The 2003 Eurovision Song Contest performance of Weil der Mensch zählt marked a significant moment for Austrian artist Alf Poier, who finished in sixth place. Born in 1967 in Judenburg, Styria, Poier operates as an actor, writer, composer, singer, comedian, musician, and painter, blending various performance disciplines into a career that originated in the Graz cabaret scene.
Early Career and Cabaret Success
Poier began his cabaret work in 1995 in Graz. Over the following years, he secured recognition for his performances, earning the Salzburger Stier in 1998. Further accolades followed in 2000 with the German Comedy Awards for Best Newcomer. He subsequently received the Österreichischer Kabarettpreis in 2002 and the Austrian Ybbsiade in 2009, establishing himself as a fixture in the German-language cabaret circuit.
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His participation in the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest utilized a stage act featuring animal references to parody the event. Following his sixth-place result, he publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the contest's musical standards and the perceived injustice of his placement. He famously voiced his frustration during a BBC Three appearance on Liquid Eurovision, marking a controversial departure from typical participant conduct.
Controversy and Political Claims
In 2005, Poier attempted to represent Austria again with the song Good Old Europe is Dying. The track drew criticism for its lyrics, which he claimed were misinterpreted, though he removed specific lines. While he technically received more individual votes than the winning act, Global Kryner, the regional point system resulted in a second-place finish. Poier challenged this outcome by citing his higher raw vote count of 106,000 versus the 60,000 cast for his rivals.
Discography and Artistic Output
Poier has maintained a prolific output of CDs, DVDs, and downloads. His recorded music began in 1996 with Himmel, Arsch & Gartenzwerg, followed by releases including Zen in 2001 and the 2010 live album This Isn’t It. His visual and performance work, including the DVD series starting with Mitsubischi in 2003, reflects his career as an artist across painting and digital media.
Fast facts
- Born: 1967, Judenburg, Austria
- Citizenship: Austria
- Occupations: Actor, writer, composer, singer, comedian, musician, painter
- 2003 Eurovision Result: 6th place
- Major Awards: Salzburger Stier, Österreichischer Kabarettpreis
Questions readers ask
What song did Alf Poier perform at Eurovision in 2003?
He performed the entry titled Weil der Mensch zählt.
How did he respond to the 2005 Austrian national selection result?
He claimed a moral victory based on receiving 106,000 votes compared to the 60,000 votes for the winner, Global Kryner.
