70. Eurovision Song Contest: COSMÓ with starting number 25 in the grand ESC final on May 16
The „DANCE PERMIT“ has officially been issued: COSMÓ, yesterday, on May 14, 2026, stunningly brought his performance - out of competition - for the first time to the large ESC stage before the European TV audience in the second semifinal. Tomorrow, in the final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest, Austria's representative will compete against 24 other finalists with the starting number 25. The 19-year-old feels well prepared for the performance and is excited to close the Song Contest in Vienna for the host country.
COSMÓ: “Before the big performance, I plan to meditate for a moment and gather my thoughts. I’m reflecting on the wonderful time we’ve had and everything we’ve achieved so far. I’m really looking forward to seeing all the fans watching and cheering us on. And I'm thinking of my family, who are watching with great interest and keeping their fingers crossed for me."
ORF delegation leader Katharina Rossek: "COSMÓ is more than ready! During rehearsals and also in the semifinals, he delivered 100 percent! For months, he and his guitarist Sandro prepared intensively for this performance, working extensively on the staging and choreography. COSMÓ was supported by Dan Shipton and Ross Nicholson, our creative team, who managed to elevate ‘TANZSCHEIN’ to an even higher international level. We as a delegation are more than satisfied with the result, and now we’re keeping our fingers crossed for COSMÓ and wish him lots of fun on stage!”
For COSMÓ, the many weeks of preparation were also filled with wonderful moments and new friendships. COSMÓ: “My best Eurovision moments were with the group of friends that formed—Jonas from Norway, Søren from Denmark, and Eva from Luxembourg. Those are memories I’ll cherish for the rest of my life.”
The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 live and varied supporting program on ORF 1
On the final evening of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest – broadcast on ORF 1 and ORF ON with commentary as always from „Mr. Song Contest“ Andi Knoll – Barbara Schöneberger will host the two ORF/ARD/SRF programs "ESC – The Countdown„ (8:15 PM) and “ESC – The Aftershow" (12:55 AM) live from the MuseumsQuartier in Vienna. Following this (around 1:25 AM), ORF 1 will broadcast the winners' press conference live from the Wiener Stadthalle.
(May 15, 2026)