Austria's Eurovision Selection Returns to National Final Format

After a decade-long hiatus from national finals, Austria brings back the excitement of public participation with Vienna Calling – Wer singt für Österreich? (Vienna Calling – Who Sings for Austria?). This highly anticipated event will determine Austria's representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, which the country is proudly hosting in Vienna following their victory in 2025 with JJ's "Wasted Love". The national final takes place on February 20, 2026, at the iconic ORF-Zentrum Küniglberg in Vienna, marking the first time since 2016 that Austrian viewers will have a direct say in selecting their Eurovision entry.

The show will be broadcast live on ORF 1 and streamed online via ORF ON, allowing fans across Austria and around the world to witness this historic moment. With twelve talented acts competing for the golden ticket to represent their nation on home soil, Vienna Calling promises to be one of the most memorable national finals in Austrian Eurovision history.

The Twelve Competing Acts

The lineup for Vienna Calling showcases the diversity and talent of Austria's music scene, featuring a mix of established artists and emerging voices across multiple genres. All twelve competing songs were released one week prior to the national final, giving fans ample time to familiarize themselves with each entry before casting their votes.

Anna-Sophie – "Superhuman"

Anna-Sophie brings a powerful pop anthem to the Vienna Calling stage with "Superhuman". Her entry combines contemporary production with emotionally resonant lyrics, showcasing her vocal prowess and stage presence. The song explores themes of resilience and inner strength, making it a potential crowd favorite.

Bamlak Werner – "We Are Not Just One Thing"

With a message of diversity and acceptance, Bamlak Werner's "We Are Not Just One Thing" stands out as a socially conscious entry. The song celebrates individuality and challenges stereotypes, delivered with Werner's distinctive vocal style and compelling performance energy.

Cosmó – "Tanzschein"

Cosmó takes a different approach with "Tanzschein" (Dance License), an upbeat, dance-oriented track that brings energy and fun to the competition. Sung in German, this entry embraces Austria's linguistic heritage while delivering an infectious rhythm that could get audiences moving across Europe.

David Kurt – "Pockets Full of Snow"

David Kurt presents "Pockets Full of Snow", a contemplative entry that showcases his songwriting abilities and emotive vocal delivery. The song's introspective lyrics and atmospheric production create a memorable listening experience that could resonate with Eurovision audiences.

Frevd – "Riddle"

Frevd brings mystery and intrigue with "Riddle", an enigmatic entry that combines modern production techniques with thought-provoking lyrics. The song's layered composition and unique sound make it a standout contender in the Vienna Calling lineup.

Julia Steen – "Julia"

In a bold artistic choice, Julia Steen performs the self-titled "Julia", a personal and intimate entry that showcases her vulnerability and authenticity as an artist. The song's stripped-back arrangement allows her vocal performance to take center stage.

Kayla Krystin – "I brenn"

Kayla Krystin delivers passion and intensity with "I brenn" (I'm Burning), a German-language entry that combines emotional depth with powerful vocals. The song's dramatic build and heartfelt delivery make it a strong contender for the Eurovision ticket.

Lena Schaur – "Painted Reality"

Lena Schaur's "Painted Reality" offers an artistic and visually evocative entry to the competition. The song explores themes of perception and truth, delivered with Schaur's distinctive vocal style and creative staging potential.

Nikotin – "Unsterblich"

Nikotin brings rock energy to Vienna Calling with "Unsterblich" (Immortal), a German-language entry that stands out from the predominantly pop-oriented lineup. The song's powerful instrumentation and anthemic chorus could make it a memorable performance.

Philip Piller – "Das Leben ist Kunst"

Philip Piller presents the philosophical "Das Leben ist Kunst" (Life is Art), an entry that combines thoughtful lyrics with sophisticated musical arrangements. Sung in German, this song showcases Austria's artistic sensibilities and cultural depth.

Reverend Stomp – "Mescalero Ranger"

Reverend Stomp takes a unique approach with "Mescalero Ranger", bringing a distinctive sound and style to the Vienna Calling stage. This unconventional entry adds diversity to the competition and could surprise audiences with its originality.

Sidrit Vokshi – "Wenn ich rauche"

Sidrit Vokshi rounds out the lineup with "Wenn ich rauche" (When I Smoke), a German-language entry that brings contemporary urban influences to the national final. The song's modern production and relatable themes could connect with younger audiences.

The Venue: ORF-Zentrum Küniglberg

Vienna Calling will take place at the ORF-Zentrum Küniglberg, the headquarters of Austria's national public broadcaster, Österreichischer Rundfunk (ORF). Located in Vienna's Hietzing district, this state-of-the-art broadcasting facility has been the home of Austrian television and radio production since the 1970s. The venue features modern production capabilities and has hosted numerous significant Austrian television events over the decades.

The choice of ORF-Zentrum Küniglberg as the venue for Vienna Calling is particularly fitting, as it represents the heart of Austrian broadcasting and the organization responsible for producing both the national final and the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest 2026. The facility's professional studios and technical infrastructure ensure a high-quality production that will showcase each of the twelve competing acts in the best possible light.

Your Hosts: Alice Tumler and Cesár Sampson

Vienna Calling will be presented by two familiar faces in the Eurovision world: Alice Tumler and Cesár Sampson. This hosting duo brings both experience and Eurovision credibility to the national final.

Alice Tumler is no stranger to Eurovision hosting duties, having served as one of the three main hosts for the Eurovision Song Contest 2015 in Vienna, alongside Mirjam Weichselbraun and Arabella Kiesbauer. Her experience hosting one of the most successful Eurovision contests in recent history makes her an ideal choice to guide viewers through Austria's 2026 selection process. According to Eurovision.tv, the 2015 contest was praised for its professional presentation and engaging hosting.

Cesár Sampson brings the perspective of a Eurovision artist to the hosting role. He represented Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest 2018 in Lisbon with the powerful ballad "Nobody but You", achieving an impressive third place finish – Austria's best result since their 2014 victory. Sampson's firsthand experience of competing at Eurovision will provide valuable insights and empathy for the twelve artists competing for the chance to represent Austria on home soil.

Voting System: Democracy Meets Expertise

Vienna Calling employs a balanced voting system that combines public participation with professional expertise. The winner will be determined by a 50/50 split between votes from an international expert jury and public televoting. This hybrid approach ensures that the selected entry has both broad popular appeal and the professional qualities necessary to succeed at the Eurovision Song Contest.

The international jury component brings experienced music industry professionals and Eurovision experts into the decision-making process, evaluating each performance based on vocal quality, staging, song composition, and Eurovision potential. Meanwhile, the public televote allows Austrian viewers and Eurovision fans to support their favorite act, ensuring that the winning entry has genuine audience connection and support.

This voting format has proven successful in numerous national finals across Europe, balancing artistic merit with popular appeal to select entries that can compete effectively at the international level.

Broadcast and Streaming Information

Vienna Calling will be broadcast live on ORF 1, Austria's primary public television channel, on February 20, 2026. For viewers who prefer online streaming or are watching from outside Austria, the show will be available via ORF ON, ORF's digital streaming platform. This multi-platform approach ensures maximum accessibility for Austrian viewers and international Eurovision fans eager to see which act will represent Austria at their home contest.

The broadcast will feature professional production values befitting a Eurovision national final, with high-quality staging, lighting, and camera work showcasing each of the twelve competing entries. ORF's experience as the host broadcaster for Eurovision 2026 guarantees a polished and engaging show that will build excitement for the main event in May.

Historical Context: Austria's Eurovision Journey

Austria has a rich history with the Eurovision Song Contest, having participated since 1957 and winning the competition three times. Their victories came in 1966 with Udo Jürgens' "Merci, Chérie", 2014 with Conchita Wurst's iconic "Rise Like a Phoenix", and most recently in 2025 with JJ's "Wasted Love". The 2025 victory was particularly significant, as it earned Austria the honor of hosting the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in 2026.

The return to a national final format for 2026 represents a shift in Austria's selection strategy. Since 2016, ORF had primarily used internal selection to choose their Eurovision representatives. The decision to bring back a public national final for this special year – when Austria hosts the contest – demonstrates ORF's commitment to engaging the Austrian public and building excitement for the home contest. As reported by Eurovision.tv, this marks a significant moment in Austrian Eurovision history.

Previous Austrian national finals, known as "Österreich rockt den Song Contest" and other formats, have produced memorable moments and successful entries. The Vienna Calling format builds on this tradition while introducing fresh elements suited to the unique circumstances of hosting the contest.

The Road to Eurovision 2026

The winner of Vienna Calling will have the extraordinary opportunity to represent Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, held at the Wiener Stadthalle in Vienna. The contest will feature two semi-finals on May 12 and May 14, followed by the Grand Final on May 16, 2026. As the host country, Austria automatically qualifies for the Grand Final, meaning the Vienna Calling winner will perform on the biggest night of the competition without needing to compete in the semi-finals.

Performing at a home Eurovision contest presents both unique opportunities and challenges. The winning artist will have the advantage of performing in front of a home crowd and representing their country on familiar territory. However, they will also face the pressure of high expectations and the desire to deliver a strong result for the host nation. Austria's 2015 hosting experience, when they finished last with The Makemakes' "I Am Yours", demonstrates that hosting doesn't guarantee success – making the selection of the right entry even more crucial.

Join the Vienna Calling Experience

Whether you're a dedicated Eurovision fan, a supporter of Austrian music, or simply curious about this year's national final, Vienna Calling promises an evening of exceptional entertainment and musical talent. With twelve diverse acts competing, expert and public voting, and experienced hosts guiding the show, this event will be a celebration of Austrian music and Eurovision culture.

Tune in to ORF 1 or stream via ORF ON on February 20, 2026, to witness which artist will earn the honor of representing Austria at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna. Your vote could help determine who takes the stage at the Wiener Stadthalle in May – don't miss this opportunity to be part of Austrian Eurovision history!

For more information about Vienna Calling and the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, visit the official ORF website and Eurovision.tv.

Image src: orf.at

Final Results

This event concluded on February 20, 2026. Congratulations to the winner who will represent Austria at Eurovision Song Contest 2026!

🏆 Winner – Austria's Eurovision 2026 Entry

Cosmó – "Tanzchein"
Cosmó, the youngest contestant of the night, secured victory through a 50% jury vote and 50% televote combination.

Top 3 Results

Cosmó – "Tanzchein" 🏆 (Winner – Will represent Austria at Eurovision 2026)
Lena Schaur – "Painted Reality"
Bamlak Werner – "We Are Not Just One Thing"

All 12 Competing Acts

Anna-Sophie – "Superhuman"
Bamlak Werner – "We Are Not Just One Thing"
Cosmó – "Tanzchein" ✅ WINNER
David Kurt – "Pockets Full of Snow"
Frevd – "Riddle"
Julia Steen – "Julia"
Kayla Krystin – "I brenn"
Lena Schaur – "Painted Reality"
Nikotin – "Unsterblich"
Philip Piller – "Das Leben ist Kunst"
Reverend Stomp – "Mescalero Ranger"
Sidrit Vokshi – "Wenn ich rauche"

Show Highlights

The evening was hosted by Alice Tumler (co-host of Eurovision 2015) and Cesár Sampson (Austria's Eurovision 2018 representative). As a special interval act, incumbent Eurovision winner JJ performed his latest single "Shapeshifter." The jury included notable Eurovision alumni such as Jamala (Eurovision 2016 winner) and Michael Schulte (Germany's 2018 representative).

Full Results

View complete voting results on the official Eurovision website.

What's Next?

Cosmó and "Tanzchein" will take the stage in Vienna as Austria's host-nation entry at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 Grand Final! As the host country, Austria automatically qualifies for the Grand Final.

Don't miss the Eurovision 2026 Semi-Finals and Grand Final – check our Events Calendar for all upcoming shows.