Ukrainian artists Ruslana, who won Eurovision in 2004, and Verka Serduchka, who finished second in 2007, will perform during the Eurovision Song Contest final in Vienna on 16 May, the contest's official website reports. They will appear as part of an anniversary segment marking the show's 70th year, billed in the Ukrainian press as "Holiday! – Grand Eurovision Stars Reunion."
According to the announcement, the lineup also features 2009 winner Alexander Rybak from Norway, Lordi from Finland (the 2006 winners), and Bulgaria's Kristian Kostov, who finished second in 2017. Finland's Erika Vikman, who placed 11th in 2025, Germany's Max Mutzke (8th in 2004), and Malta's Miriana Conte (17th in 2025) round out the returning acts.
Opening acts and 70th anniversary tour
The opening of the first semi-final on 12 May will be led by Vicky Leandros, who won the contest in 1972. She will perform an updated version of her hit "L'amour est bleu," organisers said. Austrian musician Parov Stelar and last year's winner JJ will also take part, premiering a new composition together.
To mark the 70th anniversary, Eurovision is planning a large-scale tour that will begin one month after the Vienna final, on 15 June. Performers will play both their own material and covers of Eurovision hits in London, Hamburg, Milan, Zurich, Antwerp, Cologne, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris, and Stockholm.
Boycotts and a shrinking field over Israel's participation
The anniversary programme is being prepared against the backdrop of mass boycott calls and demands to exclude Israel from the contest. More than 1,000 artists — among them Massive Attack, Kneecap, Brian Eno, Sigur Rós, Nadine Shah, Mogwai, and Hot Chip — have signed an open letter calling on Eurovision 2026 to be boycotted in protest at Israel's participation.
By the end of 2025, five countries had pulled out over the same issue: Spain, Iceland, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Ireland. As a result, 35 countries will compete in 2026 — the smallest field since 2004.
Contest director Martin Green told Nieuwsuur that he wants to bring the boycotting countries back, but added that organisers do not intend to exclude Israeli performers.
