“We strongly believe the Eurovision Song Contest has the potential to evolve organically into a truly global event”, Eurovision executive supervisor Jon Ola Sand said.
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In a statement, Eurovision said it was yet to be decided if Australia would become a permanent participant in the contest, which is known for its over-the-top costumes and kitsch performances.
Singer/songwriter Guy Sebastian represented Australia at the 60th anniversary earlier this year, placing 5th in the competitions final. The move proved popular in Australia and apparently in Europe, especially after Guy Sebastian, a well-known singer and X-factor judge, came fifth.
Announcing their 2016 schedule in Sydney on Tuesday, Australian broadcaster SBS revealed a raft of new programming, fresh faces and then the jewel in their crown – confirmation of another shot at Eurovision. This time, they will not have automatic entry in to the final and they will have to qualify in the semi-finals, unlike the host country Sweden and the “big five” France, Germany, Spain, Italy and United Kingdom who all have automatic entry in to the final.
“It remains to be seen what such an event may look like in the long run”, he added.
It was the first time Australia has ever participated in the contest since it was launched in 1956.
The EBU Reference Group, the governing body of the contest, voted unanimously in favour of Australia’s participation.
Australia’s inclusion is part of a plan to expand the event beyond Europe.
After the contest, it was rumoured that the country would in fact be back after EBU officials and winning broadcaster SVT expressed their interest to have Australia back. SBS would co-host with another European public broadcaster.
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A contestant will be announced in the new year, travelling to Stockholm for the contest on 10, 12 and 14 May, 2016.
