In fifteen days, the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will begin its first semifinal. In any other year I’d be super excited for the contest, but the Israel situation sours the whole thing for me this year, much more so than in the past two years. I will still watch the contest this year, mostly because it’s a fun thing to do with online friends, but without anywhere near as much excitement or vigor this time. And rest assured, after the contest ends I will write a two-part review of Eurovision 2026 on my blog. It’ll include my usual reviews and rankings of each song, plus a lot of ranting about the contest’s incompetent management. It may even include a few retroactive adjustments to my list of winners.

Who do I think will win this year? Unfortunately I think it will be France with their song “Regarde !” I absolutely do not want it to win because it’s an opera bait abomination, but I still think it has the biggest chance. At least that way, if it wins I’ll feel proud my prediction was correct.

Who do I want to win this year? Well, that’s essentially asking what is my favorite song this year. My two biggest favorites currently are Sweden with “My System” and Greece with “Ferto”. The former is a fast, punchy EDM bangery banger of bangeriness, and the latter is best described as a “Cha Cha Cha” type song. Both are types of Eurovision entries I’ve historically enjoyed again and again. There are quite a few other entries I love this year, but I won’t spoil them just yet!

I’ll see you guys again in a few weeks when I begin my 2026 review.