The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 reached its glamorous climax on Saturday evening, with Victoria Swarovski emerging as one of the defining faces of the entire show week. Together with her co-host Michael Ostrowski, she guided audiences through one of the world’s biggest live entertainment events with confidence, professionalism, and great humour.

Already during the two semi-final shows, the hosting duo impressed with their outstanding chemistry and palpable sense of fun. In particular, the elaborately produced interval acts highlighted the self-irony and sharp instinct for modern entertainment shared by Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski. Through musical performances, humour, and choreographed show moments, both demonstrated that they possess far more than traditional presenting skills – showcasing impressive entertainer qualities, including singing and dancing performances of an exceptionally high standard.

“It is an absolute milestone for me to host the Eurovision Song Contest. It is a great honour to be part of the world’s biggest live music show. Despite the intense schedule, I enjoyed every single minute – the artists, the diversity, the performances, and the unique atmosphere on site. It was an incredible experience, and I’m very excited to see what comes next,” said Victoria Swarovski.

Particularly noteworthy was the fact that the Austrian-born presenter hosted the entire Eurovision Song Contest fluently in English, moving effortlessly within an international setting. Michael Ostrowski additionally took on the French-speaking parts of the show, perfectly complementing the duo. In a global live format watched by millions of viewers worldwide, this further underlined the international scope and professionalism of this year’s production.

Fashion-wise, Victoria Swarovski also made a striking statement throughout the grand final. For her three major finale looks, she chose international couture designers paired with exceptional high jewellery by Chopard, with the jewellery pieces carrying an approximate total value of 4.5 million euros.

For the opening, she appeared in a spectacular green couture gown by Valdrin Sahiti, paired with opal earrings and rings by Chopard, as well as shoes by René Caovilla.

For her second major appearance, Victoria Swarovski wore a modern lilac corset ensemble with matching skirt by Drenusha Xharra. The look was completed with Flower Power gemstone ear clips by Chopard.

For the evening’s grand finale, she ultimately appeared in a glamorous silver couture look, once again designed by Valdrin Sahiti, combined with Chopard earrings set with countless white diamonds. The various looks accompanied the emotional and visual dynamics of the evening, further emphasising the premium, international, and glamorous character of the show.

With her blend of professionalism, authenticity, humour, and international presence, Victoria Swarovski left a remarkable mark on the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 – setting a strong example as a modern European host of a global entertainment event.

Photo: Krissi van der Viven 

In the night leading into May 18, Vienna hosted the grand final of the 70th anniversary edition of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The show opened with the traditional «Parade of Flags», during which all finalists walked onto the stage accompanied by music and striking visual effects.

 

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

 

Публикация от Eurovision Song Contest (@eurovision)

The evening was officially opened by last year’s winner JJ, who performed his new song Unknown.

 

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

 

Публикация от Eurovision Song Contest (@eurovision)

Austria was represented by Cosmó with the track Tanzschein.

 

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

 

Публикация от Eurovision Song Contest (@eurovision)

A total of 25 countries competed in the final: ten qualifiers from the first semi-final, ten qualifiers from the second semi-final, the so-called «Big Five» – the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy and France – as well as Austria, the host country and reigning winner of last year’s contest.

Following the combined results of the jury and public vote, Bulgaria emerged as the winner of Eurovision 2026. The country was represented by singer DARA with the song Bangaranga.

 

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

 

Публикация от Eurovision Song Contest (@eurovision)

As a result, next year’s Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Bulgaria. It marks the country’s first-ever victory in the competition.

Second place went to Israel’s representative Noam Bettan with the song Michelle.

 

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

 

Публикация от Eurovision Song Contest (@eurovision)

Austria finished in 24th place.

The evening also featured performances by Eurovision winners from previous years, who appeared as the show’s headliners.

 

Посмотреть эту публикацию в Instagram

 

Публикация от Eurovision Song Contest (@eurovision)

Photo: Instagram @eurovision

On May 12, Austria will host the 70th Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The first semi-final will take place at Vienna’s Wiener Stadthalle arena, where 17 contestants will compete for a place in the grand final.

The show will begin at 9:00 PM Central European Time. Viewers will be able to watch the broadcast on ORF 1 as well as on the streaming platform ORF ON, where the show will be available both live and on demand. In addition, the dedicated portal songcontest.ORF.at will provide contest news, live updates, and exclusive behind-the-scenes content.

As tradition dictates, Vienna has also prepared large fan zones and public viewing events. Among the most popular locations are:

1. Eurovision Village – the largest free fan zone in front of Vienna City Hall, featuring giant screens for live broadcasts.
2. Wiener Volksoper – the opera house will host a special screening of the grand final along with themed karaoke nights.
3. Ottakringer Brauerei – the historic brewery is organizing parties and public screenings of the final.
4. Strandbar Herrmann – the popular beach bar along the Danube Canal will broadcast all Eurovision shows live.
5. PraterDOME – Austria’s largest nightclub has become this year’s official EuroClub for delegations and fans.

Fans will be able to support their favourite act via the Eurovision Song Contest App, SMS voting, phone calls, or through the esc.vote platform.

Austria will be represented this year by 19-year-old singer COSMÓ with the song Tanzschein. The artist, whose real name is Benjamin Gedeon, was born in Budapest and raised in the Austrian state of Burgenland. He first gained wider recognition after participating in The Voice Kids in 2022.

The singer won the national selection show «Vienna Calling – Wer singt für Österreich?» in February this year. His Eurovision entry is a dynamic German-language electropop track, which COSMÓ describes as «a manifesto of freedom on the dance floor and a protest against aggression». As the representative of the host country, Austria automatically qualifies for the grand final on May 16, although the artist’s performance will also be featured during the second semi-final on May 14.

Photo: Instagram @cosmomachtmusik

Vienna is preparing a grand opening for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026: 3,000 drones will rise simultaneously into the sky above Schönbrunn Palace, creating a large-scale light show set to music and enhanced by special effects. This will mark the first major public event ahead of Eurovision in Austria’s capital.

The project also represents a significant technical achievement. Although drone shows are becoming increasingly common at major international events, a formation of comparable scale has been seen in Europe only once before – at the Vatican in September 2025 during a concert by Andrea Bocelli and Pharrell Williams.

The programme includes:

• illuminated portraits of Austrian contest winners: Udo Jürgens, Conchita Wurst, and JJ;
• a musical selection featuring iconic winning songs;
• the official musical theme of Vienna 2026, composed by Dorothee Freiberger;
• a DJ set by Ö3 preceding the show;
• additional light installations and symbols associated with Eurovision and Vienna.

Schönbrunn Palace will serve as a striking backdrop, amplifying the scale and visual impact of the event.

Date: April 27
Gates open at 8:00 PM
Show starts at 9:30 PM
Free admission

In case of strong winds or rain, the event will be postponed to April 28.

Photo: Instagram @eurovision