Austria Brings Back National Selection Show for Eurovision 2026 – And It’s Going to Be a Proper Spectacle
After years of internal choices that left many Austrians feeling like spectators at a concert they didn’t buy tickets for, the ORF has finally said: «Let them vote!»
In a move that could be described as both nostalgic and mildly risky, Austria’s national broadcaster has announced the glorious return of a live national selection show to choose its Eurovision 2026 act. Yes, dear reader, real humans with actual remotes will once again help determine who gets the golden ticket to Austria’s home edition of the contest.
A Proper Show, Not Just a Press Release
Program director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz spilled the schnitzel to Kurier, confirming that “after a long break, there will be a national selection show again. A big TV evening with lots of public participation.”
Translation: fewer shadowy internal juries, more sequins and voting suspense.
The date of this televised extravaganza remains a mystery – very on brand for Austria – but what’s confirmed is that it will be part of a grand series of Eurovision-themed shows building up to the main event. Think glitz, glam, nostalgia and, if the ORF knows what it’s doing, contemporary chaos with a yodelling twist.
Where Will It Be? Vienna vs. Innsbruck
As if the selection show wasn’t dramatic enough, there’s another pressing question on every Alpine-dwelling fan’s mind: Will Eurovision 2026 be held in Vienna or Innsbruck?
According to executive producer Michael Krön, it’s still “a wide-open race.” Translation: we’re waiting for both cities to sweeten the deal before we decide who gets the LED screens and who gets the postcard segment.
We’ll know the location by the end of summer, and the hosts of the whole shebang by year’s end. Place your bets now: will it be a duo of beloved Austrian legends, or a wildcard with a ring light and 100k Instagram followers?
Meanwhile, Backstage…
In a mildly confusing twist of logic, while the public gets to vote this time, last year’s act JJ was selected internally, and ORF had previously hinted at keeping that approach. Perhaps they realised the Eurovision spirit demands a bit more glitter democracy?
One thing is certain: the Austrians are going big. With documentaries, a mega show series, and plenty of time to rehearse how to vote via app, Eurovision 2026 is shaping up to be an unforgettable homecoming.
And if the selection show flops? Well, there’s always a fallback plan: ask Conchita to do everything. Again.
Source:Kurier
