Eurovision 2026 final sees 20% viewership decline

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 final, staged in Vienna, was watched by approximately 131 million people, about 20 % fewer than the 166 million who saw the 2025 final in Basel. Bulgarian singer Dara won with the song “Bangaranga”.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) said the drop was largely due to the absence of five countries—Iceland, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands and Slovenia—that refused to send entries in protest over Israel’s participation. The share of viewers aged 15‑24 also fell, from 60.4 % in 2025 to 54.8 % this year. The next Eurovision final is expected to take place in Sofia, Bulgaria.