I know I’ll always remember where I was when I heard the news.
Australia. In the Eurovision Song Contest.
Now, in terms of Eurovision-related news, this is pretty much akin to man walking on the moon: a lot of people (in Australia) wanted it to happen, but no-one really ever believed it could.
So what’s the deal?
Basically, Australia was to enter as a one-time only deal to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the contest in 2015. The move proved popular and so the Aussies are back in 2016.
Should they win, the show will be held in a European city and not Down Under. The organisers haven’t said anything about further possible participation.
But why Australia?
Eurovision has always been really popular over here and the country has aired the final annually for the past thirty years. (Its popularity is presumably influenced by the huge number of European expats now living over there.)
Over the past few years, the Australian presenters have also been getting more and more involved in the contest – often appearing with BBC presenters for the semi-finals to talk about the cult following the show has in Oz.
In 2014, the show even featured an Australian interval act, involving some really cringe dancers with surfboards.
Australia isn’t in Europe. How is this possible?
Under normal circumstances, a country must have at least one national broadcaster which is a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) in order to enter the Eurovision Song Contest. (You can read more about the rules for eligibility here.)
Being pretty far outside Europe, Australia has no such broadcaster. Instead, its one-off participation is the result of a direct deal with the EBU and SBS, the channel which normally shows the contest.
How have people reacted?
Well, judging purely from my Facebook feed, reactions to the news seem fairly mixed, but the two Australians I’ve spoken to about it seem absolutely ecstatic. (Bless.)
Press coverage in the UK & Ireland seems fairly positive, but it’s yet to be seem how Eastern Europe reacts. The Czech Republic, for example, are making their return after five years this year and it seems that Australia may have stolen their thunder… And we all know Russia love to kick up a fuss…
Unlike last year when they were given automatic qualification, Australia will have to qualify for the final in 2016.
What will this mean for the contest?
To be honest, not a great deal I don’t think.
Australia lacks strong cultural ties with countries in Central and Eastern Europe, so I predict that any effect felt by Australia’s participation will be felt strongest in the UK & Ireland.
Hopefully, it will also mean a few points thrown in the direction of the UK, thanks to similar cultural interests and the sheer numbers of British expats on Australian soil.
Streuth! Could Australia win?
Their entry for 2016 certainly is good and Dami Im is a big celebrity Down Under. To find out about her chances, click here.
Let me remind you, that there are other important events before the Eurovision. Yep, you know what I mean! Ice hockey world championships!!! I remember how much you loved it last year! 😀
Is that EVERY year???
Of course! 😀
To be completely honest, I don’t care. I find it the easiest option to make the 60th anniversary “more special”, but whatever. 😉 I hope that I can actually afford going to Eurovision in 2016 so maybe an affordable country will win. 😀 Ugh, I just now we’ll send crap again…
I think it’s a nice idea, but I just hope they don’t win just because of the novelty factor…
I’m sort of hoping Serbia wins again. Belgrade is so easy to get to and cheap!
I reckon they’ll win!
Really? The odds are quite good, I must admit…
It’s quite funny that people in Australia like Eurovision so much.
I find that Europeans are not THAT interested in Eurovision anymore because it’s getting too political. At the same time, Australia, being so far from Europe, has, probably, less interest in Europe’s political arena, and that’s why Aussies enjoy the contest so much… I think it’s cute)
http://www.therussianabroad.com
Over the past few years, they have interviewed the Australian presenter on the BBC and she is so enthusiastic! It’s a nice touch to celebrate the anniversary I think.
Well I can tell you something for nothing… the UK won’t win. That’s a given! I think it would be hilarious if Australia wins…
We could still win it! And we will again one day! This year could be our year…
I like how you beat nicely about the bush about what you actually think about it haha. I think it’s hilarious. It would be such a laugh if they win. Did you see The Last Leg on Friday with Adam Hills interpretation of Australia’s entry? It was pretty jokes!
I didn’t see it but I do love Adam Hills – there was an amazing moment on Mock the Week when he admitted to drinking beer from his prosthetic leg… haha.
Don’t get me wrong, I am all for Australia entering but I kind of hope they don’t win tbh…
This is SO weird, but then again, so it Eurovision in general. I still cant believe people actually care about it!
Eurovision definitely isn’t the most normal of events… I think everyone says they don’t care about it – until they win!
Well, for the participants I guess it’s cool, though from the spectator point of view, national pride aside, I just think in the age of the internet, beyonce and katy perry superbowls and music videos directed by oscar winners this kind of spectacle looks both silly and out of time… :-/
When I used to live in England, I didn’t really love Eurovision that much, but since moving to Australia I just can’t get enough. The support behind it here is incredible and it’s true that people truly love it! ‘Eurovision parties’ and ‘Eurovision Dressup’ at your local pub is pretty common! So excited Australia is going to be in it this year, and I hope to actually head to Vienna to see it!
Cheers for this, super helpful!
Robyn
http://www.thetechgypsy.com
It’s nice to see people over there are so enthusiastic. The feeling isn’t quite the same in the UK – we’re too bitter than we don’t do very well anymore!
Until the show starts, we can see many rumors about who is coming from which country and so on.
I only hope that the best singer or band will win.
That’s very true – I find it strange hw some countries can be such high favourites to win before they even pick their entry!