Malmö Messages: three eurovision icons open festival

The Eurovision Song Contest will be opened by three Eurovision Icons. The first semifinal opening act is called United By Music and will be performed by Eleni Foureira, Eric Saade and Chanel. It will not only show the slogan of the contest, but also the message that you don’t actually have to be a winner. Although none of the three did, they all reached the top-3 and are still succesfull in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Eleni Foureira represented Cyprus in 2018. She performed “Fuego”. She was one of the hot favourites to win the contest. In the end, she became 2nd, Netta from Israel won.


EBU/Andres Putting

Eric Saade was the Swedish representant in 2011. “Popular” was his song. During the voting, he was no. 1 for a while, but he ended up in 3rd place. We saw Eric on stage again in 2011, where he hosted the show from the greenroom (remember #milf?).

Chanel was the most recent Eurovision participant. In 2021 she gave Spain a new claim to fame. “SloMo” was her song. With her 3rd place, she came back to Spain and was celebrated there as if she won the contest.


EBU/Andres Putting

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Eurovision 2026

Vienna Douze Points: Vienna during Eurovision 2026

  Many visitors come to Vienna for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Eventhough the city has so much more to offer beyond the shows and official events,  we’re focusing on Eurovision.  Vienna truly breathes the contest. Across the city — from public squares and museums to cafés and nightlife — the Eurovision atmosphere is everywhere, transforming Vienna into one large, city-wide festival. Eurovision Village Vienna 2026 – Rathausplatz The heart of the public celebration is the Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz in Vienna. On Sunday, 10 May 2026, Rathausplatz becomes the stage for the official opening ceremony. All delegations will arrive via the iconic Turquoise Carpet, marking the ceremonial start of Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. Eurofan Café – “Kaffeehauskultur meets Eurovision” From 3 to 17 May 2026, Vienna’s famous coffeehouse culture gets a Eurovision twist. The Eurofan Café initiative, supported by Vienna coffeehouse owners, ORF and echo medienhaus, transforms traditional cafés into international fan meeting points. Visitors experience: Eurovision atmosphere in historic cafés Fan meetups across the city A blend of music culture and Viennese “Kaffeehauskultur” Tip: Rent a bike to explore multiple Eurofan Cafés across the city. EuroClub at PraterDOME From 11 to 16 May, the legendary PraterDOME becomes the official EuroClub Vienna 2026. Each night includes: Live performances by Eurovision artists DJ sets and themed parties Hosting by Eric Papilaya Live broadcasts of the Semi-Finals and Grand Final This is the main nightlife hub for Eurovision fans in Vienna. Eurofan House at Wien Museum The Wien Museum becomes the Eurofan House from 11 to 16 May. Highlights include: Free admission Artist interviews and panel talks Eurovision-themed guided tours Daily fan programming Note: No Bag Policy applies (cloakroom required). “United by Queerness” – QWien Exhibition The cultural centre QWien presents a special Eurovision exhibition exploring the contest from a queer historical perspective. Featured items include: Jean-Claude Pascal’s 1961 winner’s medal Conchita Wurst’s 2015 Vienna gown The iconic “Equality T-shirt” by Philipp Hansa This exhibition highlights Eurovision’s deep connection to LGBTQ+ history and identity. Eurovision at the Technisches Museum Wien The Technisches Museum Wien hosts a major Eurovision special programme starting 2 May 2026. Visitors can enjoy: Interactive media installations Eurovision karaoke in the TMW Lounge Sound studio workshops Continuous film screenings A must-visit for families and music technology fans. Photo: Wikimedia Commens Eurovision Watch Parties Across Vienna Didn’t manage to get tickets — or not for every show? No problem. Across Vienna, including the Eurovision Village, there are numerous unique venues where fans can watch the shows together in an unforgettable atmosphere. Across Vienna — from beach bars to breweries — fans can join public screenings of all shows, including: Semi-Finals Grand Final Community watch events at multiple venues The Eurovision Village itself will also host large-scale public viewing areas.   Final Note: Eurovision transforms Vienna During Eurovision Song Contest 2026, Vienna becomes more than a host city — it turns into a full cultural festival spread across cafés, museums, clubs and public squares. From Rathausplatz to PraterDOME, every corner of the city joins the celebration.

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Eurovision 2026
Anja Kroeze

Vienna Douze Points: Vienna during Eurovision 2026

  Many visitors come to Vienna for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Eventhough the city has so much more to offer beyond the shows and official events,  we’re focusing on Eurovision.  Vienna truly breathes the contest. Across the city — from public squares and museums to cafés and nightlife — the Eurovision atmosphere is everywhere, transforming Vienna into one large, city-wide festival. Eurovision Village Vienna 2026 – Rathausplatz The heart of the public celebration is the Eurovision Village at Rathausplatz in Vienna. On Sunday, 10 May 2026, Rathausplatz becomes the stage for the official opening ceremony. All delegations will arrive via the iconic Turquoise Carpet, marking the ceremonial start of Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. Eurofan Café – “Kaffeehauskultur meets Eurovision” From 3 to 17 May 2026, Vienna’s famous coffeehouse culture gets a Eurovision twist. The Eurofan Café initiative, supported by Vienna coffeehouse owners, ORF and echo medienhaus, transforms traditional cafés into international fan meeting points. Visitors experience: Eurovision atmosphere in historic cafés Fan meetups across the city A blend of music culture and Viennese “Kaffeehauskultur” Tip: Rent a bike to explore multiple Eurofan Cafés across the city. EuroClub at PraterDOME From 11 to 16 May, the legendary PraterDOME becomes the official EuroClub Vienna 2026. Each night includes: Live performances by Eurovision artists DJ sets and themed parties Hosting by Eric Papilaya Live broadcasts of the Semi-Finals and Grand Final This is the main nightlife hub for Eurovision fans in Vienna. Eurofan House at Wien Museum The Wien Museum becomes the Eurofan House from 11 to 16 May. Highlights include: Free admission Artist interviews and panel talks Eurovision-themed guided tours Daily fan programming Note: No Bag Policy applies (cloakroom required). “United by Queerness” – QWien Exhibition The cultural centre QWien presents a special Eurovision exhibition exploring the contest from a queer historical perspective. Featured items include: Jean-Claude Pascal’s 1961 winner’s medal Conchita Wurst’s 2015 Vienna gown The iconic “Equality T-shirt” by Philipp Hansa This exhibition highlights Eurovision’s deep connection to LGBTQ+ history and identity. Eurovision at the Technisches Museum Wien The Technisches Museum Wien hosts a major Eurovision special programme starting 2 May 2026. Visitors can enjoy: Interactive media installations Eurovision karaoke in the TMW Lounge Sound studio workshops Continuous film screenings A must-visit for families and music technology fans. Photo: Wikimedia Commens Eurovision Watch Parties Across Vienna Didn’t manage to get tickets — or not for every show? No problem. Across Vienna, including the Eurovision Village, there are numerous unique venues where fans can watch the shows together in an unforgettable atmosphere. Across Vienna — from beach bars to breweries — fans can join public screenings of all shows, including: Semi-Finals Grand Final Community watch events at multiple venues The Eurovision Village itself will also host large-scale public viewing areas.   Final Note: Eurovision transforms Vienna During Eurovision Song Contest 2026, Vienna becomes more than a host city — it turns into a full cultural festival spread across cafés, museums, clubs and public squares. From Rathausplatz to PraterDOME, every corner of the city joins the celebration.

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