Recommendations of the Editorial team
ORF has confirmed that Vicky Leandros will open the first semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. At the same time the broadcaster cancels for the final on May 16th, which reads like a concentrated collection of formative ESC artists. There is also a name from Germany that was not necessarily expected: Max Mutzke. The focus of the final evening is the interval act “Celebration! – The Ultimate Eurovision All-Stars Reunion”. Numerous faces of the competition come together there and guide the audience through different phases of the ESC’s history, which spans several decades.
An evening as a journey through time through the ESC
The contributors include Alexander Rybak (winner 2009), Lordi (winner 2006), Ruslana (winner 2004) and Verka Serduchka. This field is complemented by Kristian Kostov (second place 2017), Miriana Conte (for Malta 2025) and Erika Vikman. The latter will return directly after her appearance in 2025 and will not only be on the big stage, but also perform at the Euroclub.
From a German perspective, attention is particularly focused on Max Mutzke. His entry “Can’t Wait Until Tonight” brought him eighth place in 2004, making it one of the more successful German results in recent ESC history.
Focus on Germany and Ukraine
What is also striking is the clear presence of Ukrainian artists in the line-up. With Ruslana and Verka Serduchka, two of the country’s most famous representatives are on stage together. Both have been integral parts of the ESC universe for years. In the fifth year of the war in Ukraine, their participation can also be understood as a symbolic gesture.
In addition to the ESC veterans, the ORF also relies on additional musical accents. Parov Stelar will perform, while JJ, who secured victory for Austria last year and brought the competition to Vienna, will present new material.
Return to the beginning of a great career
Vicky Leandros opens the semi-finals with a reimagined version of “L’amour est bleu”. Almost six decades after her first ESC appearance, she is returning to the place where her international career began. In 1972 she won for Luxembourg with “Après toi”.