PIANO Man Billy Joel has recorded a special interview to air during Eurovision thanks to his song named after host city Vienna, I can reveal.
Afterwards, Austrian singer Cesar Sampson, who finished third in 2018, will cover the song before the results are revealed.
I’m told there were hopes Billy could fly over to make a surprise appearance at the contest.
But it was ruled out on health grounds.
Billy was diagnosed last May with a rare neurological disorder that can cause issues with hearing, balance and vision, although he is having physical therapy to treat it.
The musician has already cancelled all of his 2026 concerts, including shows in Edinburgh and Liverpool.
However, he did make a surprise appearance in Florida on January 2.
A source close to the singer, who will turn 77 a week before the final on May 16, said: “Billy has recorded an interview talking about his love for Vienna and his links to the city, which is all tied into his song.
“Organisers originally hoped he could perform but that was ruled out. They will be making a big deal of this very rare interview with him.”
He has sold more than 160million records and is one of the best-selling artists of all time.
Vienna was released in 1977 as the B-side to Just The Way You Are, and is now among his most popular tracks.
Ultravox’s 1980 hit, also called Vienna, is arguably even more popular.
But frontman Midge Ure certainly won’t be there, as he will be in the middle of a UK tour.
The 70th edition of the contest will take place at the Wiener Stadthalle arena after 166million tuned in to see Austrian singer JJ win with Wasted Love last year.
Celine Dion had been in talks to perform at the 2025 event in Switzerland, but it didn’t happen as she continued to battle Stiff Person Syndrome.
I’ll have to keep my fingers crossed that the Eurovision entries themselves provide plenty of entertainment instead.