This year, Austria will be participating in the Eurovision Song Contest for the 55th time. In 2014, Conchita Wurst’s victory marked Austria’s second win in the competition. Vienna served as the host city for the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015 and provided a wonderful setting for the event. The 2015 contest was a magical experience that showcased the best of Vienna and Austria, featuring a lively atmosphere, friendly people, and an enthusiastic spirit that permeated the entire city.

Austria’s debut entry in the Eurovision Song Contest was in 1957 with the song “Wohin, Kleines Pony” by Bob Martin, which unfortunately placed last in the competition held in Frankfurt. However, this inauspicious start did not foreshadow Austria’s future in the contest. Since then, Austria has participated in the contest 48 times, qualifying for the Grand Final on numerous occasions and achieving a Top 10 position at least 22 times.

Austria’s greatest moments in the Eurovision Song Contest include Udo Jürgens‘ victory with “Merci Chérie” in 1966. Although Jürgens passed away in 2015, his legacy lives on as he was a highly successful musician who sold over 105 million albums and composed over 1000 songs, gaining popularity not only in Austria and Germany but also beyond. The Eurovision Song Contest held a special place in his heart. He was fortunate enough to witness Austria’s second victory in the contest, achieved by Conchita Wurst with “Rise Like A Phoenix” in Copenhagen 2015. Conchita’s win was a remarkable comeback for Austria, which had been criticized in its own country but later celebrated as a hero. She became an icon for the LGBTQ+ community and a symbol of tolerance and freedom around the world, advocating for equal rights.

Following her victory in the Eurovision Song Contest, Conchita Wurst embarked on a world tour, was invited to various TV shows in Australia, and even performed at the United Nations headquarters in Vienna. She has continued to create and release new songs and albums, and remains a fixture on television, appearing in many shows.

Austria’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest has been regular, but there have been periods of absence due to unsuccessful entries in the early 2000s. The contest had a rule that required countries to take a year off if they didn’t place in the Top 10. However, Austria returned with renewed energy and enthusiasm. In 2011, Nadine Beiler sang „The Secret is Love“ and qualified for the grand final in Düsseldorf. She placed 18th overall with a stunning performance, and even received 12 points from the host country, Germany. The old rivalry between Germany and Austria regarding voting had mellowed, as in previous years both countries were not generous with their points to each other.

„LUM!X and Pia Maria’s song „Halo“ ended up in the semi final in Turin last year, as they could not convince the juries and televoters.“