissioned by Kalpna Patel-Knight, Head of Entertainment at the BBC. The Executive Producer and Head of Delegation is Andrew Cartmell and the Assistant Head of Delegation is Lucy Youngman. The Creative Director for BBC Studios Entertainment North is Pete Ogden and Suzy Lamb is the Managing Director, Entertainment at BBC Studios. The Commissioning Editor for the BBC is Ruby Kuraishe.

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Eurovision 2026 on TV and BBC iPlayer 

Eurovision Semi-Finals with Rylan and Angela Scanlon 

Tuesday 12 May and Thursday 14 May, 8pm - BBC iPlayer and BBC One

The Semi-Finals will be broadcast live on BBC iPlayer and BBC One, and guiding audiences on the Euro-phoric journey is commentator and Eurovision aficionado, Rylan, who will be joined on the ride by Angela Scanlon, live from the Wiener Stadthalle arena in Vienna.

Rylan says: “It’s the 70th Eurovision Song Contest and the biggest show on the planet. Being part of anything this big is something younger me could never have imagined.”

Angela Scanlon says: “It feels like joining the greatest party on earth – equal parts thrilling and terrifying! I grew up watching the Eurovision Song Contest with my three sisters, making very serious (and wildly biased) scorecards from the couch, so to now be part of it – especially in its 70th year – is genuinely surreal. It’s one of those shows that’s always been there, evolving but never losing its magic or madness. I’ve been lucky enough to dip my toe into the Eurovision world before, so it feels great to be doing it again, just with higher heels and a few more sequins!”

Each Semi-Final, hosted by Austrian stars Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski, will feature performances from the pre-qualified ‘Big Four’ countries, and an array of unmissable interval acts. Across both Semi-Finals we will see 10 contestants eliminated from the competition – giving us 25 competitors for Saturday’s Grand Final.

BBC viewers have plenty to look forward to at the Semi-Finals – there will be emotional ballads, soaring pop anthems, and unique performances you’d only ever see on the Eurovision stage.

Excitement is heating up in the fandom for Finland’s entry which features a collaboration between world renowned classical violinist Linda Lampenius and singer Pete Parkkonen, global superstar Delta Goodrem will take to the stage representing Australia, San Marino have recruited the legendary Culture Club frontman Boy George to perform alongside SENHIT, and there is an energetic earworm and chants of “Bangaranga” by DARA from Bulgaria – who return to the contest after a three-year absence.

It’s the first chance to get a peek at the staging of some of the big hitters who will appear in Saturday’s Grand Final, including our very own LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER with his anthemic song, 'Eins, Zwei, Drei’.

Eurovision 2026, Semi-Final 1 

Tuesday 12 May, 8pm - BBC iPlayer and BBC One

In the first Semi-Final, the first group of countries will compete for a place in Saturday’s Grand Final. The 15 countries competing are: Moldova, Sweden, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Georgia, Finland, Montenegro, Estonia, Israel, Belgium, Lithuania, San Marino, Poland, and Serbia

The pre-qualified ‘Big Four’ countries performing and voting during the first Semi-Final are: Italy and Germany. Viewers in the UK cannot vote during this Semi-Final.

The show will open with a journey through time, demonstrating that the seven-decade history of the Eurovision Song Contest represents ‘70 Years of Love’: a film that portrays the life of a couple set against the backdrop of the world’s biggest live music show.

A 70-member choir will then launch the first Semi-Final with a tribute to ‘L’amour Est Bleu’ – one of the most popular Eurovision hits of all time. The song was performed when the city of Vienna first hosted the Contest in 1967.

While the votes are coming in, the interval act will see hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski finally settle how to easily distinguish Austria from Australia, via a light-hearted musical performance. They will be joined by the Milkshake Man, Go-Jo, who represented Australia at Basel 2025.

Eurovision 2026, Semi-Final 2

Tuesday 14 May, 8pm – BBC iPlayer and BBC One

The second Semi-Final will feature 15 different acts taking to the stage in the hope of securing a place in Saturday’s Grand Final. Viewers in the United Kingdom will be able to vote for their favourites in this Semi-Final and UK viewers are in for a treat, as the UK act LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER takes to the Eurovision stage for the first time to perform his song ‘Eins, Zwei, Drei’, before he competes in Saturday's Grand Final.

The ‘Big Four’ countries performing and voting during the second Semi-Final are: France and the United Kingdom, with pre-qualified hosts Austria also performing.

Competing this evening are: Bulgaria, Azerbaijan, Romania, Luxembourg, Czechia, Armenia, Switzerland, Cyprus, Latvia, Denmark, Australia, Ukraine, Albania, Malta, and Norway.

The hosting duo of Victoria and Michael will open the show and kick off proceedings with a different take on JJ’s high octane 2025 winning song ‘Wasted Love’, and later JJ will take the stage to present viewers with a brand-new song.

Eurovision 2026, The Grand Final with Graham Norton

Saturday 16 May, 8pm - BBC iPlayer and BBC One

In the Grand Final, the remaining 25 countries, including the UK’s LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER, will battle it out for the win. Delighting audiences throughout the night with his famously witty insights, is master of ceremonies and seasoned Eurovision expert, Graham Norton.

Graham Norton says: “It feels really special to be back, gently guiding viewers through the Grand Final in this very momentous 70th anniversary year.”

Hosted by Austrian stars, Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski, the Grand Final of Eurovision 2026 will be awash with treats and surprises for the viewers across the globe. The opening act The Queen of the Night will see 2025 winner JJ showcase his remarkable vocal abilities as he seamlessly blends Mozart-inspired elements with his own music, alongside more than 40 dancers and acrobats, as the 25 Grand Finalists are introduced in the iconic flag parade.

Viewers will then be treated to the 25 competing entries as they take to the stage one by one, giving the performance of a lifetime in the hopes of being crowned the Eurovision 2026 winner.

During the voting period, three interval acts will take to the stage including a selection of Eurovision All Stars who will perform iconic songs from the Contest’s history to celebrate the 70th anniversary, Austrian electro-swing icon Parov Stelar will showcase his distinctive dance sound and striking visuals, and finally a soulful version of Billy Joel’s ‘Vienna’ will be performed by Austrian Eurovision legend César Sampson.

Voting Procedure

The result of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest will be determined by a combination of points from national juries and viewer votes in the participating countries, along with a separate rest of the world vote. Each national jury is made up of a group of seven music professionals in that country.

After viewers have cast their votes, each national spokesperson from the 35 participating countries will present the points of their professional jury live to the world.

After the presentation of the scores from the juries, the televoting points from all participating countries and the rest of the world vote will be combined, providing one viewer score for each song. These televoting results will then be announced by the hosts building towards a dramatic climax as the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is announced.

More details regarding the new voting procedure and how you can get involved can be found on the official Eurovision website or at bbc.co.uk/eurovision.

Eurovision 2026 on BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds

Eurovision 2026 – Semi Final 1 with Sara Cox

Tuesday 12 May, 8pm until 11.30pm

Live from Vienna, Austria, it's Eurovision 2026! The newly announced Radio 2 Breakfast Show host Sara Cox brings you the first Eurovision Semi-Final.

Presenter: Sara Cox 

Producer: Patrick Thomas for BBC Audio

Sara Cox‘s teatime show - live from Vienna

Wednesday 13 May, 4pm until 7pm

Sara Cox gets you through teatime live from Austria, host of Eurovision 2026. Expect plenty of giggles and some fab music, and all the Eurovision gossip in the run-up to Saturday’s Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest.

Presenter: Sara Cox

Producer: Chloe Taylor for BBC Audio

Eurovision 2026 – Semi-Final 2 with Sara Cox

Thursday 14 May, 8pm until 11.30pm

Live from Vienna, Austria, it's Eurovision 2026! The newly announced Radio 2 Breakfast Show host Sara Cox brings you the second Eurovision Semi-Final. The UK entry LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER will take to the stage for the first time in Eurovision week. 

Presenter: Sara Cox

Producer: Patrick Thomas for BBC Audio

Sophie Ellis-Bextor’s Eurovision Kitchen Disco

Friday 15 May, 9pm until 11pm

Sophie hosts her annual Eurovision themed Kitchen Disco. Get ready for the sounds, colour, excitement, and sheer energy of Sophie's annual Eurovision Disco special! Expect back-to-back Europop, plus loads of previous winners and near misses.

Presenter: Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Producer: David Manero for Listen Entertainment

Dermot O’Leary

Saturday 16 May, 8am until 10am

On this Eurovision Super Saturday, Dermot will be blasting the Eurovision tunes as his World Cup Of Great Sport TV Themes continues. To mark a great Summer of Sport, World Cup Of Great Sport TV Themes sees two iconic tunes face off each week. This week it’s the BBC’s Ski Sunday versus ITV’s The Big Match!

Presenter: Dermot O’Leary

Producer: Ben Walker for Ora et Labora

Sophie Ellis Bextor with ‘Your Ultimate Eurovision Superstar!’

Saturday 16 May, 1pm until 3pm

It’s a double dose of Sophie Ellis-Bextor this week on Radio 2. In addition to her Eurovision Kitchen Disco on Friday, Sophie continues the Eurovision vibes with a countdown the Top 40 of ‘Your Ultimate Eurovision Superstar!’ The Radio 2 listeners have voted for their stand-out artists from 70 years of Eurovision history.

The race for first place includes Celine Dion, Olivia Newton-John, Johnny Logan, Loreen, and ABBA! It’s a playlist packed full of karaoke classics, epic ballads, and non-stop pop with music spanning from the 60s to present day. The public vote took place after the Radio 2 family put together a shortlist of 70 iconic artists from 70 years of Eurovision history.

Presenter: Sophie Ellis-Bextor

Producer: Emilio Porto for BBC Audio

Richie Anderson

Saturday 16 May, 3pm until 6pm

Richie, who currently presents a show to kick off each week every Sunday night into Monday (midnight – 3am), brings the Eurovision excitement to Saturday afternoon!

Presenter: Richie Anderson

Producer: Jenny Ward for BBC Audio

All Request Eurovision with Ellie Taylor

Saturday 16 May, 6pm until 8pm

The countdown is on as the nation gets ready to cheer on the UK’s LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER at the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, and in the final two hours before the final begins, Ellie Taylor is ramping up the excitement and finding out how the UK is preparing for the world’s biggest music contest and playing YOUR favourite party songs. Text 88-2-91 to send in your song requests.

Presenter: Ellie Taylor

Producer: Ste Softley for Mostest

Eurovision 2026 - The Eurovision Grand Final with Sara Cox and Rylan

Saturday 16 May, 8pm until 11.30pm

Live from Vienna, Austria, it's Eurovision 2026! The newly announced Radio 2 Breakfast Show host Sara Cox and Rylan bring you the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final.

25 Grand Finalists including the UK’s LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER, will battle it out for the premiere place on the leaderboard at the 70th edition of the world-famous Eurovision Song Contest.

Presenters: Sara Cox and Rylan

Producer: Patrick Thomas for BBC Audio

The Eurovision After Party with OJ Borg

Saturday 16 May, predicted to be 11.30pm until 3am

OJ keeps the Eurovision party going for all those who aren't quite ready for bed yet!

Presenter: OJ Borg

Producer: Andy Warrell for BBC Audio

Eurovision 2026 on Digital

Tia Kofi – Werking it as the BBC’s Eurovision digital correspondent

RuPaul’s Drag Race UK star and Queen of the Mother-tucking Universe (season two), Tia Kofi, sashays back to Eurovision as the BBC’s digital roving reporter, giving fans exclusive access to this year’s acts, and a behind the scenes look at the humungous event.

A self-confessed superfan of Eurovision, Tia will be reporting from Eurovision’s Turquoise Carpet, and roving Vienna’s Eurovision Village in search of the tea across Eurovision week – serving up fabulous digital content available across the BBC’s TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook channels.

Tia Kofi says: “It’s such an honour to be back as the BBC Eurovision Digital Presenter for the 70th year of the contest. Growing up, watching Eurovision was such an important part of my life and I can't wait to celebrate the music, the unity and this special anniversary year with everyone!

"This year’s contest already feels like it’s a close competition between the acts, with some incredible songs from around the globe, and iconic singers like Boy George and Delta Goodrem set to compete alongside our very own brilliant LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER. It's sure to be a year to remember! Austria last won in 2014 with Conchita Wurst and now we’re back 11 years later bringing the camp, glamour and music back to Vienna.”

Eurovision on Roblox – My Eurovision Party 2026

After it’s successful inaugural outing last year, My Eurovision Party is returning to Roblox for 2026!

My Eurovision Party 2026 is the official Eurovision activation on Roblox. It captures the celebratory, fun, and global fandom of the Eurovision Song Contest, bringing young generations together around a virtual Eurovision stage.

During the live broadcasts of the Semi-Finals on Tuesday 12 and Thursday 14 May, and the Grand Final on Saturday 16 May, the game will become a second-screen companion with real-time updates, performance highlights and in-game celebrations. Players will have the chance to dance to some of Eurovision’s biggest hits, follow along with real-time results, meet this year’s performers, and even meet Graham Norton and LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER (in Roblox form, of course!)

The activation will be available ahead of the live broadcasts, giving fans the chance to virtually connect with other Eurovision Roblox fans across the globe, and also get the chance to meet and greet with some of the Eurovision 2026 artists, who will join the virtual experience in person.

Created through a collaboration between four broadcasters-BBC, France Télévisions (France), LPSM (Latvia), ORF (Austria), and the EBU, and developed by immersive entertainment specialists Karta, the project is an innovative way for Roblox lovers to unite their passion for Eurovision and enjoy the spectacle, and fun of Eurovision across multiple platforms. With young players in mind, the project is built with a robust safety framework, featuring live moderation with no in-game chat features.

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