Australia will be joining the Eurovision Song Contest in 2015 for the very first time, despite the fact that the country isn’t in Europe.

Australia Joins Eurovision Song Contest

Eurovision announced the big news on Tuesday, adding that Australia makes the total amount of countries participating in the annual show to an even 40. The 2015 Eurovision, which also marks the show’s 60th anniversary, is set to take place over three days in May – May 19, 21 and 23 – in Vienna, Austria.

“This year, for the very first time, an Australian artist will be competing in the Grand Final,” said Julie Zemiro in the official video announcement.

Eurovision Executive Supervisor Jon Ola Sand added, “It’s a daring and at the same time incredibly exciting move. It is our way of saying; let’s celebrate this party together!”

Last year, Australia was included in the festivities, but not allowed to compete, when Jessica Mauboy performed during intermission of the Semi-Finals.

Australia has yet to announce who they will be sending to compete on their behalf, but Neighbors star Alan Fletcher has already volunteered, joking, “Id’ be there with bells on. I think I’d probably have to wear a wig and grow a beard. But I’d be happy to do anything. The sequin suits: I can see it all now.”

Article by Olivia Truffaut-Wong

Olivia Truffaut-Wong was born and raised in Berkeley, California, where she developed her love of all things entertainment. After moving to New York City to earn her degree in Film Studies, she stayed on the East Coast to follow her passion and become an entertainment writer. She lives on a diet of television, movies and food.