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The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is taking shape, with more songs confirmed for May. But don’t for one minute think that means we’re anywhere near done with the national final season. It’s in full swing, with the host nation, Austria choosing this very evening. Tomorrow, Mr Phil will be on hand to tell you all about three more qualifying heats.
- Song selections happened: Greece | Estonia | Denmark | Croatia
- Belgium introduced us to ESSLYA – their Eurovision 2026 hope
- BBC put UK plans in the hands of a synth geek
If you bought tickets for the Eurovision on Tour thing and don’t know what to do with your refund, why not spend some of it on a ‘new’ 70th Anniversary book. The slender volume drops on 9 April (meaning it’s only able to celebrate 69 years, but why split hairs?), and is on sale at the official Eurovision shop along with lots of other rebranded tat merch. Mind you, at nearly forty quid for a 256 page book, you might be better off waiting for it to turn up in the late-summer bargain bins. In a stroke of confused genius they’ve re-badged the old logo stuff as ‘retro’. Hungarian supporters scarf anyone?
In host nation Austria, state railway operator ÖBB unveiled a Eurovision‑branded locomotive using 2026 theme art. And yes, that is the very bottom of the media fun barrel you hear me scraping. In actual news, ORF has released the running order for tonight. Check it out here.
In Denmark, the ‘leave well enough cloud’ are playing la-la-fingers-in-ears and calling a meeting at broadcaster DR to decide if their Eurovision song ought to be translated into English. (it really shouldn’t be).
Italy is gearing up for a bunch of late nights as Sanremo kicks off. RTSH Albania will be airing the show. Which is even more barrel-scraping on my part. Seriously, given we’re smack bang in the middle of the on-season, actual news is in short supply.
It’s been a long slog in Lithuania, but with the fifth and final preselection heat airing tomorrow evening, all 40 songs have had their moment in the sun. If you’d like to listen to this week’s hopefuls, click here.
In Portugal, RTP has revealed the running orders for the Festival da Canção 2026 semi-finals. the first takes place this weekend. You can find more in our trusty calendar.
Over in plucky little San Marino, the running order is now out for both of the semifinals., our calendar is the place for the deets.
In Serbia, RTS has released pictures of the stage for Pesma za Evroviziju 2026. If you’ve seen the logo, you’ll not be that taken aback.
Spain isn’t strictly Eurovision this year, but Benidorm Fest will always have a place in our hearts. Tony Grox & LUCYCALYS won the 2026 contest. Here’s the Eurovision song that never was. Think your uncle miming synth playing with a giant birdbath.
Obviously, it’s Friday, and that makes tomorrow Saturday. And because it’s February, in Sweden, it’s another Melodifestivalen heat. If you’d like a quick listen to the songs, SVT Play is your click-to destination.
Footnote: There have been protests in Greece, Malta and Belgium over ‘the Israel thing’. Flemish VRT is not sending anyone to Vienna to commentate. It’s being done from Brussels. Just saying.
