ESC 2026 Semi-Final 1 Running Order: Every Song in the Line-Up
Eurovision 2026 begins with a first semi-final that already puts pressure on the line-up. Fifteen countries are competing for 10 places in the Grand Final, which makes Semi-Final 1 one of the first major tests of the contest in Vienna. Italy and Germany also perform during the show, but their songs do not take part in the qualification result because both countries are already through to the final.
Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final 1: Full running order
The official running order for Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final 1 is now set. The show opens with Moldova and closes with Serbia. Finland performs in the middle section of the line-up, while the already-qualified appearances from Italy and Germany are placed between the competing entries.
Who sings what in Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final 1?
- Moldova: Satoshi — “Viva, Moldova!”
- Sweden: FELICIA — “My System”
- Croatia: LELEK — “Andromeda”
- Greece: Akylas — “Ferto”
- Portugal: Bandidos do Cante — “Rosa”
- Georgia: Bzikebi — “On Replay”
Preview performance: Italy: Sal Da Vinci — “Per Sempre Sì”
7. Finland: Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen — “Liekinheitin”
8. Montenegro: Tamara Živković — “Nova Zora”
9. Estonia: Vanilla Ninja — “Too Epic To Be True”
10. Israel: Noam Bettan — “Michelle”
Preview performance: Germany: Sarah Engels — “Fire”
11. Belgium: ESSYLA — “Dancing on the Ice”
12. Lithuania: Lion Ceccah — “Sólo Quiero Más”
13. San Marino: SENHIT — “Superstar”
14. Poland: ALICJA — “Pray”
15. Serbia: LAVINA — “Kraj Mene”
Who sings what in ESC 2026 Semi-Final 1?
For anyone searching the Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final 1 songs and artists, this show includes a wide spread of styles and performance identities. Sweden’s FELICIA performs “My System,” Finland sends Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen with “Liekinheitin,” and San Marino appears with SENHIT and “Superstar.” The line-up also includes returning names such as Vanilla Ninja for Estonia and ALICJA for Poland.
Which countries are competing in Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final 1?
The 15 competing contries in the first Eurovision 2026 semi-final are Moldova, Sweden, Croatia, Greece, Portugal, Georgia, Finland, Montenegro, Estonia, Israel, Belgium, Lithuania, San Marino, Poland, and Serbia. Only 10 of those countries will qualify for the Grand Final.
Why Italy and Germany appear in the show
Italy and Germany are part of the first semi-final broadcast, but not as competing entries in the qualification round. Both countries are already qualified for the Grand Final, so their performances function as preview appearances inside the live show rather than as semi-final entries.
Why the running order matters in Eurovision
Running order is never just a technical list. In Eurovision, it shapes how songs are introduced, remembered, and compared. Opening the night can create instant visibility, while closing it can leave the strongest final impression. Songs placed around preview performances may also feel different in pace and momentum once the live show is underway. That is one reason why the official running order becomes part of the Eurovision conversation every year. This year’s first semi-final takes place on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 21:00 CEST.
Why Semi-Final 1 matters for Eurovision 2026
The first semi-final is where Eurovision 2026 starts to become more than national-final buzz, studio versions, and rehearsal expectations. It is the first moment when songs meet the full pressure of a live arena audience and a qualification result. By the end of the show, 10 acts will move on to the Grand Final and 5 will be eliminat
That makes Semi-Final 1 one of the most important early checkpoints of Eurovision week. Some songs will look bigger on stage than they did in preview clips, while others will need everything to land immediately. The line-up itself is now fixed; what changes next is how the live performances reshape the contest.