70th Eurovision Song Contest: Austria plans anniversary show for 2026

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The anniversary edition of the Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) is just around the corner: in 2026, the international music competition will celebrate its 70th anniversary in Austria. The Alpine Republic owes this honor to the magnificent triumph of Johannes Pietsch (24) from Vienna, who won the ESC 2025 in Basel as JJ, thereby bringing the event to his home country.

The Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) is now responsible for organizing the anniversary show. Despite the austerity measures imposed on the broadcaster, Vice-Chancellor and Minister of Culture Andreas Babler (52) promptly confirmed after JJ’s success that it would take on this task: “I am very confident that we will put on an incredibly great event next year.”

Innsbruck and Vienna are in the running to host

After the application deadline on July 4, 2025, two potential venues emerged. Initially, several municipalities had expressed interest, including Oberwart in Burgenland. However, the local municipal spokesperson Kerstin Zsifkovits-Taferner told the Austrian newspaper “Standard”: “We have not submitted anything.”

The Styrian capital, Graz, also withdrew from the race. Mayor Elke Kahr explained, “An application within the now-known budget is not justifiable for Graz, as much as I understand everyone who would have liked to have the ESC in our city.” The review had revealed costs of over 29 million euros, even though the city would have been “a good backdrop for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026.”

The ESC has already been held in Austria twice in the history of the competition: in 1967, after Udo Jürgens’ (1934-2014) triumph with “Merci, Chérie,” and in 2015, following Conchita Wurst’s (36) victory with “Rise Like a Phoenix.” Both times, Vienna served as the host city. According to an ORF announcement on July 14, Vienna and Innsbruck are now in the final selection, with “in-depth discussions” being held with both cities.

Prominent names are in the running for the hosting role

Rumors are already swirling about the hosting role. Victoria Swarovski (31), known as the presenter of “Let’s Dance,” is considered the favorite. She is supposed to have a good chance, especially if the event is held in her hometown of Innsbruck—provided this is compatible with her “Let’s Dance” commitments, as the dance show traditionally runs until the end of May.

According to the Kleine Zeitung newspaper, Andi Knoll (53) is almost certain to be involved. Born in Innsbruck, he has been the ORF’s ESC commentator since 1999 and could be in front of the camera for the first time. Conchita Wurst, who already shone as a guest presenter in 2015, is also being mentioned. Last year’s winner, JJ, himself also expressed interest: “Hosting the ESC—that would be great,” he said at a press conference.

New broadcaster takes over German ESC coverage

There is a notable change in Germany: after three decades, NDR is handing over responsibility for the ESC to SWR. This change is part of the ARD’s restructuring into “competence centers,” with the show’s competence now lying with Südwestrundfunk.

The final date for the 2026 ESC has yet to be announced. ORF has named May 16 and May 23, 2026, as possible dates for the final.