Austria's National Selection Process
Austria, the host nation for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, is holding its national selection titled 'Vienna Calling – Who Will Sing for Austria?'. The final will feature 12 performers, with the winner decided by a combined vote: 50% from a professional jury and 50% from the public. The selection final begins at 21:15, while the main Eurovision event in Vienna is scheduled for May 12, 14, and 16, 2026. This is Austria's first national final in nearly a decade, adding significant anticipation for the result.
Austria's Eurovision Track Record
Austria first entered the Eurovision Song Contest in 1957. The country secured its first victory in 1966 with Udo Jürgens. Austria has since won the contest two more times: in 2014 with Conchita Wurst and most recently in 2025 with JJ. Notably, Austria did not participate in 1969 due to objections over the contest being held in Spain under dictator Franco's rule. The country also withdrew in 1970 following disputes over the voting system after a four-way tie the previous year. During the 1990s, Austria skipped several contests due to poor results and financial considerations.
Austria's last national selection was in 2016, when the country's entrant Zoë finished in 13th place. The finalists competing in this year's national selection are:
- Anna-Sophie with 'Superhuman'
- Sidrit Vokshi – 'Wenn ich rauche'
- Kayla Krystin – 'I brenn'
- Reverend Stomp – 'Mescalero Ranger'
- Bamlak Werner – 'We Are Not Just One Thing'
- Philip Piller – 'Das Leben ist Kunst'
- Nikotin – 'Unsterblich'
- David Kurt – 'Pockets Full of Snow'
- Julia Steen – 'Julia'
- Frevd – 'Riddle'
- Lena Schaur – 'Painted Reality'
- Cosmó – 'Tanzschein'
It is worth noting that Eurovision 2026 may see the lowest number of participating countries in over two decades. This is linked to a boycott by Ireland, Spain, and the Netherlands over Israel's participation. A vote on Israel's inclusion was not held at the European Broadcasting Union's general assembly; members voted only on introducing new rules against disproportionate government promotion of songs. This political backdrop adds a layer of complexity to the upcoming contest.
The Austrian national selection is a crucial step in preparing for Eurovision 2026, an event that will be notable not only for its Austrian hosting but also for a potentially reduced field of competitors. This situation could impact the contest's overall dynamics and viewership. The participants in the national final have the opportunity not only to showcase their talents but also to influence the contest's future direction amid new challenges and shifts in Europe's geopolitical landscape.