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With the first national finals taking place, you could be forgiven for thinking it’s business as usual in the world of Eurovision. If you’ve spent the last two years living under a rock, that is. In truth, on the ‘socials’, everyone seems to have it in for everyone. But we’re still here, aiming to provide ongoing coverage, reporting on the best bit of Eurovision (the song selections) and aiming to keep you informed. We’ve never been known as EBU lick-arses anyway, so really, little will change.
In Albania, the Festivali i Këngës 64 is underway at the Pallati i Kongreseve in Tirana. There have been two semifinals (14 acts in each). Tonight is ‘Nostalgia Night‘ and promises an announcement of the results from the first two heats, confirming the line-up for tomorrow evening’s grand final.
Over in host nation Austria, we got a list of competing artists and songs. Only to lose one of them when Tamara Flores pulled out citing ‘personal reasons’ – something we’ll likely see A LOT in the coming season.
ČT, the Czech national broadcaster plans to say who’s agreed to wave their flag in Vienna in January. There are eight acts in the running, apparently. And 260 songs waiting to be sung following an open call for submissions.
France won the Junior Eurovision Song Contest – again. France Télévisions has said it can’t spare the euros to host it next year – again.
In Greece, ERT will reveal the 28 artists (along with ‘song snippets’) competing in “Sing for Greece – Ethnikós Telikós 2026” on 4 January.
In Malta, tickets have gone on sale for the Malta Eurovision Song Contest 2026 live shows. There’s one semifinal and the grand final in mid February. If you’re up for that, go here.
In Moldova, TRM has announced the 16 shortlisted entries that qualified from a quality-adjacent set of live auditions. They will compete in the Selecția Națională 2026 final. You can see the list (and listen to the songs) here. In other news, Dana Marchitan – who was down to perform ‘Dance and Cry’ – has pulled out. After finding the song was also due to be performed by Katy Rain. A bit like turning up for a party and finding Jennifer from Accounts wearing the same Primark frock.
You know how last week we reported that 11 out of the 16 shortlisted acts for Portugal’s national final would turn down a place at Eurovision because of the whole Israel thing? Make that 12. Dinis Mota clearly missed an earlier memo and has added his name to the list.
Montenegro picks its song this weekend – on 21 December – and the running order is now available here.
Spain, and strictly speaking, not Eurovision 2026, but RTVE has released the full versions of all 18 entries competing in Benidorm Fest 2026. Have a listen. Or go to YouTube. Or Spotify.
Sweden news, comedians Gina Dirawi and Hampus Nessvold have been revealed as the hosts of Melodifestivalen 2026.
In Ukraine, there had been calls to relax Vidbir rules and allow Ukrainian acts who’d performed in Russia or occupied territories to take part. The broadcaster Suspilne quashed that appeal and confirmed the existing rules will stand. There’s a wildcard contest happening to let an also-ran run, but seriously, it’s not likely to scare the horses.
There won’t be a round-up next Friday because we’re having a lie down. We’ll be back with more of this kind of thing in January. Have a happy whatever you celebrate (or don’t).
