ORF has shortlisted 11 artists for Eurovision 2027, returning to an internal selection process after COSMÓ’s disappointing result in Vienna.
Austria’s national broadcaster ORF has officially completed the first stage of its selection process for Eurovision 2027, which will take place in Burgas, Bulgaria. Eleven names have advanced to the decisive audition stage.
The dramatic decision marks a strategic rethink for the country following its disappointing result on home soil in Vienna, where Austrian representative COSMÓ finished just 24th in the Grand Final with only six points. In the aftermath of the setback, Austria decided to scrap its public selection process entirely and return to the familiar system of a closed internal selection committee.
The Race for Austria’s Eurovision 2027 Ticket Heats Up
The talent search began during the summer, led by official talent scouts Cesar Sampson and Peter Schreiber, who explored Austria’s domestic music scene. Following hundreds of submissions received throughout September, the 11 most promising artists were selected to advance to the next stage.
In early November, the shortlisted artists will be invited to ORF’s official studio complex, where they will face a live performance audition before a specially assembled panel of media professionals and Eurovision enthusiasts. While the panel will rank the candidates and recommend the strongest contenders, the final decision will rest with ORF Programme Director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz.
Industry Rumours Point to a Surprise Eurovision Comeback
The identities of the 11 musicians remain unknown to the public, but rumors are already circulating behind the scenes. According to reliable sources, the confidential shortlist includes at least one artist who has previously performed on the Eurovision stage and is now seeking unfinished business with the contest.
The official announcement revealing Austria’s chosen representative and song is expected between late 2026 and early 2027.
Major Leadership Changes at ORF
Alongside its artistic preparations, Austria is also facing significant structural changes at the top of its national broadcaster.
Clemens Pig, the former CEO of the Austrian Press Agency (APA), will officially take over as ORF Director General on January 1st, 2027. His appointment follows the sudden and controversial resignation of his predecessor, Roland Weissmann, who left his position just two months before Eurovision 2026 amid sexual harassment allegations, which he strongly denies.
Austria at Eurovision 2026
“Tanzschein” (in English: “Dance License”) is the song performed by the singer Cosmo, who represented the host country, Austria, at Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. Cosmo finished the Grand Final in 24th place with only 6 points. The song was written and composed by Cosmo himself, in collaboration with creators Elias Stejskal and Ella Stern. The song is performed entirely in German, for the first time since Eurovision 2004.
Eurovision 2026: This was Austria’s 58th participation in Eurovision. Austria joined the competition in 1957 and has won three times over the years. Austria’s last victory was in Eurovision 2025 with the song “Wasted Love” performed by singer JJ.
