As the EBU expands Eurovision juries to seven members and mandates a youth quota for 2026, we dive into the history books to see if younger voters actually change the game. Our data model reveals that while age rarely causes a rift, these extra voices might on occasion result in a change in who wins the Eurovision Song Contest.

On this episode, James analyses the latest update, explains the change in methodology that has created the brand-new look to The Model, and answers your questions on what The Model does – and doesn’t – take into account.

Finland hits the front as The Model updates its forecast – with a tweak to the system taking ‘My System’ off top spot. James Stephenson explores why ‘Liekinheitin’ is now in first place, two new qualifiers and more from this week’s projection.

The random draw has placed Austria in the final performance slot for 2026, but should such a pivotal moment of atmosphere be left to chance? By making the Host Country the permanent closer, Eurovision would guarantee that the show ends on the ultimate crescendo.

In its first forecast, The Model has Felicia and her song ‘My System’ winning Eurovision if it were held today, but there are more stories on the podium an in the Semi Final qualifiers. James Stephenson goes in-depth with the first look at the runners an riers for Vienna 2026.

In the first episode of ‘Inside The Model’ podcast, James Stephenson discusses the results of the first set of predictions and talks over the intricacies that lie behind the results with ESC Gabe.