70th Eurovision Song Contest: „TANZSCHEIN“ special tram to Stadthalle – COSMÓ starts the ESC rehearsal phase
In just a few days, the big moment will arrive for COSMÓ – he will be on stage at the Wiener Stadthalle during the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, representing Austria with his song „TANZSCHEIN“ at the world's biggest TV entertainment event. On May 5, 2026 the Burgenland native, who lives in Vienna, invited guests on a special tram ride to the Eurovision Song Contest – a tram to the Stadthalle. ORF delegation leader Katharina Rossek, costume designers Adi Lozancic and Timo Reitbauer, songwriter Ella Stern, who co-wrote „TANZSCHEIN“ with COSMÓ and Elias Stejskal, COSMÓ's friends, and and numerous press representatives came to wish Austria's Eurovision representative all the best for their upcoming performances on the world's biggest stage. Luxembourg's Eurovision participant Eva Marija was also there and even took a „TANZSCHEIN“ course. The evening was hosted by Ö3 presenter Max Bauer.
As the representative of the host country, COSMÓ is already guaranteed a spot in the grand final on Saturday, May 16th, and does not need to qualify through the semi-final. His song will be presented out of competition for the first time during the second semifinal on May 14. During the tram ride, he already gave a first glimpse of the planned production: With „TANZSCHEIN,“ he brings a vibrant club experience to the stage, creating a space where people can come together, dance freely, and unleash their inner animal. The performance will feature colorful club outfits from different decades of music and life-size animal masks.
ORF Program Director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz: "Here we go – the special ESC atmosphere is becoming more noticeable in the city every day. The first rehearsals are in full swing, so we have successfully kicked off the Eurovision Song Contest 2026. It's an exciting time for everyone who works tirelessly at this unique event, and of course for all the artists. I sincerely wish them all, especially Austria's representative COSMÓ, an unforgettable performance, great success on stage, and that he gets the audience and all of Europe dancing."
COSMÓ: "I was delighted to once again experience the spirit of Vienna with a tram ride, because that's exactly what I want to bring to the ESC stage. Now I'm ready for the next few days and am very much looking forward to the rehearsals in the Stadthalle! I'm focusing on using my energy well and getting a good feel for the stage. And I’m especially happy that Eva Marija was with me on the tram ride and that we’re now celebrating Eurovision together.”
Eva Marija, who will represent Luxembourg at ESC 2026: "COSMÓ and I have become good friends. It's so special to be part of this competition and to have someone who is the same age and on a similar path - in terms of age but also career-wise. We are both just discovering who we are as artists. That’s wonderful and also reassuring. I would say he is my ESC ‚bestie’ and I look forward to celebrating Eurovision with him."
COSMÓ's further schedule until the finale of the Eurovision Song Contest 2026:
- Thursday, May 7: First rehearsal
- Saturday, May 9: Second rehearsal
- Sunday, May 10: Opening Ceremony and official start of ESC 2026 – live on ORF 1 (from 5:00 PM)
- Thursday, May 14: Semifinal 2 – live on ORF 1 (from 9:00 PM) – where COSMÓ will present his song „TANZSCHEIN“ for the first time out of competition
- Friday, May 15: Dress rehearsal of the finale – international juries cast their votes
- Saturday, May 16: Grand Finale – starting number 25 – live on ORF 1 (from 9:00 PM)
(May 06, 2026)