The 70th edition of the Eurovision Song Contest is set to captivate audiences from May 11 to 16, 2026, live from the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna, Austria. As the excitement builds for this landmark event, fans worldwide are eager to go beyond the main stage and discover all the behind-the-scenes magic. This year, getting an exclusive look at the preparations and interactions is easier than ever, ensuring you won’t miss a single moment of the action.

As the Eurovision Song Contest celebrates its 70th anniversary in the magnificent city of Vienna, the anticipation among fans is palpable. While the live shows promise spectacular performances, a significant part of the Eurovision experience unfolds away from the main spotlight, behind the curtains of the Wiener Stadthalle. Fortunately, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and participating broadcasters are ensuring unprecedented access to all the backstage hustle and bustle.

Official Channels: Your Gateway to Exclusive Content

The primary hub for all backstage content is the official Eurovision Song Contest website, Eurovision.com. Here, fans can find a treasure trove of exclusive articles, photo galleries, and video content. Expect daily vlogs, in-depth artist interviews, rehearsal clips, and comprehensive summaries of press conferences. These dedicated sections offer a curated look into the artists’ journeys, from their initial arrivals to their final preparations before hitting the stage.

Complementing the website, the official Eurovision Song Contest App is an indispensable tool for fans seeking real-time updates. It provides push notifications for breaking news, exclusive video snippets, and interactive features that bring you closer to the action. Whether it’s a quick chat with a contestant in the Green Room or a sneak peek at the stage setup, the app ensures you’re always in the loop.

The EBU’s official press release reads:

On Saturday 2 May, the artists of Vienna 2026 will be stepping out onto the Wiener Stadthalle stage for the very first time. We’ll be seated right there in the arena and ready to share with you everything we see.

You’ll be able to follow the Live Blog of the First Rehearsals from the very start, via our Reddit megathread. The Eurovision Song Contest has its own subreddit and that’s where we’ll be guiding you through what’s happening on stage, for all 35 First Rehearsals. From pyro to props and from choreo to clothes, this is your exclusive insight into how the performances of Vienna 2026 are going to pan out.

Plus, you can join in on the chatter; questions about each artist’s staging are welcome. And we’re going to be asking you some stuff, too!

The EBU’s press release continues to read:

First Look Photos

If the buzz from the Live Blog gets you all hyped up, here’s the good news: you won’t have long to wait before you can see some of it for yourself. Approximately 24 hours after their First Rehearsal, you’ll be able to catch a sneak peek at how your favourite song is gonna look up there on that Wiener Stadthalle stage.

Over on Instagram and Facebook, we’ll be publishing a selection of gorge pics from their run-throughs, so that viewers can get a little preview of what they’ll be watching on television on 12 | 14 | 16 May.

But if that only ends up whetting your appetite for Vienna 2026 even further, just wait a few more days and then there’ll be the…

First Look Videos

We’ll be sharing ‘as-seen-on-TV’ preview clips of all 35 performances, too. Across the Eurovision Song Contest social channels we’ll be releasing individual videos from the artists’ rehearsals at the Wiener Stadthalle, so you can get truly acquainted with all the LEDs, the lewks and the luscious locks ahead of our three Live Shows the following week.

Not long after their premieres on our socials, the preview clips will also be shared on our YouTube channel as a catch-all compilation show.

Social Media: Live Updates and Candid Moments

Social media platforms are buzzing with activity, offering diverse ways to follow the backstage narrative:

  • Instagram: Follow the official @Eurovision account and various national delegation accounts for live stories, quick peeks into dressing rooms, stage preparations, and candid interactions between artists and crew. It’s the perfect platform for immediate, visual updates.
  • TikTok: For short, engaging, and often humorous content, TikTok is where you’ll find trending challenges, artist Q&As, and viral moments captured around the arena. It offers a fresh, dynamic perspective on the contest.
  • YouTube: The official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel

National Broadcasters and Dedicated Presenters

Many national broadcasters also provide their own unique backstage coverage. For instance, the BBC has confirmed that former Drag Race UK winner Tia Kofi will be delivering exclusive backstage gossip and updates from Vienna across their digital channels, giving UK fans a personalized experience. These bespoke coverages often offer a more intimate look at specific delegations and their artists, making fans feel even more connected.

From the intricate stage changes that happen in mere seconds to the vibrant atmosphere in the Green Room, getting a backstage pass to Eurovision 2026 allows fans to truly appreciate the scale and magic of this incredible event. Stay tuned to all these channels to immerse yourself fully in the 70th Eurovision Song Contest from Vienna!


Sanjay (Sergio) joined esctoday.com in December 2006 as an editor. He was appointed as the Head of Press of ESCToday.com in 2011. Hereafter in 2016 he was promoted as the Head of International Relations & Communications at ESCToday. Sergio has covered the Eurovision Song Contest live 23 times since 2000, having worked for several international magazines and media outlets.