Once exclusively open to European countries, the Eurovision Song Contest has opened its doors to far-flung countries Australia and Israel in recent years.
Now, hoping for their chance at performing alongside European nations is New Zealand.
Kiwi brewery Yeastie Boys has launched an unofficial Eurovision song in a campaign to get song contest bosses to open their doors to NZ.
Comedy duo Two Hearts, made up of Laura Daniel and Joseph Moore, have released a track titled Eurovision (Open Up) as part of the campaign.
The brewery has also launched a petition calling for New Zealand to be let into Eurovision, in which they ask: “Can New Zealand come and play too?”
They argue that: “New Zealand is a country with a rich musical heritage that could bring a lot to the Eurovision party. Just ask Lorde, Crowded House or Dane Rumble.
“We have taken it upon ourselves to highlight this injustice and right this wrong by inviting fellow New Zealand pals Two Hearts to launch the first ever official unofficial Eurovision entry.”
Founder Stu McKinlay told NME: “New Zealanders grow up with a sense of social justice being very important and Australia being invited to Eurovision without New Zealand is like inviting someone to your wedding but not giving them a plus one!
“Everyone loves New Zealand and finds us cute and non-threatening and that makes us a sure thing for doing well in the public vote. I mean who really likes Australia?”
Israel joined the song contest in 1973 and is allowed to take part because the Israel Broadcasting Authority (IBA) is an active member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).
Meanwhile, Australia joined Eurovision in 2015 to commemorate the competition’s 60th anniversary.
Additionally, Cyprus, Armenia, and Morocco have all been part of the song contest over the years. Could New Zealand be next?
