What can we expect and who will win tomorrow?

After a film with, again, beautiful images of the Netherlands, and yes, a role for Duncan Laurence, we go to the flag parade. DJ Pieter Gabriel accompanies the artists musically with his own adaptation of the worldwide hit “Venus” by Shocking Blue, also a hit from Dutch soil. Presenters Edsilia Rombley, Jan Smit and Chantal Janzen sing the song.

We open with Cyprus; often an uptempo pop song is chosen to open, this year too. Albania takes the cursed second place. However, Albania is not one of the potential winners anyway, so the second place remains where it is. Israel follows; she once bursted out in tears when the Eurovision song contest was canceled, but now Eden Alene is in the final, followed by Belgium. Hopefully Hooverphonic will remain in peoples memories in the beginning of the broadcast. The advantage is that the song may stand out even more after an uptempo song. However, Russia follows with a striking act and then Malta. What that does to Malta’s chances is a big question mark, but it is not favorable. Certainly not because Portugal will follow after Malta; they are the surprise of the contest. We wouldn’t even be surprised if Portugal ends up very high; The Black Mamba isn’t Salvador Sobral, but still. The end of the first block is formed by Serbia; The fact that the three ladies are through to the final was no surprise, but it will probably not be much more there. Or is Serbia lucky that all other countries of the former Yugoslavia are not there?

While advertisements are watched in some countries, the rest of Europe sees Nikkie Tutorials showcasing three winners of the #Eurovisionchallenge. Valentina, who won the junior Eurovision this year, will also say something. Emmelie De Forrest, Jamala and Duncan Laurence talk about their trophy. After that, Chantal Janzen and Jan Smit will make an appeal to share your photo of how you watch the Eurovision song contest.

The second block is opened by the United Kingdom. That is usually not something to be happy about. People are still refilling the glasses or sitting on the toilet. By the way, yesterday in the Dutch tv-show Op1 you could see how British journalists are already busy putting the blame for a low score apart from themselves, even before the contest is over. However, the UK entry is completely insignificant to Greece that performes next. Greenscreen is certainly not new, but it is smart to use it. In quality, however, the Greek entry is far surpassed by that of Switzerland. According to many, one of the strongest voices of the festival. Still, the song may soumd a little too much like “Arcade” to be a winner. Also a top song, possibly even a winner, is Iceland. Would it give Daði og Gagnamagnið sympathy votes that they are not allowed to be present live? The Icelandics are in any case followed by the not too strong entry from Spain, although, to be honest, it must be said that the singing of Blas Cantó improves with each rehearsal. Moldova will then take office. But it is still doubtful whether the name of Filipp Kirkorov (composer) will be good for a high score. Germany is a “love it or hate it” entry that can go in any direction. And after a song about a middle finger, the director has chosen to put the other middle finger song right after it. The song from Finland turned out to have a lot of fans yesterday. Whether it helps them on the scoreboard? We’ll know tomorrow night.

And then we see Edsilia Rombley at the top of the comment booths to chitchat with various commentators. Chantal Janzen and Jan Smit refer to the time when there was still a live orchestra. They promise an orchestra with a top DJ.

In the meantime, Bulgaria is ready with Victoria on her rock. Another strong entry. Then we see Lithuania again. At the bookies, the yellow-clad men have fallen somewhat; not because they are not good, perhaps because a large number of countries have an even stronger entry.

And then Chantal Janzen announces Duncan Laurence, who speaks to the viewer in a video. Why so soon? Well, it gives the crew time to prepare the scenery of Ukraine.

A trip, as Dutch commentator Sander Lantinga called the entry. of Ukraine We can imagine why. It would not surprise anyone if Ukraine ends up in the top of the rankings. Immediately after that, another top favorite follows: France. Take a good look, because this could well be the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 2021. To be honest, the entry from Azerbaijan is fairly insignificant. Anyway, the King’s Commissioner in Friesland Arno Brok and Mayor of Leeuwarden Sybrand Buma give a voting advice: stim Azerbaijan (vote Azerbaijan, but in Frisian language). It doesn’t seem to be a coincidence, but after Azerbaijan, Norway will perform. All week, something seems to be going on between the Azerbaijani Efendi and the Norwegian TIX. It is very worthy to lsearch for #efentix.

Then NikkieTutorials and Edsilia Rombley take the floor and announce some entre-acts and… the entry of the Netherlands. Jeangu Macrooy is praised for his cast-iron voice. He seems to slightly do better among bookmakers. But after the Netherlands, another top favorite (there are quite a lot this year) follows: Italy. Would the glam rock-leaning group win the Eurovision song contest? We do not consider it impossible. Sweden is not one of this year’s top favorites. The entry is just not strong enough for a top score. Finally we see San Marino. And then the rule of applies: world stars do NOT win the Eurovision song contest. Whether it’s Cliff Richard, t.A.T.u., DJ Bobo or Bonnie Tyler, it doesn’t work. A high position is definitely not impossible, San Marino will break its own record for sure.

Then a spectacular entre act:follows: a classical orchestra of toung people and Afrojack accompany Wulf and Glennis Grace while they sing under the title “Music binds us”. We see images of people in Rotterdam, but the song and music come from the Erasmus Bridge.

NikkieTutorials comes again with a section of Eurovision Tutorials about the voting. Then she shows us images of how the festival in Ahoy is structured and how it works behind the scenes. Edsilia Rombley then meets several Eurovision winners, a film that was already shot before the Corona crisis. That is why Edsilia explicitly announces that she is hugging the former winners and not keeping a one and a half meter distance. Then we see a video in which Chantal Janzen explains how the audience has changed over the years.

And then we’re going to look at Teach In, Lenny Kuhr, Måns Zelmerlöw and Lordi. They sing from different rooftops in Rotterdam. Duncan Laurence then sings his hit “Arcade” and a new song. Not live, because he is at home with Corona, but a previously recorded rehearsal of his performance. And then…. The producers have even turned the countdown moment into something beautiful with dancers. The voting goes pretty smoothly. Of course something can go wrong, but there is no useless waiting. The scoreboard, with a lot of white, is easy to read. Edsilia and Nikkie are present in the greenroom while Jan and Chantal do the voting. Who is going to win remains uncertain for a long time, longer than ever. The bookmakers do not state a clear winner.

However, team Eurovision Universe has tried to predict the top 10. In a little more than 24 hours we know how right (or wrong) we are:

1.France
2.Italy
3.Malta
4.Switzerland
5.Ukraine
6.Bulgaria
7.Iceland
8.Portugal
9.Norway
10.Finland

photo credits: EBU

Picture of Martijn

Martijn

See all contributions

Related news
Eurovision 2026

Vienna 12 points: From MUSEXPO to Musical

Several countries start their second rehearsals in Vienna. As we still don’t have access to the rehearsals, we will do something else. Per entry, we highlight one subject and give you some more information. That can be something about the artist, the song, the lyrics or even something completely different.  Switzerland — Veronica Fusaro, “Alice” Running order: 7 | Rehearsal: 8 May, 15:00–15:25 CEST MUSEXPO is one of the music industry’s key meeting places, where artists, labels, publishers, managers and media professionals come together to discover new talent and discuss the future of music. Founded by A&R Worldwide, the event combines panels, networking sessions, awards and live showcases. It has been held in Los Angeles and has also had European editions, including London, making it a truly international platform. For Eurovision fans, MUSEXPO is interesting because it often gives rising artists a stage before a wider breakthrough. Singer Veronica Fusaro performed at MUSEXPO in London and Los Angeles, showing how the event can connect young talent with influential people from the global music business. Unlike a traditional festival, MUSEXPO is mainly aimed at professionals. Its goal is not only entertainment, but also discovery, cooperation and new opportunities across the music, media and technology world, especially for artists ready to grow internationally today.  Cyprus — Antigoni, “Jalla” Running order: 8 | Rehearsal: 8 May, 15:35–16:00 CEST Tsifteteli is a lively dance style from Greece, Cyprus, Turkey and the wider eastern Mediterranean. The name comes from the Turkish çiftetelli, often linked to a “double string” musical style. In Greek culture, tsifteteli is known for fluid hip movements, expressive arms and a sensual, celebratory feeling. It is often compared with belly dancing, but it also belongs to everyday social life: people dance it at parties, weddings and festivals, not only on stage. That background gives extra colour to Antigoni’s Eurovision lyric “Shake my hips to tsifteteli”. As a British artist with Greek-Cypriot roots, she uses the word as a cultural reference, not just as a dance instruction. In “Jalla”, tsifteteli helps create a Mediterranean party atmosphere, mixing modern pop energy with sounds and movements that many Greek and Cypriot listeners will instantly recognise. For international fans, it is a small word with big cultural meaning at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna.  Latvia — Atvara, “Ēnā” Running order: 9 | Rehearsal: 8 May, 16:10–16:35 CEST Ēnā meaning is central to Latvia’s Eurovision 2026 entry by Atvara. In Latvian, ēna means “shadow” or “shade”, while ēnā means “in the shadow” or “in the shade”. That small grammatical change gives the title extra weight, because the song places its main character inside darkness, not just near it. The lyrics show someone losing confidence, hiding feelings and drifting away from the light. Atvara links this image to the pain of growing up around another person’s addiction, which gives “Ēnā” a personal and emotional meaning. For Eurovision viewers, the title explains the dark atmosphere of Latvia’s entry. This song does not tell a simple story about sadness. It explores fear, family pressure and the courage someone needs to step out of darkness in Vienna at Eurovision 2026. That makes it a strong title for a dramatic performance. “Ēnā” proves how one Latvian word can carry emotion, memory and resilience.  Denmark — Søren Torpegaard Lund, “Før vi går hjem” Running order: 10 | Rehearsal: 8 May, 16:45–17:10 CEST Matador musical brings one of Denmark’s best-loved classics to the stage. The story comes from DR’s “Matador”, with scripts by Lise Nørgaard and direction by Erik Balling, and takes audiences back to the fictional town of Korsbæk. There, banker Hans Christian Varnæs and newcomer Mads Skjern represent two families, two social worlds and a changing Denmark before and during the Second World War. In 2024, One & Only Musicals presented a new original version with songs by Lise Cabble and Burhan G. The production mixed nostalgia, humour, ambition and family drama with a fresh musical sound. Søren Torpegaard Lund played Daniel Skjern, the son of Mads and Ingeborg Skjern. His role gave him a touching solo moment with “En dreng som mig”, a song about expectations and identity. For Eurovision fans, Matador shows the theatre background behind Denmark’s 2026 artist and adds context to his performance skills on the Eurovision stage in Vienna.  

Read More »
May 8, 2026 No Comments
Eurovision 2026
Martijn

Vienna 12 points: From MUSEXPO to Musical

Several countries start their second rehearsals in Vienna. As we still don’t have access to the rehearsals, we will do something else. Per entry, we highlight one subject and give you some more information. That can be something about the artist, the song, the lyrics or even something completely different.  Switzerland — Veronica Fusaro, “Alice” Running order: 7 | Rehearsal: 8 May, 15:00–15:25 CEST MUSEXPO is one of the music industry’s key meeting places, where artists, labels, publishers, managers and media professionals come together to discover new talent and discuss the future of music. Founded by A&R Worldwide, the event combines panels, networking sessions, awards and live showcases. It has been held in Los Angeles and has also had European editions, including London, making it a truly international platform. For Eurovision fans, MUSEXPO is interesting because it often gives rising artists a stage before a wider breakthrough. Singer Veronica Fusaro performed at MUSEXPO in London and Los Angeles, showing how the event can connect young talent with influential people from the global music business. Unlike a traditional festival, MUSEXPO is mainly aimed at professionals. Its goal is not only entertainment, but also discovery, cooperation and new opportunities across the music, media and technology world, especially for artists ready to grow internationally today.  Cyprus — Antigoni, “Jalla” Running order: 8 | Rehearsal: 8 May, 15:35–16:00 CEST Tsifteteli is a lively dance style from Greece, Cyprus, Turkey and the wider eastern Mediterranean. The name comes from the Turkish çiftetelli, often linked to a “double string” musical style. In Greek culture, tsifteteli is known for fluid hip movements, expressive arms and a sensual, celebratory feeling. It is often compared with belly dancing, but it also belongs to everyday social life: people dance it at parties, weddings and festivals, not only on stage. That background gives extra colour to Antigoni’s Eurovision lyric “Shake my hips to tsifteteli”. As a British artist with Greek-Cypriot roots, she uses the word as a cultural reference, not just as a dance instruction. In “Jalla”, tsifteteli helps create a Mediterranean party atmosphere, mixing modern pop energy with sounds and movements that many Greek and Cypriot listeners will instantly recognise. For international fans, it is a small word with big cultural meaning at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna.  Latvia — Atvara, “Ēnā” Running order: 9 | Rehearsal: 8 May, 16:10–16:35 CEST Ēnā meaning is central to Latvia’s Eurovision 2026 entry by Atvara. In Latvian, ēna means “shadow” or “shade”, while ēnā means “in the shadow” or “in the shade”. That small grammatical change gives the title extra weight, because the song places its main character inside darkness, not just near it. The lyrics show someone losing confidence, hiding feelings and drifting away from the light. Atvara links this image to the pain of growing up around another person’s addiction, which gives “Ēnā” a personal and emotional meaning. For Eurovision viewers, the title explains the dark atmosphere of Latvia’s entry. This song does not tell a simple story about sadness. It explores fear, family pressure and the courage someone needs to step out of darkness in Vienna at Eurovision 2026. That makes it a strong title for a dramatic performance. “Ēnā” proves how one Latvian word can carry emotion, memory and resilience.  Denmark — Søren Torpegaard Lund, “Før vi går hjem” Running order: 10 | Rehearsal: 8 May, 16:45–17:10 CEST Matador musical brings one of Denmark’s best-loved classics to the stage. The story comes from DR’s “Matador”, with scripts by Lise Nørgaard and direction by Erik Balling, and takes audiences back to the fictional town of Korsbæk. There, banker Hans Christian Varnæs and newcomer Mads Skjern represent two families, two social worlds and a changing Denmark before and during the Second World War. In 2024, One & Only Musicals presented a new original version with songs by Lise Cabble and Burhan G. The production mixed nostalgia, humour, ambition and family drama with a fresh musical sound. Søren Torpegaard Lund played Daniel Skjern, the son of Mads and Ingeborg Skjern. His role gave him a touching solo moment with “En dreng som mig”, a song about expectations and identity. For Eurovision fans, Matador shows the theatre background behind Denmark’s 2026 artist and adds context to his performance skills on the Eurovision stage in Vienna.  

Read More »
May 8, 2026 No Comments
© 2019 – 2026 Eurovision Universe / eurovisionuniverse.com

Maintained in cooperation with IT-M.art

Follow Us: