Eurovision Song Contest 2026 semi-final running order - Who is performing when? ...Middle East

Calling Vienna... it's Eurovision time! That's right, the first of the semi-finals kicks off tonight as Europe's biggest celebration of music returns - now in its 70th year!

Tonight (12 May), will see the first 15 entrants take to the stage to perform to the best of their abilities in a bid to qualify for the grand final.

As ever, only 10 spots are up for grabs, so it's truly all to play for. Also performing tonight are the pre-qualified Italy and Germany, two of the entrants part of the Big Four.

Tonight's show begins with a journey through time, demonstrating the seven decade history of Eurovision. The short film will portray the life of a couple set against the backdrop of Eurovision.

For audiences in the UK, the contest kick-starts at 8pm, featuring commentary from Rylan Clark and Angela Scanlon.

But who exactly are performing when? Scroll on to find out the running order of both the Eurovision 2026 semi-finals taking place.

Eurovision 2026 semi-final 1 running order

Below is your handy guide for the the two Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals.

Eurovision 2026 semi-final 2 running order

The Eurovision Song Contest has faced significant criticism over its decision to allow Israel to take part in the event due to the ongoing war in Gaza.

This year, a number of countries will boycott the contest following the European Broadcasting Union’s decision not to expel Israel from the competition.

At the EBU general assembly in December 2025, a vote was held to introduce new rules that would stop governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to influence voters. No vote was held on Israel’s participation.

The EBU said in a statement: "A large majority of members agreed that there was no need for a further vote on participation and that the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 should proceed as planned, with the additional safeguards in place."

Following this, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland confirmed they would not participate in this year’s Eurovision.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ said: "RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there, which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk."

The BBC, which broadcasts the competition in the UK, has said it supports the decision made by the EBU. "This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive," it said in a statement.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 final will take place on Saturday 16 May 2026.

You can also check out the full list of Eurovision winners and how many times the UK has won Eurovision.

Check out more of our Entertainment coverage or visit our TV Guide and Streaming Guide to find out what's on. For more TV recommendations and reviews, listen to The Radio Times Podcast.

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