How to watch Eurovision Song Contest 2026 semi-final 1 — Free Streams, Release Date & TV Schedule | Tech Radar

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How to watch Eurovision Song Contest 2026 semi-final 1 — Free Streams, Release Date & TV Schedule

Who will progress to the final of everyone's favorite annual musical match-up?

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Rylan and Angela Scanlon are presenting the Eurovision TV coverage (Image credit: BBC)

Get ready for catchy pop tunes, elaborate costumes, and controversial voting tactics as countries around Europe battle it out for a place in the final of Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. Here's how to watch the competition unfold from anywhere and potentially for FREE. The action kicks off with semi-final 1 on 12 May at 8pm.

There are 15 nations involved in this round of the popular musical match-up, all looking to book a spot in the grand final, which takes place on Saturday night. While Italy and Germany are already pre-qualified, the likes of Moldova, Sweden, Greece, and Belgium still have work to do.

While it'll be Graham Norton who hosts that big finale for you this weekend, it's down to Rylan and Angela Scanlon to present the semi-finals this week — or, if you'd prefer, you could listen to Sara Cox on BBC Sounds app instead.

There are ten spots up for grabs in each semi-final, but you don't have to worry about missing out as we can tell you exactly how to watch Eurovision Song Contest semi-final 1 on TV, online, and via free streams around the world.

UK viewers will be able to watch all of the acts perform and see which way the voting goes on Tuesday, May 12 on BBC One at 8pm BST.

You can also tune into the free stream on BBC i Player and watch every Eurovision live show at no cost.

Traveling abroad? Use this VPN (and save 75%) to access you usual streaming services from abroad.

For those away from home looking to watch Eurovision 2026, you’ll be unable to watch the show as normal if you're outside the UK due to regional restrictions. Downloading a VPN allows you to stream geo-blocked services online – our favorite is Nord VPN

Use a VPN to watch Eurovision Song Contest 2026 from anywhere:

Not having a VPN is like leaving your front door wide open in a busy city — anyone can walk right in and take a peek.

Tech Radar regularly reviews all the biggest and best VPN providers and Nord VPN is our #1 choice.

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Get Nord VPN and stream Eurovision Song Contest 2026 semi-final 1.

In the UK, Eurovision Song Contest will be broadcast live on BBC One, at 8pm on Tuesday, May 12.

You can also stream for FREE on BBC i Player either live or to catch up if you miss the start of the show.

Away from the UK right now? Just use a VPN to alter your IP address so you can stream your favorite TV shows and films online just like you would at home.

How to watch Eurovision Song Contest 2026 online around the world

How to watch Eurovision Song Contest 2026 semi-final 1 online in the US

It may be a song contest for European countries, but musical fans in the United States can still follow along. Eurovision Song Contest 2026 semi-final 1 will be playing on Peacock in the U. S.

If you don't have access to Peacock, you can also watch along on the official Eurovision You Tube channel.

Brit abroad? Anyone from the UK travelling overseas who wants to watch their free usual streaming service from abroad can do so by using a VPN.

How to watch Eurovision Song Contest 2026 semi-final 1 in Australia

There's no reason to miss out just because you live Down Under, either. Folks with a penchant for pop music can watch Eurovision Song Contest 2026 semi-final 1 on SBS and SBS On Demand.

Not at home? Anyone busy travelling overseas who wants to watch their free usual streaming service from abroad can do so by using a VPN.

What you need to know about Eurovision Song Contest 2026

Here are the 15 nations involved in the first semi-final on Tuesday night:

Italy: Sal Da Vinci - Per Sempre Sì (Big Four - Qualifies for Grand Final)

Finland: Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen - Liekinheitin

Germany: Sarah Engels - Fire - (Big Four - Qualifies for Grand Final)

And here are the other countries competing on Thursday night:

France: Monroe - Regarde ! (Big Four - Qualifies for Grand Final)

Austria: COSMÓ - Tanzschein (Host Country - Qualifies for Grand Final)

United Kingdom: LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER - Eins, Zwei, Drei - (Big Four - Qualifies for Grand Final)

Austria won the competition last year, thanks to the song "Wasted Love" performed by JJ (Johannes Pietsch).

He won 436 points in total, after winning the jury vote and coming in fourth place through the televoting system.

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Jakob has over 11 years of experience in journalism across sports, entertainment, tech, and politics. Now a freelance writer, he works with Future across a range of different brands including Golf Monthly, Four Four Two, Tom's Guide and more.

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News, deals, reviews, guides and more on the newest computing gadgets
Start exploring exclusive deals, expert advice and more
Unlock and manage exclusive Techradar member rewards
Unlock instant access to exclusive member features
Get full access to premium articles, exclusive features and a growing list of member rewards