Austria Archives

Eurovision 2026: How Will the Postcards Accompanying the Contest Look Like?

November 20, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austria’s national broadcaster ORF reveals how the Eurovision 2026 postcards will look, along with new details about filming, design inspiration, and ticket sales opening soon for Vienna’s contest. Austria’s national broadcaster, ORF, responsible for producing Eurovision 2026, has revealed fresh details about the upcoming contest that will take place in Vienna. Among them are new insights into the postcards that will feature each participating country and artist, describing their creative direction and visual style in detail. The broadcaster also announced the early registration date for Eurovision 2026 tickets — next Monday, November 24th. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Postcards: A New Artistic Vision Originally introduced to maintain broadcast flow and keep viewers engaged while stage crews prepared for the next act, the postcards have become a beloved Eurovision tradition. They draw great anticipation among fans, many of whom eagerly await each year's unique concept. According to ORF’s description, every postcard begins with a shot of the artist receiving a...

CEO of ORF, Ronald Weissman in Jerusalem: “Israel Is an Integral Part of Eurovision”

November 9, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); CEO of the Austrian national broadcaster ORF, Ronald Weissmann visits Jerusalem, met with President Herzog and expressed steadfast support for Israel's participation in Eurovision amid boycott threats and upcoming EBU deliberations. Vienna is set to host the 70th Eurovision celebration this spring, but prior to the event, diplomacy is once again in the spotlight. Austrian national broadcaster CEO Ronald Weissmann arrived in Israel not only to plan for Eurovision 2026 but also to expressly support Israel’s inclusion in the contest. During his visit to the President’s residence in Jerusalem, Weissmann met President Isaac Herzog, broadcaster CEO Golan Yochpaz, and legal advisor Ayala Mizrahi. All attendees highlighted the importance of free expression and cultural independence for public media organizations. Yokhpaz stated, “There is no justification for excluding Israel from Eurovision”, and underlined that the national broadcaster continues to comply with EBU regulations and will persist in doing so. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austria Stands with Israel During...

Will Eurovision 2026 Be One of the Biggest in Recent Years?

November 6, 2025 by Ofek Jerassi Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Eurovision 2026 could see 41 countries compete in Vienna, making it the largest edition since 2019. Ongoing debates, returns, and possible withdrawals are shaping the final lineup. French Head of Delegation Alexandra Redde-Amiel stated in an interview that Eurovision 2026, to be held in Vienna, could feature 41 participating countries. If confirmed, it would be the largest contest since Eurovision 2019 in Tel Aviv. However, it’s important to note that this number is not final, as the debate over Israel’s participation remains unresolved, with several countries threatening to withdraw while others are set to return. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Withdrawals and Returns: Who Will Join Eurovision 2026? Israel sits at the center of controversy, and its participation could influence the presence or absence of other countries. Four countries — Ireland, Spain, Slovenia, and the Netherlands — have threatened to withdraw from Eurovision 2026 if Israel is allowed to participate. The Netherlands has taken a particularly hard stance, declaring it would not compete...

Eurovision 2026: Have the Hosts of the Show Been Revealed?

November 4, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The Swiss newspaper Blick published today that Victoria Swarovski, Andi Knoll and Philipp Hochmair will host Eurovision 2026, to be held in Vienna, Austria. What lies behind these intriguing names? The Swiss newspaper "Blick" surprised readers today by publishing the names of the three hosts for Eurovision 2026, set to take place in Vienna, Austria. According to the Swiss paper, Victoria Swarovski, Andi Knoll, and Philipp Hochmair will host the contest. The Austrian national broadcaster ORF has declined to officially confirm the report. Could the trio of Eurovision 2026 hosts truly have been revealed? (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); As mentioned, the Austrian national broadcaster has refused to comment officially on whether the names have indeed been leaked. The head of the national broadcaster responded to Blick’s report: “Rumors and speculation about the hosts’ identities are an inseparable part of the Eurovision tradition”. Are these really the chosen three who will lead Eurovision 2026? Time will tell. The Potential Eurovision 2026 Hosts:...

Alice Tumler and Cesár Sampson to Host Austria’s “Vienna Calling” Ahead of Eurovision 2026

October 29, 2025 by Noy Yehoyada Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austria reveals Alice Tumler and Cesár Sampson as “Vienna Calling” hosts. Over 500 songs submitted for the preselection ahead of Eurovision 2026 in Vienna. Preparations for hosting Eurovision 2026 in Vienna are reaching their peak. For the first time in nearly a decade, the national broadcaster (ORF) will hold an open national selection to choose who will represent Austria on home soil. Public interest in the event, “Vienna Calling – Wer singt für Österreich?” (“Vienna Calling – Who Will Sing for Austria?”), is skyrocketing. After an earlier report of around 460 submitted songs, ORF announced that the total has surpassed 500 entries—a striking variety of styles, languages, and artists. As the submission window officially closes and the rigorous selection begins, one exciting detail has been revealed: the duo who will host the grand final. Get ready for two faces Eurovision fans already know well. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Two Eurovision Veterans on One Stage ORF confirmed today that the grand...

Will the Eurovision 2026 participating countries list be revealed on December 10th?

October 27, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); A final decision on Israel’s participation will be made in about five weeks, but when will the official list of Eurovision 2026 participants be announced? December 10th may become one of the most decisive days of the current Eurovision season. At the conclusion of the EBU General Assembly, the final details of the participating countries in the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, which will be held in Vienna, are expected to be unveiled. Fans, singers, and songwriters across Europe are asking: how many countries will participate in Eurovision, who will withdraw, and what will happen with Israel’s participation? According to the Austrian national broadcaster ORF, these details are likely to be revealed on December 10th. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); December 10th: The date for the final country list? Last year, December 10th was the date chosen by the EBU to formally announce updates to the competition’s regulations following their discussion at the General Assembly held on December...

Austria Reinforces Its Support for Israel’s Participation in Eurovision 2026

October 24, 2025 by Ilay Gaist Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Amid a ceasefire and threats of boycotts, Ronald Weissman, CEO of ORF, reiterates its support for Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, in Vienna, Austria. The CEO of Austria’s national broadcaster, Ronald Weissmann, stated in an interview that “this is a time for diplomacy – both behind the scenes and in the open”. Weissmann, who in recent months emphasized Austria’s national broadcaster ORF support for Israel’s participation in the contest, addressed the threats of withdrawal by several countries should Israel be included: “I expect many nations to take part in the year Eurovision celebrates its 70th anniversary”. He added: “The financial risk is highly manageable. If one or two countries decide not to participate, it’s entirely something we can deal with”. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Weissmann’s statements confirm that ORF is likely to maintain its support for Israel despite any potential boycott calls within Eurovision. This position is particularly significant ahead of the upcoming EBU General Assembly in early...

Austria Breaks Record: Over 460 Songs Submitted for Eurovision National Final!

October 16, 2025October 16, 2025 by Tal Dahan Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austria is setting new records! A member of the Eurovision selection committee revealed an unprecedented 460 entries and shared the surprising language trend among the submissions. Austria is gearing up to host Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, as the national broadcaster ORF launches its first open national selection in a decade. Titled “Vienna Calling – Wer singt für Österreich?” (Vienna Calling – Who Sings for Austria?), the competition will determine who will represent Austria on home soil. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Record Response to Open Call To ensure the best possible result, ORF assembled an experienced committee including TV hosts Eberhard Forcher and Peter Schreiber, alongside Cesár Sampson, Austria’s 2018 Eurovision representative, who joined to assist with the talent search. An hour before the submission window closed, Forcher posted an excited update on Facebook revealing a record-breaking response: around 400 songs were submitted independently, while an additional 60–70 were gathered by the committee itself — more than 460 in total! Forcher noted that this...

Eurovision 2026: Auditions Open for Stand-In Singers and Dancers

October 16, 2025 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Auditions for the Eurovision 2026 stand-in shows in Vienna will be held December 19th-20th. Apply for singer or dancer roles by December 14th Auditions for singers, dancers, and performers for Eurovision 2026 in Vienna, Austria, will take place on December 19th-20th. Successful candidates will perform in the stand-in shows, where local artists present previews of each act’s stage performance to delegations before the competing artists arrive for rehearsals two weeks later. Some of the selected performers may also take part in the live shows. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); The auditions are managed by Motions by Dietmann, founded by Marvin Dietmann, who has served as Eurovision’s creative director since 2011. Professional singers can submit their applications here, while professional dancers can apply here. The deadline for all submissions is December 14th. The 2015 Team Returns to Lead Eurovision 2026 Heading the production of Eurovision 2026 is Michael Krön, the executive producer from the Austrian national broadcaster ORF. He will oversee the...

Following Ceasefire Agreement: Vote on Expelling Israel from Eurovision 2026 May Be Postponed!

October 9, 2025 by Maor Heumann Comment Closed

(adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); ORF announced the vote on Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026 may be delayed or canceled due to a hostage release deal and war’s end Against the backdrop of reports about a deal to end the war, it was revealed today (Thursday) that the vote regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2026, to be held in Vienna, Austria, may be postponed or even canceled. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Austria finds itself at the center of a political storm ahead of Eurovision 2026 due to uncertainty over Israel’s participation in the upcoming contest in Vienna. U.S. President Donald Trump announced last night a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. According to a report by the Austrian newspaper Der Standard, ORF faces a dilemma worth €40 million: whether to refuse hosting the major event if Israel is ultimately barred from participating. After Austria’s victory in the last Eurovision in Basel, ORF took on significant responsibility and committed...