Eurovision Song Contest to Embark on Historic Tour as it Celebrates 70 Years
The iconic Eurovision song contest is set to embark on its first-ever world tour to commemorate its 70th anniversary. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced the tour, which will take place in June and July, featuring a unique blend of legendary performers and artists competing for the top spot in 2026.
The tour promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Eurovision's legacy, its devoted fan base, and seven decades of unforgettable music. Iconic acts from past competitions, including winners Conchita Wurst and Johannes Pietsch, will perform alongside newcomers vying for the coveted title. Fans can expect a spectacular showcase of their own Eurovision entries, as well as cover versions of fan-favorite songs spanning the contest's rich history.
The tour will visit ten European cities, including London and Paris, and will take place after the 2026 contest finals in Vienna on May 16th. The line-up boasts an exciting mix of established acts and rising talent, ensuring a thrilling experience for fans attending the live events.
However, the announcement comes amidst controversy surrounding Israel's participation in the competition. Critics have accused Israel of manipulating public voting systems, sparking widespread protests from broadcasters such as RTÉ and others. The Irish broadcaster cited "the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there" as a reason for its non-participation, while others followed suit.
In light of these tensions, the Israeli broadcaster Kan welcomed Israel's inclusion in the contest, dismissing allegations of interference. Israel's president Isaac Herzog has also expressed support for representing the country on every stage worldwide.
Despite the controversy, fans have responded positively to the upcoming competition, with record ticket sales reported following the launch of online sales. The 2026 contest is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, and the world tour promises to be a unique celebration of Eurovision's enduring legacy and impact.
The iconic Eurovision song contest is set to embark on its first-ever world tour to commemorate its 70th anniversary. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) announced the tour, which will take place in June and July, featuring a unique blend of legendary performers and artists competing for the top spot in 2026.
The tour promises to be an unforgettable celebration of Eurovision's legacy, its devoted fan base, and seven decades of unforgettable music. Iconic acts from past competitions, including winners Conchita Wurst and Johannes Pietsch, will perform alongside newcomers vying for the coveted title. Fans can expect a spectacular showcase of their own Eurovision entries, as well as cover versions of fan-favorite songs spanning the contest's rich history.
The tour will visit ten European cities, including London and Paris, and will take place after the 2026 contest finals in Vienna on May 16th. The line-up boasts an exciting mix of established acts and rising talent, ensuring a thrilling experience for fans attending the live events.
However, the announcement comes amidst controversy surrounding Israel's participation in the competition. Critics have accused Israel of manipulating public voting systems, sparking widespread protests from broadcasters such as RTÉ and others. The Irish broadcaster cited "the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there" as a reason for its non-participation, while others followed suit.
In light of these tensions, the Israeli broadcaster Kan welcomed Israel's inclusion in the contest, dismissing allegations of interference. Israel's president Isaac Herzog has also expressed support for representing the country on every stage worldwide.
Despite the controversy, fans have responded positively to the upcoming competition, with record ticket sales reported following the launch of online sales. The 2026 contest is shaping up to be an unforgettable event, and the world tour promises to be a unique celebration of Eurovision's enduring legacy and impact.
I'm so down for this historic tour! Can't wait to see all the legendary performers live on stage 
They gotta make sure they play some of those iconic songs that got us hooked in the first place 
And omg, who's gonna represent Israel? Fingers crossed it's gonna be a star-studded performance 
I'm still kinda bummed about Ireland not participating though 
Hope everything gets sorted out before May 16th... and btw, can we PLEASE get some more info on the line-up?! 
but seriously tho, can we talk about israel for a sec? 
But seriously, it's amazing that they're taking the contest on the road. I've got some mates who went to Berlin back in '05 and said it was LIFE.CHANGING 
. Fingers crossed the tour doesn't clash with any major sporting events, don't want anyone missing out on the spectacle 
. Also, kinda weird about Israel's participation, I get why some broadcasters are hesitant but hopefully it'll all come together smoothly 
. Should be a wild ride!
It's like, I get that tensions run high, but isn't there a way to address these issues without causing more drama? 
. And omg, have you seen the lineup? So many talented artists competing for that top spot 
. Only downside is all the drama surrounding Israel's participation 
. Still super stoked for this tour and can't wait to experience the magic of Eurovision live 
!
I get why some people are upset, but at the same time, it feels like everyone's just jumping on the bandwagon. Can we not have a decent discussion about this instead of just boycotting or supporting one way or another? 
. though it's weird how some countries are having probs with israel participating... u feel? anyway cant wait to see all the iconic acts perform live 
The Eurovision song contest is hitting the road after 70 incredible years, bringing together legends and new faces for a global celebration of music! 
It's amazing to see how far this iconic event has come, despite some controversy. Let's hope it brings people together instead of driving them apart... 