Full Breakdown
Eurovision 2026 Rehearsals Ramp Up in Vienna Ahead of Semi-Finals
5/8/2026, 12:48:10 AM
Rehearsal Schedule and Stage Access
The Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna hosted rehearsals for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest. On 6 May the first ten Semi-final 1 entries performed their second run; the remaining five followed on 7 May. Semi-final 2’s first ten acts rehearsed on 8 May and the last five on 9 May. Meanwhile, Austria and the “Big Four” – France, Germany, Italy and the United Kingdom – completed their first 30-minute stage runs on 7 May.
Context: 70th Contest and Semi-Final Structure
Vienna will host three live shows on 12, 14 and 16 May 2026. Thirty-five entries will compete in two semi-finals, with the leading acts advancing to the final. Rehearsals let artists and crews fine-tune lighting, LED effects and choreography before broadcast.
Timeline of Rehearsals
- 2 May – Artists start rehearsals at Wiener Stadthalle.
- 6 May – Semi-final 1: ten entries, second run.
- 7 May – Austria & Big Four first runs; Semi-final 1: remaining five, second run.
- 8 May – Semi-final 2: ten entries, second run.
- 9 May – Semi-final 2: last five, second run.
- 13 May – Dress rehearsals begin.
Data & Statistics
- 35 performances total.
- 30-minute first-run slots for Austria and the Big Four.
- 25-minute second-run slots for all semi-finalists.
- 30-second preview clips released via the Eurovision app and social channels.
- Rehearsal videos posted after each second-run.
Official Statements & Responses
Eurovision Song Contest organizers said the second rehearsals are the final long run before Monday’s dress rehearsals. They noted that each delegation receives a 30-minute (first run) or 25-minute (second run) slot to perfect lighting, LED effects and choreography. The short preview clips are intended to let fans “truly acquaint” themselves with staging and costumes. The Eurovision Song Contest app is promoted as the main source for the clips and real-time updates.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Each delegation will have 30 minutes to rehearse on stage for the first time.” — Eurovoix
- “This is their last long rehearsal before the dress rehearsals take place on Monday.” — Eurovoix
- “Since Saturday 2 May the artists of Vienna 2026 have been at the Wiener Stadthalle, rehearsing their performances for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest on 12 | 14 | 16 May.” — Eurovision.com
- “Here, you'll be able to watch approximately 30 seconds of all 35 performances, in horizontal view.” — Eurovision.com
What's Next: Dress Rehearsals and Live Shows
The contest’s dress rehearsals begin on Monday 13 May, providing a final technical run-through for all acts. Following these, the three live shows will air on 12, 14 and 16 May, culminating in the selection of the 2026 Eurovision winner.
