AUSTRALIA WILL COMPETE in the 2015 Eurovision final, after receiving an invitation to join the’ world’s biggest party’ for one year only.

While Australia featured in the event’s interval last year and have been participating acts (Gina G, Olivia Newton John) they’re now set to join in the competition themselves, which will take place over May 19, 21 and 23 in Vienna.

It’s all to celebrate the song contest’s 60th anniversary, and the theme ‘Building Bridges’. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) and host broadcaster ORF invited Australia to skip over the formalities and take part in the final–meaning that a total of 40 countries will compete.

Australian broadcaster SBS is an associate member of the EBU, and have a long tradition of airing the competition in the country with a big fanbase that watch the show every year.

Their contestant has yet to be chosen, and if they win, they’ll have to co-host with a European city next year.

Jon Ola Sand, executive supervisor of the contest said:

It’s a daring and at the same time incredibly exciting move. It is our way of saying; let’s celebrate this party together!

MD of SBS Michael Ebeid said they are “very excited to have secured this historic opportunity”.

SBS has been broadcasting Eurovision for over 30 years and we have seen how Australians’ love of the song contest has grown during those years.

Watch the announcement here:

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