This year, the Eurovision Song Contest celebrates its 70th anniversary. The competition, in which artists from more than 30 countries perform songs they have written themselves, will take place in Vienna. Last year, the Austrian capital earned the right to host the ESC thanks to JJ’s outstanding performance of the song “Wasted Love” in Basel.
When the“Gran Premio Eurovisione Della Canzone Europa”was held for the first time in Lugano, Switzerland, in 1956, no one could have imagined the cult status the song contest would eventually achieve. This was evident from the fact that participants such as Denmark, the United Kingdom, and even Austria missed the registration deadline. In a secret jury vote, the Swiss singer Lys Assia was crowned the first winner. Incidentally, only seven countries participated at the time, each with two or even three songs.
The ESC isn't just for European artists!
Of course, a lot has changed since then. To be eligible to participate in the contest, you must be an active full member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU). Israel, Azerbaijan, and Georgia are also members. Being part of this union is no guarantee that you’ll get to perform in the final. To do that, you have to make it through the semifinals. Once you’ve cleared that hurdle, you’ll get to perform this year in front of 16,000 spectators at the Wiener Stadthalle. This is the third time Austria has hosted the ESC, so they already know what it means to be a “host city.”
To do so, certain requirements must be met. In addition to good international connectivity and sufficient accommodation, the host must demonstrate expertise in safety and sustainable implementation. The costs associated with meeting these criteria, promotion, and other expenses related to the ESC amount to just over 30 million euros. This is according to statistics from Eco Austria*.
Despite all this effort, a dark cloud hangs over the event. This is because some countries are boycotting the event due to Israel’s participation. Five nations—the Netherlands, Spain, Ireland, Iceland, and Slovenia—have withdrawn from the competition. There were already heckles from the audience during the semifinals, and several protest rallies have been announced in Vienna.
Australia is an exception.
The land of kangaroos and koalas has earned its place in the contest through its tremendous dedication to the Eurovision Song Contest. Since 1974, Down Under has been absolutely Eurovision-crazy. Australia is an associate member of the EBU and was allowed to participate for the first time on the contest’s 60th anniversary. Back then, they advanced directly to the final, but since then they’ve had to prove themselves in the semifinals, just like almost every other contestant.
Only a few countries advance directly to the final. These are the biggest financial contributors to the Eurovision Song Contest: Italy, France, Germany, the United Kingdom, and Spain. In addition, the host country also has a “golden ticket.” In 2026, 35 countries competed for a spot in the final. After two semifinals, the number of songs was reduced to 25.
The voting
In 2026, new voting rules will take effect. The European Broadcasting Union, which oversees the contest, aims to use these changes to “strengthen transparency, accountability, and neutrality.” Each viewer will have a maximum of ten votes instead of the previous 20. Also new this year is the return to the 50/50 system. Half of the score will be determined by the audience, and the rest by a panel of experts. This panel consists of seven members, at least two of whom must be between the ages of 18 and 25.
The maximum score for both telephone voting and the jury is 12 points. The next-ranked song receives 10 points, and the score decreases in increments of one from there. For the final score, the telephone votes and the jury results are added together, which means a maximum of 24 points for an artist. It is not possible to vote for your own country. After all, everyone would probably give themselves 12 points, which would only drag the show out.
You won't get rich, but you'll become famous.
Officially, there is no prize money for the event. But an average audience of 160 million provides the singers with a tremendous career boost. That’s why they’re willing to put up with quite a few rules. The songs they compose themselves may be no longer than three minutes and must be performed live. Since 1999, the artists have been free to choose the language in which they sing.
Some former Eurovision contestants have gone on to have hugely successful careers. ABBA won with “Waterloo” in 1974 and later became world-famous for their catchy songs and glittery outfits. Celine Dion represented Switzerland in 1988 and won. Freddie Quinn even competed in the very first Eurovision Song Contest. Bonny Tyler’s distinctive, husky voice was also heard at the event. At the age of 61, she competed once again in Malmö at the 58th ESC. Udo Jürgens participated three times, and Dutch show host Rudi Carrell also tried his luck on the stage in 1960.
“United by Music”
According to fans who traveled here specifically for the event, the Eurovision Song Contest is more than just a music show. Many grew up watching the event, while others admire the artists’ creativity. But everyone is thrilled by how much music truly unites the world. The ESC Committee shares this view and has chosen “United by Music – (In) the Heart of Europe” as the theme for the 70th ESC.
Addendum:
The top three songs from the Song Contest held on May 16, 2026, in Vienna:
- Rank: Bulgaria
- Israel
- Rank: Romania
* These statistics are based on figures from previous Eurovision Song Contest events. It should also be noted that for every euro spent, an estimated 1.70 euros in total economic value added is generated.
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Sources:
Conversations with attendees at the public viewing on May 14, 2026
Photos:
Cover photo: (c) ORF
Photo from the public viewing: (c) Ingrid Müller
Image of the ESC Award: (c) Sarah Louise Benentt
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