Kathrine Frich
Australia’s relationship with Eurovision began long before it joined the competition.
Australia’s relationship with Eurovision began long before it joined the competition.
Australia may be thousands of kilometers from Europe, but its place in the Eurovision Song Contest is no accident.
From loyal fandom to musical excellence, here are seven key reasons why Australia has become a cherished (if unlikely) part of Europe’s biggest music event.
A Decades-Long Love Affair with Eurovision
Australia’s relationship with Eurovision began long before it joined the competition.
Since 1983, public broadcaster SBS has aired the contest, cultivating a passionate fanbase across the country.
Eurovision became a cult favorite Down Under, loved for its extravagant performances, political undertones, and celebration of diversity.
For over 30 years, Australians embraced the event as an honorary tradition, despite being continents away.
Invited for Eurovision’s 60th Anniversary in 2015
Australia’s official debut came in 2015, when the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) invited the country to participate in Eurovision’s 60th anniversary as a “one-off” guest entry.
It was a recognition of Australia’s deep engagement and enduring love for the contest.
Guy Sebastian represented the nation with “Tonight Again,” finishing fifth and proving Australia’s ability to compete at the highest level.
SBS Is an Associate Member of the EBU
While full participation in Eurovision is typically reserved for countries within the European Broadcasting Area or members of the Council of Europe, Australia qualifies through SBS’s status as an associate member of the EBU.
This technical affiliation gave the EBU the flexibility to invite Australia and continue doing so annually ever since.
Outstanding Performances and Results
Australia didn’t just show up, it showed off.
Dami Im’s powerful ballad “Sound of Silence” earned second place in 2016, making her one of the most successful non-European contestants in Eurovision history.
Since their debut, Australian artists have regularly qualified for the Grand Final and earned international respect for their vocal talent, stage presence, and professionalism.
Celebrating Diversity and Indigenous Culture
Many of Australia’s Eurovision entries have highlighted the country’s multiculturalism and Indigenous heritage.
In 2024, the duo Electric Fields performed a song featuring Pitjantjatjara, an Aboriginal language.
It was a bold and meaningful gesture that brought Indigenous Australian culture to a global audience, perfectly in line with Eurovision’s ethos of inclusion and cultural pride.
Shared Cultural and Musical Values with Europe
Australia and Europe may be separated by geography, but they share many cultural values, especially in the arts.
Australians regularly top European music charts and tour extensively throughout the continent.
Eurovision, with its celebration of artistry, unity, and flamboyance, fits naturally with Australia’s creative identity and its audiences’ appetite for bold, borderless entertainment.
Eurovision’s Evolution Into a Global Phenomenon
Australia’s inclusion marks a shift in Eurovision’s identity, from a purely European broadcast to a truly international platform.
As global audiences grow, the contest is increasingly seen as a celebration of universal values like peace, performance, and participation.
Australia’s continued presence affirms that great music knows no borders, and that Eurovision’s spirit is bigger than geography.