Eurovision Song Contest 2026: A Guide for Australian Viewers
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to get ready for one of the most anticipated events in the music world – the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. This year, Australia is represented by the incredibly talented Delta Goodrem, who is set to dazzle audiences with her song ‘Eclipse’. Fans are hoping that this performance will secure her the top prize at the prestigious competition.
Where Will the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 Be Held?
The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Vienna, Austria. The city has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its beautiful architecture and vibrant music scene. The event will take place at the Wiener Stadthalle, a major venue in central Vienna.
When Is the Eurovision Song Contest 2026?
The contest will kick off on Tuesday, 12 May, with the semi-finals. The second semi-final is scheduled for Thursday, 14 May, and the grand final will be on Saturday, 16 May. However, due to time zone differences, Australian viewers will need to wake up early to catch the action live.
How Can I Watch the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026 from Australia?
For those in Australia, the semi-finals and grand final will start at 5:00 am AEST. You can watch the live broadcast on SBS and SBS on Demand. Delta Goodrem will perform in the second semi-final on Friday, 15 May, at 5:00 am AEST. If you miss the live broadcast, you can catch up later in the day on SBS on Demand.
SBS will also be broadcasting prime-time content called ‘Access All Areas’ from 15-17 May at 7:30 pm. Additionally, previous years’ shows can be found on the SBS Eurovision Hub, and you can listen to all the hits on SBS PopEuro radio.
Who Is Representing Australia at This Year’s Eurovision Song Contest?
Delta Goodrem is representing Australia with her song ‘Eclipse’. She expressed her excitement about representing her country on the global stage. “I’ve always believed in the power of music,” she said. “In times of trouble, people turn to music. When happy moments occur, they turn to music. I’ve always been moved by music deeply, and I really believe in the healing power and the hope and unity that come with things like Eurovision.”
Exclusive: Delta Goodrem on Her Marriage and Eurovision
Who Is Hosting the Eurovision Song Contest for Australian Viewers?
Courtney Act, who successfully hosted last year, is returning as the host for the Eurovision Song Contest. However, Tony Armstrong, who co-hosted in 2025, will not be joining this year. Instead, Danny Estrin of Voyager will be joining Courtney as the new co-host.
How Does Voting Work in Eurovision?
The Eurovision Song Contest involves a combination of professional juries and viewer votes. Each of the 35 countries has a jury, and viewers can also vote for their favorite songs. However, there is a rule that viewers cannot vote for their own country. Therefore, Australian viewers cannot vote for Delta Goodrem.
To vote, you need to tune into SBS’s live broadcast and follow the prompts on screen. Votes can be cast here, but only during the live broadcast. You can vote up to ten times, with each vote costing approximately $0.70 AUD.
Who Has Represented Australia in the Past?
Australia has competed in Eurovision 11 times, including this year with Delta Goodrem. The country first appeared in 2014 with a guest song from Jessica Mauboy. However, the first official entry was in 2015 with Guy Sebastian.
Everyone Who Has Represented Australia at Eurovision
What Is the Controversy with the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026?
This year, four countries have boycotted the Eurovision Song Contest following the decision to allow Israel to compete. Spain, the Republic of Ireland, the Netherlands, and Slovenia have all announced they will not participate. The boycott is in response to the conflict in Gaza and the plight of the Palestinian people.
RTÉ, Ireland’s national broadcaster, stated that “Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza.” Similarly, Natalija Gorscak, head of Slovenia’s national broadcaster, RTV, stated: “Our message is: we will not participate in the ESC [Eurovision Song Contest] if Israel is there.”
