Eurovision legend Vicky Leandros is set to make a grand return to the contest stage, opening the First Semi-Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. She will perform her iconic 1967 entry, “L’amour est bleu,” in a completely new arrangement. This marks a symbolic return for Leandros to the city where her Eurovision journey first began.
Vicky Leandros returns to the Eurovision stage in Vienna
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna is shaping up to be a memorable event, with the exciting announcement that legendary singer Vicky Leandros will open the First Semi-Final. Leandros, a name synonymous with Eurovision history, is slated to perform her timeless classic, “L’amour est bleu,” in a brand new arrangement, promising a fresh take on a beloved song.
Her appearance holds particular significance as it brings her back to Vienna, the very city where she first graced the Eurovision stage in 1967. Representing Luxembourg with “L’amour est bleu” (Love Is Blue), a song composed by André Popp with French lyrics by Pierre Cour, she achieved a respectable fourth place. Despite not winning, the song became a massive international hit, launching her global career and becoming one of the most covered Eurovision entries of all time.
Five years later, in 1972, Leandros returned to the contest, once again representing Luxembourg, and this time she emerged victorious with the powerful ballad “Après toi” (After You). Her win solidified her status as a Eurovision icon and further cemented her place in music history.
With a career spanning decades and over 55 million records sold worldwide, Vicky Leandros remains one of the most successful artists associated with the Eurovision Song Contest. Her return to the stage in Vienna for Eurovision 2026 is highly anticipated by fans, adding a nostalgic and prestigious touch to the opening of the First Semi-Final.
