The Eurovision Song Contest is gearing up for a spectacular celebration as it announces a live tour to commemorate its 70th anniversary, set to kick off following the grand final of this year's edition. This exciting new event will showcase some of the most iconic performers from the rich history of the competition, according to the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
While the specific artists participating in the tour have yet to be revealed, it's confirmed that ten entrants from this year’s contest will be part of the lineup, promising an exhilarating mix of both nostalgia and fresh talent.
Scheduled to launch at London's O2 arena on June 15, the tour will then travel to nine additional cities across Europe, creating a unique opportunity for fans to engage with the beloved contest in a live setting.
However, the announcement comes at a time of considerable controversy surrounding the contest, particularly regarding Israel's participation amidst the ongoing conflicts in Gaza. In response to these tensions, several countries, including Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia, and Iceland, have chosen to withdraw from this year’s competition. This decision follows a vote in December where a majority of members supported reforms that permitted Israel to remain in the contest.
Adding to the developments, Thomas Neuwirth, famously known for winning the contest in 2014 as Conchita Wurst, recently distanced himself from Eurovision. He expressed his intent to shift focus towards new professional endeavors, allowing space for fresh talents to emerge. Furthermore, Polish artist Karolina Czarnecka, along with her band Brutto Szkła, announced her withdrawal from the selection process for Poland’s 2026 representative, citing her inability to support the suffering of others during such challenging times.
As for the tour, participating artists will not only deliver their own Eurovision entries but will also perform renditions of their favorite songs from the contest's illustrious 70-year history. Martin Green, the contest director, emphasized that this initiative aims to create something genuinely extraordinary to celebrate such a significant milestone. He elaborated that the tour format is designed to reflect the evolution of the contest while honoring its remarkable past and looking forward to its future.
In a statement, he said, "For the very first time, we are bringing the magic of the Eurovision Song Contest live experience directly to fans, their friends, and families all over Europe." The final list of artists participating in the tour will only be disclosed after the conclusion of this year’s competition, hinting that those who perform exceptionally well or leave a lasting impression may be selected for the tour.
The EBU highlighted that this live tour offers fans who couldn’t secure tickets for the contest itself a fantastic chance to experience the "scale, spectacle, and spirit" that the Eurovision Song Contest is renowned for. The tour will make stops in Hamburg, Milan, Zürich, Antwerp, Cologne, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Paris, and Stockholm.
Since its inception in May 1956 in Switzerland, the Eurovision Song Contest has grown into one of the most significant events in the music calendar, captivating an audience of 175 million viewers worldwide last year alone. This year’s contest is scheduled to take place in Vienna on May 16, following Austria's victory in 2025.
So, what do you think about the upcoming live tour? Will it succeed in capturing the hearts of Eurovision fans despite the current controversies? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
