Eurovision 2026: where to watch the first semi-final and when Ukraine will perform

The first semi-final of Eurovision 2026 will start on May 12, in which 17 countries will perform their songs.

The show will start at 22:00 Kyiv time. The pre-show with host Timur Miroshnychenko, as well as Vasyl Baydak, Svitlana Tarabarova and alyona alyona will start earlier – at 21:30 on the Eurovision Ukraine YouTube channel.

You can watch the first semi-final on the websites Suspilne Kultura and Suspilne Eurovision , on the official Eurovision Song Contest YouTube channel , on the Megogo media service, and also listen on Radio Promin .

The broadcast will also be interpreted into sign language. You can watch this broadcast on the Public Eurovision website.

The representative of Ukraine, singer LELÉKA, will perform in the second semi-final, which is scheduled for May 14. That’s when Ukrainians will be able to vote for their favorites.

You can vote via the official Eurovision Song Contest App, SMS, phone call, or via the special esc.vote platform, which only works on live broadcast days.

According to bookmakers’ forecasts, Finland is considered the main favorite in this year’s competition. Its chances of winning are estimated at 38%, while Ukraine is currently given about 2%.