The Austrian capital last hosted the ESC extravaganza in 2015 and 1967. Vienna beat out Innsbruck to host the 2026 European Song Contest, Austrian public broadcaster ORF said on Wednesday. Austria won the rights to host the 70th edition of the event after the country's singer, JJ, won in May 2025 with his song "Wasted Love." JJ's "Wasted Love" mixed techno beats with operatic vocalsImage: Denis Balibouse/REUTERS
If RTÉ does not receive the detailed breakdown of this year's Eurovision televoting figures, it raises questions about transparency and communication from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
I think that writing a book or making a movie about my entire family, about my family, would be such a drama. Despite this, my childhood and my family were very happy.
Mumba expressed her shock at the reaction to her Instagram post criticizing the Eurovision panel's professionalism, aiming to voice frustrations about their treatment of contestants.
"We will ask the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) whether it is time to update these rules or at least review whether the current rules allow for abuse."
Despite the glamour and excitement of the Eurovision Song Contest, political tensions, especially regarding Israel's participation, often overshadow the event, highlighting complex relationships in Europe.
"Nightfall, heart beats, into the trance, the moon rises, the earth arches, the gates open," sings bisexual Finnish music star and tango dancer Erika Vikman on the opening verse, a double entendre if there ever was one.
When we did it you had to sing 100pc live but now they let you use background vocals. Like proper, you can put effects in so now it's a different climate, so people up there sing like Whitney Houston.
Martin Green has been appointed as Managing Director of the Eurovision Song Contest, overseeing the 2025 event in Basel, Switzerland amid protests regarding Israel's participation.
Eurovision continues to capture the global audience, providing a platform for diverse musical expression and community, while US fans can now enjoy live coverage via Peacock.
"Bara Badu Batsu" is a catchy and upbeat song that celebrates Nordic sauna culture, showcasing the Finnish-Swedish band KAJ's unique light-hearted style.
"I think I, along with a lot of fans, were very disappointed that certain countries were trying to game the system and manipulate their way into the Grand Final."
Ben Pyne, a 39-year-old primary school teacher from Dublin, co-wrote Croatia's Eurovision entry 'Poison Cake', highlighting his unique contribution to the contest.