Who Will Host Eurovision 2026? Austria’s Favourite Game Show Is Choosing the Hosts
With 160 million viewers expected to tune in across the globe in May 2026, Austria is preparing to roll out the glitter carpet for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest — and naturally, the burning question on everyone’s lips is: who’s going to host the thing?
At this stage, even the ORF (Austrian national broadcaster) isn’t quite sure. No name has been confirmed, no city has been crowned. But behind the scenes, the rumour mill is turning faster than a wind machine during a key change.
Andi Knoll: The Favourite to Grab the Mic
One name that’s been floating around the Viennese grapevine with the persistence of a schlager chorus is Andi Knoll. Known in Austrian households as «Mr Song Contest», he has been commentating Eurovision for ORF since 1999. And now? He may finally be stepping out from the booth and onto the main stage.
If Knoll takes the spotlight, it’s expected that Philipp Hansa, his Ö3 radio colleague, will pick up the commentary baton.
Enter Swarovski: Sparkles and Scheduling Conflicts
If Innsbruck wins the hosting rights (and we’ll know by August), we might see Victoria Swarovski making her Eurovision debut — not as a crystal, but as a presenter. The 31-year-old Tyrolean has already co-hosted shows on ORF and brings name recognition as dazzling as her family’s signature product.
There’s only one hiccup: her commitment to RTL’s “Let’s Dance”, set to return in 2026. Unless someone pulls off a scheduling miracle, Swarovski may need to choose between sequins and semis.
Serious News or Comic Relief?
In a move that might please both the highbrow and the humour crowd, ORF is also eyeing some of its multilingual news anchors. Among the names whispered in the corridors are Nadja Bernhard, Alexandra Maritza Wachter, and Raffaela Schaidreiter, the latter freshly minted as 2024’s Journalist of the Year.
But wait — what if the Swiss have started a trend? With Hazel Brugger stirring things up as a comedian-commentator hybrid, Austria might just take the plunge and bring in local comedy stars like Malarina, Viktor Gernot, or Paul Pizzera to spice things up.
Familiar Faces and Eurovision Royalty
It wouldn’t be Eurovision without Conchita Wurst, and insiders suggest the iconic winner could return in the Green Room, microphone in hand and eyebrows perfectly arched.
And what of Mirjam Weichselbraun, a Eurovision veteran and fan favourite? She’s still a contender, though perhaps not the frontrunner this time.
One name you likely won’t see on the hosting list is JJ, this year’s winner. He’ll sing again during the shows — possibly “Wasted Love” — but he won’t be juggling cue cards.
Vienna vs Innsbruck: The Battle of the Bids
The host city announcement is expected by mid-August, with Vienna and Innsbruck in a glitter-soaked race. Vienna is pitching with the slogan “Europe, shall we dance?”, while Innsbruck is going full alpine chic with “Together on Top”, boasting “urban flair and event expertise at altitude”.
Whichever city wins, the stage design is tipped to be in the capable hands of Florian Wieder, the German designer behind some of Eurovision’s most memorable stage spectacles — including the Basel 2025 masterpiece.
So… who will get the job? That remains Austria’s best-kept secret — for now. But one thing’s certain: whether it’s crystals, comedy, or commentary, Eurovision 2026 is already shaping up to be one unforgettable show.
Source: Kleinezeitung.at
