Eurovision 2026 Semi-Finals experts Rylan, Angela Scanlon and Sara Cox tease "sincerity, spectacle, and absolute unpredictability" in Vienna and reveal their dream Eurovision dinner party guests

The Eurovision Song Contest returns to BBC iPlayer, BBC One, BBC Radio 2, and BBC Sounds for its spectacular 70th anniversary in May 2026.

Ahead of the Eurovision Grand Final (Saturday 16 May) which will see 25 countries compete to win the ultimate song contest, there are two live Semi-Finals on Tuesday 12 and Thursday 14 May for viewers to enjoy all 35 competing countries. 15 countries in each Semi-Final will battle for a coveted spot in Saturday night’s Grand Final.

UK viewers will be able to vote in Thursday’s second Semi Final, and they will be treated to a preview performance on the Vienna stage of this year’s UK entry LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER with his song Eins, Zwei, Drei.

• Eurovision 2026 on the BBC - Everything you need to know

Eurovision is the ultimate feel-good event – a gloriously over-the-top celebration where big songs, bold performances and moments of pure pop madness and culture collide. This year BBC viewers are in for an extra special celebration as the much-loved song contest will celebrate its 70th birthday in Vienna, Austria – following last year’s Austrian victory by JJ with his song ‘Wasted Love’.

Providing their unparalleled insights and unmissable commentary to this year’s Semi-Finals on BBC iPlayer, BBC One, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds, is our stellar line up of Eurovision aficionados Rylan and Sara Cox, with Angela Scanlon also joining the party.

• Semi-Final 1: Tuesday 12 May – with live commentary on BBC iPlayer and BBC One from Rylan and Angela Scanlon, and live commentary on BBC Radio 2 from Sara Cox from 8pm
• Semi-Final 2: Thursday 14 May – with live commentary on BBC iPlayer and BBC One from Rylan and Angela Scanlon, and live commentary on BBC Radio 2 from Sara Cox from 8pm.

Get ready to count, as during Thursday’s second Semi-Final viewers will get a chance to see UK entry LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER perform his synthy and anthemic song Eins, Zwei, Drei for the first time on the Vienna stage.

Fans across the globe will get a first look at his highly anticipated staging, which has been overseen by none other than Fredrik ‘Benke’ Rydman, the renowned Creative Director and Choreographer responsible for some of the most iconic Eurovision performances in recent memory, including the staging of Switzerland’s 2024 winner, Nemo, with ‘The Code’, Finland’s 2023 runner-up, Käärijä, with ‘Cha Cha Cha’, and Sweden’s 2015 winner, Måns Zelmerlöw, with ‘Heroes’.

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.

Semi-Final Voting

Audiences in the UK will be able to vote for their favourites in Thursday’s second Semi-Final. 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.

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 about voting can be found on the official Eurovision website or at bbc.co.uk/eurovision.  

Peppered throughout the Semi-Finals are a host of incredible opening and interval acts to enthral audiences. Tuesday’s first Semi-Final will open with a special film celebrating Eurovision’s 70th anniversary, a 70-member choir will perform a tribute to ‘L’amour Est Bleu’ – one of the most popular Eurovision hits of all time.

Hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski will settle how to easily distinguish Austria from Australia, via a light-hearted musical performance joined by the Milkshake Man, Go-Jo, who represented Australia at Basel 2025. In Thursday’s second Semi-Final, the hosting duo of Victoria and Michael will open the show with a different take on JJ’s 2025 winning song ‘Wasted Love’, and JJ will take the stage to present viewers with a brand-new song.

Eurovision 2026 with Audio Description and British Sign Language

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.

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

• Add Eurovision to your watchlist on BBC iPlayer now

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Meet your BBC Eurovision 2026 Semi-Finals Commentators

Rylan

This is the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, what is it about the show that still makes it the must-watch television event of the year?

The performances. From ballads to club anthems, the most talented teams in the world pull out all the stops for the biggest stage in the world.

Who would be your dream dinner party guests if they could only be Eurovision acts from years gone by?

Conchita Wurst, Loreen, Verka Serduchka, ABBA, and Celine Dion.

Have you been to Vienna or Austria before?

I have never been and I can’t wait. That’s why I love this job so much. It takes me to places I’ve never seen before.

Give us three Eurovision songs that would be your go to if you were doing karaoke

Amir – J’ai Cherché, Loreen – Tattoo, and Verka Serduchka – Dancing Lasha Tumbai

Can you give us any teasers of what to expect in the Semi Finals?

I know for the 70th anniversary, Eurovision will put out all the stops and the fun starts at the Semi-Finals!

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER will be performing Eins, Zwei, Drei live for the first time during Eurovision week in Thursday’s second semi-final, what do you hope to see from him up on that stage?

Just to have fun and perhaps the left-hand side of the leader board!

What would your advice be for all the artists taking to the stage in hopes to make it to the final?

They need no advice from me. There’s always so much talent at Eurovision and they’re there to do their country proud. Just enjoy it. Go out and give it your all, the whole world is watching!

Eins, Zwei, Drei includes many iconic UK references like roly poly with custard, what was one of your favourite school canteen dishes?

The 50p Sausage roll at break time.

Angela Scanlon

This is the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, what is it about the show that still makes it the must-watch television event of the year?

Because nothing else dares to be this wild! Where else do you get that mix of sincerity, spectacle, and absolute unpredictability? It’s the only show where a power ballad, a techno banger, and someone dressed as a mythical creature can all exist quite happily in the same breath. At its heart, it’s about connection – across borders, across languages – and that never goes out of style. Also, let’s be honest, the voting alone deserves its own BAFTA for tension!

Who would be your dream dinner party guests if they could only be UK Eurovision acts from years gone by?

I'm going to need a bigger table! Sam Ryder for the vibes (and vocals), Blue for pure nostalgia, Bonnie Tyler for a bit of drama, and Johnny Logan (he's not from the UK but he is the unofficial Godfather of Eurovision and wears leather trousers like very few men can, so he's in).

Have you been to Vienna or Austria before?

I've been to Austria but never Vienna. I feel like it's one of those cities that's quietly showing off - stunning buildings, incredible food, and history things everywhere you turn. I look forward to eating cake in a sauna between rehearsals.

Give us three Eurovision songs that would be your go to if you were doing karaoke, and why?

Why Me by Linda Martin – I love a good belter, and her velvet dress is etched in my childhood memory. Euphoria by Loreen – because if you're not committing fully, what's the point? And Waterloo by ABBA – no explanation needed!

Can you give us any teasers of what to expect in the Semi Finals, who should people keep their eyes on?

There are some brilliant, recognisable names in the mix for this year's Semif’s which I think viewers always love. Boy George joining forces with SENHIT is one to watch, and Delta Goodrem for Australia.

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER will be performing Eins, Zwei, Drei live for the first time during Eurovision week in Thursday’s second semi-final, what do you hope to see from him up on that stage?

Subtlety feels unlikely – and frankly, unnecessary. It'll be left-field, bold, high-energy, maybe a little bit chaotic in the best way, and definitely something that pulls the audience in. There may be some audience participation if we're lucky. Eurovision rewards commitment and he is going all in!

What would your advice be for all the artists taking to the stage in hopes to make it to the final?

I have absolutely nothing to offer! I have no idea how any of them do it and will be sitting in the box hoping no one falls over. Commit to the bit. That's it.

Eins, Zwei, Drei includes many iconic UK references like roly poly with custard, what was one of your favourite school canteen dishes?

Jelly. I order it off the kids menu whenever I eat out. There is no better food.

Sara Cox

This is the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, what is it about the show that still makes it the must-watch television event of the year?

I think the Eurovision Song Contest is the must watch or listen event of the year! However, this year is the 70th birthday so I think it's going to be super special and the thing that I love about it the most is that you never know what you're going to get. Expect the unexpected, and I think it's just the most beautiful, inclusive and fun show… ever!

Who would be your dream dinner party guests if they could only be Eurovision acts from years gone by? 

Well in 2011 I worked at Eurovision at Düsseldorf, and I hung out with lovely Blue, so let's invite Blue to my dream dinner party alongside that year's representative for Ireland - the fabulous Jedward. That'd be quite a lively evening, so maybe I need Loreen to add a little bit of sophistication and to keep control of all the lads.

What is your favourite memory during your time commentating on the Eurovision Song Contest? Have there been many surprises?

One that springs to mind is on the way to Azerbaijan to Baku with Engelbert Humperdinck. We were given a ride through the airport on one of those sort of golf buggies, like mobility carts. That was quite a surreal moment - we were with Engelbert Humperdinck, just cruising through the airport. It felt very showbiz.

Have you been to Vienna or Austria before? 

I've not been to Austria before, but I'm very excited about eating a Schnitzel that's bigger than my face.

Give us three Eurovision songs that would be your go to if you were doing karaoke, and why?

My top three go-to if I was at karaoke… I would definitely do Bucks Fizz and Making Your Mind Up so I could have a tea towel around my waist and then whip it off. I think it'd be rude not to get up and blast out a little bit of Waterloo, ABBA of course, and because that's a great one for everyone to join in with, and Gina G Ooh Aah…Just A Little Bit would be an excellent one for me to bust a few moves and impress people with my pop prowess.

LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER will be performing Eins, Zwei, Drei live for the first time during Eurovision week in Thursday’s second semi-final, what do you hope to see from him up on that stage?

I can't wait to see LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER up on the stage performing Eins, Zwei, Drei - it's such a lively song. I hope there's complete chaos on the stage, but more than anything I hope he just really enjoys his moment and gives it some proper welly. 

What would your advice be for all the artists taking to the stage in hopes to make it to the final? 

I think what's important for all the artists taking to the stage to remember is that it is fun. It is not brain surgery; it is a fun joyous celebration of music and togetherness. So, I really hope they can just try and enjoy it and just go for it.

Eins, Zwei, Drei includes many iconic UK references like roly poly with custard, what was one of your favourite school canteen dishes? 

Favourite school canteen dishes were chocolate sponge with chocolate custard, please and thank you very much. Also, the classic chips and beans was a staple for me at school. Delicious!

 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.

The Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals air on Tuesday 12 May and Thursday 14 May on BBC One, BBC iPlayer, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.

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