Australia is to compete at this year's Eurovision Song Contest.
Organisers issued a one-off invitation as part of the contest's 60th anniversary celebrations.
"It's a daring and at the same time incredibly exciting move. It is our way of saying let's celebrate this party together!" contest supervisor Jon Ola Sand said.
Australia will be fast-tracked to the final, which will take place in Vienna, Austria, on 23 May.
A total of 40 countries will now compete in the contest.
The European Broadcasting Union said Australia had been given a wildcard for the final "to not reduce the chances" of the semi-final participants and because of the "one-off nature" of its participation.
Australia will be allowed to vote in both semi-finals, as well as the grand final. The possibility of allowing the public to have a 50% stake in the Australian vote through televoting is also being explored.
The other participating countries will be allowed to vote for the Australian entry - who has yet to be selected - however should their act win the contest, next year's show will be held in a European city and Australia will be allowed to defend its title.
Australia will compete at this year's Eurovision
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The Bourne Legacy
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Re: Australia will compete at this year's Eurovision
Cue Hawkesy to educate us that Australia is not in Europe.
Re: Australia will compete at this year's Eurovision
SBS is a member of the European Broadcasting Union......
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The Bourne Legacy
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Re: Australia will compete at this year's Eurovision
I guess they'll have to show it live this year if Australians can vote.
Re: Australia will compete at this year's Eurovision
At the very least we will be free from bloc voting allegations.
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The Bourne Legacy
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Re: Australia will compete at this year's Eurovision
Bias accusations will surface here of greece get twelve points from you lot (assuming of course they can afford to participate).bob saget wrote:At the very least we will be free from bloc voting allegations.
Re: Australia will compete at this year's Eurovision
After the competition will this be moved to the music forum?
I'm not playing anymore and I'm taking my ball and going home.
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Bomber
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Re: Australia will compete at this year's Eurovision
Only if positive responses, otherwise might get canned altogetherSasaki Nozomi wrote:After the competition will this be moved to the music forum?
Ignore this signature
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God is an Englishman
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Re: Australia will compete at this year's Eurovision
The Bourne Legacy wrote:Cue Hawkesy to educate us that Australia is not in Europe.
I just wonder what continent australia is going to pretend to be in next.
That said, it's eurovision so who really gives a shit.
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Spoiler Alert
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Re: Australia will compete at this year's Eurovision
Says he who went to bed early last night so he could get up early to watch the live broadcast 
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Re: Australia will compete at this year's Eurovision
That "love love peace peace" parody was better than the competing songs.