Australia emerged as a frontrunner in the 2026 Eurovision semifinal in Vienna, surprising bookmakers and surpassing past winners Switzerland, Latvia, and Luxembourg, who failed to advance to the final.
Eurovision Boycotts and Challenges
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest, set to conclude on Saturday, has faced challenges, including boycotts from five countries over Israel's participation. Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, Iceland, and the Netherlands abstained in protest of Israel's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon. Despite this, Israel advanced to the final earlier this week.
Eurovision continues to captivate over 150 million viewers, but financial strains from the boycotts have placed it on uncertain footing.
Semifinal Highlights
The semifinals, hosted with flair by Austria, saw Malta advance with Aidan's "Bella," a lounge song performed in English and Maltese by a cowboy-outfitted singer, marking Malta's second final appearance in five years.
Denmark also secured a spot in the final with Søren Torpegaard Lund’s "Før Vi Går Hjem," an EDM and glam rock-infused track about forbidden love.
Australia's Unexpected Rise
Australia's Delta Goodrem impressed with her pop ballad "Eclipse," catapulting the country to third place in betting odds. Australia, participating since 2015, seeks its first Eurovision victory.
Contrasting fortunes faced Latvia and Switzerland. Latvia's Atvara failed to advance with "Ena," while Switzerland's Veronica Fusaro, despite a pyrotechnic performance of "Alice," couldn't secure enough votes.
Notable Absences and Expectations
Luxembourg, a former Eurovision powerhouse, didn't qualify with Eva Marija's "Mother Nature." Despite its past successes, Luxembourg struggles to regain its former glory since rejoining in 2024.
Finland and Greece lead the betting odds with Finland's "Liekinheitin" by Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen, and Greece's "Ferto" by rapper Akylas. Israel, currently fifth in the odds, hopes to replicate past successes with Noam Bettan's "Michelle."
Saturday night in Vienna will see the final showdown, with plenty of music, drama, and no shortage of onstage theatrics.
Source: https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/music/music-news/australia-eclipse-malta-bella-eurovision-semifinal-2026-1236596414/
