"Vienna Calling": Alice Tumler and Cesár Sampson Host Austria's ESC Pre-Selection

For about two and a half months, artists were able to submit their applications for Austria's ESC preliminary decision. Over 500 entries were sent in for "Vienna Calling - Who sings for Austria?" While the finalists for the ESC preliminary decision are still being sought, Alice Tumler and Cesár Sampson, two Eurovision Song Contest professionals, are confirmed as hosts for the show on February 20, 2026 (live on ORF 1 and ORF ON).

"Two ESC Professionals" for Austria's ESC Preliminary Decision

"A next big step towards ESC 2026 has been made. I am very pleased with the very many and very diverse song submissions. Now it's about finding the perfect selection for 'Vienna Calling'. There awaits the first big ESC moment for many participants. With Alice Tumler and Cesár Sampson, we have two ESC professionals on hand who will support the local acts and the audience in this great emotional challenge," says ORF Program Director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz enthusiastically.

Alice Tumler is already looking forward to Austria's ESC preliminary decision: "For me, hosting 'Vienna Calling' means a lot. I am excited to be part of the team again, eleven years after the most exciting event of my life, the ESC 2015. I am looking forward to Vienna, the ESC buzz, the viewers - and of course, I am very curious to see who will represent Austria at the home game in 2026."

"As a scout, I already had the opportunity to hear all the acts. And as the host of 'Vienna Calling - Who sings for Austria?' I am already looking forward to sharing all of this with the audience, so everyone can get an idea of which acts we have at the starting blocks. 'Vienna Calling', the decision show where our Song Contest starter will be determined, is simply not to be missed, let's dive into ESC fever!" says Cesár Sampson.

"Vienna Calling": The Path to Austria's ESC Preliminary Decision

In the coming weeks, numerous "Listening Sessions" are scheduled for the ORF editorial team, where all submitted songs will be listened to and evaluated. Together with scouts Cesár Sampson, Peter Schreiber, and Eberhard Forcher, a shortlist of the 30 best songs will be created. These songs will receive the coveted messages after the list is completed - the invitation to the internal live castings at the end of November at ORF. There, the first test of endurance takes place when the musicians have to perform live. Twelve acts are being sought, who with outstanding stage presence and impressive voices should convince both the jury and the audience. For the first time since 2016, there is again a national preliminary decision, where the viewers can also help decide who will compete for Austria.

(Red)

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