Linda Lampenius will play the violin live for Finland at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, marking a change from the contest’s use of recorded instrumental backing tracks.
An much-awaited reveal
Lampenius announced on Instagram on Wednesday, May 6, 2026 that she had been cleared to play violin-led parts live on the Eurovision stage during Finland’s 2026 entry.
“We are very honoured and grateful to be a part of history,” Lampenius wrote. “After countless rehearsals, trials and discussions we are proud to announce that Linda Lampenius is allowed to and will play violin-led parts live on the Eurovision stage. It brings us immerse joy that her voice will be heard through her violin on the biggest night in music.”
The announcement makes Finland one of the contest’s special cases involving live instrumental performance in the modern Eurovision era. Since 1999, Eurovision entries have used recorded instrumental backing tracks, while lead vocals have remained live.
Questions have also been raised about Portugal’s 2026 entry after it was noted that the violin player in Portugal’s performance appears to have a microphone attached to the instrument. ESCXTRA has reached out to the Portugal delegation for clarification.
A history of live instruments at Eurovision
The Eurovision Song Contest used a live orchestra from its first contest in 1956 through 1998. During that era, singers performed with the host broadcaster’s orchestra, and delegations could bring conductors to lead their arrangements.
The rules began to shift in the 1970s, when recorded backing tracks were allowed. The contest later moved toward recorded accompaniment as pop music became more tied to studio production, electronic sounds and staging demands.
The orchestra was made optional in 1999, and the host broadcaster in Jerusalem did not provide one. Since then, the contest has been known for live vocals over recorded instrumental tracks.
That rule shaped some of Eurovision’s instrument-based performances. Alexander Rybak, who won for Norway in 2009 with “Fairytale,” performed on stage with a violin, but the violin heard in the broadcast was part of the backing track. The same applied to other entries that featured guitars, drums, pianos, saxophones and folk instruments as part of the stage performance.
The rule has led to questions from fans and delegations when instruments are central to an entry. In 2025, Italy’s Lucio Corsi was allowed to play harmonica live during his performance, creating one of the recent exceptions to the contest’s recorded-instrument practice.
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That is very great news !!! I am very happy for Finland which they are my big favorites this year !!!!