This week SBS, the Australian national broadcaster, has confirmed that Australia will participate at the forthcoming 2022 Eurovision Song Contest in Italy. This confirmation comes as travel into and out of the country is still extremely limited due to strict COVID-19 measures.
Since their initial invitation in 2015, which was stated by the EBU as a one time only event to celebrate the contest’s 60th anniversary, Australia have found themselves present in every edition since. In 2019, SBS signed a five-year deal with the EBU to secure their participation until 2023.
However, due to COVID-19 restrictions, the nation was the only participating country to use their live-on-tape performance at last month’s contest. With international travel still uncertain for Australians in early 2022, some were concerned about Australia’s participation at next year’s contest.
Thankfully, SBS have confirmed to ESCToday that they will indeed be participating in 2022, come rain or shine (or live-on-tape). 2022 will see the country’s 7th Eurovision participation. It is expected that 2022 will see the return of their selection Eurovision: Australia Decides. More details regarding the national final will be disclosed in due course.
Australia in the Eurovision Song Contest
Although many Australians have performed on the Eurovision stage, it wasn’t until 2015 the nation took part ‘as a guest’. Guy Sebastian flew the flag with the uptempo ‘Tonight Again’, coming 5th. Due to the resounding success and positive response, Australia have competed in the contest since. In 2019, the EBU guaranteed Australia’s ability to participate until 2023. To date, Dami Im currently holds the crown for ‘best Australian result’ – almost winning the contest with ‘Sound of Silence’.
Last year, Montaigne was selected as Australia’s representative after winning Eurovision: Australia Decides with her song, “Don’t Break Me”. After the contest was cancelled, SBS invited Montaigne back to compete at the 2021 contest. Her entry “Technicolour” placed 14th in semi-final one with 28 points.
Are you excited to see Australia return for 2022? Let us know! Be sure to stay updated by following @ESCXTRA on Twitter, @escxtra on Instagram and liking our Facebook page for the latest updates! Also, be sure to follow us on Spotify and YouTube to see our reactions to the news in the run up to the 2022 national final season!
Sheldon Riley would be perfect for Eurovision 2022 😍