Eurovision just made a pretty big announcement about 2016
If you’re a Eurovision fan you probably want to know what has just been announced.
Australia made history earlier this year by competing in the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna.
Despite being billed as a one-off, in celebration of the competition’s 60th anniversary, it has been announced that Australia will again compete in 2016.
The announcement was made by the European Broadcasting Union and Australian broadcaster SBS.
“The feedback we got from viewers, fans, press and the broadcasters after Australia’s participation in Vienna was overwhelmingly positive,” said Jon Ola Sand, Executive Supervisor of the contest on behalf of the EBU.
“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,” Sand continues.
This year Australia was automatically guaranteed a spot in the Eurovision final, however this year the country will have to compete in the semi-finals.
It is unclear whether Australia will become a permanent participant in the contest.
The EBU Reference group voted unanimously for Australia to remain in the competition.
“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.
If Australia wins the competition next year, in 2017 the contest will be co-hosted by SBS and another European broadcaster.
The 2017 competition would be held 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.