AUSTRALIA was invited as a gesture of goodwill to take part at the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time in 2015.
Since then the country has been a regular contestant at the competition and here is why.
Why is Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest?
Australia definitely isn’t in Europe – however, in 2015, singers from the other side of the world were welcomed to take part in Eurovision.
The Aussies were invited to get involved as a gesture of goodwill for the show’s 60th anniversary, which had a Building Bridges theme.
They were automatically in the Grand Final of the 2015 Eurovision Song Contests together with then host country Austria and the Big-5 countries (Germany, France, Italy, Spain and the United Kingdom).
Then on February 12, 2019, Eurovision confirmed that Australia secured a spot in the competition for the next five years until 2023.
After the contract run out in 2023 it was not sure if the country would return for the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest.
However, in December 2023 it was confirmed that Australia would participate in 2024.
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What would happen if Australia won?
Similarly to our late-night Super Bowl parties, Aussies stay up all night to drink and watch the show.
It’s thought that the nature of the Eurovision Song Contest appeals to fun-loving Aussies.
However, organisers have confirmed the contest won’t be heading Down Under if Australia wins.
It would be difficult logistically, as well as expensive, to move the show to Australia.
However, there is the potential that the UK could step in and host the contest if the Aussies do win the contest due to the Commonwealth connection.
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Is Australia the only non-European country to take part?
Australia isn’t the first non-European country to take part.
Israel has been competing regularly since 1973 and has won the contest on three occasions.
Morocco, which is located is North Africa, has also competed in past contests as well as Azerbaijan – a transcontinental country located at the boundary of Eastern Europe and Western Asia.
Tunisia and Lebanon have both been considered for the run-up.
Cyprus, which is geographically located in the Middle East, takes part in the competition regularly.
In 2016 China wanted to take part but the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) denied the country as guest or participants.
I really can’t believe I’m going to be a part of such a special legacy and fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible, it shall be an honour!
Olly Alexander
How can I watch Eurovision 2024?
The 2024 Eurovision Song Contest Grand Final will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024 in Malmö, Sweden.
The event will be aired live from 8pm on BBC One and also on the BBC iPlayer.
Petra Mede and Malin Akerman will be hosting the event, which is taking place at Malmö Arena.
Scott Mills, Rylan Clark and Graham Norton will be commentating on all the Eurovision action for the BBC.
Olly Alexander is performing his song Dizzy for the UK.
He said in a statement:“I’ve loved watching Eurovision ever since I was a little kid and I’m beyond excited to be taking part next year.
“As a young boy I always looked forward to this incredible event of unbridled joy, the wonderfully chaotic mix of musical styles, theatrical performances, heartfelt emotion and humour.
“I really can’t believe I’m going to be a part of such a special legacy and fly the flag for the UK in the gayest way possible, it shall be an honour!”
Eurovision Song Contest entries 2024
Here are all of the acts taking part in the Eurovision Song Contest.
In 1999, a rule change allowed the United Kingdom, along with France, Germany, Italy, and Spain, to automatically qualify for the final, as they bring in the most revenue for the Song Contest.
They are joined in an automatic place in the final by the 2023 winning country, Sweden.
All the acts completing in Eurovision are:
Albania – Besa – Zemrën N’dorë
Armenia – LADANVIA – JakoAustralia
Australia – Electric Fields – One Mikali (One Blood)
Austria – Kaleen – We Will Rave
Azerbaijan – FAHREE ft. Ilkin Dolatov – Özünlə Apar
Belgium – Mustii – Before The Party’s Over
Croatia – Baby Lasagna – Rim Tim Tagi Dim
Cyprus – Silia Kapsis – Liar
Czech Republic – Aiko – Pedestal
Denmark – SABA – Sand
Estonia – 5miinust & Puuluup – (Nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi
Finland – Windows95man – No Rules!
France – Slimane – mon-amour
Georgia – Nutsa Buzaladze – Firefighter
Germany – Isaak – Always On The Run
Greece – Marina Satti – ZARI
Iceland – Hera Björk – Scared of Heights
Ireland – Bambi Thug – Doomsday Blue
Israel – Eden Golan – Hurricane
Italy – Angelina Mango – La Noia
Latvia – Dons – Hollow
Lithuania – Sllvester Belt – Luktelk
Luxembourg – TALI – Fighte
Malta – Sarah Bonnici – Loop
Moldova – Natalia Barbu – In The Middle
Netherlands – Joost Klein – Europapa
Norway – Gäte – Ulveham
Poland – LUNA – The Tower
Portugal – iolanda – Grito
San Marino – Megara – 11:11
Serbia – Teya Dora – RAMONDA
Slovenia – Raiven – Veronika
Spain – Nebulossa – ZORRA
Sweden – Marcus & Martinus – Unforgettable
Switzerland – Nemo – The Code
Ukraine – Aloyna Aloyna & Jerry Heil – Teresa & Maria
United Kingdom – Olly Alexander – Dizzy
