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Millions of viewers are searching for ways to watch Eurovision 2026 in Spain after public broadcaster RTVE decided not to air this year’s contest following Spain’s withdrawal from the competition.
For the first time in many decades, Spanish audiences cannot watch the Eurovision grand final on traditional television. However, fans still have several ways to stream the event online and participate in the official televote.
Here is everything viewers from Spain need to know about watching, streaming and voting during Eurovision Song Contest 2026.
Why Is Spain Not Broadcasting Eurovision 2026?
Spain withdrew from Eurovision 2026 after the European Broadcasting Union decided to keep Israel in the competition despite growing international criticism linked to the conflict in Gaza.
As a result, RTVE chose not only to withdraw Spain’s participation but also to stop broadcasting the event entirely.
The decision prevented this year’s Benidorm Fest winners, Tony Grox and Lucycalys, from representing Spain in Vienna with their song “T Amare.”
Spain’s absence is especially significant because the country traditionally belongs to Eurovision’s Big Five, alongside the United Kingdom, France, Germany and Italy. These broadcasters provide the largest financial contributions to the contest.
Other countries, including the Netherlands, Ireland, Slovenia and Iceland, also distanced themselves from Eurovision in protest over Israel’s continued participation.
How Can You Watch Eurovision 2026 in Spain?
Despite RTVE’s boycott, viewers in Spain can still watch Eurovision live through several online alternatives
Watch Eurovision 2026 on YouTube
The easiest and most reliable option is the official Eurovision YouTube channel, which streams the international broadcast live and free worldwide.
This option allows viewers in Spain to watch:
- The second semi-final
- The grand final
- Post-show highlights and performances
The broadcasts are available on:
- Smartphones
- Tablets
- Smart TVs
- Laptops and desktop computers
The main drawback is that the stream is entirely in English and does not include Spanish commentary.
Still, for many fans and tourists currently in Spain, YouTube remains the simplest way to follow the contest live without restrictions.
Can You Use a VPN to Watch Eurovision in Spain?
Yes. Many viewers are also using VPN services to access broadcasts from countries still airing Eurovision on television.
A VPN allows users to connect through another country and watch streams provided by broadcasters in:
- The United Kingdom
- Germany
- France
- Italy
This option is especially popular among viewers who prefer local commentary or different broadcast coverage.
Popular VPN Options
- Proton VPN
- Surfshark
- Private Internet Access
- CyberGhost
Free VPN services exist, but users often report speed limitations and unstable connections during large live events like Eurovision.
Can You Vote in Eurovision From Spain?
Yes. Even without an official RTVE broadcast, people in Spain can still vote during Eurovision 2026.
Viewers simply need to use the official Eurovision mobile app, available on major app stores.
The app allows fans to:
- Vote for favorite performances
- Follow live results
- Access artist information
- Receive contest updates
Votes from Spain will be included in Eurovision’s “Rest of the World” voting category, which groups territories without an official broadcaster participating in the event.
Although this category carries less weight than votes from participating countries, Spanish viewers will still contribute to the final televote.
Eurovision 2026 Grand Final: Full List of Countries, Singers and Songs
The Eurovision 2026 Grand Final takes place on Saturday, May 16 in Vienna, Austria, with 25 countries competing for the trophy after the two semi-finals concluded this week.
Eurovision 2026 Grand Final: Full List Songs
🇩🇰 Denmark
Artist: Søren Torpegaard Lund
Song: Før Vi Går Hjem
🇩🇪 Germany
Artist: Sarah Engels
Song: Fire
🇮🇱 Israel
Artist: Noam Bettan
Song: Michelle
🇧🇪 Belgium
Artist: ESSYLA
Song: Dancing on the Ice
🇦🇱 Albania
Artist: Alis
Song: Nan
🇬🇷 Greece
Artist: Akylas
Song: Ferto
🇦🇹 Austria
Artist: COSMÓ
Song: Tanzschein
🇸🇪 Sweden
Artist: FELICIA
Song: My System
🇺🇦 Ukraine
Artist: LELÉKA
Song: Ridnym
🇫🇮 Finland
Artist: Linda Lampenius x Pete Parkkonen
Song: Liekinheitin
🇮🇹 Italy
Artist: Sal Da Vinci
Song: Per Sempre Sì
🇲🇹 Malta
Artist: AIDAN
Song: Bella
🇳🇴 Norway
Artist: JONAS LOVV
Song: YA YA YA
🇵🇱 Poland
Artist: ALICJA
Song: Pray
🇨🇾 Cyprus
Artist: Antigoni
Song: JALLA
🇷🇴 Romania
Artist: Alexandra Căpitănescu
Song: Choke Me
🇭🇷 Croatia
Artist: LELEK
Song: Andromeda
🇫🇷 France
Artist: Monroe
Song: Regarde !
🇨🇿 Czechia
Artist: Daniel Zizka
Song: CROSSROADS
🇧🇬 Bulgaria
Artist: DARA
Song: Bangaranga
🇱🇹 Lithuania
Artist: Lion Ceccah
Song: Solo Quiero Mas
🇦🇺 Australia
Artist: Delta Goodrem
Song: Eclipse
🇷🇸 Serbia
Artist: LAVINA
Song: Kraj Mene
🇲🇩 Moldova
Artist: Satoshi
Song: Viva, Moldova!
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
Artist: LOOK MUM NO COMPUTER
Song: Eins, Zwei, Drei
Eurovision 2026 Grand Final Details
- Date: Saturday, May 16, 2026
- Location: Vienna
- Time: 21:00 CET
Where to watch in Spain: Official Eurovision YouTube stream and international broadcasters via VPN access.
Eurovision 2026 Already Marked by Controversy
This year’s contest has already generated major political debate and public protests.
During the first semi-final in Vienna, Israeli contestant Noam Bettan faced interruptions from audience members shouting political slogans during the live performance.
Despite the disruption, Bettan advanced to the grand final alongside acts from Finland, Greece, Sweden and Poland.
The second semi-final also featured several standout performances, with Australian singer Delta Goodrem emerging as one of the audience favorites heading into the final.
Meanwhile, RTVE has chosen to replace Eurovision coverage with alternative entertainment programming, including a special music event featuring artists such as Chanel, Guitarricadelafuente and Raphael.
A Historic Change for Eurovision Fans in Spain
For decades, Eurovision has been a major television tradition in Spain, bringing together families, friends and fans for one of Europe’s biggest annual entertainment events.
This year’s boycott has changed that experience completely.
Even so, online streaming, YouTube broadcasts and mobile voting apps mean that viewers in Spain still have multiple ways to follow Eurovision 2026 live, whether they are longtime fans, tourists visiting the country or international viewers looking for ways to watch abroad.
Photo Attribution:
Eurovision 2023 – Stage, by Michael Doherty Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license Wikimedia Commons: https://w.wiki/NFAS
Eurovisiooni 2002 Raekoja platsil, by Jaan Künnap Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 4.0 International license. Wikimedia Commons: https://w.wiki/NNko
