Unity over division
Eurovision Song Contest 2026 – Semi Final 1
Wiener Stadthalle D, Austria 20260512
The weather truly could have been better for the fans of the ESC in Vienna those days. But after a rauny Monday, Tuesday – the day of the first Semi-Final is dry and not too cold. So standing in line at Märzpark for identity and security check is easy, and the organisation works perfectly fine and quickly (only they are unsure if lighters are allowed or not).
Stepping inside, mascot Auri and the S-Budget-Börserl are welcoming to take pictures. The sides are not open for smokers as usual and the hughest row that gave an amazing view in e.g. Billie Eilish is reserved for media. Still we find a good spot with an overview of the whole hall and stage, from the artist table to the general standing, front of stage and the arched stage design.
Live show and broadcast start on time as several millions are watching the event worldwide. As intro, screens on the sides show the short film „Life of Toni“ by Chris Raiber („First Snow Of Summer“). Then the moderators Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski announce the program including 15 acts, ten of them to be qualified for the final show on Saturday.
The first three bangers are right there with Moldova (Satoshi) serving energetic Rap Rock, heavy electronics by Sweden (Felicia) and (personal highlight) a dark witchcraft anthem from Croatia (Lelek). One favorite is the fun gaming song from Greece (Akylas), while the a capella ballad from Portugal (Bandidos do Cante) is beautiful, but not strong enough.
Steady cam operators run all the way and the changeover onlx takes 20-40 seconds, even when there is fire like for Finland (Linda Lampenius & Pete Parkkonen), another one of the main favorites and Montenegro (Tamara Zivkovic). Despite the questionable participation of Israel (Noam Bettan), the mood is on top, with few screaming ‚buh‘, as right here and now it is about to be ‚united by music‘.
So Poland (Alicja) and Serbia (Lavina) performing Metal are more highlights towards the end. During the voting, the collective Zurcaroh from Vorarlberg dances, then they do a quiz and an Austria-Australia-comedy-song with Go-Jo takes too long. Still the show and production is impressive and the acts a lot of fun, even though the hit potential of songs like „Euphoria“, „Rise Like A Phoenix“ or „Wasted Love“ is missing.