The line-up for Saturday’s Eurovision Song Contest final in Vienna is complete after Thursday’s second semi-final, with Romania’s Alexandra Capitanescu and Australia’s Delta Goodrem among the acts to qualify.
Capitanescu reached the final with the controversial song “Choke Me,” while Goodrem qualified with her power ballad “Eclipse.” Both are considered among the favourites at the 70th edition of the contest.
Capitanescu’s song had sparked debate ahead of the event. The singer has rejected accusations that it downplays the dangers of a sexual practice.
Denmark’s Søren Torpegaard Lund also reached the final with the upbeat entry “Før Vi Går Hjem.” Acts from Bulgaria, Ukraine, Norway, Malta, Cyprus, Albania and the Czech Republic also qualified.
This year’s top favourites from Finland and Greece had already made it through Tuesday’s first semi-final and are among the 25 acts competing in the final.
France’s Monroe, who was under no pressure to qualify, presented her song “Regarde!” and thrilled the audience at Vienna’s Stadthalle with her operatic voice.
France is automatically in Saturday’s final as one of the European Broadcasting Union’s major financial contributors, along with Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom. Host nation Austria also has a guaranteed place.
Five countries are boycotting this year’s contest in protest at Israel’s actions in Gaza and its participation in the competition. Pro-Palestinian rallies are expected in Vienna on Friday and Saturday.
Delta Goodrem of Australia celebrates her place in the final during the second semifinal of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest 2026 at the Wiener Stadthalle. A total of 35 acts are competing for the Eurovision Song Contest trophy. (zu dpa: «Eurovision final line-up complete after second semi-final») Jens Büttner/dpa