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

The first show saw 16 of the Eurovision 2021 entries taking to the stage in a bid to secure one of the 10 spots in the Eurovision 2021 final taking place on Saturday, 22nd May.

One of the countries that performed on the night is Australia. Despite not managing to secure a place in the final, Montaigne put on impressive performance via a live recording as she was unable to travel to Rotterdam, The Netherlands due to travel restrictions.

However, many were a little confused as to why Australia were able to compete in the competition in the first place, given the country isn't in Europe.

There is some logic behind the choice and legitimate reasons for them to be there, however. Plus, they do send some pretty, cool acts each year!

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 thirty 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 RTE in Ireland, 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.

Why was there no Eurovision in 2020?

Eurovision 2020 was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, but the BBC had a night of alternative scheduling for fans to, at least help, alleviate the sadness of missing the contest for a year.

Eurovision Europe Shine a Light took place on Saturday, 16th May on BBC One. Eurovision Come Together was also broadcast on Saturday 16th May at 6.25pm with classic Eurovision acts performing.

The Eurovision Song contest 2021 will air on the BBC this May. Check out the full list of Eurovision winners here. If you're looking for something to watch tonight, check out our TV Guide.