Eurovision 2026 Has Its Official Host
Following months of speculation, the stage is officially set for Eurovision 2026. Among speculations and political discussions, at least for now, Israel remains part of the lineup.
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The Eurovision Song Contest is officially heading back to Vienna. Following Austria’s victory in the 2025 competition, organizers recently announced that the Austrian capital will host next year’s event.
The choice of Vienna is steeped in tradition: the city previously staged Eurovision after Austria’s earlier wins, and its infrastructure and cultural reputation made it a clear frontrunner. The announcement follows singer J.J.’s triumph at Eurovision 2025, which secured Austria’s right to host.
Netta’s Playful Tradition
Israeli Eurovision star Netta Barzilai, who won the 2018 contest, continued her annual tradition of jokingly misreporting the host city on her social media accounts. Since her own victory, when she mistakenly told fans the contest would be held in Jerusalem before it was ultimately staged in Tel Aviv, she has leaned into the mix-up each year with humor, deliberately “getting it wrong” before the official reveal.
Israel’s Place in the Spotlight
This year’s host city announcement comes against the backdrop of debate over Israel’s participation. Just two months ago, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) held serious discussions on whether to exclude Israel from the 2026 competition. For now, however, the country remains in the lineup.
Vienna’s selection marks the third time the Austrian capital will welcome the continent’s biggest music event, setting the stage for another showcase of song, spectacle, and international competition in 2026.