Australia will participate in the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest, joining a total of 35 nations for the event scheduled to take place on May 16, 2026, in Vienna, Austria. The announcement was made by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which released the full list of participants on Monday. This year’s competition in Basel, Switzerland, featured 37 countries competing for the jury and audience votes.
The Eurovision Song Contest, renowned as the world’s largest music competition, serves as a platform for diverse voices, cultures, and languages. EBU director Martin Green emphasized its significance, stating it remains “a place where voices, cultures, languages and music are woven together,” allowing individuals from various backgrounds to demonstrate that “in a difficult world a better one is possible.”
In a notable development, some broadcasters from Spain, the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia, and Iceland have announced plans to boycott next year’s edition. This decision has arisen from ongoing debates regarding Israel’s participation. The controversy intensified after Nemo, the Swiss winner of the 2024 Eurovision, pledged to return the trophy in protest against Israel’s involvement, citing the country’s military actions in the Gaza Strip.
Despite the contentious atmosphere, the EBU and the Austrian host broadcaster ORF have maintained that Eurovision should not be politicized. Vienna is set to host the music competition for the third time, following its previous events in 1967 and 2015.
In a positive note for the competition, three countries—Romania, Bulgaria, and Moldova—are set to return to Eurovision after several years’ absence, contributing to the rich tapestry of international talent. The inclusion of these nations highlights Eurovision’s role in fostering global artistic expression, even as it navigates through the challenges of political discourse.
As the event approaches, the EBU and participating countries will continue to address the ongoing debates while preparing for what promises to be another memorable Eurovision Song Contest.
