Belgium Confirms Eurovision 2026 Entry: RTBF Gears Up for Austria
As preparations for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest pick up pace, Belgium has officially confirmed its participation. RTBF, the country’s French-language public broadcaster, has stated that it will lead Belgium’s journey to Austria 2026, ensuring that the kingdom of chocolate and surrealism remains in the spotlight on Europe’s most dazzling stage.
Michaël De Lil, the newly appointed Head of Delegation for RTBF, broke the news to ESCspot. While no concrete details have been shared about the selection process, insiders expect RTBF to opt once again for an internal selection—a quiet yet calculated approach that’s become its calling card.
Belgium remains unique in Eurovision for its bilingual balancing act: RTBF and VRT alternate years in managing the country’s participation. This year, RTBF takes the reins, following VRT’s efforts in 2025, when Red Sebastian represented Belgium with the upbeat track Strobe Lights. Despite a dynamic performance, the singer placed 14th in Semi-Final One, scoring 23 points, including a full 12 points from San Marino—a heartfelt endorsement from a microstate with macro opinions.
In a twist from tradition, VRT organised a televised national selection in 2025, a rarity in recent years. Whether RTBF will follow suit or return to its more discreet method is still unknown, but either way, expectations are already buildingamong fans and commentators alike.
Whatever RTBF decides, Belgium has always been a wildcard in the Eurovision universe—capable of delivering both cult classics and chart-friendly gems, with a knack for flying under the radar until it suddenly doesn’t. Think Loïc Nottet, think Hooverphonic, and brace yourself for whatever comes next.
As Austria fine-tunes its hosting plans, the spotlight is now on RTBF to deliver a song and artist worthy of Eurovision’s platinum anniversary. A moody ballad? A synth-pop banger? A multilingual spoken-word jazz odyssey in three acts? In Belgium, all bets are on.
Stay tuned, because if there’s one thing Eurovision has taught us, it’s that Belgium rarely does the obvious—and often delivers the unforgettable.
Source: EscSpot
