Austria’s public broadcaster, ORF, has announced that Cesár Sampson will co-host the national selection Vienna Calling – Wer singt für Österreich?, the show through which the country will select its representative for Eurovision 2026.
Cesár Sampson will share the stage with Alice Tumler, well-known to the Austrian audience for co-hosting the contest in Vienna in 2015. Sampson is no stranger to the Eurovision world, having represented Austria in 2018 with the song “Nobody But You”, achieving 3rd place and topping the jury vote.
From Talent Scout to Host
Sampson has already been actively involved in the selection process as one of the three “scouts” tasked with finding artists and songs for the new national final format. According to ORF, over 400 songs were submitted, with more than two-thirds in German or a dialect.
Currently, the submissions are being reviewed by a special jury, which will invite 24 artists and groups for auditions in November. From these, 12 will secure a spot in the grand final.
Vienna Calling Final in February
The grand final of Vienna Calling – Wer singt für Österreich? will take place on February 20 and will be broadcast live on ORF 1. The 12 finalists will compete for the ticket to Eurovision, with the winner determined by a combination of jury and public voting.
Eurovision 2026: Austria at “Home”
Austria will host Eurovision 2026 in Vienna following JJ’s victory with “Wasted Love” in last year’s contest. This marks the country’s third win in Eurovision history, after 1966 and 2014. “Wasted Love” received 12 points from eight countries —including Belgium, Germany, Sweden, and Norway— securing Austria’s triumphant return to the top.
Source: ORF
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