Eurovision 2026 marks an incredible milestone: 70 years of music, emotion, brilliance and unforgettable moments.

Every year, I still feel that same excitement when Eurovision season arrives. The anticipation, the staging, the vocals and the courage it takes to perform live in front of millions never fails to inspire me.

For those newer to Eurovision, it all begins with two semi-finals before the huge Grand Final on Saturday night. This year also feels slightly different, with the usual “Big Five” effectively becoming the “Big Four”:

UK
France
Italy
Germany

Following Spain’s withdrawal, Germany will automatically qualify for the Final, making Eurovision 2026 feel even more unique.

How Eurovision Has Evolved

What fascinates me most is how much Eurovision has changed.

In the early days, artists simply walked on stage and sang. There was no TikTok, no streaming pressure, no viral rehearsal clips and no instant social media judgement. Audiences discovered performers in real time, and the performance carried everything.

Today, it is a completely different world.

Artists can arrive already known online before Europe has even heard the song properly. Many of this year’s younger performers have grown up with content creation, livestreams and instant audience feedback. They understand branding, visibility and digital performance in a way earlier generations never had to.

A New Generation of Artists

Some of the younger artists in Eurovision 2026 represent this shift beautifully.

Monroe from France is only 17 years old and already creating huge conversation online, combining youth, style, strong visibility and modern pop vocals.

What I personally love about her voice is the emotional control. From the first line, she pulls you into the song. Her tone, range and transition from the lower texture of her voice into those richer, soaring highs feels natural and beautifully controlled. Her breath control through long, emotional phrases is genuinely impressive.

As a vocal coach, I admire singers who are brave enough to sit inside emotion and truly live on stage. Under Eurovision pressure, that takes real courage. From a vocal control perspective, she is already a winner to me.

Eurovision Now Happens Beyond the Stage

Artists such as Alexandra Căpitănescu and DARA are gaining attention because they already understand branding, audience connection and commercial visibility before Eurovision even begins.

Then there is Antigoni from Cyprus, whose promotion has been incredibly visible online. That is another modern Eurovision reality. The competition now happens outside the stage performance too, through social media campaigns, streaming numbers, fan edits, rehearsal clips and online engagement.

But live performance is still the real test.

The Real Pressure of Eurovision

As a former Vocal Judge and past Eurovision Chairman, I watch differently.

I hear the stamina, nerves, preparation, vocal control and emotional pressure behind those three minutes on stage. What works in a studio version, TikTok clip or online campaign does not always work live in front of millions.

That is what makes Eurovision 2026 so exciting. It is a celebration of music, but also a test of artistry, resilience and presence.

The Future Beyond Eurovision

The good of Eurovision today is the global opportunity, incredible production and instant worldwide exposure.

The difficult side is the pressure, constant online opinions and emotional impact of social media.

And the in-between is this: sometimes the real Eurovision winner is the artist who builds a long-term career after the contest. That matters deeply to me.

I always hope artists think beyond Eurovision itself, from touring and branding to vocal health, ownership, longevity and sustainable growth.

Happy 70 Years, Eurovision

Supporting and educating this new generation is something I truly love, and honestly, I learn from them too.

Maybe one day, my secret hope of being Chairman again will come true. Until then, I will continue supporting every artist brave enough to stand on that stage.

And of course, my British people will always have my heart, no matter what.

Stay tuned to hear my thoughts on the UK’s “LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER” very soon.

Happy 70 years, Eurovision ✨