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Today’s announcement revealed that Vienna will host the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, set to be the world’s largest live music event on TV. This will mark Vienna’s third time as host following 1967 and 2015.
Austria’s broadcaster, ORF, made the announcement, noting the final will be on May 16, 2026, at the Wiener Stadthalle, the country’s biggest indoor arena.
ORF Director General Roland Weissmann stated, “After thorough evaluation and unanimous agreement from the jury, it’s confirmed that Vienna’s bid stands out, not just in terms of infrastructure and logistics but also economically.”
Vienna’s Mayor, Michael Ludwig, expressed his joy at Vienna being chosen, promising the city is ready to welcome Europe with open arms.
The last Eurovision, held in Basel this Spring, reached 166 million viewers across 37 countries and was won by Austrian singer JJ with his song ‘Wasted Love’, which was highly anticipated to win.
JJ, whose real name is Johannes Pietsch, is Austria’s third Eurovision champion, after Conchita Wurst in 2014 and Udo Jürgens in 1966.
This year’s edition was marred by controversy over the participation of Israel, with JJ later advocating for their exclusion from next year’s contest in light of the ongoing conflicts.
Eurovision’s 2026 dates include the finale on May 16, preceded by semi-finals on May 12 and May 14, 2026.
Source: https://www.euronews.com/culture/2025/08/20/eurovision-song-contest-2026-to-take-place-in-vienna
