Every returning Eurovision artist at Vienna 2026
- Joel Grace
- Apr 10
- 3 min read
One of the most exciting things for Eurovision fans is seeing favourites from previous Contests return for another attempt at Eurovision glory.
Names like Loreen, Alexander Rybak, Lena, Helena Paparizou, Carola and Johnny Logan are legendary in the Eurovision world not just for their wins, but their gift to fans by returning to Eurovision a second (and even a third) time.
Familiar faces return to the stage every year, bringing a mix of experience, reinvention, and often a bucketload of unfinished business.
The 2026 contest in Vienna is no exception. Several artists arriving this year already carry Eurovision history with them - some as past competitors, some as selected representatives who never got to perform (thanks 2020), or stars from Eurovision’s wider family of events.
Here’s a complete look at every returning Eurovision artist competing in Eurovision 2026, and the stories behind their comeback.
Vanilla Ninja (Estonia)
Previous appearance: Eurovision 2005 (Switzerland)
Making possibly the most anticipated return this year, pop rock trio Vanilla Ninja are the most nostalgic returnees of Eurovision 2026. The band previously represented Switzerland in Kyiv 2005 with Cool Vibes, finishing eighth in the grand final and becoming one of the contest’s most enduring mid-2000s acts.
Now competing for their home country Estonia with Too Epic To Be True, the ladies return more than two decades later with a track that oozes nostalgia and feels instantly familiar in the best possible way.
Senhit (San Marino)
Previous appearances: Eurovision 2011, 2021 (also selected for 2020)
Few artists are as synonymous with Eurovision persistence as Senhit. She first represented San Marino in 2011 before being internally selected again for the cancelled 2020 contest. Her eventual return in 2021 with Adrenalina featuring Flo Rida delivered San Marino one of its most memorable entries.
In 2026, Senhit attempts Eurovision once again with Superstar, this time collaborating with Boy George on a very brief guest appearance towards the last moments of the track.
Alicja (Poland)
Previous selection: Eurovision 2020 (cancelled)
After being internally selected to represent Poland in 2020 with Empires, the contest’s cancellation due to the COVID-19 pandemic prevented Alicja from ever taking the Eurovision stage.
Six years later, her national final selection for Vienna 2026 with the song Pray finally gives Alicja her long-awaited Eurovision moment.
Bzikebi (Georgia)
Previous appearance: Junior Eurovision Song Contest 2008
Eurovision 2026 also welcomes alumni from the Junior Eurovision universe, with Georgian trio Bzikebi graduating to the main contest after famously winning Junior Eurovision 2008 with the unforgettable Bzzz.
They join a long list of Junior Eurovision artists that return to the stage for Eurovision proper, showing how the junior edition serves as a development pathway toward the main contest.
Essyla (Belgium)
Previous appearance: Eurovision Choir 2019 (Belgium)
Although making her Eurovision debut this year with Dancing On The Ice, Belgium’s Essyla has previously participated in another branch of the Eurovision family tree.
In 2019 Essyla took part in Eurovision Choir as part of the Belgian ensemble Almakalia. Although differing significantly from the main contest and only lasting for two editions, it made its mark as an official European Broadcasting Union competition, which means Essyla earns her spot in this list as a returning Eurovision-universe artist.
Aliona Moon (Backing Vocalist, Moldova)
Previous appearance: Eurovision 2013 (Moldova); Eurovision 2012 (as backing vocalist for Pasha Parfeny)
Although not competing as a lead artist this year, Aliona Moon returns to Eurovision as part of Moldova’s delegation, providing backing vocals for Satoshi’s Viva, Moldova!
Fans fondly remember her moving performance of O mie in Malmö 2013, where she achieved an impressive 11th-place finish.
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As we can see from this year’s list of returnees, Eurovision doesn’t necessarily have to be a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! Whether it’s to compete for a different nation, advancing from the junior contest, or vying for victory one more time, one thing for sure is that fans are delighted to see so many familiar faces (and voices) once again.
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The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna is expected to feature several returning artists, bringing experienced performers back to the stage with new songs, refreshed concepts, and evolved musical styles. Returning contestants often attract strong attention because audiences are already familiar with their stage presence and past performances, creating excitement and anticipation for how they have grown artistically since their last appearance. These artists typically combine previous experience with new creative direction to stand out in a highly competitive environment. Much like the craftsmanship of a kemono fursuit maker, their performances require creativity, detail, and reinvention to transform ideas into memorable and expressive stage experiences.