Austria participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with the song "Loin d'ici" written by Zoë Straub and Christof Straub. The song was performed by Zoë. The Austrian broadcaster Österreichischer Rundfunk (ORF) organised the national final Wer singt für Österreich? in order to select the Austrian entry for the 2016 contest in Stockholm, Sweden. Ten songs competed in a televised show where a jury panel and a public vote first selected the top two entries to proceed to a second round of voting. In the second round, a public vote exclusively selected "Loin d'ici" performed by Zoë as the winner. This was the first time that the Austrian song was performed entirely in the French language at the Eurovision Song Contest. The Austrian song was also the only entry performed in the final entirely in a language other than English.
Zoë backstage during Wer singt für Österreich?
Zoë during a press meet and greet
Zoë during a rehearsal before the first semi-final
Zoë Straub, known professionally as Zoë, is an Austrian singer, songwriter and actress. She represented Austria in the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 with the song "Loin d'ici", placing thirteenth in the grand final.
Zoë Straub performing in Korneuburg
Zoe representing Austria with the song "Loin d'ici" during a rehearsal before the first semi final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2016 Stockholm.
Zoë at the club concert of the Austrian national final for the Eurovision Song Contest 2015