27. 07. 10. - 15:00

Austrian comeback at 2011 Song Contest

Austria will compete in the 2011 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) after a three-year hiatus, it has emerged.

Pius Strobl, head of communications at national broadcaster ORF, said today (Tues) the station has decided to field an artist in next year’s edition of the tradition-rich event screened all over the world.

ORF bosses decided to stop taking part in the ESC after Eric Papilaya flopped in the 2007 event’s semi final. Officials at the station have been criticised for hinting Western European nations stood no chance anyway since Eastern European (EE) countries tend to support each other.

The 2011 ESC will take place in Germany after Lena Meyer-Landrut’s victory in this year’s edition of the event which took place in Oslo, Norway, in May.

ORF scored an own goal for deciding not to screen the Oslo competition despite the German pop singer’s immense popularity in Austria. Her winning entry "Satellite" had hit number two in the Austrian Singles Chart before the event.

Legendary crooner Udo Jürgens won the 1966 ESC with ballad "Merci Chérie". It is the only Austrian victory to date.

Strobl kept tight-lipped over how ORF will pick the national contender. Reports have it that the winner of upcoming casting show "Helden von Morgen" (Heroes of Tomorrow) – which is set to start in October – could become the Austrian runner.

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