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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
Entertainment
Emily Sleight

Eurovision 2023: Why is Australia in the Eurovision song contest?

With the Eurovision grand final well and truly on its way, the city is gearing up for more celebrations.

Despite Australia not actually being in Europe, the country is still taking part in the contest. Some fans may be wondering why this has been allowed to happen.

Back in 2015, Eurovision bosses were so impressed with Australia in 2015 that they allowed the country to join Eurovision permanently. Previously in 2014, Australia had been invited to perform at the interval of the semi-finals, and now they're invited to participate each year.

READ MORE: Eurovision semi final 2 results: qualifying countries from Thursday night in Liverpool

The contest is organised by the European Broadcasting Union (known as the EBU) which is made up of various broadcasters from countries across Europe, and beyond. The other countries that are competing in Eurovision not geographically in Europe include Israel and Azerbaijan.

Originally, Australia joined Eurovision in 2015 to commemorate the competition's 60th anniversary. Due to its sheer popularity, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and Austrian host broadcaster ORF allowed Australia to take part regularly.

The band Voyager was selected as Australia's Eurovision 2023 entry and they will be performing their song "Promise". The rock group have now made it to the grand final on Saturday with a buzzing performance at the semi final last night.

As a rule, if Australia wins it must nominate a European co-host, who will stage the competition on their behalf - this means fans do not have to travel all the way to Australia. You can follow our Eurovision updates through our live blog here.

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