The soon-to-be hosts of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 are already looking ahead to their next representative for the 70th anniversary of Eurovision. Austrian broadcaster ORF have started their search for JJ’s successor with the announcement that Wer singt für Österreich? will be held on February 20.
🇦🇹 ORF confirms Wer singt für Österreich? for February 20
In a change to their selection plans, ORF have revealed they will use the national selection show, Wer singt für Österreich? to select their host entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 next May in Vienna. The national selection will be a live broadcast on ORF 1 held February 20. A total of 12 acts will participate in the selection. Next years’ host entry will be selected using a combined method of public and jury voting.
“The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 in Vienna is the largest event in Austria next year. Our goal is to involve and inspire the whole country. Now that the question of where the Eurovision Song Contest is taking place has been answered, it is about who is competing for Austria. We would like to make this decision together with our audience – everyone can decide, and all artists can apply to participate as of now.”
Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz, (ORF Programme Director)
Song submissions will remain open until October 15. Artists and songwriters must abide by the current Eurovision rules. Along with the added caveats that artists may not represent multiple nations, songs must not use AI and anything of a political nature will not be considered.
Ten years of internal selections are no more
During an interview the day after JJ’s victory, ORF’s Program Director, Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz confirmed on the channel that the host broadcaster of Eurovision 2026 would use an internal selection method. However, this plan soon changed with the announcement of the live broadcast of selection show, Wer singt für Österreich?. Since 2017 Austria have used a combination of internal judging panels and live auditions to choose its Eurovision representatives. Over the ten years, Austria have found increased success with this process. It has resulted in three top 15 results, including a third place in 2018 for Cesar Sampson and of course, victory in 2025 for JJ.
Who should represent Austria at Eurovision 2026? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra.bsky.social on Bluesky, @escxtra on Instagram, @escxtra on TikTok and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify for the latest music from your favourite Eurovision acts. As well as YouTube to see interviews and reactions to the latest Eurovision news.
