Australia to compete in 2015 Eurovision Song Contest
They'll compete in a one-off
Australia will compete in the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest for one-time-only to celebrate the event’s 60th anniversary.
The country had a prominent place in the interval act of last year’s event and also has long tradition of broadcasting the show.
Australia will be allowed to vote in both semi-finals, as well as the Grand Final.
Alongside a professional jury, possibilities are also being explored to allow the public to have a 50 per cent stake in the Australian vote via televoting.
“It’s a daring and at the same time incredibly exciting move," said Jon Ola Sand, executive supervisor of the contest on behalf of the EBU.
"It is our way of saying, let’s celebrate this party together!”
Michael Ebeid, Managing Director of broadcaster SBS, said: "We are very excited to have secured this historic opportunity for Australia to be represented on the world’s biggest stage at the 60th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest and are honoured that the European Broadcasting Union has supported us to achieve this ambition.
“SBS has been broadcasting Eurovision for over 30 years and we have seen how Australians’ love of the song contest has grown during those years."
Australia's inclusion in this year’s contest brings the total amount of represented countries to 40.
The 2015 Eurovision Song Contest will take place on 19th, 21st and 23rd May in Vienna, Austria.
Photo Credit: PA Photos