Austria’s Final 12 Are Ready — and Even ORF Is Hoping Not to Win Eurovision Again

Austria is slowly entering that dangerous psychological zone known as confidence.

On 20 February, twelve artists will step onto the stage of Vienna Calling, Austria’s national selection for Eurovision 2026, all chasing the golden ticket to May. And according to the people closest to the process, this might be one of the strongest Austrian line-ups in years.

Which is excellent news. And slightly inconvenient news.

Alice Tumler and Cesár Sampson, the hosts of Vienna Calling, have been previewing what fans can expect. Spoiler: optimism is flowing.

Sampson, who proudly delivered Austria’s third place at Eurovision 2018, believes his country is genuinely competitive this time around. In his words, many countries known for consistently strong selections would happily trade places with Austria’s current pool of songs.

That is not casual praise.

Tumler goes one step further and admits that two particular candidates have already stolen her heart. She is, of course, refusing to name names.

Because teasing is part of the job description.

Not Every Good Song Is a Good Eurovision Song

Sampson also offers a reality check that national final fans know all too well.

Some songs you adore in your living room. Some songs win Eurovision. These two categories do not always overlap.

He explains that certain tracks he personally loves would probably struggle on the Eurovision stage, even if they are beautifully written. The competition requires something more immediate, more communicative, more three-minute-proof.

Language plays a role too.

Both hosts are happy that German-language songs are present in the selection. But Sampson openly acknowledges the extra challenge: sending a song in a language most of Europe does not speak means the performance must communicate emotion so clearly that words become secondary.

In short: if you go local, you better go powerful.

The Awkward Topic: Winning Again

Then comes the elephant politely standing in the ORF corridor.

Austria is hosting Eurovision 2026. Which means winning again would create a… logistical situation.

Tumler jokes that everything will be different this time, Austria will simply win again, and then everyone will have a problem.

Sampson laughs, but admits something rather honest: while a back-to-back victory would be historic, nobody at the broadcaster would be devastated if it did not happen.

In fact, ORF’s Director General Roland Weißmann has previously summed it up with diplomatic charm: he hopes Austria finishes a “very good second”.

Which might be the most relatable broadcaster quote of the season.

Confidence Without the Pressure (Ideally)

There is an interesting balance forming around Austria’s selection this year.

On one hand: strong line-up, variety, optimism, belief in international competitiveness.

On the other: gentle institutional wish to avoid organising Eurovision twice in a row.

It is a uniquely Austrian problem to have. And a rather pleasant one.

Austria will reveal its Eurovision 2026 representative on 20 February.

Whether that artist becomes a home favourite, a European contender, or a “please don’t make us host again” winner remains to be seen.

Either way, Vienna Calling just became a national final worth paying attention to.

And not only because the hosts are already sweating.

Source: Heute