Are the Aussies coming to Portugal next year for Eurovision? Our neighbours down under have brought a breath of fresh air to the competition with their 3 Eurovision participations, not forgetting their great results.

It is more than likely that we will see Australia compete at the forthcoming 2018 Eurovision Song Contest specially after its magnificent results in the competition and enthusiasm.  Let’s not forget that SBS is not an active member of the EBU but an associate member, therefore the 2018 Eurovision host broadcater RTP and the EBU have to extend an invite to the Australian broadcaster in order to join the competition. There is no reason to believe that we won’t see Australia in Eurovision in Lisbon!

A special invitation

Australia was invited to compete at the 2015, 2016 and 2017 Eurovision editions in Vienna, Stockholm and Kyiv. Back in 2015  EBU cited it was just a one off participation for our Aussie friends, but due to Guy Sebastian‘s successful 5th placing in the Grand Final in Vienna the country was invited back to the competition in 2016.

Australia in  Eurovision

The Aussies have won the hearts of Eurovision fans near and far, achieving 3 TOP 10 placings in their short 3 year Eurovision history.

The Aussies debuted at the Eurovision Song Contest  in 2015 with flying colours. Guy Sebastian had the honour of flying the Australian flag in Vienna with  Tonight again,  achieving a remarkable 5th place in the Grand Final.

In 2016 Australia was invited back to the Eurovision fiesta in Stockholm, the country nearly walked away with the coveted trophy when Dami Im won the jury vote but placed 2nd overall after the televoting results were disclosed.

In the aftermath of Dami Im’s extraordinary result the Aussies were yet again invited to join the Eurovision bandwagon in 2017. Australia brought multi talented Isaiah Firebrace to Kyiv and achieved an honorable 9th place in the Grand Final .

What is in store for Australia next year?

Taking into account their merited success in the event and the strong love affair between Australia and the Eurovision Song Contest, it is credible to believe that the country is set to return to the contest next year. Australia has aired the contest for more than 30 years whilst the contest enjoys a massive fan following down under.

There has been talk and speculation that Australia may opt for a national selection for Eurovision 2018 after 3 years of internal selections, but nothing is confirmed yet.

Meanwhile SBS remains tight lipped regarding its plans for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest in Lisbon. When we contacted the Australian broacaster it neither confirmed or denied its potential participation in next year’s Eurovision.

We have nothing to announce yet about Australia’s participation at the 2018 Eurovision Song Contest.

Eurovision 2018

The 2018 Eurovision Song Contest is scheduled to be held on 8, 10 and 12 May in Lisbon, Portugal.

The deadline for broadcasters to officially apply for Eurovision 2018 concludes by mid September. Hereafter, countries have a grace period to confirm their participation or withdraw their application without a penalty.

The final list of the 2018 Eurovision participating countries is expected to be released by the EBU later during the year.