Poland in Eurovision 2026 Final: Alicja’s ‘Pray’

13 May 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Alicja Szemplińska secured Poland in the Eurovision final with ‘Pray’. Read why this matters for expats living in or visiting Poland.

Poland in the Eurovision final after Alicja Szemplińska advanced from the first semi-final in Vienna. Moreover, her soulful ballad “Pray” connected with viewers and juries alike, sending Poland to the May 16 grand final.

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How Alicja reached the stage

Consequently, Szemplińska performed 14th out of 15 acts in the first semi-final. However, the show felt tense at times. In addition, bookmakers gave her a 75 percent chance to advance. Therefore, the prediction proved accurate when Poland made the top ten. Moreover, viewers saw a mix of R&B, gospel and hip-hop influences in her song. The track features work by Weronika “Veira” Gabryelczyk and London writer Sinclair Malcolm. Meanwhile, Alicja’s live voice showed clear power. Consequently, the performance translated well to TV audiences.

Poland in the Eurovision final: why this matters

In short, this result matters beyond music. For one, Alicja represents a comeback narrative for Poland. She first won The Voice of Poland in 2019. However, COVID-19 stopped her first Eurovision chance in 2020. Six years later, she returned with an English-language chapter of her art. Therefore, this qualifier signals Poland’s renewed presence on the international stage. Moreover, it brings attention to Polish pop culture for non-Polish audiences.

Night highlights and controversies

In addition to Poland’s advance, the semi-final delivered standout moments. For example, San Marino featured Boy George alongside Senhit. Moreover, Finland remains a strong favorite overall. However, the contest also faced political noise. Several countries boycotted Israel’s participation. Consequently, the field shrank to 35 nations. In addition, the EBU later allowed Israel to compete after a General Assembly vote. Therefore, discussions about politics in culture continue across Europe.

Moreover, this edition marks Eurovision’s 70th anniversary. Consequently, Vienna hosted special guest acts, and a 70-person choir opened the show. In addition, Italy and Germany performed as members of the so-called Big Four.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you plan to attend future events or festivals in Poland, remember local systems matter. For example, ZUS handles social insurance contributions, and NFZ runs public health care access. Moreover, “mandat” means a fine for minor offences. In addition, PESEL is the national ID number used for many registrations. Therefore, carry proper ID and health coverage when you travel or move to Poland.

The second semi-final happens on May 14 at Wiener Stadthalle. Moreover, the grand final will air on May 16 at 21:00. Therefore, Polish viewers can watch on TVP1 and TVP VOD. However, Poles living abroad can still vote for Alicja from their host countries. Consequently, expat communities often organise watch parties in cafés and cultural centres.

Finally, Alicja’s emotional return has resonated across Europe. In addition, her performance reminds audiences that contests can shape careers. Therefore, expect a surge of interest in Polish music after the final.

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