The first semifinal of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 on May 12 on ORF 1 and ORF ON
Following the „Opening Ceremony“, the spectacular start of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, yesterday, on Sunday, May 10, 2026, from the Eurovision Village at Vienna's Rathausplatz (still available on ORF ON), tomorrow, on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, live from 9:00 PM on ORF 1 and ORF ON, the first semifinal, hosted by Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski and commented by „Mr. Song Contest“ Andi Knoll, is on the program. 15 countries will compete for one of ten tickets to the grand final on Saturday, May 16. Even before this year's ESC stars perform their entries, a true show legend, Vicky Leandros, returns to the Eurovision Song Contest stage as the opening act. The renowned Vorarlberg dance and acrobatics group Zurcaroh and last year's Australian participant Go-Jo, who supports the hosting duo during the number „Opposites,“ will provide special highlights as interval acts. In the first semifinal, only the participating countries - as well as Italy and Germany, already qualified for the final - will vote. Andi Knoll kicks off the ESC evening already at 8:15 PM with „Mr. Song Contest proudly presents“.
Photos of the shows can be found at the following link: www.picdrop.com/orf/sBPuotvWnD
The running order of the first ESC semifinal on Tuesday, May 12 - live from 9:00 PM on ORF 1 and on ORF ON:
1. Moldova: Satoshi – „Viva, Moldova!“
2. Sweden: FELICIA – „My System“
3. Croatia: Lelek – „Andromeda“
4. Greece: Akylas – „Ferto“
5. Portugal: Bandidos do Cante – „Rosa“
6. Georgia: Bzikebi – „On Replay“
Italy: Sal Da Vinci – „Per sempre sì“ (Part of the „Big Four“ and thus qualified for the final)
7. Finland: Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen – „Liekinheitin“
8. Montenegro: Tamara Živković – „Nova Zora“
9. Estonia: Vanilla Ninja – „Too Epic to Be True“
10. Israel: Noam Bettan – „Michelle“
Germany: Sarah Engels – „Fire“ (Part of the „Big Four“ and thus qualified for the final)
11. Belgium: ESSYLA – „Dancing on the Ice“
12. Lithuania: Lion Ceccah – „Sólo Quiero Más“
13. San Marino: Senhit – „Superstar“
14. Poland: Alicja – „Pray“
15. Serbia: Lavina – „Kraj mene“
Vicky Leandros, dance group Zurcaroh and „Opposites“ with Go-Jo: The opening and interval acts in the first semifinal
A true show legend returns to the Eurovision Song Contest stage: Vicky Leandros will open the first semifinal with "L’amour est bleu" in a completely new arrangement. The song was performed by Leandros at the age of 15 at the Eurovision Song Contest 1967 in Vienna, later conquered the #1 spot on the US Billboard Charts, and remains one of the most popular Eurovision songs in ESC history with hundreds of cover versions to date.
With a wink, in the interval act „Opposites,“ Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski demonstrate how they playfully combine wit and glamour. In a not entirely serious musical act, they once and for all clarify how to easily distinguish Austria and Australia. They are supported by „Milkshake Man“ Go-Jo, last year's Australian participant, and a kangaroo, which plays a completely inscrutable role.
Another special surprise in the first semifinal of the Eurovision Song Contest will be the performance of the internationally renowned dance group Zurcaroh as an interval act. The acrobatics and dance group from Vorarlberg stands for pure show magic.
The outfits of the hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski
Victoria Swarovski wears a red evening gown from the label Albina Dyla - a dress made from elastic mesh, adorned with mini-crystals. The bust area is gathered with a sophisticated ring detail. The creations for Michael Ostrowski are glamorous and timeless. They quote the great moments of show business, a touch of nostalgia with a modern twist. Noble materials such as Italian and French silk satin merge with classic embroideries, fine lace, and sparkling crystals into unique designs. Supreme craftsmanship, made in Austria by ART for ART – Design House of Mayerhofer.
(May 11, 2026)