The capital of Ostry, Jakóbsgard, will bring Globe Fest to Aridia for the first time next year, having been announced as the host of the 2026 show during last night’s super final in Bishop, Queensland.
The island nation made its debut at the international music show in 2019, quickly cementing itself as a force to be reckoned with – rising to an acclaimed second place finish last year in Angougane, and taking another consecutive top three result in yesterday’s final. It was not however seen as a likely host for the 2026 competition – with Calania’s Midrasia and South Savannah both firmly considered frontrunners. The surprise decision caught commentators off guard, although speculation had mounted in the hours before as a significantly larger than expected Ostrian delegation was present at the Glantis Arena in Queensland’s biggest city.
Globe Fest operator Wonder Productions, led by siblings Liza and Luca Ford, said in a press release prior to the announcement that the decision demonstrated their “committment to increasing the audience of” and “incorporating new markets into” the show. At the final Liza, the competition’s Executive Commissioner, said the deal marked a “new chapter” – seeking to demonstrate again that smaller nations would be more than able to host the globally popular show. “Ostry at Globe Fest has been mighty – punching well above their weight as a relatively small island nation. I have no doubt they will bring that same spirit to hosting next year, and we’re delighted to have agreed with the host broadcaster, the city of Jakóbsgard and the government to bring the show to Aridia for the very first time.” The contract was reportedly signed prior to this year’s final, in November. The Gothic nation’s largest indoor arena, the Saint Jakóbs Halle, will now host the show during its regular December slot in 2026, bringing around 100,000 tourists to the capital over the week.
The Livinian Kingdom meanwhile took the trophy in Bishop with its breakout star Fuenta performing the self-composed ‘Tramuntana’ – marking a return of a national language winner for the first time since 2019; with the song written entirely in Vallesian. A relatively laid back and timeless guitar-ballad, the entry stands in strong contrast to last year’s ferociously powerful winner from Gunnland. Livinia won over hosts Queenland, and third place Ostry and marks their first time as champions.
Polasciana failed to qualify to Friday’s final for the first time in several years, with PTV vowing to “come back stronger” next year. It is thought their first-choice to enter the competition, Juuts, turned down the broadcaster at the last minute.
