Belgium 2026: ESSYLA with ‘Dancing on the Ice’

Eurovision 2026 has seen 5 regular participant withdrawals and Belgium you sense were pretty close to joining in on that (or missing out on the contest). Instead, Essyla is here and she’s Dancing on the Ice:

It’s not really great of me on Essyla to bring this up or technically relevant to her chances directly but the rumour mill and just general standard of this with Belgium typically being relatively strong in studio form from both broadcasters do point towards this not being the first choice they had this year.

I do mention this because it’s kind of the impression the song itself gives off. It’s alright, it’s fine, it’s not an embarrassment, it avoids any withdrawal fees. What it isn't is noteworthy or a competitive contest song. There’s no USP, there’s no call to vote, there’s no national branding even. I don’t think it’s the worst offender of that this year and once again in isolation this is fine but who will have this as their favourite or second favourite song out of 15? (or 25) which is kind of the minimum barrier needed have any hopes on the Televote.

The second half of semi one where this is is weak overall but Belgium might, without any significant diaspora or bloc support in here, be favourite to finish last in the televote. The juries offer more of a hope and it’s possible, perhaps likely even, this gets into their ten but there’s nothing here to warrant a huge push that may be required. Belgium aren’t one of the most trustworthy on staging with either broadcaster but do have a knack of turning unfancied entries at this stage of the year into respectable all round packages.

The ‘Dancing on the Ice’ tag does offer an obvious staging concept/gimmick if they choose to go that route (I’ve not read into it) and they probably should to be honest to give this a bit more of an identity and memorability as “the ice one” whilst giving the jurors some choreography to reward. That’s their path through in my opinion and the first stills of the rehearsal could tell us if Belgium are actually trying and have a chance to qualify or not. I’m not demanding Essyla herself literally has her skates on but some mild choreography or approach similar to the music video will not cut it. As another pro, it might stop a certain idiot from mishearing this as ‘dancing on the eye’ 👁️.

I’m saying out for now just based on the televote hill to climb but chance this gets through in 9th or 10th.

Personal Rating: 10/20

Televote Potential: 5/20

Jury Potential: 10/20

Staging Potential: 15/20

Track Record: 10/20

Overall Rating: 50/100

Early Prediction: Semi One 12th-15th, 19th-23rd if in the Final.