Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final 2: Running Order, Songs and Peromances
Fifteen countries, ten Grand Final tickets and three automatic finalists on stage: Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final 2 brings another full night of songs to Vienna. The running order includes comeback acts, multilingual entries and several titles that may send viewers searching for lyrics, meanings and translations during the show.
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 continues in Vienna with its second semi-final on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 21:00 CEST. In this show, 15 countries compete for ten places in the Grand Final.
The night also includes three preview performances from countries that are already qualified for the final: Austria, France and the United Kingdom. Austria is automatically qualified as host country, while France and the United Kingdom are already set for the final.
For viewers, Semi-Final 2 is not only about who qualifies. It is also a first chance to hear how certain songs work live — from Austria’s German-language “Tanzschein” to Denmark’s Danish entry “Før vi går hjem”, Ukraine’s “Ridnym” and the United Kingdom’s German-titled “Eins, Zwei, Drei.”
Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final 2 Running Order
1. Bulgaria: DARA – “Bangaranga”
2. Azerbaijan: JIVA – “Just Go”
3. Romania: Alexandra Căpitănescu – “Choke Me”
4. Luxembourg: Eva Marija – “Mother Nature”
5. Czechia: Daniel Zizka – “Crossroads”
Preview performance: France: Monroe – “Regarde!”
6. Armenia: Simón – “Paloma Rumba”
7. Switzerland: Veronica Fusaro – “Alice”
8. Cyprus: Antigoni – “Jalla”
Preview performance: Austria: COSMÓ – “Tanzschein”
9. Latvia: Atvara – “Ēnā”
10. Denmark: Søren Torpegaard Lund – “Før vi går hjem”
11. Australia: Delta Goodrem – “Eclipse”
12. Ukraine: LELÉKA – “Ridnym”
Preview performance: United Kingdom: LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER – “Eins, Zwei, Drei”
13. Albania: Alis – “Nân”
14. Malta: AIDAN – “Bella”
15. Norway: Jonas Lovv – “Ya Ya Ya”
What Are the Preview Performances?
France, Austria and the United Kingdom appear during Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final 2, but they are not competing for a final ticket that night. Their songs are shown as preview performances and do not count toward the semi-final result.
For Austria, the moment is especially important. As the host country, Austria is already in the Grand Final, but COSMÓ’s “Tanzschein” gets a major live moment in front of the Vienna audience before Saturday night.
France’s Monroe performs “Regarde!”, while the United Kingdom’s LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER presents “Eins, Zwei, Drei.” Both songs will return in the Grand Final, but this semi-final gives viewers an early sense of how they sound and feel on the Eurovision stage.
Songs and Meanings to Watch in Semi-Final 2
Semi-Final 2 includes several songs where the title or language may draw extra attention.
Austria’s “Tanzschein” roughly means “dance permit.” The title turns dancing into something almost official, which gives the song a playful but slightly strange feeling.
France’s “Regarde!” means “Look!” or “Look at me!” It is short, direct and dramatic — the kind of title that asks for attention before the song even begins.
Cyprus’ “Jalla” is commonly understood as something like “come on” or “let’s go.” It gives the song immediate movement.
Latvia’s “Ēnā” means “In the Shadow.” The title suggests distance, atmosphere and reflection.
Denmark’s “Før vi går hjem” means “Before We Go Home.” It sounds like a final moment of the night — quiet, temporary and close to leaving.
Ukraine’s “Ridnym” carries a feeling of loved ones, family and belonging. It is one of the titles most likely to make viewers search for a translation.
The United Kingdom’s “Eins, Zwei, Drei” means “One, Two, Three” in German. The phrase is simple, rhythmic and immediately memorable.
These meanings matter because Eurovision songs often live beyond the performance. A viewer hears a word, remembers a title and searches for the feeling behind it.
When Is Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final 2?
Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final 2 takes place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 21:00 CEST.
In Austria, the show airs live on ORF 1 and ORF ON. The Eurovision 2026 hosts are Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski, with Emily Busvine in the Green Room.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who hosts Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final 2?
Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final 2 is hosted by Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski. Emily Busvine appears from the Green Room.
How many countries compete in Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final 2?
15 countries compete in the second semi-final. Ten acts qualify for the Grand Final.
Which automatic finalists perform in Semi-Final 2?
France, Austria and the United Kingdom perform in Semi-Final 2 as preview acts. Their performances are shown during the broadcast, but they are not part of the semi-final competition.
Who can vote in Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final 2?
The 15 countries competing in the second semi-final can vote. France, Austria and the United Kingdom also vote in this show because their preview performances appear during the broadcast.
Which countries return to Eurovision in 2026?
Bulgaria, Moldova and Romania return to the Eurovision Song Contest in 2026. In Semi-Final 2, Bulgaria opens the show and Romania appears third in the running order.
Why Semi-Final 2 Matters
Eurovision 2026 Semi-Final 2 is not only a qualification round. It is also a night where several songs get their first real chance to stay in people’s heads.
Some entries will need to work immediately. Others may leave a slower impression through language, atmosphere or a title that viewers want to understand later.
Between comeback countries, automatic finalists and Austria’s home-stage preview of “Tanzschein,” the second semi-final should show which Eurovision 2026 songs are ready to move from live performance into memory.
Further Reading