The big night of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest has arrived, after the eyes of millions of viewers turned to Vienna’s iconic Wiener Stadthalle.
After the completion of the two semi-finals, the 25 countries that secured the ticket are ready to take to the stage to claim the coveted trophy in a spectacular show presented by Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski.
The Grand Final will kick off with a short film looking back at the highlights of Eurovision 2025 and JJ’s triumph in Basel with the song “Wasted Love”. At the heart of it is the iconic paper boat that marked the winning performance which embarks on a dreamlike journey: crossing rivers, picturesque alleys and the Austrian countryside, linking last year’s host city with Vienna to arrive at the imposing stage of the anniversary event.
Soon after, the baton will be passed live in the arena, where the Austrian Radio Symphony Orchestra will give the opening cue, performing the famous “Queen of the Night” from Mozart’s Magic Flute while JJ will showcase his impressive vocal skills by performing his new song “Unknown”, among others. He will be joined on stage by more than 40 dancers and acrobats and will be followed by the customary parade of finalists with flags.
Also expected to take to the stage are top Eurovision winners and stars who will perform timeless hits from the contest. Lordi (Finland 2006), Alexander Rybak (Norway 2009 & 2018), Ruslana (Ukraine 2004), Verka Serduchka (Ukraine 2007), Max Mutzke (Germany 2004), Kristian Kostov (Bulgaria 2017), Erika Vikman (Finland 2025) and Miriana Conte (Malta 2025) will take to the stage.
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The competition will be opened by Denmark, a country high in the predictions, while Austria will be the last to appear.
For the first time since 2005, Greece is making a strong claim for a second victory in its history. Akilas with “Ferto” will compete from 6th place and Cyprus with the song “jalla” performed by Antigone Buxton from 21st.
The order of appearance for the 25 countries in the Eurovision 2026 Final is:
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 Goodrem, “Eclipse”
9. Serbia: LAVINA, “Kraj Mene”
10. Malta: AIDAN, “Bella”
11. Czech: Daniel Zizka, “CROSSROADS”
12. Bulgaria: DARA, “Bangaranga”
13. Croatia: LELEK, “Andromeda”
14. UK: LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER, “One, Two, Three”
15. France: Monroe, “Regarde !”
16. Moldova: Satoshi, “Viva, Moldova!”
17. Finish: 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”
24th Romania: Alexandra Căpitănescu, “Choke Me”
25. Austria: COSMÓ, “Tanzschein”
The results of the Final will be determined by the public vote in combination with the scores of the national juries, with the addition of a separate “Rest of the World” vote for viewers outside the participating countries. The TV audience will be able to vote during the evening via phone calls, text messages or via the esc.vote platform. Each user can vote up to 10 times, but not their country. Greeks abroad can vote for the Greek entry. Voting will start from the appearance of the first song.
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The Final starts at 22:00 and will be broadcast live on ERT1, radioed by Second Programme 103.7, the new international channel ERT COSMOS, the Voice of Greece, as well as accessibility services with full interpretation in Greek sign language and no commercial interruptions from ERTFLIX’s Eurovision Channel.
The much-loved duo Maria Kozakou and Giorgos Kapoutzidis will be on commentary for the tenth time on the night, while the 12-strong Greek jury will be announced by Claudia.
Slightly earlier, on 20:00, ERT1 will present the first screening of the documentary “Ferto Promo Tour – The Movie” which follows Akylas step by step on the European journey of the Greek participation, from the stage of the Greek final to Vienna.
