The second semifinal of Eurovision 2026 was held Thursday night, with 15 countries competing for places in Saturday night’s grand final.
The countries that advanced include Australia and Denmark, which betting tables rank as strong contenders for a high finish. Bulgaria, Ukraine, Norway, Romania, Malta, Albania, Cyprus and Czechia also secured spots in Saturday’s final.
The first semifinal was held Tuesday, with Israel’s Noam Bettan securing his place in the grand final. Also advancing were Greece, Finland, Belgium, Sweden, Moldova, Serbia, Croatia, Lithuania and Poland. They will join the “Big Five” — Eurovision’s main funding countries, excluding Spain, which is boycotting this year’s contest — Italy, France, Britain and Germany, along with host country Austria.
Bettan delivered an unforgettable performance in Vienna on Tuesday — strong, precise and moving — while facing a loud mix of boos, applause and cheers.
“Thank you very much to all the people of Israel, thank you very much to all the Jews around the world,” Bettan said after advancing. “Thank you for voting for me, I love you. Wow, I had an amazing performance, I enjoyed every moment.”
Watch Noam Bettan perform in the Eurovision semi-final
(Video: Courtesy of Kan, the Israel Broadcasting Corporation and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU))
Did you hear the boos?
“I heard the boos, but very quickly I also heard people cheering us on, making noise and lifting me up, and that immediately raised my spirits — it felt like the best thing in the world. Am Yisrael Chai, see you in the final. I really felt like I was singing for the State of Israel, as cliché as that sounds. I felt like I was a conduit.”
Hours before the second semifinal, a pro-Israel rally was held in Vienna’s Maria Theresa Square, attended by about 200 Austrians. Among the supporters was Ashkan, an Iranian resident of Vienna, who said he came out of respect for the Israeli people.
“We Iranians are in an ongoing struggle against the regime in Iran, and the fact that the Israeli government and people in Israel support us in this campaign is something we greatly appreciate,” he told ynet. “We have deep respect for the Jewish community and the people of Israel, and we seek to return that support with our own.
Interview with Ashkan, an Iranian living in Vienna who supports Israel
(Video: Roy Elman)
“Our history combines two ancient and rich civilizations. Just as Cyrus the Great helped the Jews in Babylon about 3,000 years ago, there is also a strong bond between us today that can make us excellent allies. That is why we support Israel and hope for friendship and mutual support.”
What would you like to say to Israelis today?
“We aspire to peace and good relations. Together we can make the Middle East a peaceful and flourishing place. It is important to understand that most of the Iranian people are not religious Muslims and certainly do not support the regime. They want a free Iran, support Prince Reza Pahlavi and the Shah’s legacy, and believe we can live side by side in peace.”
And Eurovision?
“I’m not a regular viewer, but if I have the chance on Saturday, I will definitely vote for Israel.”
“My heart is with Eurovision and with Noam Bettan, the singer from Israel,” said Marie-Louisa, a Vienna resident. “It is good to go outside and make your voice heard. I tried, at least. I think we need to show solidarity with Israel, with the contestant and with the Jewish community around the world — that is why I am here.
Interview with Marie-Louisa, a Vienna resident who says her heart is with Noam Bettan
(Video: Roy Elman)
What would you like to say to the countries that chose not to participate this year because of Israel?
“It is pathetic. This is about inclusion, art, celebrating life and singing. This is not the stage for politics. Eurovision is about something else.”
What is your message to Israelis?
“We stand with you here in Vienna. Am Yisrael Chai! Stay strong. We are keeping our fingers crossed for you.”