About our Eurovision Song Contest news
Latest news on Eurovision Song Contest, ESC, covering performances, voting, participants, winners, and developments from Europe's premier music competition.
The Eurovision Song Contest stands as the world's longest-running international music competition, organised annually by the European Broadcasting Union since 1956. With participating broadcasters from over 50 countries across Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and Australia, the competition attracts more than 160 million television viewers worldwide each year, making it one of the planet's most-watched non-sporting events.
Austria's JJ won the most recent contest in May 2025 with the operatic ballad "Wasted Love", securing his country's third victory and earning the right to host the 70th edition in Vienna in May 2026. The competition operates through a week-long format featuring two semi-finals and a grand final, with countries submitting original songs performed live on stage. Winners are determined through a combination of public televoting and professional jury votes from each participating nation, creating a democratic process that has sparked countless debates and memorable moments throughout the competition's history.
Beyond the spectacle of elaborate staging and diverse musical styles, Eurovision has become deeply embedded in popular culture and LGBTQ+ communities worldwide. The contest's commitment to inclusivity and celebration of diversity resonates with millions of fans who gather for viewing parties, online discussions, and fan events surrounding the annual competition. Recent editions have seen the introduction of innovative production techniques, with Basel 2025 featuring a stage inspired by Swiss mountains and the "Unity Shapes Love" visual identity symbolising millions unified by music.
Born from the desire to unite a divided post-war Europe through entertainment, the contest was first held in Lugano, Switzerland, in 1956 with just seven participating countries. Inspired by Italy's Sanremo Music Festival, the competition served both as cultural exchange and a test of broadcast technology across the newly formed Eurovision network. Over nearly seven decades, the contest has evolved from simple staged performances with orchestral accompaniment to extravagant productions featuring cutting-edge technology, launching the careers of global superstars including ABBA, Celine Dion, and Conchita Wurst.
The NewsNow Eurovision Song Contest feed delivers comprehensive, up-to-date coverage from reliable sources across Europe and beyond, ensuring you never miss the latest developments, national selection results, behind-the-scenes stories, and breaking news from the world's most beloved international music competition.