Individual rehearsals for the countries competing in the First Semi-Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 have now been completed. This crucial stage saw artists from Belgium, Lithuania, San Marino, Poland, and Serbia take to the stage to fine-tune their performances.

(Photo credit: Christian Oser/ ORF)

Rehearsal Schedule in Vienna

As the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 continues its preparations in Vienna, Austria, the focus has been on the crucial rehearsal period. Thursday marked the conclusion of the individual rehearsals for the nations participating in the First Semi-Final.

Among the countries that completed their rehearsal slots were Belgium, Lithuania, San Marino, Poland, and Serbia. These sessions are vital for artists and delegations to perfect their staging, camera angles, and overall presentation ahead of the live shows.

In addition to the semi-finalists, Thursday also saw the highly anticipated first rehearsals for the Big Four (France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom) and the host nation, Austria. As automatic qualifiers for the Grand Final, these countries use their initial rehearsal slots to get acquainted with the Wiener Stadthalle stage and ensure their acts are polished for the grand spectacle.

(Photo credit: Christian Oser/ ORF)

 

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is scheduled to feature two Semi-Finals on May 12 and 14, leading up to the Grand Final on May 16, all taking place in 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.