70th Eurovision Song Contest opens in Vienna

The 70th Eurovision Song Contest commences today, May 12, 2026, at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria. The first semi-final includes 17 competing nations, featuring Greece's representative Akylas, who will perform fourth with the song 'Ferto'. The Greek performance utilizes a video game-inspired aesthetic with orange and black visuals. Cyprus, represented by Antigoni with the song 'Jalla', is scheduled to compete in the second semi-final on May 14. The 2026 contest features 35 participating countries, a lower count compared to previous years due to a partial boycott concerning Israel's participation. BBC reports note the variety of acts including unconventional performances. Betting markets currently place Greece in 12th position, with predictions favoring their qualification to the grand final. The opening ceremony took place on May 10 on a turquoise carpet in Vienna.