ESC 2026 Plans Taking Shape: All You Need to Know About the 70th Edition

The Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) will celebrate its 70th edition next year. The special milestone event will occur in Austria. This was officially announced in mid-May 2025, following Vienna's Johannes Pietsch (24), known as JJ, winning the ESC in Basel — thereby earning the right for his homeland to host the event in the upcoming year.

This indicates that the Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) must organize the anniversary contest. The network is definitely pleased to take part, despite a recurring joke regarding ESC 2025 where ORF seemed concerned about JJ’s victory. Indeed, the public broadcaster has been instructed to adopt budget reductions lately. Nevertheless, Andreas Babler (52), Deputy Chancellor and Minister of Culture, approved following JJ's success. “I'm highly confident that we'll create an extraordinary event next year,” he stated.

Will it be Innsbruck or Vienna?

Multiple Austrian cities had entered the competition, although some later withdrew their bids. The submission deadline was July 4, 2025. In addition to the more common contenders, several smaller towns were initially optimistic about hosting, such as Oberwart. Nevertheless, in June, they declared they would not submit an application. "We did not file anything," stated city representative Kerstin Zsifkovits-Taferner to the Austrian publication "Standard."

Graz reportedly also wanted to be considered as a host city, yet they too announced their decision to step back. The city "could have served as an excellent setting for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026," stated an official release. "Given the current financial structure, submitting an application for Graz isn’t justified, even though I completely grasp how many people wished for the ESC to take place here," said Mayor Elke Kahr. A report estimated the expenses could exceed 29 million euros.

The Eurovision Song Contest took place in Austria two times previously: once in 1967, after Udo Jürgens (1934–2014) won the competition the prior year with his song "Merci, Chérie," and again in 2015 when Conchita Wurst (age 36) triumphed with "Rise Like a Phoenix." Both events were organized in Vienna. On July 14, the ORF stated that Vienna and Innsbruck had properly filed their required paperwork. Now they will begin “in-depth conversations” with both cities.

Victoria Swarowski and Conchita Wurst as moderators? Victoria Swarovski and Conchita Wurst hosting? Could Victoria Swarovski and Conchita Wurst be the presenters? Is Victoria Swarovski paired with Conchita Wurst as hosts? What about Victoria Swarovski and Conchita Wurst serving as emcees? Would Victoria Swarovski and Conchita Wurst host the event? Having Victoria Swarovski and Conchita Wurst as announcers? Are Victoria Swarovski and Conchita Wurst set to co-host? The possibility of Victoria Swarovski and Conchita Wurst as hosts? Victoria Swarovski and Conchita Wurst taking turns as hosts?

The initial list of potential hosts for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 has started to emerge. Victoria Swarovski (31) is often brought up. In Germany, she is recognized for presenting "Let's Dance." If the contest takes place in her home city of Innsbruck, she would likely be considered a natural fit. Nevertheless, her involvement with "Let's Dance" might create scheduling conflicts. The most recent cycle of the dancing competition usually concludes at the end of May annually.

As reported by "Kleine Zeitung," Andi Knoll (53) is seen as highly likely. The presenter, born in Innsbruck, has provided commentary for the competition with ORF since 1999. He may now transition from the commentator’s desk to the stage. Conchita Wurst, who previously served as a guest host in 2015, could also be involved. Another notable figure has expressed interest: winner JJ. “Hostin g the ESC — that would be truly amazing,” the musician stated during a press event.

SWR instead of NDR

In Germany, an internal shift occurred following the Eurovision Song Contest 2025. After over three decades, NDR passed the primary responsibility within ARD to SWR. This transition is part of a broader realignment within ARD. The broadcast network has been organized into several "centers of expertise," and the area responsible for programs such as the ESC appears to be managed by Südwestrundfunk.

Incidentally, the specific dates for ESC 2026 have not been finalized yet. The ORF is proposing May 16 and May 23, 2026, as potential dates for the finale.