Australia's Eurovision future not known

Eurovision insiders say whether Australia appears in the contest again could depend on how many people voted Down Under in 2015.

Guy Sebastian, centre, representing Australia

It's too early to tell if Australia will ever receive another wild card entry into Eurovision. (AAP) Source: AP

It's too early to tell if Australia will ever receive another wild card entry to the Eurovision Song Contest but experts are predicting China might be next in line for a guest appearance.

Australia's Guy Sebastian finished fifth in Vienna behind Swedish winner Mans Zelmerlow.

SBS commentator Julia Zemiro says whether Australia appears again could depend on how many people voted Down Under.

"If Australia put in quite a lot of voting they (the organisers) might consider it," Zemiro told reporters at the Stadthalle arena.

"But really I don't think they know. The script is being written."

Sweden's delegation head Christer Bjorkman was asked on Saturday night (Sunday morning AEST) if Australia should be allowed to compete again in 2016 even though they didn't win.

"It was fantastic having Australia here, they are such good people, they are friendly and indeed made this journey for us really good because we've become friends with them," Bjorkman said.

"It's a shame in a way that they can't be here next year."

Zemiro's co-commentator Sam Pang said it was amazing Australia appeared in this year's Eurovision.

"We always thought that was a magnificent achievement," he told reporters.

"You couldn't be prouder."

But Pang thinks the next wild card will go the way of China.

The event was broadcast into China live for the first time in 2015 and the Asian superpower sent two commentators to Vienna. The country was also mentioned during the official broadcast.

"From experience once you start sending commentators you never know what can happen," Pang said.

SBS first sent him and Zemiro to Moscow in 2009. In 2013 Australia had a video included before pop princess Jessica Mauboy was invited to sing during the second semi-final's interval in 2014.

Then, to help celebrate the 60th anniversary and in recognition of its strong fan base, Australia was invited to compete in the grand final in Austria in 2015.


Share

2 min read

Published

Updated

Source: AAP


Share this with family and friends


Get SBS News daily and direct to your Inbox

Sign up now for the latest news from Australia and around the world direct to your inbox.

By subscribing, you agree to SBS’s terms of service and privacy policy including receiving email updates from SBS.

Download our apps
SBS News
SBS Audio
SBS On Demand

Listen to our podcasts
An overview of the day's top stories from SBS News
Interviews and feature reports from SBS News
Your daily ten minute finance and business news wrap with SBS Finance Editor Ricardo Gonçalves.
A daily five minute news wrap for English learners and people with disability
Get the latest with our News podcasts on your favourite podcast apps.

Watch on SBS
SBS World News

SBS World News

Take a global view with Australia's most comprehensive world news service
Watch the latest news videos from Australia and across the world