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Eurovision Song Contest 2026

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 was the 70th edition of the annual European music competition.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 was the 70th edition of the annual European music competition. It was held in Vienna, Austria, with live shows on 12, 14, and 16 May 2026 at the Wiener Stadthalle. Bulgaria won with "Bangaranga" by Dara.

Background

Eurovision 2026 followed Austria's victory at Eurovision 2025 and was organised by the European Broadcasting Union with ORF as host broadcaster. Vienna was selected as host city, making it the third time the Austrian capital staged the contest.

Format and rules

The contest used two semi-finals and one final, with 35 participating countries. New rules for 2026 included the return of a 50% jury vote in the semi-finals and an increase in jurors from five to seven.

Venue and broadcasts

All live shows were staged at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna. The contest was broadcast by participating broadcasters, with the grand final also available through international Eurovision coverage.

Results

Bulgaria won the 2026 contest with "Bangaranga" by Dara, according to the official Eurovision results. The final featured 25 acts after qualification from the semi-finals and automatic places for the host country and selected major broadcasters.

Key facts

  • The 70th Eurovision Song Contest was held in Vienna, Austria, from 12 to 16 May 2026.
  • Bulgaria won with Dara performing "Bangaranga".
  • Thirty-five countries participated, the lowest number since semi-finals were introduced in 2004.
  • Revised rules included a 50% jury vote in semi-finals and an increase to seven jurors.
  • Moldova, Romania, and Bulgaria returned to the competition after absences.
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Canadian context

Canada does not participate in Eurovision, but Canadian readers may know the contest through international music coverage and broadcast commentary.

Frequently asked questions

What was Eurovision 2026?
Eurovision 2026 was the 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest, an annual international music competition organised by the European Broadcasting Union.
Where was Eurovision 2026 held?
It was held in Vienna, Austria, at the Wiener Stadthalle.
When did Eurovision 2026 take place?
The semi-finals were held on 12 and 14 May 2026, and the grand final took place on 16 May 2026.
Who won Eurovision 2026?
Bulgaria won with "Bangaranga" performed by DARA.
How many countries participated?
Thirty-five countries participated in Eurovision 2026.
What changes were made to the voting system?
The semi-finals returned to a 50% jury vote, and the number of jurors increased from five to seven.

References

  1. Eurovision — https://www.eurovision.com/eurovision-song-contest/vienna-2026/
    Supports: Official host city, edition, participating broadcasters, and rule changes for Eurovision 2026.
  2. Eurovision — https://www.eurovision.com/tickets/
    Supports: Official dates, venue, host broadcaster, and confirmation that Vienna hosted the 70th contest.
  3. EurovisionWorld — https://eurovisionworld.com/eurovision/2026
    Supports: Winner, host city, venue, dates, participant count, and broadcast/voting details.
  4. Eurovision — https://www.eurovision.com/stories/eurovision-week-all-you-need-to-know-about-vienna-2026/
    Supports: Show dates and official Eurovision week schedule in Vienna.