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Eurovision fans have vented their fury online after Czechia was denied the opportunity to perform again after a technical blunder ruined their song.
Tonight, while Daniel Žižka was singing his song Crossroads in Vienna, his performance was beset with a few technical issues.
The screen glitched as he sang and danced through a chamber of mirrors, with people online claiming it was an obvious camera malfunction.
The mistakes were so noticeable that UK commentator Graham Norton felt the need to comment on them, explaining they didn’t happen during rehearsal.
Graham also added that a cameraman fell over while filming.
While Daniel managed to finish his performance, fans watching at home were quick to ask if he would be given the chance to perform again.
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‘Technical hitch in Czechia! Picture kaput for seconds. According to the rules of [Eurovision], Czechia can decide whether Daniel Žižka wants to sing again,’ wrote @mz_storymakers.
‘I wonder if Czechia will argue that they should sing again, that was about 30 seconds of technical issues,’ asked @ESC_At9.
Eurovision rules state that performers are allowed to request the option to sing again if a malfunction disrupts their routine.
In 2010, Spain’s entry, Daniel Diges, was allowed to perform again after a stage invader spoiled his song.
It was quickly confirmed that Czechia’s delegation has officially submitted a claim to the EBU requesting that they be allowed to perform again.
Should Czechia be allowed to perform again
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Yes
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No
However, the EBU has reportedly denied their request.
‘There was a small camera issue during the performance of Czechia’s song at the Grand Final,’ the EBU’s statement read.
‘The performance and audio were not affected, so the song will not be performed again”
Fans were outraged on Czechia’s behalf and made their feelings known on X.
@esc_gabe wrote: ‘Outrageous decision. Completely ridiculous and unfair.’
‘IT WAS NOT A MINOR ISSUE,’ claimed @frorglvr. Meanwhile @ESCViking wrote: ‘What a terrible take. And what an easy win to get broadcasters to like the EBU again.’
Fans have been upset for Czechia, with many pointing out how terrible it was that it happened to such a strong contender.
@norris12_ wrote on X: ‘Camera malfunction during Czechia is actually diabolical Eurovision when I get you.’
‘Huge shame about the technical issues for Czechia, cameraman issues? A stunning voice, one of my favs, will hopefully do well, but yeah #eurovision,’ added @Yellows4Life.
Some fans were so disappointed that they even consulted the Eurovision rulebook, looking for a loophole allowing Daniel to sing again.
Meanwhile, @ju_saik compared Daniel’s issues to Zoë Më’s problems in the semi-final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.
‘Why did it have to happen to him? 😭 Last year it was Zoë. Always my favourite.’
While the majority of viewers seemed to think the malfunctions may have damaged Czechia’s chances, not everyone is convinced.
‘Czechia came to Eurovision 2026 like they had a concept, a smoke machine, and exactly zero interest in explaining the plot,’ wrote @NYAndreas.
You can’t please them all, I guess!
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