ESC Program on ORF 1 on May 14 with a total of 1.859 million viewers
The finalists of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna are set! The second semifinal, which aired live yesterday, Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 9:00 PM on ORF 1 (also available on ORF ON), was not to be missed by up to 792,000 viewers. On average, 680,000 joined Austria's act COSMÓ in the „TANZSCHEIN“ (preliminary weighting) when presenting songs six through ten. The market share (12+) for the presentation of songs eleven to fifteen and during the decision was 32%. Interest in the second semifinal was particularly high among the young target group aged 12–29, as shown by a market share of up to 50% – also during the decision. Overall, 1.859 million (widest viewing circle), which is 25% of the Austrian TV population aged twelve and over, watched yesterday's ORF-1 program for the ESC.
The grand final will be live on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 9:00 PM on ORF 1 and ORF ON. The show will be hosted by Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski, with commentary as always by „Mr. Song Contest“ Andi Knoll. Emily Busvine greets from the Green Room. With the opening act and interval acts, viewers can also expect „The Big Show!“ for the 70th ESC anniversary: from JJ's opening „The Queen of the Night“ to „Celebration!“ by Eurovision Allstars and electroswing icon Parov Stelar to Cesár Sampson with a soul version of Billy Joel's „Vienna“. In addition, hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski will wager on past Eurovision winning songs. All participating ESC countries and, with the „Rest of the World“ voting, all other nations can vote in the final.
Barbara Schöneberger kicks off the ESC evening at 8:15 PM with the ORF/ARD/SRF show "ESC – The Countdown„ live from the MuseumsQuartier Vienna and will return after the final with “ESC – The Aftershow" (0:55 AM). Further information about the on- and off-air program around the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna can be found at presse.ORF.at.
Photos of the shows can be found at the following link:
www.picdrop.com/orf/sBPuotvWnD
The running order of the ESC final on Saturday, May 16 – live from 9:00 PM on ORF 1 and ORF ON:
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 Republic: Daniel Zizka – „CROSSROADS“
12. Bulgaria: DARA – „Bangaranga“
13. Croatia: Lelek – „Andromeda“
14. United Kingdom: LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER – „Eins, Zwei, Drei“
15. France: Monroe – „Regarde!“
16. Moldova: Satoshi – „Viva, Moldova!“
17. Finland: Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen – „Liekinheitin“
18. Portugal: Bandidos do Cante – „Rosa“
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“
24. Romania: Alexandra Căpitănescu – „Choke me“
25. Austria: COSMÓ – „TANZSCHEIN“
Opening Acts and Interval Acts in the Grand Final
A special role is played by the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra Vienna, which has recorded numerous musical contributions for the show and will also be seen on stage in the final.
The spectacular opening act of the final tells the journey of the little paper boat, originally part of JJ's winning performance last year, which now makes its way from Switzerland over the Rhine and Danube to Vienna. In the opening number „The Queen of the Night“, JJ combines his extraordinary voice with musical elements from Mozart's world and his own music, while the 25 finalists enter the Wiener Stadthalle.
During the voting break, three high-caliber interval acts will follow: In „Celebration!“, Eurovision Allstars such as Verka Serduchka, Erika Vikman, Lordi, Alexander Rybak, Kristian Kostov, Max Mutzke, Miriana Conte, and Ruslana present legendary songs from seven decades in new versions. Electroswing icon Parov Stelar then brings his characteristic sound to the hall to dance. The musical transition to the voting finale is shaped by Cesár Sampson with a soul version of Billy Joel's „Vienna“.
Additionally, recurring show elements provide entertainment: „Professor Eurovision“ answers unusual questions about the competition, as in the two semifinal shows, while Michael Ostrowski tests the knowledge of candidates in the „Eurovision Quiz“ with surprising clips from 69 ESC shows.
Auri snow globe and book as well as children's disco in the EuroClub for young ESC fans
On May 16, the PraterDOME transforms into a stage for young Eurovision fans: At Europe's largest ESC children's disco, children and families experience an age-appropriate program full of music, movement, color, and Eurovision spirit. The children's disco is aimed at children aged six to twelve and takes place from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The focus is on popular hits, joint dance moments, and a safe, family-friendly environment for the youngest generation of the Eurovision community. The special act at the children's disco is Auri.
More from Auri and about the ESC (including the ESC snow globe and the book „Auri: The Show of His Life“) is available at shop.ORF.at.
The outfits of hosts Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski
For the grand finale, Victoria Swarovski opts for three extraordinary couture looks. In addition to an elegant green dress by Valdrin Sahiti, the host will wear a purple corset with a matching skirt by Drenusha Xharra. For the final glamorous moment of the evening, Victoria Swarovski will again wear a creation by Valdrin Sahiti: a silver dress in a modern Old-Hollywood style. The creations for Michael Ostrowski are glamorous and timeless. They reference the great moments of show business, with a touch of nostalgia and a modern twist. Noble materials such as Italian and French silk satin merge with classic embroidery, fine lace, and sparkling crystals into unique designs. Superior craftsmanship, made in Austria by ART for ART – Design House of Mayerhofer.
(May 15, 2026)