Austria’s ORF announced details for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, confirming no artificial cheering will be used and stating the stage will represent the city’s DNA
What will the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 look and sound like? The Austrian national broadcaster ORF held a press conference today (Tuesday), unveiling new details about the production of the upcoming competition in Vienna, Austria. The Director Roland Weismann presented the stage design for Eurovision for the first time and discussed the event’s security, budget, and rules.
Budget and Participation: The Financial Picture
Weismann stated that the decision of five countries to withdraw from the competition had not financially impacted the production, as it was designed to be economical yet spectacular from the outset. He added: “The door is still open for all countries”. According to him, the costs for the public broadcasting body will amount to approximately €16 million. He did not downplay the impact of the boycott: “This is a crisis, but we are trying to break the record of 175 million viewers”.
Stage Design: Reflecting Vienna’s DNA
Michi Hayek is responsible for the stage design. He announced a concept that is yet to be seen: the stage is intended to evoke emotions while simultaneously reflecting the identity of the host city. “The DNA of Vienna should be represented”, he said. “Whether we succeeded, others will have to judge”.
There was also a reassuring announcement regarding the role of the Austrian Eurovision star. Weismann clarified: “JJ will be part of the show”, dismissing speculations about his absence.
Security and Freedom of Expression
Regarding security, the ORF clarified that it is in contact with the Ministry of the Interior, the Vienna Police, and the Municipality. “It will be a challenge”, Weismann said, “but we are taking it on. I see myself as a bridge-builder. Let’s celebrate a calm festival”.
Michael Krön, a representative of the EBU, explained that all official flags are permitted, provided they comply with the valid regulations. “Nothing will be artificially embellished or altered”, he explained, “what really happens will be shown”.
Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz, ORF’s Program Director, added that major protests will not be silenced. However, small groups that are not relevant to the overall picture will not be given a platform. She added that cheering will not be artificially added to the soundtrack.
Eurovision 2026: The 70th Eurovision Song Contest will be held in Austria, following the country’s third historic win with the song “Wasted Love” performed by JJ. This will be the third time the contest is hosted in Austria, after 1967 and 2015.
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Maor Heumann has been writing about the Eurovision Song Contest and following it for over three decades. He has attended five contests and has found something to appreciate in almost every possible musical genre — from the sugary pop entries that finish last in the semi-finals to the quirky avant-garde pieces that even the competition’s juries struggled to connect with. He usually prefers original languages and songs with depth over Swedish-produced English clones — though he doesn’t promise to stick to that rule.
He grew up on the kibbutz of Sara’le Sharon, who instilled in him a love for music and created his first connection to the contest back in 1993 — before most of the current editorial team was even born.
