Eurovision Song Contest 2026: ORF Starts Search for National Preliminary Decision

In a few days, it will be decided where the ORF will host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The selection of the act that will represent Austria in the music competition is also taking shape. The casting show, announced by Program Director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz, will take place at the end of February.

Interested Acts Called to Apply for ESC Preselection

The ORF is already calling on interested artists to throw their hat in the ring. Those who want to wave the red-white-red flag at the ESC 2026 can apply at esc2026.casting@orf.at. Around ten acts will then get the big stage at the end of February, with the decision on the Austrian candidate being made by both a panel of experts and the public. This marks the first time since 2016 that the ORF will not select the national Song Contest hopeful through an internal preselection, but through a national preselection.

However, it will be decided much earlier whether the musical mega-event will be held in Vienna or Innsbruck. The negotiations between the two candidate cities, which are entering the race with the Stadthalle and the Olympiaworld as venues, respectively, have been concluded, and now the ESC world awaits the ORF's decision. ORF-ESC Executive Producer Michael Krön recently spoke of an "open race" to the APA.

Eurovision Song Contest 2026: Decision Between Vienna and Innsbruck to be Made on August 20

According to "Kurier" (Wednesday edition), August 20 is set as the date for the final duel between the federal capital and the Alpine metropolis. Accordingly, the ORF will inform the two mayors of its decision in the morning, after which the general public will hear the breaking news on Ö3-Wecker. It is clear that the final in 2026 will be scheduled for either May 16 or May 23. The ORF does not want to confirm the date to the APA, instead referring to the statement made some time ago that the decision will be made in the second half of August. So there is still some time for the excitement to build.

(APA/Red)

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