Australia has been participating in the ESC since 2015. But why? Obviously, the country is not in Europe. The background can be found in the past of the nation "Down Under".
Canberra – You really don't have to be a geography professional to realize that Australia is far outside of Europe. Nevertheless, Australians have always been fascinated by the Eurovision Song Contest. Since 1983, the competition has been broadcast there regularly and has achieved ratings that many European countries can only dream of. But why is that?
Many Australians are particularly enthusiastic about the ESC and fought for a long time to finally be allowed to participate. Originally, the ESC, which has been held since the 1950s, was intended to promote the programme exchange of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and thus strengthen a European identity. Australia has also been part of the EBU since 1973 and actively wants to broaden the horizons of the population and bring them closer to the cultures of distant countries.
ESC 2023: Australia – Far away and yet deeply connected
SBS, where the ESC is broadcast in Australia, has a similar mission to the EBU: to create a multicultural Australian public sphere – with a global outlook. This was described by Jessica Carniel of the University of Southern Queensland in her book "Understanding the Eurovision Song Contest in Multicultural Australia".
The Eurovision Song Contest 2023 will take place at the Liverpool Arena. © Dpa
There is another reason: Australia, as a country of immigration, is deeply influenced by European influences. Documentary filmmaker Julia Nalivaiko actively campaigned for the ESC and Australia's right to participate in the SBS: "By becoming part of Eurovision, we recognize that Europe is part of our national DNA."
Since 2015: Australia also participates in the ESC 2023
It's been a long road to Australia's participation. The country has repeatedly sought the favour of Europeans and therefore even sent a message of greeting to the European audience in 2013. In 2014, the Australian singer Jessica Mauboy was allowed to appear as a guest of honour in the final of the ESC – but without a judgement.
On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015, Australia received the "GO" for the first time and moved directly into the final in Vienna. Finally – from "Australia" to "Austria". At SBS, the joy was immeasurable.
ESC 2023: Australia can hold its own again and again
What lasts a long time will be good, because Australia has already performed many excellent times and has always been able to hold its own strongly in the competition. In the first year of their participation, the singer Guy Sebastian landed in fifth place. Dami Im even made it to an impressive second place a year later with her "Sound of Silence".
0
Also Read
ESC break filler leaves Böhmermann and Schulz stunned: "Please don't, please don't, please stop"
READ
Rush of holidaymakers in summer: Italy threatens tourist collapse
READ
Devastating storm in Italy causes landslide in South Tyrol: rock thunders on the terrace of kindergarten
READ
Passengers vote by show of hands – video shows how woman is thrown out of plane
READ
Bloody bear attack on Germany's best-known documentary filmmaker: "Just following his instincts"
READ
Fancy a voyage of discovery?
My Area
At the ESC 2023, the Australians will take part in the second semi-final on May 12 - with a German. Daniel Estrin is the frontman of the progressive metal band Voyager. If the country's success story continues with a place in the top ten, they could even compete in the final on May 13. The competition will be held in Liverpool this year. (Maibrit Schültken)