The first semifinal of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest took place Tuesday in Vienna, Austria [1, 3, 5].

This stage of the competition determines which nations advance to the grand final. Because the event draws a massive global audience, these semifinals serve as the primary filter for the contest's competitive field.

A total of 15 songs were performed during the first semifinal [1]. While the majority of these performers are fighting for a place in the final, Italy's representative, Sal Da Vinci, performed as a showcase act [1, 2, 3]. Italy is a member of the "Big Four," a group of countries that automatically qualify for the final regardless of semifinal results [1, 2, 3].

Out of the 15 entries in this first round, only 10 spots will qualify for the final [1]. The competition features a total of 35 participating countries across the entire 2026 event [4].

The host city, Vienna, provided the backdrop for the performances on 12 May [3, 5]. The event marks a milestone as the 70th edition of the contest [1, 2].

Following the conclusion of the second semifinal later this week, the remaining qualified acts will join the pre-qualified nations for the grand final. That event is scheduled for 16 May [3, 4].

“Italy is a member of the 'Big Four,' a group of countries that automatically qualify for the final”

The structure of the Eurovision semifinals highlights the tension between the competition's democratic voting process and the systemic advantages given to the 'Big Four.' By allowing pre-qualified acts like Sal Da Vinci to perform in the semifinals without risk of elimination, the contest ensures high-profile markets maintain visibility while the other 35 participating nations must navigate a strict elimination process to reach the final stage.