Why is Australia in Eurovision?

The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual international music competition that brings together contestants from various countries across Europe and beyond. The contest has been running for over 60 years and is known for its flamboyant performances, catchy tunes, and extravagant costumes. While it is primarily a European competition, since 2015, Australia has been invited to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, despite being located outside of Europe. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons behind Australia’s participation in Eurovision and why the country’s involvement in the competition makes sense.

How Australia Entered The Eurovision Song Contest

Australia’s involvement in the Eurovision Song Contest began in 2015 when the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) invited the country to participate as a guest entry in celebration of the competition’s 60th anniversary. Their participation was initially intended to be a one-off event, but it proved to be immensely popular with both the audiences and the participating countries.

Australia’s debut entry was Guy Sebastian, a popular Australian singer-songwriter who had previously won the first season of Australian Idol. Sebastian’s performance of “Tonight Again” was well received by the Eurovision audience and he finished in fifth place, which was a respectable result for a debut entry.

Following the success of Australia’s participation in 2015, the EBU decided to invite Australia back to compete in the competition every year since. In 2016, Dami Im, another Australian singer, participated and finished in second place, narrowly losing out to Ukraine. Australia’s continued participation in Eurovision has been welcomed by both the EBU and Eurovision fans around the world.

What Would Happen if Australia Won Eurovision?

Traditionally, the winner of the Eurovision Song Contest gets to host the competition the following year. However, with the vast majority of participating countries being in Europe, what would happen if Australia won?

Australia finished 2nd in the competition back in 2016 and so those who were wondering what would happen if Australia won, nearly found out. However, there is a special rule in place should Australia win Eurovision which states that they must nominate a European country to host the competition the next year.

Should Australia ever win the Eurovision Song Contest, it is expected that the nominated host would pay tribute to Australia in their display of the event.

Australia’s 2023 Eurovision Entry

Voyager, a synth-metal band, will represent Australia in the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest.

The quintet from Perth, who are the first group to represent Australia, will travel to Liverpool to perform their some ‘Promise’.

Voyager – Promise [Official Music Video]

This isn’t the first time that Voyager have attempted to feature at Eurovision and have applied to represent their country every year since Australia was introduced into the competition back in 2015. They did come close to getting their chance in front of millions of worldwide viewers in 2020 when they were shortlisted but were unsuccessful in the latter stages.

Despite a catchy, pop-themed song, Voyager and Australia are as high as 250/1 with some bookmakers to win the 2023 contest. If you are looking to bet on Eurovision, there may be better choices in this year’s compeition.

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Popularity of Eurovision in Australia

Eurovision has developed a strong cult following in Australia over the years, with thousands of people tuning in to watch the competition each year. There are several reasons for the shows popularity in the country.

Firstly, Eurovision is known for its colourful and over-the-top performances, which are entertaining and fun to watch. Australians love a good show and Eurovision certainly delivers on this front.

Secondly, Eurovision provides a platform for discovering new and emerging talent from across Europe and beyond. Many Australian music lovers are drawn to the competition because of the diverse range of musical genres and styles represented.

Thirdly, Australia has a strong connection to Europe, with many Australians having European ancestry or cultural ties. Eurovision is a celebration of European culture and diversity and this resonates with many Australians.

Finally, the time difference between Europe and Australia means that Eurovision is broadcast live in the early hours of the morning in Australia, creating a unique sense of excitement and anticipation among viewers.

Australia’s Love For Music

Australia has a vibrant and diverse music industry, with a long history of producing talented musicians. Music is an important part of Australian culture, with many iconic Australian artists such as AC/DC, INXS, Kylie Minogue, and Sia achieving international success.

Australia’s love of music can be seen in the popularity of music festivals and concerts throughout the country. Australians are passionate about live music and attend concerts and festivals in large numbers each year.

The country also has a strong tradition of music education, with many schools and universities offering music programs and courses. This has helped to nurture a generation of young musicians who have gone on to achieve great success both in Australia and internationally.

The Australian music industry is also known for its diversity. From pop to rock, hip-hop to classical, there is something for everyone in the Australian music scene.

Given Australia’s rich musical history and passion for music, it’s not surprising that the country has embraced Eurovision as a celebration of music and diversity. The competition provides an opportunity for Australian artists to showcase their talents on an international stage and for Australian audiences to experience the excitement and spectacle of Eurovision.

EBU Membership

Although Australia is not a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), the organization that founded Eurovision, it has a strong partnership with the EBU. The EBU is responsible for organizing the Eurovision Song Contest, as well as other major international events such as the Eurovision Young Musicians and the Eurovision Choir competitions.

Australia’s involvement in Eurovision has been made possible through a special partnership between the EBU and the Australian broadcaster, SBS (Special Broadcasting Service). This partnership allows SBS to broadcast Eurovision in Australia and to select an entry to represent Australia in the competition each year.

Despite not being a member of the EBU, Australia has been fully embraced as a participant in Eurovision and has developed strong relationships with other participating countries. In fact, Australia’s participation in the competition has been so successful that there have been calls for the country to become a full member of the EBU.

Australia’s partnership with the EBU highlights the organization’s commitment to promoting cultural exchange and diversity through music. By including a non-European country in the competition, the EBU has expanded the reach of Eurovision and has helped to promote the values of inclusivity and unity that underpin the competition.

Australia’s Competitive Spirit

Australia is a competitive nation that relishes the opportunity to participate in international competitions, and Eurovision is no exception. Despite being a guest participant initially, Australia has taken the competition seriously and has consistently sent strong entries to represent the country.

Australia’s competitive spirit is reflected in its approach to music as well. The country has a strong tradition of music competitions, with many popular television shows focused on discovering new talent and crowning winners. Shows like “The Voice” and “Australian Idol” have helped to launch the careers of many successful Australian musicians.

In addition, Australia has a strong history of success in international competitions in other fields, such as sports. The country has a competitive streak and a desire to perform well on the world stage, and this is no different when it comes to Eurovision.

Australia’s approach to Eurovision has been embraced by fans of the competition, who appreciate the country’s competitive spirit and commitment to sending strong entries. Despite being a non-European country, Australia has shown that it can hold its own in the competition and has become a respected and valued participant.

Summary

Australia’s participation in Eurovision is a result of its strong musical culture, its competitive spirit, and its partnership with the European Broadcasting Union. The country has a rich history of producing talented musicians and is passionate about music, making it a natural fit for the competition.

Although Australia is not a member of the EBU, its partnership with the organization has allowed it to participate in Eurovision and to showcase its talents on an international stage. The country’s approach to the competition has been embraced by fans and has helped to promote the values of inclusivity and diversity that are central to Eurovision.

Overall, Australia’s participation in Eurovision makes sense because it highlights the universality of music and the importance of cultural exchange. By including a non-European country in the competition, Eurovision has expanded its reach and has helped to promote unity and understanding across borders. Australia’s competitive spirit and love of music have made it a valuable addition to the competition and have helped to make Eurovision a truly special global event.

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