Why Australia is in the Eurovision Song Contest – and what happens if they win

The Eurovision Song Contest is back for a 70th year, returning to Austria 11 years after the nation last hosted the competition.

This year, 35 acts will take to the stage across the two semi-finals as they all go head-to-head for a spot in the coveted Grand Final, taking place this weekend!

As well as the Big Four (France, Italy, United Kingdom and Germany), countries from across the world have selected acts to represent them at one of the longest-running and most-watched non-sporting events in the world!

And for Australia, they have qualified yet again and will be represented by Delta Goodrem, performing her song Eclipse.

Australia’s participation in the European competition might seem confusing, given the country isn’t in Europe. But there is some logic behind the choice and legitimate reasons for them to be there.

For all the ins and outs on how Australia ended up in the Song Contest, and what happens if they were to win Eurovision, read for all you need to know.

Why is Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest?

Aussies have been watching Eurovision for more than 30 years and in 2014 they were invited to perform during the interval at the semi-finals.

Then, Australia was given a special one-off chance to compete for the Eurovision title in 2015, the year in which the competition celebrated its 50th birthday. They qualified automatically for a spot in the Grand Final and singer Guy Sebastian finished in a very respectable fifth place.

Eurovision bosses were so impressed with their efforts that Australia was allowed to return on an annual basis – but they now have to qualify for their spot by competing in the semi-finals.

Australia aren’t the only non-European country competing either.

Why are Israel and Azerbaijan allowed to compete in Eurovision?

Well, Eurovision isn’t strictly geographic. The contest is organised by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which is made up of various broadcasters from countries across Europe and beyond. The BBC is a member of the EBU, as is Rai in Italy, SVT in Sweden and so on. There are 73 member stations from more than 56 countries, and they’re entitled to send acts to Eurovision if they wish.

So that’s why you see so many countries that you wouldn’t usually associate with Europe competing on the Eurovision stage.

What happens if Australia wins the Eurovision Song Contest?

We very nearly found out in 2016, when Dami Im stormed the competition and finished in second place with Sound of Silence. Everyone thought they might have to pack their bags and head Down Under for an Aussie Eurovision.

But that will probably never happen as there’s a special rule in place.

If Australia wins the Eurovision it must nominate a European co-host, who will stage the competition on their behalf.

The Eurovision Song Contest has faced significant criticism over its decision to allow Israel to take part in the event due to the ongoing war in Gaza.

This year, a number of countries will boycott the contest following the European Broadcasting Union’s decision not to expel Israel from the competition.

At the EBU general assembly in December 2025, a vote was held to introduce new rules that would stop governments and third parties from disproportionately promoting songs to influence voters. No vote was held on Israel’s participation.

The EBU said in a statement: “A large majority of members agreed that there was no need for a further vote on participation and that the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 should proceed as planned, with the additional safeguards in place.”

Following this, Ireland, Spain, the Netherlands, Slovenia and Iceland confirmed they would not participate in this year’s Eurovision.

Irish broadcaster RTÉ said: “RTÉ feels that Ireland’s participation remains unconscionable given the appalling loss of lives in Gaza and the humanitarian crisis there, which continues to put the lives of so many civilians at risk.”

The BBC, which broadcasts the competition in the UK, has said it supports the decision made by the EBU. “This is about enforcing the rules of the EBU and being inclusive,” it said in a statement.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 final will take place on Saturday 16 May 2026.

You can also check out the full list of Eurovision winners and how many times the UK has won Eurovision.

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