Austria: Aussievision’s Vienna Calling – Wer singt für Österreich? rankings for Eurovision 2026

This Friday night (Saturday morning for Australia) Austria will be holding their national final, Vienna Calling – Wer singt für Österreich?, to select their Eurovision entrant. The winner will be decided by a 50/50 split between jury and public voting.

As the host nation, Austria automatically qualifies for the Eurovision Grand Final - and as a result this year we’ve seen the country take risks and embrace musical styles that are we don't often see in national finals. Can they select a winner to match JJ’s Eurovision 2025 victory with Wasted Love?

Seven Aussievision team members have listened to all 12 songs and scored them Eurovision-style, from 12 points down to 1.

So, who came out on top? Let’s find out. 

Results

12. Reverend Stomp – Mescalero Ranger (11 points)

11. Lena Schaur – Painted Reality (12 points)

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=9. Sidrit Vokshi – Wenn ich rauche (21 points)

Highs: 8 points from Dale

Lows: 0 points from Sam & Craig, 1 point from Joel

“I love this growling German-language man ballad. It's a little simple but his voice just works for me and a believe what he's singing.” ~Dale

=9. David Kurt – Pockets Full of Snow (21 points)

Highs: 6 points from Tim

Lows: 0 points from Srdjan, 1 point from Dale

8. Nikotin – Unsterblich (26 points)

Highs: 12 points from Srdjan

Lows: 0 points from Fleur & Tim

“This song is my favourite by miles, it’s a good solid rock entry that's catchy and kept me hooked until the end.” ~Srdjan

7. Frevd – Riddle (39 points)

Highs: 12 points from Fleur

Lows: 0 points from Dale

“For me this is the most memorable song in this competition. Austria have nothing to lose with sending a strong rock song. Perfect opportunity to send it this year.” ~Fleur

6. Cosmó – Tanzschein (40 points)

Highs: 10 points from Fleur & Srdjan

Lows: 1 point from Tim, 2 points from Sam

“I quite like this Falco-lite song. It's definitely stands out in this line up and could make for some fun staging.” ~Fleur

“Another striking entry which held my attention until the end. It really stands out from the rest of the pack.” ~Srdjan

5. Bamlak Werner – We Are Not Just One Thing (42 points)

Highs: 10 points from Sam, Craig & Tim

Lows: 0 points from Joel

“This multifaceted song elegantly explores multiculturalism and growing up in a diverse background in a western society, something I can personally relate to. This is reflected in the Ethiopian instruments at the beginning of the song highlighting her heritage, which is juxtaposed to the EDM and German lyrics in the second stanza. One critique is the beat in the chorus is almost too frantic, but other than that a masterful entry.” ~Sam

“Not terribly interesting, but well-produced and with a nice message.” ~Craig

“This is a strong anthemic tune that encourages a sense of positivity. The fast paced nature of the song is very encouraging and brings the energy to the song and this should definitely be reflected in the staging of the song. I think it's got a good chance to get a decent result for Austria and should be worth a look in at winning the national final.” ~Tim

4. Julia Steen – JULIA (43 points)

Highs: 12 points from Joel & Tim

Lows: 0 points from Fleur

“I haven’t enjoyed a country-rock twang in a Eurovision song this much since Aussie Jane Comerford sang No No Never for Germany in 2006 as part of Texas Lightning. There is something familiar but so-not-Eurovision to this song, and Julia’s vocals are so unique they really make the performance stand out. “ ~Joel

“There’s something very charming about this song. It sounds very familiar despite never hearing it before. I understand it’s a bit basic and probably not the most creative song in the selection but I think it would really stand out in the competition if it were to make it to May. Just a good boppy song designed for a drive down the coast.” ~Tim

3. Philip Piller – Das Leben ist Kunst (44 points)

Highs: 8 points from Sam, Craig & Fleur

Lows: 3 points from Srdjan

“I reckon this one could be the sleeper hit of the contest that could surprise everyone if they can elevate the studio track into a mindblowing live experience. And Philip seems just the kind of artist to do just that!” ~Joel

2. Anna-Sophie – Superhuman (49 points)

Highs: 12 points from Sam, 10 points from Dale, 8 points from Tim

Lows: 2 points from Fleur

“This contains an almost Superhuman chorus, that has one of the catchiest earworms this Eurovision national final season. I love the almost Ellie Goulding timbre to her voice. This funky entry deserves to represent Austria at Eurovision in May.” ~Sam

“This is a really fun little bouncy pop song. It doesn't blow your socks off but with a charming performance could do well.” ~Dale

1. Kayla Krystin – I Brenn (58 points)

Highs: 12 points from Craig & Dale, 10 points from Joel

Lows: 3 points from Fleur

“In a very weak national final, this stands out for dialling the camp factor up to 11 - while musically quite different, it gives me the same joy as something like Marie Reim's "Naiv" from the German national final a couple of years ago. Austria clearly isn't interested in going for the double, so they might as well send something fun - and for my money, this is a riot.” ~Craig

“Kayla has some voice on her and she really belts this out. I love the sound and grit of her voice and the song really gives me schlager meets power soft rock. I just want to sing I BRENN I BRENN after listening to this. Would be a fun host entry.” ~Dale

“I adore this song for all the wrong reasons! It’s a bit dated, it’s a bit cliched, it’s a bit camp - but that’s what makes me love it! Kayla absolutely owns the song with her super-powerful voice though, and this is the one song of the bunch that I’d love to see performed live.” ~Joel

Where to watch Vienna Calling - Wer singt für Österreich?

So there you have it, the Aussievision team is backing Kayla Krystin with I Brenn as our national final victor for Austria. Do you agree?

You can watch the livestream via ORF ON. For those on CET time, it starts at 8:15pm. In Australia, you can watch at the following times:

• Perth: Saturday 21 February at 3.15

• Darwin: Saturday 21 February at 4.45

• Brisbane: Saturday 21 February at 5.15

• Adelaide: Saturday 21 February at 5.45

• Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Hobart: Saturday 21 February at 6.15.

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