What’s been unveiled
The EBU has rolled out a refreshed identity for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest (Austria 2026). At its core is a glossy 3D “Chameleon Heart” paired with a new custom typeface, Singing Sans, while “United by Music” stays as the umbrella line. The heart debuts with 70 layers—a tidy nod to each contest year—and the system is meant to flex across broadcast, social and live shows.
Why fans are split
The concept reads clearly on paper, but first reactions from the fan community are sharply divided. Many praise the intent and the anniversary symbolism. Others argue the drop looks “AI-generated” and a bit lazy, with a plastic sheen that feels more prompt-core than premium craft. The new font is also taking heat—described as clumsy and bubbly—and, in some lock-ups, the slogan appears to overpower the contest name, throwing the balance off.
Animation: not winning converts (yet)
Motion often sells a system; here, the early clips haven’t softened critics. The saturated gradients and candy gloss strike some as childish or “Barbie-like,” more toy-box than arena-epic. That fuels the feeling that, for a 70th milestone, the reveal is a bit disappointing—glossy but short on wow.
Where it could still work
Context matters. Once Austria’s host-city package, show graphics and country postcards key into the Chameleon Heart, the palette and motion language may settle—and the practicality of a unified toolkit (consistent logo + custom font) will pay off across apps, broadcasts and live signage. Eurovision identities have a habit of growing on people once rehearsals and live shows give them scale.
Our verdict (for now)
Ambition and utility? Clear. Emotional punch on day one? Mixed. The symbolism is mid; the finish and typography choices will need the show build to truly sing.
Glow-up or let-down? Does the 70th-anniversary look win you over, or would you tweak the font, colour balance and slogan lock-up to make it pop? Drop your take in the comments!
