13 May 2026
The first semi final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, Austria, delivered a compact show of 15 participants competing for the 10 spots for the grand final, a spectacular stage and lighting effects, hosts that were efficient and amusing, and the worst interval in the history of the competition. For myself, with my favourite band ever, Vanilla Ninja, participating, it was a disappointing end as Estonia were one of the five countries that were eliminated. That disappointment was felt more for Lenna, Piret and Kerli – the epic ladies that comprise Vanilla Ninja – who could not have done anything more in presenting Too Epic To Be True for their native country. Their performance was outstanding, the song was so catchy, and they really stood out as distinctive on the night. While obviously not the ending we all wanted, I loved the journey they took us on through Eesti Laul and to Vienna. It felt like we were really part of the experience. We will always love you!
The ten songs that did qualify were probably the most likely. You can always make a case for and against for those in those competitive last few spots to qualify. With 10 of 15 qualifying overall, and from a selection that seemed quite weak in general, there are few excuses for those that missed out.
The trial from last year to announce a qualifier from three songs (do we all remember that?) was abandoned for the familiar process of randomly announcing the qualifiers from all those countries that remained. The final six were all shown on screen, and it was telling to see Vanilla Ninja, especially Lenna, realising their fate. Even an earlier focus on them, they looked deflated. That some of the more popular countries were announced early, actually increased the chances of the less favoured ones later on. Two places left to be announced with someone like Sweden still around, you don’t want that.
The Qualifiers
01 Moldova – Satoshi – Viva Moldova
02 Sweden – Felicia – My System
03 Croatia – Lelek – Andromeda
04 Greece – Akylas – Ferto
05 Portugal – Bandidos do Cante – Rosa
06 Georgia – Bzikebi – On Replay
07 Finland – Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen – Liekinheitin
08 Montenegro – Tamara Zivkovic – Nova Zora
09 Estonia – Vanilla Ninja – Too Epic To Be True
10 Israel – Noam Bettan – Michelle
11 Belgium – Essyla – Dancing On The Ice
12 Lithuania – Lion Ceccah – Solo Quiero Mas
13 San Marino – Senhit – Superstar
14 Poland – Alicja – Pray
15 Serbia – Lavina – Kraj Mene
Review & Scores
My Top 10
01 Estonia – Vanilla Ninja – Too Epic To Be True (9)
The revamp to the song after Eesti Laul gave it a greater rock edge. The chorus was hit harder in the later stages. The performance was epic. Vocals were solid, with Lenna obviously the strongest. To be objective, to understand why it didn’t qualify, the feeling all along was that following the strong opening, the song sort of tails off and feels one paced. That still lingered to a degree on the Eurovision stage despite the best attempts of the revamp. The structure of stronger verses and more subtle chorus sections simply made it too difficult. Whereas Cool Vibes, their 2005 Eurovision entry for Switzerland, it was the opposite. Subtle verses, a steady build, and powerful choruses to really leave an indelible mark.
02 Finland – Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen – Liekinheitin (8)
Since the violin is Linda’s “voice”, Finland’s request for a live violin was approved and you can see the microphone attached. Presentation is straight from UMK and still remains confusing even when knowing the song’s message. Obviously one of the strongest entries this year.
03 Croatia – Lelek – Andromeda (7)
Loved the levitation effect on the lead singer. Superb presentation. The song didn’t quite hit all marks as expected. Looking forward to seeing it again, in the grand final.
04 Sweden – Felicia – My System (7)
Hated the echoes at the start on the first few lines. Otherwise, essentially the same dance and light show from Melodifestivalen of a limited song. I’m still hoping to see Felicia free and face!
05 Israel – Noam Bettan – Michelle (7)
Lovely voice, and it’s rare that I say that about a man. Lovely song too, and well presented. Not sure it really reached its potential. Reminded me a little of the excellent Slimane, who represented France in 2024.
06 Serbia – Lavina – Kraj Mene (7)
This is how you leave an indelible mark on the Eurovision stage (it also helps to perform last, of course). A very powerful performance, and the singer restrained himself from too much screaming!
07 Poland – Alicja – Pray (6)
I’m actually loathe to rank the final four. They all reside between despair and somewhat good, and only got saved due to one or particular attributes. Here it was Alicja’s awesome voice and vocals. Presentation was sound. The song is simply not my thing.
08 Belgium – Essyla – Dancing On The Ice (6)
Another song that didn’t quite deliver. Flat all round in sound and vocals. Catchy song, at least, and the presentation looked good.
09 San Marino – Senhit – Superstar (6)
Again, left disappointed. For something energetic, it felt very lethargic. Perhaps that’s symptomatic of both of the performers’ age, whereby Senhit and Boy George would be better off in a retirement home, or at least performing in one.
10 Lithuania – Lion Ceccah – Solo Quiero Mas (6)
I loved that it was very stylish and evocative. Hated the brief addition of subtitles. No, we didn’t need them. Vocals not quite there and, again, felt like a lot was missing.
The Rest
Montenegro – Tamara Zivkovic – Nova Zora (5)
Not sure why the backers were so angry. For a pounding up-tempo song, it felt a bit lacklustre.
Portugal – Bandidos do Cante – Rosa (4)
Unlike some previously seemingly dull entries from Portugal that could be elevated on the ESC stage, no luck here. It remained dull. Idiot Australian commentators (notably Danny from Voyager, who should know better) wondered why “cante” was allowed in this song whereas the similar “kant” was banned for Malta last year. Ignoring the pronunciation differences, here’s why: Portugal’s whole song is in Portuguese whereas Malta sang in English and used one alleged Maltese word to create a vulgar English expression.
Georgia – Bzikebi – On Replay (4)
A nothing song. The best I can say about it is that it’s better than their dreadful JESC 2008 winner, Bzzz Bzzz Bzzz, whatever that stupid thing was call. Perhaps it’s best that Bzikebi buzz off permanently. The end of the chorus sections reminded me of the Spice Girl’s Spice Up Your Life.
Moldova – Satoshi – Viva Moldova (4)
Loved seeing Aliona Moon on stage and reprise a similar giant dress that we saw from her in 2018 with her song, O Mie. That’s as far as the excitement went. Again, a nothing song.
Greece – Akylas – Ferto (2)
The nothing of nothing songs. No idea how it’s a favourite for so many people. There’s nothing to it. After the first six performances, this Eurovision was feeling like a Seinfeld Eurovision: A Eurovision about nothing!
The average score for this semi final was 5.9, which is low, and actually could easily be worse, because some of those songs that scored 6 were lucky not to score 5. The only change from my top 10 preferred qualifiers before Eurovision is Poland in for Montenegro.
This Austria/Australia interval act was easily the worst interval act of all time. So cringe, so embarrassing, and not even accurate. The two countries aren’t confused anyway. Occasionally someone might misread a name and select the Austrian national anthem for Australia, as famously once happened. That’s it. When you think back to last year in Basel, when we saw that awesome “Made in Switzerland” interval act in the corresponding semi final, how the Austrian organisers saw fit to produce this rubbish is beyond me.
Mr Eurovision Australia 