BBC Confirms Eurovision 2026 Schedule: A Glitzy Week of Live Shows from Vienna
Semi-Final and Grand Final coverage for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest has been confirmed by the BBC.
The BBC has officially confirmed its full broadcasting schedule for the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, promising a week of high-energy performances, surprise appearances, and blockbuster live television from Vienna, Austria.
Following Austria’s victory at last year’s contest with JJ’s “Wasted Love,” the competition returns to the Austrian capital for the first time since 2015. The 2026 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will be staged across three live televised shows on BBC One, with additional coverage across BBC Radio 2.
Semi-Final 1 – Tuesday 12 May, 8:00pm (BBC One)
Eurovision week begins on Tuesday 12 May at 8:00pm with the first semi-final, broadcast live from Vienna. Presenters Rylan Clarke and Sara Cox will guide viewers through a night featuring 15 countries competing for 10 coveted places in Saturday’s grand final.
Expectations are already running high, with organisers promising “powerful vocals, spectacular staging and a nail-biting results sequence” as nations battle for qualification.
Among the standout performances is Finnish duo Linda and Pete, who blend pop, rock, and classical violin in what is tipped to be one of the most distinctive entries of the night.
One of the most talked-about moments of the semi-final will see British music icon Boy George making his Eurovision debut—not for the UK, but performing for San Marino alongside returning artist Senhit. Best known as the frontman of Culture Club, he will join Senhit for their entry Superstar, as she attempts to secure her strongest Eurovision result yet in her third appearance.
Meanwhile, the so-called “Big Four” countries continue their automatic qualification to the final. Germany’s Sarah Engels will debut her energetic anthem Fire, while Italy’s Sal Da Vinci brings emotional depth with his chart-topping ballad Per sempre sì.
Semi-Final 2 – Thursday 14 May, 8:00pm (BBC One)
The second semi-final airs on Thursday 14 May at 8:00pm, again live from Vienna, with another 15 countries competing for the remaining 10 places in the final.
UK viewers will once again be able to vote, while also getting a first live glimpse of UK entrant Look Mum No Computer, who will preview his experimental track Eins, Zwei, Drei ahead of the final.
Although the UK, as part of the Big Four, is already guaranteed a place in the grand final, this semi-final marks the first opportunity for audiences across Europe to see the full staging of his performance.
The lineup includes several high-profile international names, including Australian singer and former Neighbours star Delta Goodrem with her powerful entry Eclipse. Cyprus is represented by London-born reality TV star Antigoni, performing her Mediterranean-inspired track Jalla.
Hosting duties once again fall to Austrian stars Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski, who will open the show with a comedic reinterpretation of last year’s winning song Wasted Love. The hosts are also expected to feature in a tongue-in-cheek interval performance aimed at finally clarifying the long-running confusion between Austria and Australia.
Later in the show, reigning Eurovision winner JJ returns to the stage with a brand-new performance, set to “upstage” the hosts in a surprise interval twist.
Grand Final – Saturday 16 May, 8:00pm (BBC One)
The Eurovision 2026 grand final will air live on Saturday 16 May at 8:00pm, presented by Graham Norton. The show will bring together all qualifying acts from the semi-finals, along with the Big Four and host nation Austria.
The night will deliver the usual mix of dramatic staging, emotional performances, and tense voting sequences as Europe and beyond decide the winner of the 70th contest.
As always, the BBC promises extensive coverage across television and radio, with BBC Radio 2 providing additional commentary, analysis, and backstage insights throughout Eurovision week.
A Landmark 70th Edition in Vienna
This year’s contest marks a major milestone, celebrating 70 years of Eurovision history. Returning to Vienna, the city last hosted the event in 2015, organisers are promising one of the most ambitious productions yet.
With global pop stars, unexpected collaborations, and returning favourites, Eurovision 2026 is shaping up to be a standout edition in the contest’s long-running legacy.
From semi-final surprises to grand final glory, Eurovision week is once again set to deliver one of television’s most-watched and unpredictable live entertainment events.
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