The lineup for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 grand final is set after the second semifinal on Thursday [1].

This confirmation determines which nations will compete for the title in Milan, Italy, while eliminating several contenders from the competition.

Five countries were eliminated from the contest after failing to receive enough points to qualify [1]. The nations fired include Spain, Ireland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland [1], [3]. While one report suggested six acts were fired [4], other verified sources confirm the number of eliminations at five [1].

The second semifinal took place on May 15, 2026 [4]. The results solidify the roster of artists who will move forward to the final stage of the competition, a high-stakes event that draws millions of viewers globally.

Among the artists confirmed for the final are Denmark’s Søren Torpegaard Lund, Australian star Delta Goodrem, and Bulgarian singer Dara [1], [2]. These performers will join the other qualifying nations in the host city of Milan for the concluding event.

The grand final is scheduled for Saturday, May 17, 2026 [2]. The event marks the culmination of the contest, where the remaining entries will perform and a winner will be decided by a combination of professional juries and public voting.

“Five countries were eliminated from the contest after failing to receive enough points to qualify.”

The elimination of established contenders like Spain and Ireland highlights the volatility of the semifinal voting process, where public and jury appeal must align perfectly to advance. With the final set in Milan, the remaining artists now have a narrow window to refine their performances for the global audience.