DARA and Delta Goodrem separated by five votes in second Audience Poll

The second evening dress rehearsal of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 is complete. After the dust and pyrotechnics, settled on the Wiener Stadthalle the Eurovision 2026 Audience Poll team asked members of the audience who their favourite act of the night was.

Bulgaria and Australia dominate second Audience Poll

In this fourth edition of the Eurovision Audience Poll, run by a collective of six fan media platforms (ESC Insight, 12 Points From America, ESCXTRA, ESC Gabe, Merci Cheri Podcast and That Eurovision Site), it was the battle of the banger versus the ballad. Bulgaria’s DARA won tonight’s poll by only five votes! ‘Bangaranga’ received 472 votes, (16.7%) compared to Australia’s Delta Goodrem who received 467 votes, (16.5%).

Following them by some distance, Denmark’s Søren Torpegaard Lund rounds out the podium with 328 votes, (11.6%). Also in touching distance of the top three is Norway who received 313 votes, (11.1%) for its closing showpiece. The crowd pleasing performance from Cyprus appealed to the audience members to complete the top five. ‘Jalla’ received 295 votes, (10.4%).

Below in the midfield contenders we have Romania in sixth place, (7.4%). After this there is clear divide between the audience reaction and the current live odds. Despite the bookmakers considering Luxembourg a certain non-qualifier, the audience disagreed. Placing them in seventh, (5.3%). Closing out the remainder of the top ten are Albania in eighth, (4.4%) and Malta twenty votes behind, (3.7%). Just squeezing into tenth spot is our 2025 host Switzerland, (3.4%). Another performance that the bookies have place in non-qualification territory.

Just outside the top ten is Czechia. Missing out by eleven votes, (3%). At the bottom of the table are, Ukraine (2.9%), Latvia (1.6%), Armenia (1.3%) and Azerbaijan (0.5%). The last place in the poll received only fifteen votes. This is the third year in a row that Azerbaijan has achieved last place.

Analysing the second Audience Poll results

Compared to previous expectations from bookmakers, fans and the Press Poll, there are some surprising conclusions. Both the Press Poll and the Audience Poll had Bulgaria as its winner. Suggesting crossover appeal for the jury and televoters. Interestingly the people polled were clear in their answer. During the first evening of polling, many simply said, “the first one”, in reference to Moldova. Last night, this response reduced. Most were direct in saying, “Bulgaria” or, “the Bangaranga!” Another point to note is that the responses for Bulgaria came from a broad range of ages and backgrounds. To have the opening act win both Audience Polls is quite the achievement. Showcasing the importance of having the complete package in terms of staging and song.

For the most part, there is good agreement between the polls. Both share the same eight countries in their respective top tens. As well sharing an identical top three in the exact order. Only being five votes behind Bulgaria is great news for Australia. Typically known for struggling in the televote, this year the nation has left nothing to chance. The star power and vocals of Delta Goodrem ensured a predominantly German-speaking public paid attention. Again following the narrative set in the first poll with Poland’s high placement that, ‘locals go for vocals’. The pathway for Australia to attain its best result since Dami Im is very much open.

In the case of Norway, the benefit of being the closing entry to the Semi-Final broadcasts is clear. A lot of people still chanting, “YA YA YA YA!” As they left the building. Again, young and old alike were keen to make their votes known for Norway. However, quite a few responses came from the British fans travelling to Vienna. Perhaps the Harry Styles-esque showmanship of Jonas Lovv breaking through?

In the Press Poll, the voters from the media centre able to see Czechia down the camera and absorb the performance of Daniel, led to an impressive fourth place. Yet in the Audience Poll it could only manage eleventh. It is worth understanding that Czechia is heavily reliant on the TV version for the full effect of the mirror structures used on stage. It is a song for the jury, and the viewers at home that will appreciate the visuals that Daniel creates.

Once more, Ukraine finds itself struggling to find traction with the voting audience. Most of the responses coming from Ukrainians attending the evening preview. Understandably it is a performance made to stir the televoting diaspora. Although it will also hold the attention of the jury for the infamous 40-second note.

Of course, it comes as no surprise that Luxembourg and Switzerland overachieved in the poll compared to the expectations of the bookmakers and voting press members. A large proportion of the ticket sales come from Austria and Switzerland. Naturally they will support their own entries and those of their fellow German-speaking nations. Austria’s 288 votes last night being a prime example. Although, a lot of the respondents took a long time to remember, “the ‘Mother Nature’ one.” Even with picture guidance, more time was spent engaging with these audience members than for any other entry.

The Eurovision Audience Poll returns on Friday

The second Semi-Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place tonight at 20:00 BST. Fifteen acts will battle for ten tickets to the Grand Final on Saturday. Make sure you tune in to find out who will make it through.

On Friday, the Eurovision 2026 Audience Poll will return for its final outing. Our team will once again hit the streets of Basel to ask the audience about their favourites. Members of ESC Insight, 12 Points From America, ESCXTRA, ESC Gabe, Merci Cherie Podcast and That Eurovision Site will join forces again to make sure we will all know what the audience thought of the Grand Final after watching the evening dress rehearsal.

Do you agree with the results of the Audience Poll for SF2? Let us know! Keep track of the latest news by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra.bsky.social on Bluesky, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok, subscribing to YouTube and liking our Facebook page! Also, follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts.