Up yours, geography! Up yours, Graham Norton! Australia might not be part of Europe, but we’ve just been officially locked in to compete in the 2017 Eurovision Song Contest any old how.
The full roster of nations set to do battle in next year’s musical olympiad has just been unveiled, with a record-equalling 43 in total, marking the third year in a row that the great land down under has been granted permission to have a crack.
And just like in the romantic world, after three successful dates in a row, we’re pretty sure this means Australia and Eurovision are officially a thing now.
Our chosen champion will do battle against the likes of Romania, Portugal and –awkwardly — Russia on the Ukraine stage next year (full list here), following in the footsteps of past representatives Guy Sebastian and Dami Im, who both powered us into the top five with their weaponised vocals.
As for who’ll be repping the Southern Cross at Eurovision 2017 and *fingers crossed* bringing home Australia’s first-ever sequin-studded gold medal? Let the speculation set sail.
Here are some of our top pics from last year:
Eurovision 2016 – Who Will Bring Australia Gold?
Watch: Dami Im – ‘Sound Of Silence’ (Australia) Live at the Eurovision 2016 Grand Final
Eurovision 2016 - Who Will Bring Australia Gold?
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Dami Im
This X-Factor alum is a hot favourite for the position, to represent our fine continent with her pop prowess. -
Tina Arena
She's already a superstar amongst European audiences and her performance at this year's ARIA Awards reminded Australians of what a powerhouse she is. If she doesn't get the gig, I say we at least make her an ambassador. -
Troye Sivan
Having cultivated a huge fan base online and recently released a stellar debut album, Troye Sivan would be a perfect representation of Australia's exciting class of new talent. -
AC/DC
It's one of the last things left for them to achieve really. -
Courtney Act
Courtney's already BFFs with Eurovision 2014 champ Conchita Wurst, so she's bound to get some insider tips. -
Delta Goodrem
Delta can deliver a piano driven power ballad and girl knows how to work a wind machine. Plus she's got some experience having penned the track for Australia's entry in the 2015 Junior Eurovision Song Contest. -
Empire Of The Sun
All we need to do is locate Nick Littlemore, then let the electro pop kings do what they do best: Put on one hell of a visual feast of a stage show. Ample glitter expected. -
Sia
Who else can write and deliver a soaring pop song, whilst covering their face with a ridiculously oversized wig and still pull heartstrings? Yeah, just Sia. -
TISM
A public campaign to get the Melbourne seven-piece to reunite for Eurovision 2015 wasn't quite enough to convince last year's decision makers, but we're not quitters Australia. THERE'S STILL HOPE. -
The (OG) Wiggles
Given the collective glee they induced at their recent adults-only pub show, it's clear no one knows how to make grown ups get silly quite like The Wiggles. Please note: Original lineup only. Imitations not accepted. -
Courtney Barnett
Yeah it might be a long shot, but Courtney Barnett has dominated basically every US TV show in the last year, why not set her sights on Europe now? -
Kylie AND Danni Minogue
Because, duh. -
The Rubens
Whatever your feelings about it, it's no easy feat to nab first place in "the world's biggest music democracy". Plus think of the editorials that will follow. -
Shannon Noll
So the petitions will finally cease.
