Australia will compete in tonight's Eurovision semi-final. The show will air tonight (May 12) on BBC Three and iPlayer at 8pm as 18 countries compete for their place in the Eurovision grand final.
The semi-final will be presented from Turin, Italy, by this year's Eurovision hosts, Lebanese-born British singer Mika, Italian TV presenter Alessandro Cattelan and Italian singer Laura Pausini.
The acts taking part are: Australia, Azerbaijan, Belgium, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Ireland, Israel, Malta, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, and Sweden. Australia has made six Eurovision appearances and took part in five finals.
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If you are not a huge Eurovision fan, it might come as a surprise to learn that Australia can compete. But the competition has been a hit with viewers in the country for over three decades.
Why can Australia compete in Eurovision?
Although Australia is not in Europe, Eurovision has been broadcast in the country for over 30 years. In 2014, the year before it would compete for the first time, viewing figures in the country peaked at 2.7 million.
Australia was invited to participate in Eurovision's 60th anniversary in 2015 as a one-off. Their right to compete was then up for consideration each year. But in 2019, Eurovision announced that Australia had secured its spot as a competitor until 2023.
Who is Australia's entry?
Sheldon Riley will perform 8th in tonight's semi-final, representing Australia. The Sydney-born singer-songwriter will perform 'Not The Same' in hopes of taking Australia to the Eurovision final.
Riley won Eurovision - Australia Decides singing the song, but it was not his first television performance. He has appeared on The X Factor Australia, The Voice Australia and even America's Got Talent.
