Vienna is preparing to host the 69th Eurovision Song Contest in May 2026, and organizers have unveiled a packed schedule of events alongside the official mascot, Auri. The Austrian Broadcasting Corporation (ORF) detailed opening and interval acts for both semifinals and the grand final, promising a spectacular show under the motto “The Big Show!” as the competition celebrates its 70th anniversary. The unveiling took place at a media update held at the Wiener Stadthalle on March 19, 2026.
The upcoming contest isn’t just about the music; it’s a cultural moment for Austria, and the ORF is leaning into that. From orchestral performances to culinary delights, the event aims to showcase the country’s rich heritage alongside the modern spectacle of Eurovision. The preparations are “absolutely on schedule,” according to ORF Interim Director-General Ingrid Thurnher, who expressed confidence in delivering nine exceptional shows, including three live television broadcasts.
Central to the festivities is Auri, the newly revealed mascot for the 2026 Eurovision Song Contest. Described as a “frohnatur” – a cheerful character – Auri will be fully presented to the public during a press event by the ORF today, March 19th, according to EuroMix. The mascot, which has been teased online as a potential replacement for last year’s LUMO, is intended to embody the warmth and openness of the Eurovision spirit, bringing it to Vienna and the world.
A Journey Through Eurovision History and Modern Performances
The first semifinal will kick off with “70 Years of Love,” a cinematic tribute spanning seven decades of Eurovision history. Following this, a 70-member choir will perform a rendition of “L’amour est bleu,” the French entry that competed at the 1967 Eurovision Song Contest held in Vienna’s Hofburg Palace. A playful interval act will feature Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski alongside Go-Jo, known as the “Milkshake Man” from Australia’s 2025 participation, exploring the differences between Austria and Australia.
The second semifinal will open with a self-deprecating performance of “Wasted Love” by JJ, the winner of the 2025 contest. JJ will also present a new song during a later interval act. These performances aim to blend nostalgia with contemporary entertainment, appealing to both long-time Eurovision fans and new viewers.
Grand Finale Promises a Star-Studded Spectacle
The grand finale is set to be a particularly grand affair, with the ORF Radio-Symphonieorchester Wien playing a central role. The orchestra has recorded numerous musical contributions for the show and will also perform live on stage during the final. The opening act will tell the story of the paper boat featured in JJ’s winning performance last year, tracing its journey from Switzerland down the Rhine and Danube rivers to Vienna.
The opening number, “The Queen of the Night,” will combine JJ’s vocals with elements of Mozart’s music and their own original compositions, as the 25 finalists enter the Wiener Stadthalle. During the voting interval, a series of high-profile acts will take the stage. Eurovision alumni Verka Serduchka, Erika Vikman, Lordi, and Il Volo will perform new versions of iconic songs from the past seven decades in a segment titled “Celebration!”. Electroswing artist Parov Stelar will then bring his signature sound to the arena, followed by a soulful rendition of Billy Joel’s “Vienna” by Cesár Sampson, providing a musical bridge to the voting finale.
Adding to the entertainment, Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski will engage in a friendly wager to see who can incorporate the most Eurovision winner titles into their commentary. “Professor Eurovision” will answer unusual questions about the competition, while “Eurovision Quiz” will test the knowledge of audience members with clips from the show’s 69-year history.
Beyond the Stage: Merchandise and Cultural Extensions
The ORF is extending the Eurovision experience beyond the stage with a range of merchandise and cultural initiatives. Alongside Auri’s debut, an official Eurovision cookbook featuring dishes from all 35 participating countries has been released. A children’s book, “Auri – Die Show seines Lebens” (Auri – The Show of His Life), has also been published, introducing young fans to the world of Eurovision. Yvonne Lacina-Blaha, the author of the children’s book, will embark on a reading tour across Austria, including appearances during ESC week, at the Vienna City Marathon, and on ORF children’s programs.
ORF/Hans Leitner
Yvonne Lacina-Blaha with the children’s book “Auri – The Show of His Life”
Collectors can also purchase a limited-edition Vienna snow globe featuring Auri, as well as felt keychains and refrigerator magnets. The ORF RadioKulturhaus will host a series of related events, including discussions, quizzes, and a concert by the ORF Radio-Symphonieorchester Wien performing reinterpretations of classic Eurovision songs.
The Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna promises to be a celebration of music, culture, and unity. With a diverse lineup of performances, engaging interval acts, and a charming new mascot, the event is poised to captivate audiences across Europe and beyond. The next major milestone will be the official presentation of Auri to the public today, March 19th, providing a closer appear at the character that will represent the spirit of the 2026 contest.
What are your thoughts on Auri as the new Eurovision mascot? Share your opinions and excitement in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with fellow Eurovision fans!
