Eurovision 2026: Meet Belgium’s Essyla and her song Dancing on the Ice

We profile the 2026 entry from Belgium including details on the artist, song, how it was chosen, odds, fan reaction and how the nation has fared at Eurovision.

Belgium was one of the seven countries to take part in the very first Eurovision Song Contest in 1956 and has remained a regular participant ever since.

The nation has won the contest once, when Sandra Kim triumphed with J’aime la vie in 1986. In more recent years, Belgium has delivered a mix of results, including standout 4th place finishes in 2015 with Loïc Nottet and his entry Rhythm Inside and 2017 with Blanche with City Lights.

However, in recent times they have made the Grand Final just three times in seven Contests. They are coming off two non-qualifications in a row.

Belgium’s selection process alternates between broadcasters RTBF and VRT, often resulting in contemporary and distinctive entries that lean toward modern pop and alternative sounds.

Hoping to return to the Grand Final in 2026 is Essyla with her entry, Dancing on the Ice.

2026 entry: Essyla - Dancing on the Ice

• Belgium is performing 11th in semi-final 1

• My Eurovision Scoreboard ranking: 20th

• Odds to win ranking: 29th

(Rankings as of 29 April 2026)

About the artist

Essyla, born Alice Van Eesbeeck, is a 30-year-old Belgian singer-songwriter from Perwez in Walloon Brabant.

She first came to national attention in 2020 when she finished runner-up on the ninth season of The Voice Belgique, where she was coached by Typh Barrow. The season was won by Jérémie Makiese, who later represented Belgium at Eurovision.

Raised in a musical environment and influenced by French chanson, Essyla later expanded her sound through jazz, folk, rock and funk. She refined her vocal technique at the Royal Superior Institute of Music and Pedagogy (IMEP) in Namur.

She began her solo career with the singles Let You Go and Not My Kind of Dude in 2023, both of which received radio support, before releasing her debut EP I’ll Be Okay. The project centred on themes of self-esteem and female empowerment.

About the song

Dancing on the Ice is a modern electro-pop track developed during a songwriting camp organised by SABAM, bringing together emerging Belgian artists.

The song was co-written with Belgian iartist Benni, with additional composition contributions from Emil Stengele and production led by Nicolas D’Avell.

Built on a sleek electronic rhythm, the track explores resilience through uncertainty, using dance as a metaphor for continuing forward even when everything feels unstable. Its message centres on perseverance, with movement framed as an act of strength.

The official music video, directed by James Barbosa alongside choreographer David Vandenplas, features ten dancers and emphasises physical expression as a form of emotional storytelling.

Vocally, the track highlights Essyla’s control and versatility, including layered backing vocals performed by the artist herself and subtle stylistic influences that add texture to the production.

How was Essyla chosen for Eurovision?

Belgium’s entry for Eurovision 2026 was selected internally by French-speaking broadcaster RTBF.

Essyla and Dancing on the Ice were chosen following an internal selection process involving industry professionals, with the artist announced on 19 February 2026.

Belgium will compete in the first semi-final of the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest on 12 May 2026 in Vienna.

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