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Austria’s national broadcaster, ORF, has announced that it will once again use an internal selection process to choose its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. However, in a move to foster greater public engagement, ORF is introducing an open submission phase, allowing artists, composers, and producers to submit their entries for consideration.
Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz, ORF’s Program Director, confirmed the approach, stating that while the final decision will rest with ORF officials, the inclusion of public submissions aims to enrich the selection process with diverse talent. The broadcaster will conduct multiple internal screening stages to curate a shortlist from the submissions received.
This strategy mirrors the successful approach taken for Eurovision 2025, where Austria secured its third victory with JJ’s Wasted Love. The song, co-written by JJ (Johannes Pietsch), Teodora Špirić, and Thomas Thurner, was selected through a similar internal process that combined expert panels and fan club input.
Preparations for hosting Eurovision 2026 are already underway, with several Austrian cities, including Vienna, Graz, Innsbruck, and Wels, expressing interest in hosting the event. ORF has emphasised the importance of suitable venues and infrastructure in its selection criteria.
Further details regarding the submission process and deadlines are expected to be released by ORF in the coming weeks. Artists and composers interested in representing Austria at Eurovision 2026 are encouraged to prepare their entries in anticipation of the official call for submissions.
