Eurovision to change audience voting rules

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is considering changes to the audience voting system at the Eurovision Song Contest, which could be introduced as early as 2027.

As the Swedish outlet Aftonbladet reports, the EBU has sent broadcasters of the participating countries a letter explaining the recent rule changes. The document, in particular, refers to plans to move audience voting entirely online.

In addition, it is proposed to require viewers to vote for several participants at once — for example, to choose their three favorites.

The EBU explains the need for the changes by the fact that the current geopolitical situation increasingly influences the results of audience voting. According to the organization, viewers may support individual performers for reasons not directly related to their performances.

“This is not new in the history of Eurovision — we have seen similar things before. But this time it is of a sustained nature and for many raises serious concern,” the letter says.

The EBU believes that the transition to online voting and the ability to choose several favorites at once will help increase viewer engagement and reduce the influence of organized bloc voting, without jeopardizing the fairness of and trust in the contest.

According to the outlet, work on the new system is already underway — the EBU expects to have it ready for the Eurovision 2027 contest, which will be held in Bulgaria.

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