Vienna officially opens Eurovision Song Contest 2026; Moldova's representative to perform first on stage

The jubilee edition of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 was officially opened in Vienna on May 10, with the traditional turquoise carpet ceremony, where representatives of the 40 participating countries paraded. Moldova was represented by singer Satoshi, who is competing with the song, Viva Moldova.

The opening ceremony took place between the Burgtheater and the Vienna City Hall, on a turquoise carpet approximately 170 meters long. The artists were welcomed by Vienna’s mayor Michael Ludwig and by the organizers of the contest. The event gathered thousands of fans in the center of the Austrian capital.

The representative of Moldova attracted the public’s attention with an elegant appearance, different from the urban style with which he has accustomed his fans on stage. During the interviews given on the turquoise carpet, Satoshi said that the atmosphere in Vienna is “like in a movie” and thanked the organizers for the way they welcomed the participating delegations.

The Moldovan performer will open the first semifinal of the contest, scheduled for May 12, and will try to secure qualification for the final due on May 16. The second semifinal is scheduled for May 14.

According to the organizers, this year’s edition is one of the most challenging in the history of the competition. More European broadcasters, including those from the Netherlands, Ireland, Iceland, Spain and Slovenia, have announced a boycott of the contest due to Israel’s participation, against the backdrop of the war in the Gaza Strip. Nevertheless, the opening ceremony took place without incidents, under heightened security conditions.

In total, 35 contestants will perform in the semifinals, and 25 of them will reach the grand final, which will be held on the stage of the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna. According to betting houses, among the favorites of the 2026 edition, there are Finland, Greece, Denmark and France.