Eurovision Vienna 2026 Grand Final 16th May 8pm

[RedToothBrush]

"Let the song begin with passion, Let the wind begin to blow, You can break the rules of fashion, And your chance to win shall grow."

"Look into the TV camera, So the audience can see, That you're loveable, not desperate, Smile and they will vote for me."

Well we haven't got old women baking bread or a man in a hamster wheel. The only way we have a burning piano is if the Serbian's set fire to the set (again) and torch Delta's piano. And sadly there is no Russian skater as they are currently still banned.

There WILL however be snow, lots of fire, wind machines, stage risers, much leather, women dressed in white, silly costumes and dances, dodgy moustaches, songs about love and peace, traditional folk instruments and violins. Many violins.

1 DENMARK Søren Torpegaard Lund - Før Vi Går Hjem
2 GERMANY Sarah Engels - Fire
3 ISRAEL Noam Bettan - Michelle
4 BELGIUM Essyla - Dancing On The Ice
5 ALBANIA Alis - Nân
6 GREECE Akylas - Ferto
7 UKRAINE Leléka - Ridnym
8 AUSTRALIA Delta Goodrum - Eclipse
9 SERBIA Lavina - Kraj Mene
10 MALTA Aidan - Bella
11 CZECHIA Daniel Zizka - Crossroads
12 BULGARIA Dara - Bangaranga
13 CROATIA Lelek - Andromeda
14 UNITED KINGDOM Look Mum No Computer - Eins, Zwei, Drei
15 FRANCE Monroe - Regarde
16 MOLDOVA Satoshi - Viva, Moldova!
17 FINLAND Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen - Liekinheitin
18 POLAND Alicja - Pray
19 LITHUANIA Lion Ceccah - Sólo Quiero Más
20 SWEDEN Felicia - My System
21 CYPRUS Antigoni - Jalla
22 ITALY Sal Da Vinci - Per Sempre Si
23 NORWAY Jonas Lovv - Ya Ya Ya
24 ROMANIA Alexandra Căpitănescu - Choke Me
25 AUSTRIA Cosmó - Tanzschein

Voting for participant countries (inc UK) will open just before the first song is performed. It will stay open through all the performances, and for approximately 40 minutes after the last song has been performed.
Voting in the UK is ONLINE ONLY through the ESC website or app this year. You need to make a card payment - 15p per vote. (It may be worth setting up an account or downloading the app if you do not have already). There is no phone vote for the UK (some other participanting countries do have phone vote still).

Non participating countries (Hello Ireland) can vote as part the Rest of The World. The voting window will open online at approximately midnight before the show, closing briefly when the Live Show begins, and opening up again just before the first song is performed. It will then remain open through the Live Show until around 40 minutes after the last competing song has been presented. Voting is online only.

You can vote online here:
www.esc.vote

There is a maximum of ten votes each.

You can watch on the participating national broadcasters (BBC) or on Eurovision's YouTube channel.

Public Service Reminder: Don't Forget Your Subtitles for the handy lyric translations.

Drink to Terry at Song 9.

I know it's not PC to watch but we often watch with a family WhatsApp group slagging off commenting and giving marks to the contestants. I did enjoy that Moldova one @RedToothBrush

Just back from the afternoon preview show and it was great! There's a "70 years of Eurovision" interval act which is really good, some surprising choices. We really liked it and it was really entertaining. (I say that as someone who was largely horrified by the pantomime-like Austria/Australia waste of time.)

Bulgaria, Moldova, Greece and Australia got the best audience reaction in the arena. We both felt Cyprus fell kind of flat live, unfortunately.

Looking forward to watching tonight and keeping my fingers crossed for a great finish for Moldova.

Can you imagine the AIBU 😂

My OH is taking part in an annual competition, it's a big opportunity for him and I'm so happy he's been chosen to take part as it's a rare yet fantastic opportunity. It is in another country.

However there are also showcase parties beforehand which aren't compulsory but may help his overall competition entry. We have a newborn. So AIBU to say he shouldn't attend those??

Anyway, see you all later!

I couldn’t watch it this year with a clear conscience. I wonder how many people are quietly boycotting it?

I'm not particularly worried about the PC stuff. Ultimately I think the conversation about that is a lot more complex than many wish to admit. Virtue signalling isn't helpful to anyone on any subject really as it always fails to get to the heart of problems. There are plenty of threads dedicated to that discussion.

This thread is purely for anyone who wants to enjoy the evening (whether secretly or not). It's going ahead and lots of people do still want to enjoy it and not be hijacked by any particular side to this argument.

The inclusion of Israel is a complex matter, but the irresponsibility of Romania’s entry is completely clear-cut in my mind. I used to enjoy Eurovision and have posted on these threads for the last few years, but I’ll never support it again if it actively hinders the fight against VAWG.

Checking in, whilst I get myself ready for later.

We are getting takeaway. I am having pizza (not pepperoni).

Thank you for the covers Red- brilliant

I love Eurovsion night- I am already really tired, so may be hitting the Red Bull very soon, and changing into my pleather and feathers leotard and knee high boots pyjamas .
I do hope the UK do well, I'm here mostly for the bat shit ones.

I will go back over my recordings of the semi finals for a quick recap pf the finalists in a bit.

I am getting supper on early so I am ready to watch uninterrupted. It’s a proper late night for me but I doubt I will give in before the bitter end. There is always i player in the morning as a last resort.

How do you plan to split your votes?

I am thinking

4 to Denmark
2 to Italy
2 to Finland
1 to Austria
1 to Lithuania.

but may well end up spreading them even more thinly as there are so many I like.

Signing in and out again as we'll be watching on a delay due to a late toddler bedtime.

I just really hope Sam gets the points he deserves. Remember Monday, Ollie and Mae all tanked for good reasons, but I really like Eins Zwei Drei. If we can get at least 60 points I'll be happy.

Does anyone have a link to a good drinking game?

Half an hour to go…. Do with that information what you want. Download scoresheets, organise bingo cards and drinking games. Get more involved drinks and snacks ready

I’m going to eat my Apple Strudel 😋

Checking in for tonight's shenanigans.

I have no idea who the UK entry is or whether the song is shit or good.

Who has got the best song this year and who is likely to win?

Finland are the bookies favourites (and they have a violin), Australia are closing in on them. Bulgaria have risen significantly in the odds since their semi. Greece is (apparently) a fan favourite. I think that about covers it.

Present.

What's everyone eating?

I usually buy snacks and make an apple crumble or cake but I haven't got anything this time. Not been well this week. I did drag myself to the corner shop earlier telling myself I'd get popcorn, but then walked out with everything except that😒

I'm going to watch on the livestream but won't be voting.

I made an apple crumble earlier and had some. The night is young, so I may go back for more.

Tuning in now!

Here! I love watching every year but I try to avoid all the promos and semi finals so I get to see all the acts for the first time at the finals, excited!

Going to grab some chocolate and a AF beer 🍺

Currently on the Doritos & Dip with a g&t.

pizza is on its way in a bit

The kangaroo from Tuesday has just made another appearance 🫣

Here! Snacks and drinks lined up!
I like the UK entry, hope we get a few points

They love that kangaroo!

Hello lovelies! Anyone know how to set up so subtitles show the translated version of lyrics? Always add to the humour.

Thanks for setting this up Red.

Anyone else getting IT vibes from the intro? Paper boat into a sewer then red balloons 🤣

Oh I do like a 40 piece orchestra