Eurovision 2026: Belgium reaches Saturday’s final with Dancing on the Ice

Belgium has qualified for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time since 2023 following singer Essyla’s semi-final performance.

The former finalist on The Voice Belgique was one of 15 contestants in the first round of the competition. She performed the electro-pop number Dancing on the Ice to secure her spot in Saturday’s final in Vienna. The second semi-final takes place on Thursday evening.

“It really is a long journey, where you have to prove you deserve your place,” she said following her selection, reports VRT.  “This makes me so proud. It means our little country counts. We’ve worked hard to secure this spot for Belgium.”

Born Alice Van Eesbeeck, and originating from Perwez in Walloon Brabant, Essyla appeared in the ninth season of the Belgian edition The Voice, along with Jérémie Makiesse, who represented Belgium at Eurovision in 2022.

Her song Dancing on the Ice is co-written and produced by Nicolas D’Avell and Emil Stengele and supported by a 100% Belgian creative team.

But this year’s Eurovision, the show's 70th anniversary, has been overshadowed by a bitter row over Israel. Competition regulars, Ireland, the Netherlands, Iceland, Spain and Slovenia, have refused to take part in the event.

In addition, thousands of high-profile musicians around the world have called for a boycott in an open letter. “For the third consecutive year, they’ll find Israel celebrated onstage despite its ongoing genocide in Gaza, while Russia remains banned for its illegal invasion of Ukraine,” it says. 

Photos: Essyla in Vienna ©Essyla.com