Australia: EBU approves participation in Eurovision 2016!

If we did not have enough last year, it seems that the Aussies want to break the rules but in fact they are not doing so! EBU and the Reference Group of the Eurovision Song Contest have recently approved unanimously Down-Under’s participation at the 2016 Eurovision Song Contest in Stockholm.

Blink TV,  as they did in the production of the Australian 2015 entry for both Eurovision and Junior Eurovision, will assist SBS again with the task. Without any doubts, the country made history in the contest by being the first country outside EBU’s geographic borders to have ever entered the contest and even they did not win, a good result was achieved by Australian Idol winner Guy Sebastian, who performed ‘Tonight Again’, placing 5th.

“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.

Australia was assured to do the contest over again if they won in Vienna, something that eventually did not happen. In words of Jon Ola Sand, this is happening due to the feedback from viewers, fans and press and it seems that they have been granted being a permament member, but as far as we know, fans will have to wait to know if Australia will keep on doing its race in Eurovision, cause it is yet to be decided.

Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the contest, added: “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”.

“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.

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.