Austria’s broadcaster ORF has decided to return to an internal selection process for the 2027 edition of the Eurovision Song Contest. According to a report by Krone Zeitung published on July 26, the broadcaster has likely made this decision due to cost considerations.
Austria’s song selection history
Austria debuted in the Eurovision Song Contest in 1957 and selected its entries internally until 1981, when the country held its first national final, Sing Dein Lied Für Österreich. Although the artist, Marty Bren, had already been internally selected, the public had the chance to vote for one of three competing songs.
Between 1982 and 2016, Austria alternated between internal selections and national finals. From 2016 to 2025, ORF selected all of its Eurovision entries internally. In 2026, however, the broadcaster organized the national final Vienna Calling – Wer Singt Für Österreich? Cosmó won the competition with “Tanzschein”.
Which selection method has been more successful?
Austria has won the Eurovision Song Contest three times: in 1966, with Udo Jürgens and the song “Merci, Chérie”, in 2014 with Conchita Wurst and “Rise Like A Phoenix” and in 2025 with JJ and “Wasted Love”. All three winning songs were internally selected by ORF. Internal selections have also produced some of Austria’s strongest recent results, including Cesár Sampson’s third place with “Nobody But You” in 2018.
However, internal selections have not always guaranteed success. Austria finished last with internally selected entries in 1961, 1962, 1988 and several other editions, demonstrating that the selection method alone is not a predictor of success at Eurovision.
National finals have produced similarly mixed results. Alf Poier’s “Weil Der Mensch Zählt” finished 6th in 2003, one of Austria’s best results at the time. In contrast, Trackshittaz’s “Woki Mit Deim Popo” came dead last in 2012, while Cosmó’s “Tanzschein” placed 24th in the 2026 Grand Final.
Although Austria has achieved strong results through both selection methods, ORF has now opted to return to an internal selection for 2027. Whether the broadcaster can continue JJ’s recent success with this approach remains to be seen.
Austria’s Eurovision Journey
In 1957, Austria made their debut into the Eurovision Song Contest, where Bob Martin represented the landlocked nation with the song “Wohin, kleines Pony?”. At the close of voting, it managed to place 10th overall. Since their debut, Austria has participated 56 times (being in the final 49 times), and – before 2025 – had won the competition on two occasions in 1966 and 2014.
In 2026, Austria selected COSMÓ to represent the nation on home soil with “Tanzschein”. Being the host country, Austria automatically qualified for the final – where COSMÓ would ultimately finish in 24th place with 6 points. One point came from the jury while another five came from the televote.
What do you think of Austria’s song selection method for the 2027 Eurovision Song Contest? Who would you like to see follow in Cosmós’ footsteps in Bulgaria? As always, please let us know what you think by getting involved in the comments below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, Threads, tumblr, Bluesky, and ZOOP for more information about Eurovision 2027!
News Source: Krone Zeitung
Photo Credit: Julia Engel
Thomas James