The Aussie contestant is currently one of the favourites to win
Eurovision is back this week, and the show is as controversial as ever.
Europe’s annual talent show has never been without its political aspects, with the voting system repeatedly exposing relations between different countries.
However, in recent years, Eurovision has become even more scrutinised, following its exclusion of Russia in 2022 after the invasion of Ukraine.
However, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), who organise the contest, have refused to exclude Israel, despite the ongoing genocide in Gaza. This has led to five European countries boycotting the show.
Why are Australia taking part in Eurovision when they’re not in Europe?
One of the lighter controversies from Eurovision is the fact that Australia can take part in the show, even when they are really quite far away from Europe – geographically, anyway.
Eurovision has long been popular Down Under, with Aussies watching the show for more than 30 years.
Australia first took part in the competition in 2015, and it was supposed to be just as a one-off.
However, their inclusion proved to be very popular, with bosses being impressed by their efforts, and they have been included every year since.
They are the only country outside of the European Broadcasting Area to participate.
Although other countries such as Azerbaijan and Israel are not in the geographical area of Europe, they are members of the European Broadcasting Area, and hence take part in Eurovision.
Who is representing Australia in Eurovision this year?
Australia have somehow become the favourites to win Eurovision this year, and it’s no coincidence that they are being represented by a familiar face.
Former Neighbours star and 2000s pop legend Delta Goodrem is taking part on behalf of the big country down under, with her song ‘Eclipse’ being one of the favourites to come first.
According to Eurovision World, Australia is second favourite to win the show, with bookies placing their odds at 15.3%.
The only country topping them is Finland, with Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen’s track Liekinheitin placing first, with odds of 38.9%.
What happens if Australia win Eurovision?
When a country wins Eurovision, it is tradition that they host the following year’s contest.
However, this is not a strict rule, as for example when Ukraine won in 2022 and were not able to host in 2023 for obvious reasons, the UK came to the rescue and the show was held in Liverpool.
For Eurovision die-hard fans, don’t worry, you aren’t going to have to fork out to travel to the other side of the globe if Australia win.
The EBU have already confirmed that if Australia won the competition, they would not be able to host the show.
This is because organisers say it would be very expensive to take the show Down Under, and therefore Australia must nominate another country to host on their behalf.
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