Vienna to Host‌ Eurovision Song Contest 2026

Vienna, Austria, ​will play host to ⁢the Eurovision Song Contest in may 2026. The proclamation came from AustriaS public broadcaster, ORF, on Wednesday morning, following the victory​ of Austrian singer​ JJ with ‌”Wasted Love” ⁣at this year’s competition in Basel.

ORF Director ‍General Roland Weißmann stated that ⁣Vienna’s bid was selected after thorough examination and a unanimous jury assessment, citing its superior infrastructure, ‌logistics, and⁣ economic advantages. Innsbruck also⁤ submitted⁣ a bid to host the event.

This will be the third time Vienna has hosted the Eurovision Song‍ Contest, having previously done so in 1967 and 2015.The‍ event will take place ‍at ⁢the Wiener Stadthalle.

Mayor Michael Ludwig expressed his delight, stating, “As mayor of Vienna, I ‍am‍ naturally delighted⁤ that Vienna⁣ has prevailed and will once again ⁣represent Austria next year. I am convinced‌ that we⁤ will have a⁣ fantastic May together.”

The Eurovision finale is scheduled for May 16, 2026, following semi-finals on May 12 and 14. The contest, which unites and divides Europeans, ‌was watched by an estimated 160 million viewers last year.

JJ,whose full name is Johannes ⁤Pietsch,is the third Austrian to win the competition,following⁤ Conchita Wurst in 2014 and Udo Jürgens in 1966. JJ’s winning song is notable for its‍ blend of operatic vocals ‌and a techno twist, and the singer also performs at the Vienna State Opera.