Day 3: start of the 2nd semi rehearsals

Day three of rehearsals: the second semifinal has started. Nobody knows about the stage anymore. We try to keep you informed. For the time being, we’ll stick to the nine countries that rehearsed.

FINLAND: Expectations were obviously high with a big name like The Rasmus in da’ house. In black and yellow rain gear, the stars stood on stage between huge black balloons. Eurovision.tv praises the professionalism of the band members.

ISRAEL: It was quite exciting whether Israel would participate or not. However, the security issues died down. And so Michael Ben David stood on stage in white, surrounded by his dancers. Remarkable: eurovision.tv reports that there is good singing. That has not been done so far.

SERBIA: Konstrakta’s act is little different from what we saw during the national final. She has the healthy hair of Megan Markle, which she also sings about. She washes her hands regularly. The dancers around her carry towels. Everything to stay “In corpore sano”, in a healthy body.

AZERBAIJAN: It was to be expected: Azerbaijan has a standout act. Nadir Rustamli sings from a sort of staircase that looks like a grandstand. There is also a dancer in that stand. Halfway through the act, the stand is split in two and the dancer and singer can see each other.

GEORGIA: Circus Mircus represents Georgia. And clowns belong to a circus. A singer in a leather jacket and flying goggles, a man with an eye patch and a belly organ and a bassist who seems to have borrowed the hat from the Ukrainians. That last man has a beard of flowers. Many colors can be seen on stage. Surreal is how even the official site describes it.

MALTA: Emma Muscat performs in a dress covered with silver. She is flanked by four dancers. Later during the act, she sits behind a huge piano. She also uses the so-called B-stage, just in front of the green room. The sun springs into action and gives off its golden light during this act.

SAN MARINO: You can expect a striking act from Achille Lauro. He wears body stocking, cowboy boots and hat, a black boa and he is at a red rodeo. While you’d expect that with the title “Stripper,” the clothes don’t come off. Where there is smoke there is fire: that certainly applies to this act, which ends with a lot of pyro technics.

AUSTRALIA: Of course Sheldon Reily wears his jeweled mask. Surprising is the huge white suit he is also wearing. At the bottom of the suit is a huge tow. Eurovision.tv compares it to a wedding dress that drags on the floor. It almost seems as if Sheldon is staying in the clouds.

CYPRUS: Andromache is singing in a purple dress with what looks like a huge fan behind her. The dancers move around that fan. The fan is also used to display the graphics. Different colors are visible.

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Eurovision 2026
Anja Kroeze

Road to Vienna: Austria

Just before rehearsals kick off in Vienna, we’ve got one more stop on our daily Road to Vienna: the host country itself, Austria. Cosmó: Austria’s Young Pop Star and student to Eurovision 2026 Cosmó, born Benjamin Gedeon on 18 June 2006 in Budapest, is a 19-year-old Austrian singer-songwriter from Burgenland. He started music early, attending music school at just four years old and learning piano by six. By his early teens, he was already writing songs, inspired by musical theatre, karaoke experiences, and a growing love for pop music. Early Career and TV Breakthrough Cosmó first appeared on The Voice Kids Germany in 2020, gaining early stage experience. His breakthrough came in 2022 when he reached the final under the mentorship of Álvaro Soler. Around the same time, he won a regional songwriting competition with his original track “Fall into Your Arms,” strengthening his reputation as a rising young talent. Building His Sound and Identity After his TV success, Cosmó began performing live across Austria and collaborating with established artists. He formed his own band and developed a distinct pop style influenced by electronic music and club culture. In 2025, he released his debut EP From My Room, showcasing his modern, youthful sound and growing artistic identity.      Now based in Vienna and studying dentistry, Cosmó balances academic life with a fast-growing music career. His name, short for “Cosmopolitan,” reflects his open-minded and global outlook. Tanzschein: A Club Anthem with a Deeper Message At first listen, “Tanzschein” by Cosmó sounds like a high-energy club track built for the dance floor. Neon lights, nightlife excitement, and party energy set the tone—but underneath the upbeat surface lies a layered social commentary. The Club as a Mirror of Society In “Tanzschein,” the nightclub becomes a metaphor for society itself. The lyrics portray partygoers as instinct-driven and performative, highlighting themes of dominance, ego, and social hierarchy. By exaggerating nightlife behavior, the song subtly reflects real-world social dynamics in a humorous yet critical way. The Meaning of the “Dance License” A central concept in the song is the fictional “dance license.” While it sounds playful, it represents emotional intelligence, respect, and self-awareness. Those who “have it” are welcomed into the club, while those who don’t remain outside—symbolizing exclusion caused by ego-driven or impulsive behavior. Satire, Vulnerability, and Growth What makes “Tanzschein” stand out is its balance between satire and sincerity. The song critiques toxic behavior often found in nightlife culture, but it also introduces vulnerability through a character afraid to join the dance floor. This shift transforms the club from a place of competition into one of acceptance and self-expression. A Dance Floor as a Social Lesson Ultimately, “Tanzschein” turns nightlife into a reflection of society. It suggests that true connection goes beyond rhythm and appearance—it requires empathy, awareness, and openness. The song delivers a playful yet thought-provoking message, making it one of the more conceptually rich entries on the Eurovision 2026 stage.   Austria in the Eurovision Song Contest Austria has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 56 times since its debut in 1957. The country has won three times: in 1966 with Udo Jürgens‘ “Merci, Chérie”, in 2014 with Conchita Wurst‘s “Rise Like a Phoenix.” And ofcourse last year with JJ‘s “Wasted love” Austria has experienced varying success over the years, with several last-place finishes and instances of receiving zero points. The Bookmakers With a guaranteed spot in the Grand Final as last year’s winner, Austria somehow finds itself ranked 32nd with the bookmakers—while only 25 acts will actually compete.  

Read More »
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