The numbers
The 70th Eurovision Song Contest Semi-Finals will take place in Vienna on May 12 and May 14, 2026, culminating in the Grand Final on May 16, 2026. This year’s event marks a significant milestone in Eurovision history, celebrating 70 years since its inception in 1956.
In a notable development, the Big 4 countries—France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom—along with the Host Country Austria, will automatically compete in the Grand Final, ensuring a strong lineup of performances. This format aims to maintain high viewer engagement and showcase a diverse array of musical talent.
Amidst the excitement of the upcoming contest, country music duo Dan + Shay have released a new song titled “Say So,” which addresses critical issues surrounding mental health and suicide prevention. The song is dedicated to their late mentor, Ben Vaughn, who tragically died by suicide in January 2025 at the age of 50.
“Say So” reflects on the unexpected loss of a friend, with poignant lyrics that resonate deeply with listeners. Dan + Shay expressed their grief through the first verse, stating, “I got a call from a friend who don’t call very often / Broke it to me and I couldn’t believe that we lost him / Really felt like it came out of nowhere / But it never really comes out of nowhere / It’s crazy the pain that we carry when nobody’s watchin‘.” This heartfelt tribute aims to encourage individuals to check in on their friends regarding mental health.
The song was co-written by Dan + Shay alongside Jimmy Robbins and David Hodges, emphasizing the collaborative nature of their creative process. Dan Smyers, one half of the duo, remarked, “We think this song sounds like a hit and is commercial, but if it’s not, if it flops, God forbid, it helps one person, if it saves one person’s life, it was worth it.” This statement underscores their commitment to using their platform for positive change.
In conjunction with the contest, the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 album is available for pre-order on CD and vinyl, allowing fans to engage with the music of the event even before it takes place. The anticipation surrounding the contest and the accompanying music releases highlights the cultural significance of Eurovision in the global music landscape.
As the event approaches, observers are eager to see how the performances will unfold and what impact Dan + Shay’s song will have on the conversation surrounding mental health. Details remain unconfirmed regarding the full lineup of artists participating in the contest, but the excitement continues to build as the dates draw nearer.