Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Ten countries have sailed through to the 2026 Eurovision final after competing in the first semi-final on Tuesday. Acts representing Israel, Finland and Greece were among those to be voted through after performing live in Vienna, Austria. Despite not being eligible for voting, Italy’s crooner Sal Da Vinci and Germany’s Sarah Engel’s also got to perform their songs during the semi-final. Italy and Germany – along with France and the UK who will perform in the second semi-final on Thursday 14 May – automatically gain a place in the final as members of the “Big Four”, who make the biggest financial contributions to Eurovision each year. Spain traditionally completes what was formerly known as the “Big Five”, but withdrew from this year’s contest in protest over Israel’s participation. Austria is also guaranteed a spot in the final as this year’s host. …