[zakman440]

History was made in Vienna earlier this year when Australia debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest. Initially envisaged as a one-off to celebrate the event's 60th anniversary and Australia's long tradition of broadcasting the show, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Australian broadcaster SBS are proud to announce that Australia will participate again in 2016.
"The feedback we got from viewers, fans, press and the broadcasters after Australia's participation in Vienna was overwhelmingly positive," says Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the contest on behalf of the EBU. "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, "It remains to be seen what such an event may look like in the long run," Sand continues.

In Vienna, Australia was guaranteed a spot in the final. Next year, Australia will have to compete in one of the two Semi-Finals. Australia's participation is secured for 2016, but it is yet to be decided whether Australia will become a permanent participant in the contest.

"SBS is thrilled to have secured this opportunity for Australia to compete at Stockholm in 2016 and thank the European Broadcasting Union for their invitation. The Eurovision Song Contest is a wonderful example of cultural diversity and social inclusion and our continued participation offers a fantastic opportunity to showcase Australian musical talent in a truly international multicultural celebration. Production partner Blink TV have been integral in supporting our ambition to build Australia's presence on the world's biggest stage and together we look forward to again bringing the Eurovision experience to our screens." says CEO and Managing Director SBS, Michael Ebeid. Earlier this year, Australia was represented by megastar Guy Sebastian who finished 5th in the Grand Final with Tonight Again.

The EBU Reference Group, the governing body of the Eurovision Song Contest, voted unanimously in favour of Australia's participation. The group consists of three elected representatives from the participating broadcasters, the Executive Producer of the upcoming contest, the Executive Producers of the previous two contests, the EBU Executive Supervisor and a Chairman.

"Europe and Australia have a lot in common in regards to cultural values and when a broadcaster is so committed to bring great acts to the contest, the only right thing to do is to be inclusive," says Dr. Frank Dieter Freiling, Chairman of the Reference Group. “This is also a way for many Australians to re-connect with their European roots, and celebrate our shared cultural values and understanding through music”, he added.

In case Australia wins the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest, the 2017 contest will be co-hosted by Australian broadcaster SBS and another European public broadcaster, somewhere in Europe. The next Eurovision Song Contest will take place on 10, 12 and 14 May, 2016, in Stockholm's Globe Arena, co-hosted by Swedish public broadcaster SVT and the EBU. 41 countries are expected to take part.

http://www.eurovision.tv/page/news?id=173093

Obviously it's still a bit odd that they're competing at all (after all, they're not a European country), but I liked them last time round and I'm glad that they've been allowed to return. Their entry was miles ahead of ours last year.

[Denver]

They should have let another country join instead

[Firewire]

Well they were amazing last year so I'm happy about this

[Denver]

Originally Posted by Firewire

Well they were amazing last year so I'm happy about this

It will be a one of result though.

[Braden]

I liked the idea of having a different guest country per year. I forgot about that until Asam brought it up, actually.

All in all, I can't say I'm bothered by this news. I understand why it annoys people because they're clearly not part of Europe, but I thought they were a good addition to the contest last year.

[Black Dagger]

I love the fumes. Guy was better than anything some countries have ever sent so whatever

[King Gizzard]

Should have been South Korea or Japan

[Mokka]

Originally Posted by Nathan

Should have been South Korea or Japan

When will Canada??

[Denver]

Originally Posted by _LucasMichael_

I love the fumes. Guy was better than anything some countries have ever sent so whatever

But there not in Europe they should stick to a one of appearance.

[King Gizzard]

or canada

[Black Dagger]

Originally Posted by Adam.

But there not in Europe they should stick to a one of appearance.

Well idc. Neither are several other countries and they have actually won as well.

[Denver]

I'd rather Liechtenstein or Vaitican City

[Denver]

Originally Posted by _LucasMichael_

Well idc. Neither are several other countries and they have actually won as well.

Technically Turkey And Azerbaijan are European

[Calderyon]

Well Israel is an Asian country, yet they have participated in Eurovision for ages.

Also on football Australia plays in the AFC region, which is Asian Football Confederation, even though they should still play in the OFC, which is Oceania Football Confederation, since they are located in Oceania, not Asia.

[Livia]

Originally Posted by Calderyon

Well Israel is an Asian country, yet they have participated in Eurovision for ages.

Also on football Australia plays in the AFC region, which is Asian Football Confederation, even though they should still play in the OFC, which is Oceanina Football Confederation, since they are located in Oceania, not Asia.

Australia's in a different hemisphere though! Sounds ridiculous to me.

[Calderyon]

Anyway, i am okay with them participating. They were good fun and very thankful to be there.

[Josiah.]

Everyone, Australia is competing because of these 3 facts: A, they have watched the Eurovision Song Contest since the 1983 contest in Munich, Germany; B, they are hardcore fans of the contest; and C, the response to Australia participating back in May was very positive.

It doesn't mean that your country has to be in Europe to participate. Some countries that participate (or don't participate) are outside the EBU's broadcast zone (i.e. Australia participates, whilst Lebanon doesn't; and both are outside the EBU broadcast zone).

[reece(:]

Here for the bops

[Mokka]

--Runs off to start a Canada wide campaign to fulfill Josiah's ABC requirements--

[Rob!]

Unless they sing the theme tune to Home and Away I'm not interested.

[Crimson Dynamo]

Canada is part of America so cannot be included

[Mokka]

Originally Posted by LeatherTrumpet

Canada is part of America so cannot be included

One of these days ...



You and me

[Crimson Dynamo]

Originally Posted by Mokka

One of these days ...



You and me

Fisting, how saucy

[joeysteele]

A bit silly in my view, then again why not just open it up totally and re-name it 'The World song contest',then have the lot in if they want to.

[EspeonBB]

I thought China was meant to be participating next year?

If Australia serve a good song I'd be here for them (last year was a bit too Bruno Mars-ish for me)