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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
Lifestyle
RFI

Vienna to stage Eurovision 2026 amid ongoing controversy over Israel's inclusion

Israel Eurovision JJ Vienna Austria Basel Switzerland Innsbruck EBU Freedom Party
The Eurovision 2025 win for JJ, an opera singer from Vienna, will see next year's contest staged in his home town. AFP - JOE KLAMAR

Vienna – Austria's JJ won this year's contest, held in Basel in Switzerland, meaning his home country will stage the 2026 event. Its capital, Vienna, was announced on Wednesday as the host city, beating out rival bidder Innsbruck.

JJ – otherwise known as Johannes Pietsch – gave Austria its first victory since bearded drag performer Conchita Wurst's 2014 triumph.

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