All to know about 2026 Eurovision final – favourites, running order and how to watch
Everything you need to know about the Eurovision 2026 Grand Final. (Christian Bruna/Getty)
The 2026 Eurovision Song Contest final is quickly approaching, but what do you need to know ahead of watching, and who is predicted to win?
The final is being held in Vienna, Austria, after Austrian singer JJ won last year with his operatic ballad, “Wasted Love”.
Before the Grand Final on Saturday (16 May), here are all the answers to your burning Eurovision questions.
Who is predicted to win Eurovision 2026?
Currently, the battle to lift the Eurovision trophy is hard to predict, with the top countries shifting after the recent semifinals.
However, Finland is currently tipped as the clear favourite in this year’s competition. Though, that’s not a sure thing as Eurovision is often an unpredictable contest.
The Finnish entry is a duo: classical violinist Linda Lampenius and pop star Pete Parkkonen. They may just be the perfect Eurovision pairing.
Their track “Liekinheitin” blends Parkkonen’s vocals and Lampenius’s violin prowess. It’s certainly a memorable performance.
After delivering a power ballad at the semi-finals, pop star and actress Delta Goodrem edged Australia into second place.
Goodrem, known for acting in the Australian soap opera Neighbours, could take the trophy with her track “Eclipse”. The song has charted in Australia, and she is one of the biggest-selling female artists in her home country.
The news isn’t quite as bright for the UK’s hopes. According to Eurovisionworld, the UK is currently ranked 20th out of 25.
It’s not great odds for Look Mum No Computer, but everything can change on the night.
What is the controversy with Eurovision 2026?
The theme of this year’s Eurovision is “United by Music – in the Heart of Europe.” Though that hasn’t accurately described the discussion surrounding this year’s competition.
The contest’s 70th anniversary has been overshadowed by the European Broadcasting Union’s decision to allow Israel to continue participating.
In response, five countries have pulled out of the contest – the largest boycott in the competition’s history since 1970.
Furthermore, Spain confirmed it will not broadcast this year’s contest, and Slovenia will air Palestine docs instead of Eurovision to protest Israel’s inclusion.
What is the running order of the Eurovision final?
The official Eurovision grand final running order has been released. Denmark will open the show, and Austria will close the night. The UK will be the 14th act performing.
Here’s the full running order: Denmark, Germany, Israel, Belgium, Albania, Greece, Ukraine, Australia, Serbia, Malta, Czechia, Bulgaria, Croatia, UK, France, Moldova, Finland, Poland, Cyprus, Italy, Norway, Romania and Austria.
When is the Eurovision 2026 final?
The Eurovision 2026 Grand Final will be broadcast on Saturday (16 May) at 21:00 CEST. That’s 8pm in the UK.
If you want to vote in the Grand Final, you can find all the details here.
How to watch the Eurovision 2026 final?
Eurovision is available to watch around the globe. You’re able to access the show via the show’s YouTube channel.
Additionally, there are 35 participating broadcasters, country-dependent, that are broadcasting the live show.
In the UK, the Eurovision final will be accessible on iPlayer, BBC One, Radio 2 and BBC Sounds.
Who is presenting Eurovision for the UK?
Graham Norton returns for commentary on Saturday night’s final on BBC One and iPlayer. On BBC Radio 2, Sara Cox will be running things, with Rylan Clark joining.
Clark also provided commentary for the two semi-finals, alongside Angela Scanlon.
Meanwhile, Drag Race favourite Tia Kofi is taking over the BBC’s backstage and digital coverage. And Strictly star and fellow Drag Race icon La Voix will be the UK’s spokesperson, dishing out our points on the night.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
