The city of Vienna is gearing up to host the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in May 2026, following Austria’s triumphant win at this year’s competition. The announcement, made by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Austria’s public broadcaster ORF on August 21, 2025, confirmed that the country’s capital had edged out other Austrian contenders—including Graz, Innsbruck, and Oberwart—after a competitive bidding process. The decision marks Vienna’s third time as host, having previously welcomed the Eurovision spectacle in 1967 and 2015, according to The Independent and the Associated Press.
The 2026 contest will unfold at the Wiener Stadthalle, Austria’s largest indoor arena, which will see thousands of fans, delegations, and journalists descend on the city. The first and second semi-finals are scheduled for May 12 and 14, with the grand final set for May 16. ORF Director General Roland Weissmann emphasized the city’s readiness, stating, “After thorough examination and based on a unanimous jury assessment, ORF has concluded that Vienna’s bid is the most attractive not only in terms of infrastructure and logistics, but also economically.” (AP)
Vienna’s mayor, Michael Ludwig, expressed his excitement on social media, writing, “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 wonderful May together.” He also revealed that the city has allocated a budget of about 22.6 million euros (roughly $26.3 million) for the event and related festivities, with a strong focus on making cultural events accessible to all citizens. “As mayor of Vienna, it is very important to me that cultural events are accessible to everyone, regardless of the size of their wallet,” Ludwig said. (AP)
Vienna’s selection comes on the heels of Austria’s singer JJ (full name Johannes Pietsch) clinching victory at the 2025 contest in Basel with his song “Wasted Love.” The win was anything but routine. According to The Independent, the competition was a nail-biter, with Israel’s delegate Yuval Raphael initially appearing poised for victory after the public votes were tallied. However, after the jury points were added, JJ surged ahead, ultimately topping the leaderboard with 436 points and securing Austria’s right to host the following year’s event.
JJ’s performance, which blended operatic, multi-octave vocals with a modern techno twist, captivated viewers across Europe. Notably, JJ is no stranger to the spotlight—he also performs at the Vienna State Opera and made an appearance on The Voice UK back in 2020. His win marks Austria’s third Eurovision triumph, following Conchita Wurst’s celebrated victory in 2014 and Udo Jürgens’s historic win in 1966, as reported by Deutsche Welle and AP.
The Eurovision Song Contest, first held in Lugano, Switzerland, in 1955, has grown into one of the world’s most-watched annual music events. Last year’s contest in Basel drew an estimated 160 to 166 million viewers, underscoring its enduring appeal and cultural significance. The event is known for its flamboyant costumes, elaborate staging, and the unique blend of public and jury votes that determine the winner. According to Deutsche Welle, Eurovision has helped launch the careers of international stars like ABBA, Celine Dion, and Olivia Newton-John.
But Eurovision is rarely just about the music. The 2025 competition was marked by controversy over Israel’s participation, with 72 former contestants calling for the country’s ban from the contest. The debate highlighted the event’s long-standing tradition of uniting—and sometimes dividing—Europeans over issues of politics and inclusion. According to The Independent, the EBU faced mounting pressure but ultimately allowed Israel to compete, fueling heated discussions both within the Eurovision community and beyond.
Martin Green CBE, Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, praised Vienna’s selection, stating, “The EBU is thrilled that Vienna has been selected as the Host City for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. Vienna’s reputation as one of the most musical cities in the world, and its location in the heart of Europe, makes it the perfect host city for the 70th Eurovision Song Contest.” (The Independent)
The city’s musical pedigree is certainly hard to dispute. Vienna’s centuries-old tradition of classical music, its vibrant opera scene, and its embrace of contemporary pop culture make it a fitting stage for Eurovision’s milestone edition. ORF echoed this sentiment, describing Vienna as “not only the most attractive in terms of infrastructure and logistics but also economically.” (The Independent)
Preparations are already underway for what promises to be a week-long celebration of music, diversity, and spectacle. In addition to the three main shows—the two semi-finals and the grand final—six dress rehearsals will be held during the same week, offering fans and participants multiple chances to experience the event’s magic. More details about these rehearsals, as well as the full list of participating countries, are expected to be revealed in the coming months.
Eurovision’s enduring popularity lies in its ability to reflect the changing face of Europe. While the contest has faced its share of controversies—ranging from political messaging to debates over the inclusion of non-European countries—it remains a powerful platform for artistic expression and international camaraderie. Last year’s contest, for example, saw Conchita Wurst’s win spark both celebration and backlash, highlighting the ongoing dialogue around diversity and acceptance in the Eurovision community. (Deutsche Welle)
For Vienna, hosting Eurovision is not just a matter of prestige; it’s an opportunity to showcase the city’s hospitality, infrastructure, and cultural vitality to a global audience. With millions expected to tune in and thousands more arriving in person, the city is poised to deliver a Eurovision experience worthy of its storied musical legacy. As the countdown to May 2026 begins, all eyes will be on Vienna—a city where history, music, and the spirit of Eurovision converge.
With the stage set and anticipation building, Vienna is ready to welcome the world once again, reaffirming its place at the heart of Europe’s most dazzling musical celebration.
