Australia’s ‘wild card’ entry into this year’s Eurovision may have done more than just show off our musical talent, it may have also acted as our biggest ad campaign in the continent yet.
While we may not be a part of Europe – in fact physically we’re no where near it – Australia had the chance this year to send one of its performers to take part in the popular annual song contest.
SBS announced that the European Broadcasting Union’s had extended an invitation for Australia to perform in March this year.
The country was given an automatic entry into the finals to face regular Eurovision countries such as Austria, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK.
Guy Sebastian, the winner of the first Australian idol who has gone on to have a successful music career even winning a number of Aria awards, was selected to perform the song ‘Tonight Again’.
And perform he did.
He didn’t just conquer the stage in Vienna, he even managed to outperform a number of European destinations, to win fifth place at the 60th annual Eurovision Song Contest.
However, his much talked about time on stage didn’t just have people dancing in the crowd and bopping along at home – it opened Australia up to an estimated 180 million viewers.
Europeans and fans of the show around the world were exposed not only to our flag, which was being waved across television screens, but also our musical appeal and diversity.
It may have even helped put Australia on the map for Europeans – perhaps even swayed a few to choose the home of Guy Sebastian for their next big getaway.
Sebastian’s performance received much praise, and was even flagged as one of the best by this year’s big winner, Mans Zelmerlow.
“It was a great song and it’s already a huge hit in Sweden.”
Mans Zelmerlow, Eurovision 2015 winner
