Who is COSMÓ? Meet Austria's Eurovision 2026 entry

Could Austria have back-to-back Eurovision victories? That is the question on every fan's mind and it's not out of the realm of possibility!

Last year the country won represented by JJ and his song Wasted Love. As this year's hosts, Austria automatically qualifies for the grand final.

Following in JJ's very impressive shoes is COSMÓ, who will face off against the 25 other artists, as he performs his song Tanzschein – but will it be enough to win?

With the countdown under way for Eurovision 2026, here's everything you need to know about COSMÓ.

Who is Austria's Eurovision 2026 entry COSMÓ?

Instagram: @cosmomachtmusik

TikTok: @cosmomachtmusik

COSMÓ, whose real name is Benjamin Gedeon, has grown up around music. He began attending music school at the tender age of just four years old. Two years later at six he began learning the piano, and at age 13 he started singing lessons.

He entered Germany's The Voice Kids but was eliminated after the second round before returning two years later and making it all the way to the final of the show's 10th season, where he sang two Frank Sinatra songs.

Last year he entered Austria's Eurovision selection process called Vienna Calling – Wer singt für Österreich?, and won – earning the right to represent the country at this year's competition.

Benjamin's name stage name COSMÓ is meant to reflect his openness to the world and his fascination with the universe. He is also always seen with his trademark blue painted star across one eye, evocative of David Bowie.

How old is COSMÓ?

COSMÓ is only 19 years old! He is one of the youngest contestants at this year's competition.

What nationality is COSMÓ?

COSMÓ is a Hungarian-born singer who grew up in Burgenland, Austria, but now lives in the capital city Vienna.

What has COSMÓ said about representing Austria at Eurovision 2026?

COSMÓ has said that representing his country is an "incredible honour" and that he hopes to "make Austria proud".

"The Eurovision Song Contest is a big dream of mine. As a child, I watched Conchita Wurst win on TV, and then last year, JJ won. Those were moments full of adrenaline and pure joy for me," he said.

What is Austria's Eurovision 2026 song called?

COSMÓ will be performing the song Tanzschein, which he wrote himself alongside Elias Stejskal and Ella Stern. The single has already done quite well, reaching number seven on the Austrian Singles Chart.

Tanzschein is a quirky dance track which has a strong influence from German techno and club music. The title translates to "dance licence" and the song criticises those who go out just to pose or judge others.

At this year's song contest, COSMÓ has said he has three aims: "To make the audience dance, to inspire viewers, and to spread love through his music."

He added: "I had an experience in a club where I was so excited to finally go, and suddenly nobody was dancing. And the song is about clubs being about dancing again, and you only getting in with a 'dance pass'."

Where did Austria come in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest?

They won! Austria were the winners of Eurovision 2025, having been represented by JJ with the song Wasted Love. As a result, the 2026 competition is being held in Vienna.

The Eurovision Song Contest has faced significant criticism over its decision to allow Israel to take part in the event due to the ongoing war in Gaza.

This year, a number of countries will boycott the contest following the European Broadcasting Union’s decision not to expel Israel from the competition.

At the EBU general assembly in December 2025, a vote was held to introduce new rules that would stop governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to influence voters. No vote was held on Israel’s participation.

The EBU said in a statement: “A large majority of members agreed that there was no need for a further vote on participation and that the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 should proceed as planned, with the additional safeguards in place.”

Following this, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland confirmed they would not participate in this year’s Eurovision.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ said: “RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there, which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk.”

The BBC, which broadcasts the competition in the UK, has said it supports the decision made by the EBU. “This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive,” it said in a statement.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 final will take place on Saturday 16 May 2026.

You can also check out the full list of Eurovision winners and how many times the UK has won Eurovision.

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