Introduction

• Participant(s): Zoë
  
• Song: Loin d’ici
  
• Writer(s): Christof Straub & Zoe Straub
  
• Composer(s): Christof Straub & Zoe Straub
  
• Broadcaster: ORF
  
• Social media: 
• Team review: 

The Eurovision wave has reached Austria with the phenomenal victory of Conchita Wurst in 2014. As a host country, Austria has done a great job and the Vienna ESC will be in best memories for everybody! Unfortunately, the host country’s entry “I Am Yours” from the MakeMakes made the undeserved last place with nil points. Even though, this has not stopped the Eurovision euphoria. That’s why the Austrian broadcaster ORF has arranged another exciting national final this year. The lucky winner Zoë has already made a third place in 2015. Her winning song “Loin D’Ici” is a song in French language, which might appear a bit unusual for Austria. But Udo Jürgens could win the ESC in 1966 with the French song title “Merci Chérie”.

Zoë Straub was born in Vienna 1996. Zoë went to the Lycée Francais, where she became passionate with the French language. Her parents were the founders of the popular group Papermoon Christoph Straub and Roumina Willfing. Her father also co-wrote her entries from 2015 and this year. Zoë is actress and TV personality, hosting TV shows.

The song “Loin D’Ici” is a typical French pop tune with a feel-good melody. This song could have also been sung by Alizée or Vanessa Paradis. Even if the song is a bit 90’s it might be one of the highlights in Stockholm. We her lovely voice and her smart attitude she will capture the hearts of the juries and televoters.

History

• Debut: 1957
• Participations: 49
• Victories: 2
• Finals: 44
• Top 10: 22
• Chance for Top 10: 45 %

For Austria it’s the 49th time in the Eurovision Song Contest. Thanks to Conchita Wurst, Austria could win the ESC for a second time and was a wonderful host country last year. The Vienna ESC 2015 was truly magical and showed the city and the country in the best possible light.

The Austrian debut song “Wohin, Kleines Pony” by Bob Martin made the last place in Frankfurt in 1957. This should not be taken as bad omen, as there were quite a lot of successes over the years. 44 times the Grand Final could be reached and at least Austria could get a Top10 position for 22 times.

The biggest moments for Austria were of course Udo Jürgens’ entry “Merci Chérie” in 1966. To our all regrets Udo Jürgens passed away in 2015. He started a very successful career, not only in Austria and Germany, even beyond. He composed more than 1000 songs and released 50 albums and sold more than 105 million albums. Luckily he was able to witness the second Austrian victory “Rise Like A Phoenix” by Conchita Wurst in Copenhagen 2015. This was a truly revival of the “Sleeping Beauty Austria”. Firstly criticised in its own country, later celebrated as hero - Conchita has shown what tolerance and freedom really means to the entire world. Conchita also become a kind of icon for the gay and lesbian community and stands for equal rights. After her victory she travelled around the world, has been invited to TV shows and she could even announce the Australian performer for this year in the Sydney Opera House.

Austria has mainly participated on a regular basis, but in recent years they even paused due to unsuccessful entries. But the Austrians came back with more enthusiasm and new energy. Nadine Beiler sang “The secret is love”, she has qualified for the grand final in Düsseldorf and made the 18th rank with a stunning performance, the host country Germany awarded this with 12 points! The old twist between Germany and Austria regarding the voting has smoothened. After many years a national final is being been organized by the Austrian broadcaster ORF every year now.