Delta Goodrem is performing for Australia – but why is the country able to compete, despite not being in Europe?
Australia has graced the Eurovision Song Contest stage 10 times since making its debut in 2015. This is becuase Australia’s Special Broadcasting Service, widely referred to as SBS, holds associate membership status with the European Broadcasting Union.
The broadcaster first transmitted the Eurovision Song Contest in 1983 and has screened the competition every year since. Eurovision has cultivated a dedicated and substantial following in Australia, with early transmissions featuring either no commentary whatsoever or utilising the BBC’s coverage.
The spectacle consistently delivers impressive viewing figures for the Special Broadcasting Service and has cultivated a devoted and passionate fanbase throughout Australia.
Australia’s Eurovision debut in 2015 was initially planned as a one-off appearance, with the understanding they’d only return if they clinched victory.
Yet in November 2015, SVT announced that Australia would be back for the 2016 contest, and the nation has been a fixture ever since.
Read about what fans think of the inclusion here…
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