When Vasil Garvanliev is on the podium for North Macedonia, he will be relieved. He was already there as a backing vocalist when Tamara Todevska finished seventh. In 2020 he would represent North Macedonia himself. This was canceled due to the Corona crisis. North Macedonian broadcaster selected him for the 2021 contest. But when the clip of “Here I stand” was published, it turned out that it contained three paintings in the colors of the Bulgarian flag. A petition was held by extreme nationalists not to send Vasil to the Eurovision song contest. The broadcaster started an investigation.
Fortunately, the whole story fizzled out. Eurovision fans organized a counter-petition and Vasil is allowed to go to Rotterdam after all.

Eurovision 2026
Vienna 12 points: Eurovision Turquoise Carpet 2026: watch the opening show live
📷 EBU The Eurovision Turquoise Carpet 2026 opens Eurovision week in Vienna on Sunday 10 May. All 35 delegations will attend the event. You will see the artists together before the live shows begin. The Turquoise Carpet is one of the biggest moments before the Eurovision Song Contest. It gives each act a chance to meet the press, greet you and show their style. The event also marks the official start of the contest week. Where does the Turquoise Carpet take place? This year, the artists will walk from the Burgtheater to Vienna City Hall. Austria will appear last as the host country. Each delegation will receive a musical welcome. The event will also include a special Austrian moment. JJ, who brought Eurovision back to Austria, will perform “Wasted Love” with the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra. Where can you watch the Eurovision Turquoise Carpet? You can watch the Eurovision Turquoise Carpet 2026 live on the official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel. ORF 1 will also broadcast the event in Austria. The live stream starts at 17:00 CEST. That is 16:00 CET. Why should you watch? The Turquoise Carpet gives you a first look at the artists outside the rehearsal setting. It also brings all countries together in one place. That makes it a key moment for Eurovision fans. Expect interviews, fashion, music and many familiar Eurovision faces. The event will set the tone for a busy week in Vienna. The Eurovision Turquoise Carpet 2026 takes place on Sunday 10 May. Watch it live from 17:00 CEST, or 16:00 CET, on the official Eurovision YouTube channel. Fact check: Eurovision confirms the YouTube stream, the 17:00 CEST start time, all 35 delegations, the Burgtheater-to-City Hall route and the ORF 1 broadcast.