Australia has been obsessed with Eurovision since Abba won in 1974. As a gesture of goodwill, they were invited to take part in the contest’s 60th anniversary in 2015, as a one-off wildcard entry.
They embraced the show with such enthusiasm they’ve been invited back every year since – but after crashing out in last year’s semi-final, they’re determined to win in 2026.
Taking no chances, they’ve sent actual platinum-selling pop star Delta Goodrem, with a power ballad so polished you can see the whites of her eyes in it.
It’s called Eclipse. It has a chorus that would make Celine Dion jealous, and features a baroque piano breakdown before an almighty key change in the final refrain.
After Thursday’s semi-final, bookmakers slashed Delta’s odds, making her a frontrunner for the trophy.
No-one’s quite sure what happens if she wins – but Graham Norton has some gossip.
Speaking on the Wanging On podcast earlier this week, the BBC’s Eurovision host said he’d been discussing this very topic with Australian broadcaster, Joel Creasey.
“He was saying that every year Australia make a deal with someone, in case they win, so that someone will host [the contest] for them.”
We put the question to Eurovision organisers the EBU, who were non-committal.
“We’re currently focussed on the Grand Final of the 70th Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna, with 25 incredible songs and artists from across Europe and Australia competing,” they said.
“Discussions on the hosting of next year’s event will take place, as always, after we have our winner on 16 May.”