Polish broadcaster TVP has confirmed that this year’s Wielki Finał of Kwalifikacje 2026 will feature pre-recorded performances rather than live on-the-night acts.
Why is pre-recorded used
TVP says the decision to pre-record is intended to:
- Ensure the highest technical quality for all performances.
- Minimise technical risks during the live broadcast.
- Allow producers and artists to concentrate on staging and presentation ahead of time.
The finalists will record their performances on February 28 and March 1 at the Jaka to melodia? studio, with the recordings scheduled to air on March 7. Reports indicate that the artists were informed of this format change only recently, with Basia Giewont noting that she might not have entered the competition had this approach been announced earlier. The original rules of the Polish selection had specified that the final would take place on February 14.
8 artists in the running to represent Poland in Vienna
TVP has confirmed that eight artists will participate in this year’s selection, with Alicja (who was set to represent Poland at Eurovision 2020), being part of the line-up. The artists participating in the Polish selection are:
| Artist | Entry (English Translation) |
| Alicja | “Pray” |
| Anastazja | “Wild Child” |
| Basia Giewont | “Zimna Woda” (Cold Water” |
| Jeremi Sikorski | “Cienie Przeszłości” (Shadows of the Past) |
| Karolina Szczurowska | “Nie Bój Się” (Don’t Be Afraid) |
| Ola Antoniak | “Don’t You Try” |
| Piotr Pręgowski | “Parawany Tango” (Tango Screens) |
| Stasiek Kukulski | “This Too Shall Pass” |
Poland’s Eurovision Journey
In 1994, Poland made their debut at the Eurovision Song Contest, represented by Edyta Górniak with the song “To nie ja!” and placed 2nd, Poland’s best result at the contest to date. Since then, Poland has participated 26 times, qualifying for the Grand Final 16 times.
Poland selected Justyna Steczkowska to represent the nation at Eurovision 2025 with “GAJA”, thirty years after her first participation. She qualified for the final, ultimately finishing in 14th place with 156 points. Of these, 17 came from the jury, while the remaining 139 came from the televote.
What do you think of the pre-recorded decision? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow “That Eurovision Site” on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads and Bluesky as we look ahead to Eurovision 2026!
News Source: Dziennik Eurowizyjny
Photo Credit: TVP
Tim J 
Euan T 
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