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Austria will return to a televised national final in its search for a Eurovision entry, unveiling a brand-new format titled “Vienna Calling – Wer singt für Österreich?” The show will take place on 20 February 2026 and marks the country’s first open, public selection in a decade.
The decision comes at a pivotal moment: with Vienna set to host the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest, broadcaster ORF is under pressure to deliver a strong home entry. After years of relying on internal choices, the new show aims to “bring the country together and excite people from all backgrounds,” according to ORF executives.
Twelve Acts, One Stage
The format will see 12 competing acts take to the stage in a live broadcast. Artists and songwriters have until 15 October 2025 to submit their entries, with applications opening on 8 September. Songs must be original, no longer than three minutes, and unreleased before 1 September 2025.
Performers must be at least 16 years old, with a maximum of six people allowed on stage. In line with Eurovision rules, vocals must be live, though instrumental backing tracks are permitted. In a nod to the times, ORF has explicitly banned the use of AI-generated songs, ensuring all entries are the work of human creators. But it’s fine to have ten names listed as the creators, because that’s not the same at all. Far more ‘original’ than a machine rehashing old ideas and hack-writing to formula.
Public and Jury Voices
The winner will be chosen through a combination of jury votes and public televoting. Details of the jury’s composition have yet to be confirmed, but ORF has promised a balanced approach designed to give both expert and popular opinion weight in the outcome.
A Return to National Finals
Austria last staged a national final in 2016. Since then, acts including Paenda, Vincent Bueno, and Teya & Salena were selected internally, with mixed results on the Eurovision stage. The shift back to a public-facing show signals a desire to involve audiences more directly in the Eurovision journey, particularly in a year when Austria will welcome delegations from across Europe.
The title “Vienna Calling” plays on both the host city and the sense of invitation, while the subtitle “Wer singt für Österreich?” (“Who sings for Austria?”) underlines the central question the show seeks to answer.
Looking Ahead
With submissions now open, speculation will soon begin on which Austrian artists—whether newcomers or established names—might put themselves forward. For fans, “Vienna Calling” offers not just a chance to discover new talent but to play a part in shaping Austria’s moment on home soil.
