Eurovision 2026 Preparations: Selection Details for Germany and Austria Revealed

The 70th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest is set to return to Vienna, a city that has mastered the art of hosting grand celebrations while maintaining a pulse of vibrant energy. Following the 2025 triumph of Austrian performer JJ with the track “Wasted Love,” the honor of hosting the competition has returned to Austria. The organizational lead is being handled by ORF in close partnership with the European Broadcasting Union.

The schedule for Eurovision 2026 is structured as a significant musical narrative: the first semi-final will take place on May 12, the second on May 14, and the Grand Final on May 16. All three primary broadcasts are centered in Vienna, with the final performance occurring at the historic Wiener Stadthalle. The live shows will be hosted by the charismatic duo of Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski.

This marks the third time Vienna has served as the host city, following previous contests in 1967 and 2015. This return for the platinum jubilee is not a simple exercise in nostalgia; rather, it represents a location where deep-seated tradition seamlessly transforms into a state-of-the-art modern stage.

Germany’s path to the contest is also taking shape with the national selection “Eurovision Song Contest – Das Deutsche Finale 2026,” scheduled for February 28, 2026. This season, SWR is overseeing the process on behalf of ARD. The selection show will be hosted by Barbara Schöneberger and Hazel Brugger, a pairing that promises a blend of seasoned television experience and sharp, contemporary wit.

The selection framework in Germany is designed with multiple layers of scrutiny. From a vast pool of initial submissions, a shortlist is developed using expert filters and international viewpoints. This ensures that when the public finally casts their deciding votes, they are choosing from a field that has been refined through a rigorous professional lens.

Austria has made a notable strategic shift with the introduction of “Vienna Calling – Wer singt für Österreich?” as its selection method. This marks the first time since 2016 that ORF has utilized an open national final format. It suggests that as the host nation, Austria is eager to engage its local music scene directly rather than simply selecting an entry behind closed doors.

Public interest in the Vienna-based event has already manifested in high demand for attendance. Ticket sales commenced in January 2026, and the pace of purchases has been so rapid that it has become a headline in itself. The 70th-anniversary contest is being treated as a major cultural and historical landmark rather than just a television program.

The upcoming event in Vienna adds a specific resonance to the global cultural landscape. It reinforces the notion that Eurovision is reclaiming its role as a point of international synchronization. It is a venue where nations do not engage in verbal disputes but instead offer responses through the medium of melody.

In this environment, musical genres are no longer strictly divided between “high culture” and “mass media.” Instead, all participants are searching for a shared pulse that can unite a diverse audience. The 70th anniversary is shaping up to be a celebration of commonality over competition.

Ultimately, the jubilee in Vienna acts as a broad invitation to the world. The goal is not merely to crown a new champion, but to provide a platform where different cultures can truly hear one another. It is a testament to the enduring power of music to bridge gaps and create a unified experience.