Bulgaria has won the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, in a nail-biting final.
Singer Dara was victorious with her song “Bangaranga”. She finished the contest with a total of 516 points, ahead of Israel’s Noam Bettan, with the song Michelle, on 343 points.
The UK received no points from the public vote for the fourth year in a row at the 2026 final, leaving it in last place. The result means Look Mum No Computer, real name Sam Battle, ended the contest with just one point from the event held at the Wiener Stadthalle.
Australia had pinned its hopes on pop star Delta Goodrem and her song “Eclipse”.
Other countries proving popular in the jury votes include Finland and France.
Controversy continues over Israel’s participation with entry Noam Bettan, which prompted five countries to withdraw from the contest in protest.
Follow the latest updates below...
Eurovision 2026 key points
- UK comes dead last with the dreaded 'nul points' from the public
- The online reactions to Look Mum No Computer are pretty brutal: 'The worst UK entry ever'
- Why Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 is so controversial
- Meet Dara, the singer representing Bulgaria at Eurovision 2026
What DARA's winning Eurovision song 'Bangaranga' is about
07:45 , Roisin O'ConnorIn her own words...
“Bangaranga” is pop music with folklore bones. The word itself comes from Jamaican slang – it means uproar, commotion, a beautiful kind of disorder. It has this raw, phonetic power that bypasses translation – you feel it before you understand it. We wanted a song that could land in Vienna or London or anywhere and hit you physically before it hit you intellectually. When I think about what it truly is for me, at its deepest level, I keep coming back to the kukeri – the ancient Bulgarian ritual where men dress in extraordinary costumes of bells and fur and animal masks, and move through villages at the start of the year making the most ferocious noise imaginable. The purpose is to scare the bad spirits away. The energy is overwhelming, almost frightening – and yet it is entirely joyful, entirely communal, entirely alive. That is Bangaranga. It is noise and fire and rhythm deployed as a force for good – to chase away whatever darkness has settled, to shake the room back to life. “Bangaranga” is a riot – but it's a happy one. An invitation, not a threat. “Come in, surrender to the lights, no one's going to sleep tonight.”
Tension, tears and Bangaranga: Bulgaria wins a historic, fraught Eurovision Song Contest
06:44 , Roisin O'Connor
VIDEO: Australia's Delta Goodrem competes in the Eurovision final
05:45 , Roisin O'ConnorMeet DARA, Bulgaria’s first ever Eurovision Song Contest champion
04:43 , Roisin O'Connor
Meet DARA, Bulgaria’s first ever Eurovision Song Contest champion
VIDEO: Bulgaria wins nail-biting Eurovision 2026 final
03:43 , Roisin O'ConnorUK’s Look Mum No Computer met with scathing reviews after final performance
02:43 , Roisin O'Connor
UK’s Look Mum No Computer met with scathing reviews after final performance
Dara will surely now claim national treasure status in Bulgaria
01:41 , Roisin O'ConnorAlready a pop star in her own country, Bulgarian singer DARA will surely now be able to claim national treasure status after winning Eurovision 2026 with her song “Bangaranga”.
DARA won the 70th annual song contest in a nail-biting final that left Israel with its second consecutive second-place finish, and the UK dead last with just one point for Look Mum No Computer.
She won with a total of 516 points, beating Israel’s score of 343.
That's all from me folks...
Sunday 17 May 2026 00:42 , Roisin O'ConnorI’m heading to bed shortly, as should all of you still reading!
But really, thanks to everyone who followed along with our live coverage - stay tuned tomorrow for more updates, reactions and news.
Thanks, good night and see you in Bulgaria next year...
BULGARIA WIN THE EUROVISION SONG CONTEST
Sunday 17 May 2026 00:01 , Roisin O'ConnorIn another nail-biting final, Bulgaria have won the 70th annual Eurovision Song Contest.
This is the first win for Bulgaria.
Israel came in second place.
The tension is building...
Saturday 16 May 2026 23:55 , Roisin O'ConnorIsrael is currently in the lead and there is a LOT of booing going on from the live audience.
UK comes dead last with the dreaded 'nul points' from the public
Saturday 16 May 2026 23:48 , Roisin O'ConnorPoor Sam, but yes, as suspected, the UK comes dead last with the dreaded ‘nul points’ from the public vote.
We had no chance, really.
Will Dara get knocked off the top spot?
Saturday 16 May 2026 23:45 , Roisin O'Connor
That's it for the jury vote
Saturday 16 May 2026 23:43 , Roisin O'ConnorSo we have Bulgaria in the lead as the final jury votes come in, and the UK tied dead last with Lithuania.
Australia and Finland are both doing very well, as are Italy and France.
But the public votes are about to land, and remember these can change absolutely everything.
Still just one point for the UK
Saturday 16 May 2026 23:32 , Roisin O'ConnorBulgaria still doing very well with the jury vote, Australia and Finland are neck and neck in second and third space, respectively.
Another 12 points to Bulgaria from Sweden!
Italy and Bulgaria doing very well with the jury
Saturday 16 May 2026 23:22 , Roisin O'ConnorI TOLD you Italy was going to do well. Also, Graham Norton is speaking for all of us regarding his annoyance over Austrian hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski.
Odd comments from Israel's announcer?
Saturday 16 May 2026 23:17 , Roisin O'ConnorThat prompted some raised eyebrows from Austria’s hosts, as the Israeli announcer claimed he knew who was going to win and waved a mysterious piece of paper around. Obviously joking, but was he trying to say Israel have it in the bag or what? Very weird.
Malta is having a moment
Saturday 16 May 2026 23:14 , Roisin O'ConnorUnexpectedly, Malta is doing really well with the jury, currently at second place behind Italy.
BUT, remember, the public vote can change everything.
A point for the UK!
Saturday 16 May 2026 23:10 , Roisin O'ConnorThanks Ukraine, who just gave a point to the UK. So not a nul points scenario, at least. Whatever happens, it’s not nul points.
Switzerland's jury gives 12 points to Ukraine
Saturday 16 May 2026 23:09 , Roisin O'ConnorWow, that feels unexpected?! But well done to Ukraine, they did very well.
The votes have been counted
Saturday 16 May 2026 23:07 , Roisin O'ConnorThere’s the famous score board. Brace yourselves, UK fans!
Are we nearly there yet?
Saturday 16 May 2026 23:00 , Roisin O'ConnorA lovely tribute to Billy Joel’s classic song “Vienna”, with the man himself explaining what inspired him to write it.
But every year, I forget how drawn-out the final stages of the contest are. I would really, really like to go to bed. I hope this is worth it (come on, Delta).
Parov Stelar is another star for the entertainment interval
Saturday 16 May 2026 22:49 , Roisin O'ConnorI used to be weirdly obsessed with a few of Parov Stelar’s songs back in the day, but then, he makes very catchy tunes.
I also had no idea he was Austrian - I’m digging the Matrix getup though. He looks a bit like Bono.
‘It’s a crime against humanity’: UK’s Look Mum No Computer met with scathing reviews’ after final performance
Saturday 16 May 2026 22:47 , Roisin O'ConnorUK’s Look Mum No Computer met with scathing reviews after final performance
Another recap of tonight's performances
Saturday 16 May 2026 22:41 , Roisin O'ConnorCome on, who are you all rooting for? I’m just going to say it - Australia / Delta Goodrem for the win.
It's Alexander Rybak and his violin!
Saturday 16 May 2026 22:37 , Roisin O'ConnorA huge cheer from the arena audience in Vienna as 2009 winner Alexander Rybak makes a return with his magical violin.
Straight into a singalong of “Waterloo”, of course, the winning entry by ABBA.
Here we go with the interval acts
Saturday 16 May 2026 22:32 , Roisin O'ConnorWhile voting is taking place, and the votes are then being counted, we’re treated to a number of performances to keep us entertained in the interim.
In this case, we’ve got a mashup of a number of popular former entries, very cool!
That's it! 25 countries, 25 songs
Saturday 16 May 2026 22:21 , Roisin O'ConnorThere we have it - we’ve heard the winning song, at some point, during tonight’s contest. Who’s it going to be?! Finland? Australia? Greece?
Voting is OPEN and a reminder of how to vote is right here:
Last but certainly not least
Saturday 16 May 2026 22:19 , Roisin O'ConnorIt’s host country Austria and their artist COSMÓ singing “Tanzschein”!
This is delightfully weird but certainly won’t convince the judges or the public to give Austria an unprecedented second consecutive win.
Our penultimate song is "Choke Me"
Saturday 16 May 2026 22:13 , Roisin O'ConnorOstensibly about mental health, but the heavy metal sound and the refrain “choke me” - not to mention all the leather, is giving major BDSM vibes.
Fantastic effort from Norway!
Saturday 16 May 2026 22:11 , Roisin O'ConnorI’ll be very surprised if this doesn’t end up at least in the top 10, if not the top five, it’s SO catchy and Jonas Lovv is one of the most charismatic performers in this competition.
‘Ya Ya Ya!’ Meet Jonas Lovv, the rock singer representing Norway at Eurovision 2026
Saturday 16 May 2026 22:08 , Roisin O'Connor
‘Ya Ya Ya!’ Meet Jonas Lovv, the rock singer representing Norway at Eurovision 2026
Italy's Sal Da Vinci hopes to charm the voters
Saturday 16 May 2026 22:02 , Roisin O'ConnorAgain, a lot of people seem to be down on old Sal, but I really love him. He’s the king of the kind of pop you still hear all over the radio in Italy, and apparently one of his other songs is one of the most-played at weddings around the country.
This is a bop, I think, and I hope he does well, I think he’s delightful.
If you're a Love Island fan, no, you're not hallucinating
Saturday 16 May 2026 21:58 , Roisin O'ConnorYes, that is Antigoni Buxton, who appeared in series eight of the reality show in 2022, representing Cyprus with her dancefloor track “JALLA”.
She told the BBC that she’s wanted to be a singer since she can remember, and actually - competing on a reality show was the weird career move.
“I had an obsession with Eurovision ever since I saw Helena Paparizou win for Greece [in 2005],” she said.
“Love Island was a great moment because it gave me the chance to introduce myself to a lot of people and now I'm on that path I always wanted to be on.”
Bland performances from Poland and Lithuania
Saturday 16 May 2026 21:50 , Roisin O'ConnorI should have said this earlier but my colleague who was supposed to be on Eurovision duty with me tonight is off sick, so I’m flying solo - I’m sure you can imagine that this is QUITE the task given how fast everything moves during the song contest. But I am trying my hardest to keep up.
Fortunately, these two next performances aren’t too demanding - neither Poland or Lithuania are giving us much to write home about.
I’m looking forward to Sweden, though, who have delivered the most Swedish of all bangers. Max Martin would be proud, I think.
Finland going down a storm in the arena
Saturday 16 May 2026 21:41 , Roisin O'ConnorTrying to avoid making some kind of inappropriate pun involving Pete and violins, struggling...
Also I like the weird confession booth bursting into flames, what on earth did he say?!
Here's Finland, who I think have a lot to do to win over the Delta fans
Saturday 16 May 2026 21:38 , Roisin O'Connor.... but this fascinating background on the Finnish entry might help?
The dark tale driving Eurovision 2026’s favourite towards glory
"It ain't over til it's MOLDOVA"
Saturday 16 May 2026 21:37 , Roisin O'ConnorMy older bro just texted me this and said I could steal it for the liveblog, so I have.
Just about recovered in time for Moldova
Saturday 16 May 2026 21:34 , Roisin O'ConnorAnother fave, my bae, here’s Satoshi with the nuts “Viva, Moldova!”, another big crowd-pleaser. I bet this one is going OFF at the Vienna arena.
The online reactions to Look Mum No Computer are pretty brutal: 'The worst UK entry ever'
Saturday 16 May 2026 21:28 , Roisin O'ConnorHere’s a smattering of what viewers are saying on social media:
Sorry but UK song choice for #Eurovisión2026 #Eurovisión #eurovisióngr #unitedkingdom #uk is the worst I have heard.
— Ticksy (@Tickksy) May 16, 2026
Germany gets my vote!
I'm so sorry we entered this guys honestly we all feel sick #Eurovisión2026 #Eurovisión
— Wesley 9.8 (@WesleyJMay) May 16, 2026
Australia have the amazing delta we have this absolute embarrassment #Eurovisión2026
— Amanda Louise (@AmandaLooLah) May 16, 2026
Not sure Europe will even let us rejoin after this #Eurovisión #Eurovisión2026 pic.twitter.com/OY4CYi4sQG
— Jordon-Lee (@JordonLee) May 16, 2026
Well this is the worst entry EVER for the UK.#Eurovisión2026
— Kieran (@Ki3ran_K) May 16, 2026
Is it over? Can I look now?
Saturday 16 May 2026 21:25 , Roisin O'ConnorOh gawd, he really tried, bless him, but that was pretty horrendous.
Here we go... it's the UK's Look Mum No Computer
Saturday 16 May 2026 21:21 , Roisin O'ConnorAnd not a good start as he’s about half a second behind the beat, NO!!!!
Another personal favourite, it's LELEK!
Saturday 16 May 2026 21:18 , Roisin O'ConnorI am fascinated by this group, who are certainly one of the most unique entries in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
The harmonies are fantastic, and this mythical staging is really doing it for me - if you’re in any way a fan of fantasy books / films / TV shows then this will really do it for you.
They’re smashing their performance, thrilling.
Meet Dara, the singer representing Bulgaria at Eurovision 2026
Saturday 16 May 2026 21:17 , Roisin O'ConnorMeet Dara, the singer representing Bulgaria at Eurovision 2026
Czechia hit by technical issues
Saturday 16 May 2026 21:12 , Roisin O'ConnorDaniel Zizka’s performance of “CROSSROADS” was seemingly hit by quite a few technical issues, including a distorted picture on the screen - Mr Norton also seems to think that the crew member operating the mirrors might have fallen? Oh dear. He did very well though!
Malta popular with the live audience
Saturday 16 May 2026 21:08 , Roisin O'ConnorI find AIDAN’s performance of “Bella” too bland, and a tad smug, is that unfair?! He’s a fine singer, very charming, but it tips into crowd-pleasing for me and I’m not buying it.
How Australian pop star Delta Goodrem went from Neighbours to cancer ordeal to Eurovision darling
Saturday 16 May 2026 21:05 , Roisin O'Connor
How Australia’s Delta Goodrem went from Neighbours to cancer struggle to Eurovision
What to say about Serbia?
Saturday 16 May 2026 21:02 , Roisin O'ConnorI mean... this is way better than their semi-final performance, I’m quite enraptured. But it’s still giving Temu Nosferatu, if you ask me.
OK, LET'S GO AUSTRALIA
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:54 , Roisin O'ConnorIf you know, you know. Delta is the one to beat this year, her performance is quite simply spell-binding. Graham Norton points out that this would be a very fitting time to win given Australia made its debut in the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.
A lovely effort from Ukraine...
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:50 , Roisin O'ConnorBeautiful voice, kudos to LELÉKA performing her song “Ridnym”, and apparently she held that note for 28 seconds which is WILD, but again, it’s not blown my mind. Predicting a place somewhere near the middle for her.
Greece’s Eurovision 2026 entry Akylas wrote song ‘Ferto’ about ‘greed and overconsumption’
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:42 , Roisin O'ConnorOK now it’s one of my absolute faves, Greece’s Akylas, and I got to chat to him before the Eurovision Song Contest kicked off last week:
Greece’s Eurovision 2026 entry Akylas wrote song ‘Ferto’ about ‘overconsumption’
My verdict of Albania's Alis and his song “Nân”
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:39 , Roisin O'ConnorI’m very confused about this giant lady looming over him but I want to assume it’s his mother? This is INCREDIBLY dramatic, and I don’t hate it - Alis is wearing a sort of contemporary knight’s chainmail, super bling. He’s got a superb voice too, quite operatic at points.
Belgium next with a potential upset...
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:35 , Roisin O'ConnorI think Belgium might do very well this year thanks to ESSYLA’s broody dance track “Dancing on the Ice”. She’s got a fantastic stage presence, the song is incredibly catchy too.
Israel's Noam Bettan takes to the stage
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:30 , Roisin O'ConnorIsrael’s entry this year is 28-year-old Noam Bettan, singing the ballad “Michelle”, which includes lyrics performed in three different languages.
Why Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 is so controversial
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:28 , Roisin O'Connor
Why Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 is so controversial
Atmosphere around Vienna is 'very muted'
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:24 , Roisin O'ConnorMy sources on the ground in Vienna tell me the atmosphere around town is “very muted”, possibly because everything is more spread out than it is in Basel, which hosted last year’s contest.
Some are watching in local cinemas or bars, including fans who were camping outside from 3pm this afternoon to get tickets.
The first set of performances are kicking off
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:22 , Roisin O'ConnorWe’re starting with Denmark’s Søren Torpegaard Lund and his song “Før Vi Går Hjem”. I’m not convinced this will do much to sway voters - he was a bookies’ favourite but performing in first place is tough! You have to be really memorable, and I don’t believe he is.
Then there’s Germany - fun fact, no one performing in second place has ever won Eurovision. Cursed? We’ll see, but I also really dislike Germany’s entry Sarah Engels and her song “Fire”, the lyrics are AWFUL.
After that it’s Israel, so you can probably expect some booing from members of the audience...
Belgium’s ESSLYA was a big hit with the live crowd in the first semi-final, thanks to an impressive vocal performance and evocative staging.
Going fifth is Albanian delegate Alis with “Nân”.
VIDEO: UK entry Look Mum No Computer rehearses
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:20 , Roisin O'ConnorHow to vote in the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 final
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:15 , Roisin O'ConnorJJ's mic was ON
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:10 , Roisin O'ConnorAustrian champion JJ has been putting in the work in the last year, clearly, those vocals!!! Remarkable.
Now back to some more flag-waving... including from the UK’s Look Mum No Computer. Yay....
And now for the traditional flag parade...
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:07 , Roisin O'ConnorDelegates for each country come out with their nation’s flag, in the order in which they’ll be performing tonight. A mix of boos and cheers as Israel’s singer Noam Bettan arrived on stage - Israel are performing third this evening.
A stupendous performance from 2025 winner JJ to kick things off
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:04 , Roisin O'ConnorThere are 10,000 Eurovision fans in the audience tonight, watching a ceremony opened by 2025 champion JJ and a full orchestra. All very dramatic, all very Austrian.
How Australian pop star Delta Goodrem went from Neighbours to cancer ordeal to Eurovision darling
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:03 , Roisin O'ConnorHow Australia’s Delta Goodrem went from Neighbours to cancer struggle to Eurovision
OK here we go, it's the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final!
Saturday 16 May 2026 20:01 , Roisin O'ConnorGraham Norton and me are going to be competing for who can deliver the most cutting commentary.
Tonight's running order
Saturday 16 May 2026 19:50 , Roisin O'ConnorWondering when your favourites will be performing? Wonder no more! Here’s the full running order for tonight’s final:
01. Denmark: Søren Torpegaard Lund - “Før Vi Går Hjem”
02. Germany: Sarah Engels - “Fire”
03. Israel: Noam Bettan - “Michelle”
04. Belgium: ESSYLA - “Dancing on the Ice”
05. Albania: Alis - “Nân”
06. Greece: Akylas - “Ferto”
07. Ukraine: LELÉKA - “Ridnym”
08. Australia: Delta Goodrem - “Eclipse”
09. 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 x 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 Sì”
23. Norway: JONAS LOVV - “YA YA YA”
24. Romania: Alexandra Căpitănescu - “Choke Me”
25. Austria: COSMÓ - “Tanzschein”
A reminder of how to watch if you're at home...
Saturday 16 May 2026 19:46 , Roisin O'ConnorThe BBC will be airing live coverage of the contest when it kicks off at 8pm UK time, on BBC One and BBC iPlayer.
Less than 15 minutes to go!
The five countries that dropped out of Eurovision 2026
Saturday 16 May 2026 19:39 , Roisin O'ConnorMillions of fans across Europe (and Australia) will be tuning in to see if their nation’s act can bring home the Eurovision trophy on Saturday (16 May) – but five countries will be noticeably absent from this year’s song contest.
Amid a continued furore over the decision to allow Israel to compete, a number of countries – including one of the “Big Five” – have announced that they will not be taking part.
The event’s organisers, the Eurovision Broadcasting Union (EBU), came under pressure to ban Israel from entering the competition in both 2024 and 2025 amid the war in Gaza. Both contests went ahead as planned but not without controversy.
Which countries have dropped out of Eurovision 2026 and why?
‘I’m used to being the underdog’ - Why Look Mum No Computer isn't fazed by British pessimism
Saturday 16 May 2026 19:20 , Roisin O'Connor
UK Eurovision entry Look Mum No Computer: ‘I’m happy to be an underdog’
My predictions ahead of tonight's grand final!
Saturday 16 May 2026 19:02 , Roisin O'ConnorOK I’m just going to say it now, I’ve called the winner each year for the past.... six contests?
The Eurovision fans in my life have been going on about Finland for weeks now, and I see why they’d be a hot favourite to win the competition - Eurovision audiences love a violin, the track has a rock edge, and the staging is great.
BUT, I am speaking to you as a longtime and diehard Delta Goodrem fan. I was OBSESSED with her debut album, Innocent Eyes - even back then I felt she had such a unique voice and way of expressing herself. Now having seen the full performance in the second semi-final, I’m convinced Delta is the one who can earn Australia its first ever victory.
Elsewhere, I think Greece, Armenia, Norway and Sweden will do well. As for the UK? I hate the song, but I think the staging and Look Mum No Computer himself could be zany enough to win audiences over. From the judges, I’m predicting another nul points disaster.
Go on, prove me wrong!
Protests over Israel take place in Vienna ahead of the Eurovision final
Saturday 16 May 2026 18:56 , Roisin O'ConnorA number of protests have taken place in Vienna this week over Israel’s participation in Eurovision.
Five countries - Ireland, Spain, Iceland, Slovenia and the Netherlands - are boycotting the event.
In the Austrian capital this week, hundreds of people gathered at Venediger Au, a park on the outskirts of Vienna, for a No Stage for Genocide event organised by Palestine Solidarity Austria.
“The European Song Contest claims to stand for solidarity, love, diversity, and everything, but in reality, this year’s contest is hosting Israel as a country which is right now committing a genocide in Gaza,” Marco Wanjura, part of the Palestine Solidarity Austria team, said.
“That’s why we wanted to show that the majority in Austria is actually against that.”
Israel has consistently denied that it is committing genocide in Gaza. In September 2025, a UN probe found that the country had committed a genocide in Gaza, concluding that it “flagrantly disregarded” international law and had “orchestrated a genocidal campaign for almost two years now”.
Has everyone got their snacks ready?
Saturday 16 May 2026 18:36 , Roisin O'ConnorI’m settling down with less than two hours to go before kick-off time, wondering if I order a pizza or if I stick with my cornflake clusters. Feeling like I’ve slightly failed on the snack front this year...
What’s everyone else having?
The dark tale driving Eurovision 2026’s favourite towards glory
Saturday 16 May 2026 18:27 , Roisin O'ConnorEurovision has taken place under a darkening cloud of geopolitics in recent years, with Israel’s continued involvement sparking criticism and even boycotts. Nevertheless, it remains the world’s biggest platform for kooky, eccentric and downright bonkers acts.
But one of this year’s favourites is taking to the stage with a defiant fightback.
The dark tale driving Eurovision 2026’s favourite towards glory
Greece’s Eurovision 2026 entry Akylas wrote song ‘Ferto’ about ‘greed and overconsumption’
Saturday 16 May 2026 18:04 , Roisin O'ConnorThe buzzy track was also a way for the singer to honour Akylas’s ‘mother's sacrifices and the journey from overcoming childhood financial struggles’.
Read my Q&A with him here:
Greece’s Eurovision 2026 entry Akylas wrote song ‘Ferto’ about ‘overconsumption’
Ireland to air Father Ted instead of Eurovision as it boycotts song contest over Israel
Saturday 16 May 2026 17:52 , Roisin O'ConnorIreland’s national broadcaster, RTE, is set to replace the final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest with a classic episode of the comedy Father Ted, in a move highlighting growing international protest against Israel’s participation.
On Saturday night, RTE 2 will air “A Song For Europe”, the sitcom’s Eurovision-themed episode featuring priests Ted and Dougal performing “My Lovely Horse”.
This decision is part of a broader boycott, with Ireland, Spain, and Slovenia refusing to send competitors to the 70th iteration of the song competition and opting not to broadcast the final, citing Israel’s war in Gaza. The Netherlands and Iceland are also not sending acts to compete, but will still air the final.
Ireland to air Father Ted instead of Eurovision as it boycotts contest over Israel
Why Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 is so controversial
Saturday 16 May 2026 17:27 , Roisin O'ConnorFive countries are boycotting the competition this year over Israel’s involvement. Here’s what you need to know:
Why Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 is so controversial
Which countries have dropped out of Eurovision 2026 and why?
Saturday 16 May 2026 17:02 , Roisin O'ConnorMillions of fans across Europe (and Australia) will be tuning in to see if their nation’s act can bring home the Eurovision trophy on Saturday (16 May) – but five countries will be noticeably absent from this year’s song contest.
Amid a continued furore over the decision to allow Israel to compete, a number of countries – including one of the “Big Five” – have announced that they will not be taking part.
My colleague Rachel reports:
Which countries have dropped out of Eurovision 2026 and why?
