New United by Music contest gives students a Eurovision stage debut
A new school music competition called United by Music is launching for the first time as part of the Eurovision Song Contest. Open to students aged 14 and above, the event invites entries in everything from original songs to rap and choral performances. The top three acts will even get the chance to perform in Vienna during Eurovision week.
The competition kicks off on February 9, with submissions accepted until March 27. Students can upload audio or video entries through the Ministry of Education's website. Judges will focus purely on musical talent, not production quality.
A winner from each of Austria's nine federal states will be chosen. These nine teams will travel to Vienna at no cost, where the final three will perform live just four days before the Eurovision final. The jury includes former Eurovision contestant Zoë Straub, along with music experts Michael Krön, Dorothee Freiberger, and representatives from the Ministry of Education.
Meanwhile, nine countries have already confirmed their Eurovision 2026 acts. Montenegro, Switzerland, Georgia, Israel, Ukraine, Albania, Malta, Luxembourg, and Cyprus will all compete in Vienna. Organisers hope the school competition will encourage cultural exchange and bring communities together through music.
The United by Music initiative offers young performers a unique platform to showcase their skills. With educational materials developed in partnership with ORF, the competition aims to inspire creativity across Austria. The finalists will join Eurovision's global celebration, performing in front of an international audience.
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