Why is Australia part of Eurovision Song Contest as Delta Goodrem wows at launch
Delta Goodrem is representing Australia at this year’s ‘Eurovision Song Contest’ (Getty Images)
Australian singer Delta Goodrem has arrived in Vienna for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, walking the turquoise carpet in a stunning gold dress. But many people still ask the question: Why is Australia part of Eurovision?
“Why the f*** does Australia compete in Eurovision?” one asked on X. Another echoed: “Makea a mockery of the title ‘Eurovision Song Contest‘ when Australia is allowed to take part, let alone win. Why not United States, Japan, Argentina?”
And while it might be confusing – Australia isn’t part of Europe, after all – the answer is actually quite straight forward.
Why is Australia in Eurovision?
Australia has been part of the annual contest since 2015. Their debut was initially meant to be a one-off.
In Australia, the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS) airs Eurovision, and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) gave them special approval to participate.
The SBS has broadcast Eurovision since 1983, and it’s popular in Australia. Between 2010 and 2014, Australia voters could have their say, however their votes did not count towards the overrall result.
The country’s first appearance came in the 2013 Eurovision Song Contest, in a pre-recorded “Greetings from Australia” clip.
Their debut as part of the performing line-up came in 2015, when the EBU and host broadcaster in Austria decided to let them join as part of the 60th contest celebrations. They were given a pass straight to the final, but it was confirmed that, if they won, they would co-host with another country from the contest, in the Northern Hemisphere.
From 2016, however, they were allowed to stay in the annual contest, but did not receive a pass through to the final, having to compete in the semis like most of the other participants.
Australia has a varied track record since they joined the contest, coming second in 2016 with Dami Im’s ‘Sound of Silence’.
However, they failed to qualify in 2024 and 2025, despite Go-Jo’s hip-thrusting earworm “Milkshake Man” last year.
Could Delta Goodrem win Eurovision?
This year, former Neighbours star Delta Goodrem is representing Australia with the song “Eclipse“.
According to bookies’ odds, she has a great chance of placing in the top five, though Finland, Greece, Denmark and France are above her.
Goodrem will perform in the second semi-final on 14 May, and it is expected that she will qualify for the finals.
However if she wins, Australia still wouldn’t host the show.
When Australia debuted in 2015, it was confirmed that Germany would host if Australia won, while the UK was the second choice if Germany’s broadcaster Norddeutscher Rundfunk declined. Given that the UK hosted in 2023 on behalf of Ukraine, though, it’s unlikely we would again so soon after.
Share your thoughts! Let us know in the comments below, and remember to keep the conversation respectful.
