RTVE launches music special instead of Eurovision 2026 broadcast. RTVE has declined to broadcast Eurovision 2026 following Spain's withdrawal from the contest. Instead, on May 16, La 1 will air a special music program, La Casa de la Música. The show will feature performances by artists from different generations.
RTVE has officially confirmed: in 2026, Spanish television will not broadcast the Eurovision Song Contest. The reason is Spain's decision to withdraw from the contest after organizers refused to exclude Israel. For the first time since 1961, the country will not only not participate, but will also not air the final, which is scheduled for May 16 in Vienna. For many fans, this came as an unexpected blow: Eurovision has traditionally drawn millions of viewers to their screens.
RTVE's musical response
Instead of the usual broadcast, RTVE will offer its own musical project—a special edition of La Casa de la Música. The premiere will take place on the same evening as the Eurovision final, which the rest of Europe will be watching. RTVE management emphasizes that the date was chosen deliberately, as May 16 is International Day of Living Together in Peace, and music remains an important part of European culture.
La Casa de la Música is not a new format for RTVE. The first episode aired last New Year's Eve and attracted almost 4 million viewers, making it one of the season's top performances. Back then, artists performed at iconic venues across Spain: from the Alhambra to the Reina Sofía Museum. The new edition will once again bring together well-known performers and young artists, and will be hosted by Jesús Vázquez, who recently debuted as the presenter of Benidorm Fest.
Lineup and symbolism
Artists from different generations will perform on La Casa de la Música. Among the invited guests are Manuel Carrasco, Mónica Naranjo, Mikel Erentxu, as well as new names appearing on the big screen for the first time, such as Metrika. Benidorm Fest participants will also be present: Lucicalys and Chanel have confirmed their participation. Special attention has been given to inviting Raphael — the artist who has appeared on Spanish television more than anyone else in the past 70 years. Organizers promise a meticulously designed stage and a strong focus on blending musical heritage with contemporary trends.
Reaction and international context
Spain is not the only country to withdraw from participating in or broadcasting Eurovision 2026. Ireland and Slovenia also will not air the contest, while Iceland and the Netherlands have chosen alternative broadcast formats. Slovenia will dedicate a week to special programming about Palestine. Despite the lack of live broadcast, Spanish viewers will be able to vote for Eurovision participants through the 'Rest of the World' category, introduced several years ago.
La Casa de la Música will be part of a large-scale RTVE initiative to support musical culture. Additional programs, documentaries, and series dedicated to the role of music in television history are planned throughout the year. This approach underscores RTVE's commitment to maintaining its leadership in promoting the nation's musical heritage and supporting new talent.
Attention to musical events in Spain is traditionally high. For example, interest in major sports and cultural broadcasts is steadily growing, as confirmed by the recent start of the 2026 Tour de France in Barcelona, which attracted a wide audience. The new RTVE special project could become a similar draw for viewers deprived of the usual Eurovision.
