Barbara Schöneberger hosts „Wir sind Song Contest“ - the big show for the big show
Why was Austria not represented at the first Song Contest? What happened to the participants? And which ESC legends must not be missing to kick off the countdown in the large ORF Song Contest studio? Together with high-profile guests, host Barbara Schöneberger will reminisce on April 24th, May 1st, and May 8th, 2026, each at 8:15 PM on ORF 1 and ORF ON, about the very special moments of this music event, providing the perfect warm-up for the world's biggest TV and music show. From „Merci, Chérie“ to „Satellite“ and many more – big stars from the local and international music scene such as Pizzera & Jaus, Folkshilfe, or Beatrice Egli will also interpret their own versions of well-known ESC hits. Among the guests are John and Jenny Jürgens, Johnny Logan, and Felix Neureuther. In a fast-paced quiz, Austria's biggest ESC fans will also have another chance to win the last coveted tickets for the final show in Vienna. Each of the three shows will feature an absolute ESC legend who will perform their greatest hit once more.
Three shows, three themes
Each of the three shows has its own theme: What does Elton John have to do with the Song Contest, why wasn't Austria at the first Song Contest, and how often have there been streakers at the Song Contest? The most fascinating and bizarre facts and stories from seven decades of the Song Contest are the focus of the opening show „70 Years of the World's Greatest Music Show“ (April 24). The ESC becomes the ÖSC when the audience can look forward to „Austria's most emotional moments“ (May 1) in the second show. Who wanted to compete for us, who did compete, what became of the participants, and how are they doing today? A reunion with the great legends and audience favorites, some of whom are stepping behind the microphone for the first time in decades. Part three „The Most Successful Hits and Heroes“ (May 8) promises a comeback of the great stars of the ESC. Not all have succeeded, but some of them have made a world career, even though they didn't always win. They tell Barbara Schöneberger how it happened and also take to the microphone.
ORF Program Director Stefanie Groiss-Horowitz: „This is a program for Eurovision fans and everyone who wants to become one. In these three shows, we celebrate the music spectacle in all its facets and show what a unifying and captivating event the ESC is and how incredibly it has developed over the past 70 years. It's the perfect launch pad for the Eurovision Song Contest - and with Barbara Schöneberger and her guests, the time until the big event will be sweetened once again.“
Secure your show tickets
If you would like to be part of the audience at „Wir sind Song Contest,“ you can secure tickets for the recording at backstage.ORF.at starting January 21.
(January 20, 2026)