When it was announced back in February that Australia was to enter the Eurovision Song Contest Twitter went into overdrive. Some were delighted, others incredulous and the majority more confused than ever. It’s difficult explaining why Israel is in Eurovision let alone Australia. How are they allowed to enter? More important why would they? Now that the dust has settled, it seems like a very natural decision and here’s why.
In it's history Eurovision has embraced entrants which are located out-with the traditional boundaries of Europe; Israel, Azerbaijan, Morocco. There were even plans for Tunisia and Lebanon to take part at one point. As my friend and colleague Dr Karen Fricker points out, the Europe that we see in Eurovision is an imaginary construct.
Australia has been loyal to Eurovision over the years and has been screened there for over 30 years by SBS also an associate member of the European Broadcasting Union which oversees the organisation of the contest. Eurovision is incredibly popular Down Under with an estimated 3 million people tuning in last year. Trying to gauge why there’s so much enthusiasm is tricky; it might be that Aussies take an irreverent view of the contest or perhaps it gives many of European descent a connection with their homeland. Or a theory of many, we have Australia's love of Eurovision heroes ABBA to thank for their initial interest in the contest.
Watch Australia's entrant Guy Sebastian explain the connection.
This isn't the first time that Australia has featured practically every year the presenters make reference to those watching Down Under. In 2013 a tribute to Australia's love of the contest was shown during the semi-finals, and Australian singer Jessica Mauboy performed as the interval act in the second semi-final in 2014. Australian singers have participated for the UK in Eurovision in the past including Gina G, Olivia Newton John (who was born in the UK) and Jane Comerford was part of Germany’s 2006 entry Texas Lightning.
This invitation to Australia is a one-off since it’s the 60th contest this year. Whilst many (including myself) argue that political tensions come to the foreground when it comes to Eurovision, I think on many levels it unites us. Inviting Australia to take part is entirely in-keeping with the general ethos of the competition, especially this year with the theme 'Building Bridges'. The EBU are clearly having a bit of fun this year and why not, there’s so much doom and gloom, Eurovision offers a form of escapism and this year it’s time for a party!
The irony is that Australia may well go onto win the contest this year. They automatically qualify to the final and Guy Sebastian’s entry “Tonight Again”, is riding high in the betting odds. Should they win Eurovision, Australia will once again be allowed to enter. It doesn’t necessarily mean that we are all off to the southern hemisphere in 2016; the EBU have stated that the event will be held in Europe, co-hosted by SBS. The thing is, once they’ve had a taste for the Eurovision stage, will the Aussies want to let go of it? Welcome to Eurovision, Australia, and whilst you’re here, how about throwing some points our way?
What do you think of Austrailia entering the competition?