My Journey With Austria’s “Vienna Calling - Wer singt für Österreich?” 2026 Ends – And a New Chapter Begins

Swedish Artist GINAxC was on the long list for Austria's Eurovision pre-selection "Vienna Calling - Wer Singt Für Österreich? 2026". Now her journey has ended.

In September, something unexpected and genuinely meaningful happened: I found myself on the longlist for Austria’s national selection Wer singt für Österreich? Out of more than 500 submissions, the casting team reached out to me personally. They even tried to call me, and later asked for individual performance videos of each submitted song, plus a personal presentation.

From that moment on, I stayed in contact with their casting team for weeks. They were kind, responsive, and made me feel seen as an artist — even from another country. And yesterday, Wednesday, November 12th, that journey officially comes to an end.

Being on their radar at all, knowing how many talented artists applied, is something I see as a genuine mark of quality. It means a lot. They saw potential in me, and I’m deeply grateful for their time, their effort, and for including me in their process.

GINAxC at her album release show MY DNA

I also fully understand one thing: I’m a Swedish artist with no personal ties to Austria. Competing against Austrian artists on their own home turf is never “easy.” Still, if I had been chosen as one of the 24–30 artists invited to audition — and later one of the 12 finalists for the televised show — I would have stepped into that with absolute pride.

During these weeks I’ve learned so much. I’ve watched countless videos from Vienna, especially their beautiful Christmas markets. I’ve followed ORF and their official accounts, and I’ve been learning as much as I can about Austria’s culture. If I had been given the chance to represent them — or simply to compete on their stage — I would have given it my all as a respectful and worthy participant.

But every journey has a direction. And now mine turns toward San Marino.Their selection continues in December and then again on site in February, and that will be my next focus.

I’m genuinely thankful for the opportunity Austria gave me, even if it was just being considered.

The encouragement I’ve felt from the process has meant more than I expected.

Now I keep moving — with gratitude, excitement, and a fire that only burns brighter.

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