Australia will have yet another chance to take home the Eurovision title next year, because in yet another sign that geography means nothing, we’re now officially competing in the song competition once again.
Since Australia made its Eurovision debut via Guy Sebastian’s track Tonight Again earlier this year, the Eurovision gods have deemed us worthy to give it all another shot, and to once again pretend that we’re European.
Australia’s 2015 Eurovision performance was seen as a one-off, but it went so well that broadcasters are throwing everything at it once again when it returns in May 2016.
Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of Eurovision on behalf of the European Broadcasting Union says, “The feedback we got from viewers, fans, press and the broadcasters after Australia’s participation in Vienna was overwhelmingly positive.
“We strongly believe the Eurovision Song Contest has the potential to evolve organically into a truly global event. Australia’s continued participation is an exciting step in that direction.”
Responding to suggestions that Australia might become a permanent participant at Eurovision, the song contest says that is “yet to be decided”.
Guy Sebastian finished fifth in the Eurovision 2015 Grand Final. The Guardian reports that Australia’s 2016 Eurovision representative will be announced in the new year.
Those tasked with selecting Australia’s 2016 Eurovision entrant can take some inspiration from the gallery below, which features a stack of acts who we should have sent to the competition this year.
41 countries are expected to participate in Eurovision 2016, which will take place in Stockholm’s Globe Arena on 10th, 12th and 14th May.
This year, Australia was automatically guaranteed a spot in the Eurovision final, but in Stockholm in 2016 we’ll need to compete in one of the two semi-finals.
If Australia pulls off a win, the 2017 edition of Eurovision will be co-hosted by Aussie broadcaster SBS, but will take place somewhere in Europe.
Gallery: 13 Acts Australia Should Have Sent To Eurovision (But Probably Wouldn’t Have)
